Wines English Kerry Vale Vineyard - Shropshire - 2016 - 2016

Kerry Vale Vineyard's Cuvée 2016 is an English white wine hailing from the picturesque Shropshire region. While precise details about its grape composition are not confirmed, English whites of this style typically present a delicate profile with vibrant acidity. The cool 2016 vintage likely enhanced the wine’s freshness and purity of fruit, offering notes of orchard fruits, citrus, and subtle floral touches. Gentle vinification approaches are often favoured in English winemaking to preserve these crisp, fresh characteristics and to express the finesse of the local terroir.

The Shropshire region, though less well-known than Kent or Sussex, has steadily gained recognition for its commitment to quality in recent years. Nestled within rolling hills and benefiting from a relatively temperate, maritime-influenced climate, vineyards here experience long, slow ripening seasons. This encourages the development of nuanced aromas, bright acidity, and a clean, mineral-driven character in the wines. The soils across much of Shropshire are composed of clay and limestone, contributing further to the elegance and lively acidity evident in the wines from this area.

For food pairings, this type of English white wine is particularly versatile. Its zesty, refreshing nature makes it an excellent match for lighter fare such as grilled fish, fresh shellfish, and vibrant summer salads. It also pairs beautifully with regional dishes such as Shropshire blue cheese tart or smoked trout pâté. For a classic English touch, try it alongside asparagus with hollandaise sauce or Coronation chicken salad.

To fully appreciate the subtlety and freshness of Kerry Vale’s Cuvée 2016, serve it lightly chilled, ideally between 8–10°C. This will allow its fruit and floral notes to shine, while ensuring the wine’s lively acidity remains refreshing and perfectly balanced. Enjoy it young to capture its vibrant character, but it may reveal additional complexity with a year or two of careful cellaring.