Lyme Bay creates own-label English wine for Morrisons

Lyme Bay Winery in Devon has collaborated with Morrisons to create the supermarket’s first own-label white wine from England.

Called ‘English Dry White’, the wine, from the 2018 vintage, is part of Morrisons’ ‘The Best’ collection and has gone on sale in 300 stores across the UK.

The £14 drop is made predominantly from the herbaceous Bacchus grape – England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc.

According to winemaker Michael Dollan, it is: “a classic, crisp, dry white that perfectly balances delicate aromas of elderflower and green apple, with punchier and robust grapefruit flavours to create a delightful and refreshing wine.”

Clive Donaldson, senior wine sourcing manager at Morrisons, said of the collaboration: “Our ‘The Best’ collection is something we are enormously proud of. Our expert team sources wines of exceptional quality from the world’s best producers, including Lyme Bay.

“They are a producer with an outstanding track record of award-winning English wines, so it was easy decision to work with them as we introduce our consumers to the excellent wines being produced in this country.”

Sara Walters, Lyme Bay Winery’s national account manager, added: “It is very exciting to be a partner of Morrisons. Their wine offer is exceptional and to be the producer selected for their first English wine is an honour.

“We will work with them to introduce more people to the character and quality of wines produced in this country.”

Based in Axminster, in addition to English wines, Lyme Bay also makes English ciders, meads and liqueurs.

Among the wines in its range are a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, rosé, Brut Reserve fizz, Blanc de Noirs, and a sparkling rosé.