Sparklife: Blur bassist Alex James launches Britpop English sparkling wine

Blur bass player Alex James has launched his first sparkling wine under his Britpop drinks brand in partnership with Dorset’s Furleigh Estate.

English musician Alex James has developed the new sparkling wine — made with 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier — in collaboration with Furleigh Estate, which is located close to where James grew up on Dorset’s Jurassic coast.

James said that the Furleigh Estate wine came out on top in a blind taste test of sparkling wines, including expressions from Champagne, in search for the ideal sparkling wine to add to his Britpop range.

His drinks brand, which already includes a cider, will soon be extended into other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Commenting on the launch, James said he has “always loved sparkling wine and all the joy those bubbles bring to the picnic”, calling this period of time “the golden years of British winemaking”.

“Furleigh Estate has knocked it out the park with this one – a home-grown world-beater, perfect for good times any time of the year and any occasion,” he said.

Britpop English sparkling wine is 11.5% ABV and will be sold exclusively via online wine merchant Laithwaites, retailing at £23 per bottle.

James added: “I’m chuffed to bits to partner with such an immense producer and Laithwaites to celebrate the best of British and democratise access to such a beautie of an English sparkling wine for such great value.”

The Blur bassist recommended serving the sparkling wine as an aperitif or for celebrations, pairing it with seafood, charcuterie and particularly cheese. “Serve chilled or over ice when it’s really sunny,” he said.

English fizz continues to gain popularity. Porsche podiums are set to be awash with English sparkling wine following a new deal with Hampshire-based winery Hattingley Valley. Read more on that story here.