Chapel Down and Fred Sirieix challenge American perceptions of English wine

With a mission to change the way the world thinks about English sparkling wine, a winemaker from England headed to the world’s largest Champagne export market – the United States – to introduce the consumers to English sparkling wine.

Hosted by Fred Sirieix at one of New York’s best rooftop bars, Elsie, Americans were invited to enjoy a blind tasting of two ‘unknown cuvées’: one a best-selling Champagne brand; the other Chapel Down English sparkling wine.

Asked which was their preference, 67% of tasters preferred Chapel Down to Champagne, praising it as being “crisp and refreshing”, “more delicate” and “a real surprise”. Many were shocked to discover their favourite glass was not French at all but an English sparkling wine.

Fred Sirieix said: “As a proud Frenchman, I love Champagne – it’s in my DNA. But I’ve been a fan of Chapel Down for decades. I couldn’t resist putting American taste buds to the test. To see so many choose English sparkling wine over Champagne proves how far England has come and shows the world is ready for it.”

England’s development as wine region

The success of this New York stunt showcases the outstanding quality of English sparkling wine to an international audience. By daring to challenge Champagne on its biggest stage, Chapel Down is cementing its position as the bold face of English wine globally.

Liam Newton, Chapel Down’s chief marketing officer, added: “The United States is the largest export market for Champagne, so where better to showcase the quality of English sparkling wine? It’s so exciting to see England develop as a wine region and to prove that our wines stand up against the very best in the world.”

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