Marco Pierre White slams English fizz

The knives are out for Leeds-born celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, who has made a mockery of English sparkling wine, claiming only “a total numpty” would buy it.

As reported by The Telegraph, Pierre White, the youngest chef ever to be awarded three Michelin stars, made the disparaging comments during the launch of his new restaurant, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill, in Plymouth.

“English wine is nonsense. They are over-priced and not very good. The French make the best wine. The English just play at it. We keep hearing this about English sparkling wine. I am very happy for them.

“Better than Krug? Than Bollinger? No! Then why buy it, unless you are a total numpty? I am being honest. Just because something is English does not necessarily mean it is good,” he said.

“We make the best Cheddar, we make great pasties. But we can’t make very good brie or baguettes – and the French can’t make pork pies,” he added.

While English wine has failed to win Pierre White over, it was revealed this week that over half of the wines served at UK embassies around the world were home-grown.

English wines accounted for 52% of all wines bought for the government cellar last year to entertain heads of state at home and abroad.

“The UK produces some of the finest wines in the world, and we are committed to showcasing them to a global market,” a Foreign Office source told The Sun.

“Our food and drink products are more popular than ever and we shall continue to do all we can to support this vital sector, and create new export opportunities,” they added.