France has champagne, Italy has prosecco, Spain has cava but British producers have nothing more compelling than 'English sparkling wine'.
British wine markers are now fighting over a generic name which could be used to attact shoppers, restaurateurs and the international wine industry.
Christian Seely, of the Hampshire producer Coates & Seely, has come up with "Britagne" and is confident it will be adopted by fellow wine makers, despite its French-looking spelling. He said that was intentional, but it should be pronounced "Britannia".
He said: "We don’t believe that “English Sparkling Wine” or “Quality Sparkling Wine” does our product justice – it’s too literal and bland,’ Seely said. ‘It’s like calling a Jaguar a Smart British Motor Car.
"The term “Britagne” – which should be pronounced “brit-an-ye” rather than to rhyme with Champagne – communicates the fact that it is a sparkling wine produced in Britain but rivalling that of its Gallic neighbours." So prospective names on a postcard please
