Alex James pops his cork with the launch of Britpop English sparkling wine with Laithwaites

Alex James, bass player for Blur, cheesemaker and the curator of The Big Feastival, has launched his first sparkling wine under the Britpop brand.

Made by Furleigh Estate, close to where Alex grew up on Dorset’s Jurassic coast, the wine is a classic blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Grown on chalk soils, James said it beat some of the world’s finest champagnes in a blind taste test when he was looking for the ideal sparkling wine to add to his Britpop range, which includes cider and will soon extend to other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Britpop is 11.5% vol and will be sold exclusively via Laithwaites, retailing at £25 per bottle.

Commenting on the launch, Alex says: “I have always loved sparkling wine and all the joy those bubbles bring to the picnic. These are the golden years of British wine making and Furleigh Estate has knocked it out the park with this one – a home-grown world-beater, perfect for good times any time of the year and any occasion. I’m chuffed to bits to partner with such an immense producer and Laithwaites to celebrate the best of British and democratise access to such a beautie of an English sparkling wine for such great value.

“It makes a great aperitif or celebration wine, paired with seafood, charcuterie and particularly cheese: serve chilled or over ice when it’s really sunny.”

Liz Smith, Wine Director of Laithwaites added: “Britpop sparkling English wine delivers on all levels – delicious taste, food friendly and great value for money. Furleigh Estates and Alex James are the perfect partnership and Laithwaites is delighted to have exclusive distribution. We’re sure wine fans from John O’Groats to Lands’ End will enjoy this authentic taste of British bubbles.”