A piece by Twickenham-based Lisa Johnston of Winemusing.com - enjoy. ðŸ·

There is no better time to discover English Wines. The selection on our local winestore shelves is growing each month. Plus, with the focus on local tourism, English wineries are not only popular destinations. Some are world class.

While the English sparkling wines get, and deserve, much attention. Less is given to English still wines. To my mind, the Bacchus grape is one of the most exciting varieties being grown in our vineyards. It is the fourth most popular grape planted in the UK. Interestingly, as a proportion of space taken up by Bacchus here, it seems a more popular choice by wine growers here than in its home country, Germany.

Bacchus comes in many forms. From bone dry to sweet. From wines made to be fresh and zesty through to extensive skin contact Amber wines such as Chapel Down's Orange Bacchus. The grape lends itself to fragrant and fruity white blends as well as sparkling versions.

Some to look out for:

Chapel Down Tenterden Estate Bacchus (£19)

Chapel Down has made Bacchus one of its specialities and they have several on offer. The Tenterden Estate Bacchus is produced from vines right there on the estate and some of these were planted in 1987. Older vines, such as these, are noted for harvesting less fruit, but with more character and intensity. And the fruit here certainly has that concentration of classic elderflower, apple and citrus zest with a complement of savoury spice from lees contact.

Bolney Estate Bacchus (£18)

A savoury style of Bacchus that has a spiciness that lifts the honeysuckle and elderflower floral overtones. This adds to the plentiful citrus and white peach fruit. It is deliciously fresh, yet rounded in the mouth.

Bolney also have the Lychgate Bacchus (£16) which is a blend with a small addition of Reichenstenier.

Vagabond Wines Bacchus (£15)

The Vagabond Bacchus is a dry white wine with grapes grown in Oxfordshire. The wine is made in their Battersea Urban winery, right on the banks of the Thames in the centre of London. It is full of flavour and its peachy finish takes on an additional saltiness. It goes without saying that this savouriness also makes it a good food wine.

Visit winemusing.com to read more about how Bacchus is making its mark on English wine.