Auxerrois

Auxerrois is a white grape variety that has steadily gained recognition across the United Kingdom's expanding wine industry. With 27 vineyards now cultivating this versatile variety and 10 of those open to the public for tastings, Auxerrois has established itself as a significant player in English viticulture. The grape thrives particularly well in the South East, East Anglia, Wessex, West Country, Thames and Chilterns, and Mid and North regions, demonstrating its adaptability to varied English landscapes and microclimates.

The grape itself is closely related to the Burgundian family and shares many characteristics with Pinot Blanc. In the cooler British climate, Auxerrois tends to produce wines of elegant restraint rather than the broader, richer styles sometimes found in its native Alsace and Lorraine. English Auxerrois wines typically display crisp green apple and citrus notes on the nose, with a palate that often reveals subtle pear, almond, and occasional hints of honeysuckle. The variety benefits from a comparatively early ripening schedule, which makes it particularly valuable in marginal UK summers where achieving full phenolic maturity can be challenging.

Winemakers across England have embraced Auxerrois for its versatility. The grape performs admirably in both stainless steel fermentation, where its freshness and fruit-forward character shines, and in oak aging, where it develops satisfying depth and complexity. Six UK vineyards operate organic or biodynamic production methods for their Auxerrois plantings, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable viticulture within the sector.

Common wine styles produced from Auxerrois in England include crisp, unoaked table wines designed for early drinking, premium single-varietal releases that showcase regional character, and blends where Auxerrois contributes body and roundness alongside varieties like Chardonnay or Pinot Gris. The variety adds a welcome mid-palate richness to English sparkling wine base wines, and many traditional method English fizz producers include Auxerrois in their assemblage.

For visitors interested in experiencing English Auxerrois firsthand, the 10 publicly accessible vineyards growing this variety offer an excellent starting point. Tasting rooms across the South East and East Anglia in particular have developed reputation for showcasing expressive Auxerrois wines that demonstrate just how well this grape has adapted to British conditions. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to English wine, Auxerrois represents one of the most compelling reasons to explore the UK vineyard landscape.