Not brilliant. Still English. However, incredibly good.
Leading English winemaker The Uncommon is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural range of English wines. Being the first and, to date, only winemaker in the country to make sparkling wine, this represents a milestone in the winemaker's seven-year journey.
Crafted in The Uncommon's signature funky style and attention to detail, this all-new collection includes white, rosé and red wines each brimming with local character. The grapes are grown and hand-picked at The Uncommon's Kent vineyard and the plots are selected from other growers in the Crouch Valley in Essex – the hottest and driest part of the UK.
These three new wines will join the B Corp winemaker's existing portfolio of two sparkling wines and two mulled wines.
After several years in the making, the range will serve the huge demand from consumers and commercial customers for a high quality stable range in a more sustainable and convenient canned form.
The wine will be available for commercial distribution in a 187ml size. It will launch with sports and leisure hospitality provider Levy UK + Ireland on July 1 and will be available at cricket, horse racing and tennis events this summer. The 250ml can will then launch on wearetheuncommon.co.uk and with selected non-trade retailers later in July.
About the Uncommon Still Wine Collection:
Clarins – Pinot Blanc and Bacchus – The Crisp English White (11.5% alcohol/vol). Vibrant and fresh, with a whiff of elderflower and a sparkle of gooseberry, Clarins is a multi-hued kaleidoscope of peach-tinged sunshine.
Penelope – Pinot Noir – Pale English Rose (11.5% ABV). Dry, fruity and luxurious, Penelope is a delightful little strawberry sonnet, with hints of raspberry and honeysuckle.
Percival – Pinot Noir – Smooth English red (12.5% ABV). Charming and lively, Percival is more decadent than the velvet-covered Lilo. With a hint of cherry and a hint of oak, this light red is the perfect summer sip.
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“I am extremely proud of the still wines we have produced, and the launch represents a step forward in our commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation,” said Henry Connell, co-founder of The Uncommon. “We have always had our sights set on a high-quality range of still wines, but we agreed to wait until we were certain they would be the best on the market.”
The names of the new characters – Clarence, Penelope and Percival – were chosen by our audience and capture their local character perfectly. “We can’t wait for people to meet them.”
Kevin Watson, Sustainability Director at Levy, commented: “The Uncommon shares our passion for sustainability, innovation and delivering high quality products. We believe in working with like-minded suppliers and their dedication to sourcing exceptional English wines in the perfect format for the sports and leisure market, makes them the perfect choice for Levy.”
“For our first foray into still wine, this is a real success,” added Phil Norman, Head of Production. “Over the years, we have closely tracked our growing sites and ripening criteria, and therefore selected the perfect fruit patches to create our still range. Green harvesting and careful canopy management at vineyard level have enabled us to produce a trio of truly bright and delicious stills.
“I'm particularly proud of our red wine – it's a light, delicious, well-balanced English wine with flavors of ripe cherries and red fruits. It does very well chilled – very popular in 2024.”
Clarence, Penelope and Percival join The Uncommon's existing range which includes Bubbly White (Gerald), Bubbly Rosé (Eleanor), Elderflower & Cucumber Wine Spritzer (Alfie) and Mint & Jasmine Rosé Spritzer (Peggy) – available in Waitrose, M&S, Ocado, Fortnum & Mason, as well as many farm shops, delis and on-premise.
