Duchess unconvinced by ‘British fizz’ name

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, the president of the UKVA, has weighed in on the debate over the potential ‘British fizz’ label for English sparkling wine, commenting that it “lacked clout”.

Her Royal Highness was speaking at an private event hosted for the UKVA at Clarence House last night, to celebrate its 50^th anniversary, which was attended by db.

When db asked the Duchess what she thought of the proposed name for English sparkling wine – ‘British fizz’ – she replied that she didn’t think it had “quite the clout” to go up against such a “good name” like ‘Champagne’. She later repeated her comments in a short speech, saying she “wasn’t sure about it” and advising the industry to “have another think”.

“I just feel that Champagne is such a good name, and we don’t want the French to win!” she told her guests, who included members of the UK, vineyard owners and those across the English wine industry.

HRH said English wine was an “extraordinary thing”, quipping that thanks to climate change it was likely to grow, and get better and better.

But she also commended the UKVA for its hard work to establish the English and Welsh wine industry over the last fifty years.

“It is exciting to see it taking off. People are beginning to appreciate it as I’ve seen both here and abroad – and we’re beginning to give other countries a run for their money.”

Speaking on behalf of the UKVA, the organisation’s chairman Sam Lindo thanked the Duchess for her support, as well as the early producers for establishing a firm foundation which had enabled the industry to thrive.

Guests at the event drank English sparkling wine from the organically-managed vineyards at Highgrove, which is made for HRH The Prince of Wales by Tonbridge-based wine producer Herbert Hall.