Wales

Wales had a commercial vineyard near Castell Coch outside Cardiff in 1875. It no longer exists, but modern Welsh winegrowing has expanded, with Monmouthshire and Carmarthenshire leading in plantings. Solaris and Seyval Blanc grow in the cool climate and can make bright, aromatic whites with fresh acidity. Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir are also planted, while red wines often use Pinot Noir Précoce, Regent and Rondo. Producers make still wines and traditional-method sparkling wines, with a second fermentation in the bottle. Other styles include lightly handled sparkling wines, orange wines made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, and fortified wines with added spirit. Some growers are trialling later-ripening varieties. “Welsh” is a protected wine name, and wines must meet the relevant requirements to use it.