Not Sparkling. Still English. Still, Unbelievably Good.
Pioneering English winemaker The Uncommon is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural still English wine collection. Having been the first to can wine in the country, and up to now, only makers of sparkling, this marks a significant milestone in the winemaker’s seven year journey.
Crafted with The Uncommon’s signature unconventional whimsy and attention to detail, the all-new range includes a white, rosé and red wine each overflowing with local character. Its grapes are grown and handpicked in The Uncommon’s Kent vineyard and selected parcels 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 winemakers existing range of two bubbly wines and two spritzers.
Several years in the making, the range will serve the overwhelming demand from consumers and trade customers for a high quality still range in the more sustainable and convenient canned format.
The wines will be available for on-trade distribution in 187ml format. They will launch with sports and entertainment hospitality provider Levy UK + Ireland on the 1st July and be available at cricket, horse racing and tennis events this summer. The 250ml can format will then launch on wearetheuncommon.co.uk and with select off-trade retailers later in July.
About The Uncommon Still Wine Range:
Clarence – Pinot Blanc & Bacchus – The Crisp English White (11.5% ABV). Vibrant and fresh, with a burst of elderflower and a glint of gooseberry, Clarence is a kaleidoscope of peach-kissed sunbeams.
Penelope – Pinot Noir – The Pale English Rosé (11.5% ABV). Dry, fruity and sumptuous, Penelope is a delightful little sonnet to strawberries, with rumours of raspberry and honeysuckle.
Percival – Pinot Noir – The Smooth English Red (12.5% ABV). Luscious and vibrant, Percival is more decadent than a velvet-covered lilo. With a hit of cherry and a hint of oak, this light-bodied red is the perfect summer sip.
Comment:
Henry Connell, Co-Founder at The Uncommon said: “I am extremely proud of the still wines we’ve produced and the launch represents a step forward in our commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation. We’ve always had our sights set on a top quality still range but we agreed to hold off until we were confident it would be the best on the market.
The new character names – Clarence, Penelope and Percival – were chosen by our audience and perfectly capture their local character. We can’t wait for people to meet them.”
Levy Sustainability Director, Kevin Watson, comments: “The Uncommon shares our passion for sustainability, innovation and serving 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 entertainment market, makes them the ideal choice for Levy. They are a great addition to our drinks offer at our partner venues, and with their biodiverse vineyards and carbon positive canning process, they will help us on our continuous journey towards Net Zero.”
Phil Norman, Head of Production added: “For our first foray into still wines these are a real success. Over the years we’ve tracked our growing sites and ripeness parameters closely and have therefore chosen the optimal parcels of fruit with which to create our still range. Green harvesting and careful canopy management at vineyard level enabled us to produce a really bright and delicious trio of stills.
I’m particularly proud of our red – it’s a beautifully balanced light and juicy English Pinot Noir with ripe cherry and red fruit notes. Works very well chilled – very much en vogue in 2024.”
Clarence, Penelope and Percival join The Uncommon’s existing range which includes a Bubbly White (Gerald), Bubbly Rosé (Eleanor), Elderflower & Cucumber Wine Spritzer (Alfie) and Mint & Jasmine Rosé Spritzer (Peggy) – available across Waitrose, M&S, Ocado, Fortnum & Mason, as well as numerous farm shops, delis and on trade venues.
