Martin Salter, Labour MP for Reading West, has this week introduced a vineyard from Reading to the House of Commons’ wine list. As part of The House of Commons’ Regional English Wines promotion the “Theale English Sparkler” is on sale in Strangers’ Dining Room, a banqueting suite where Members of Parliament are allowed to take guests.

Direct Wines, which is the world’s largest independent wine merchant, created the entirely new wine from their own vineyard in Theale, Reading where the company is based. The grapes for the sparkling Chardonnay are grown in a specially landscaped vineyard from vines imported from the Champagne region of France in 2000. England’s top sparkling winemaker, Michael Roberts of South Ridge, was brought on board to consult and now makes the finished sparkling wine in his Sussex cellar.

The ‘Theale Vineyard 2003′ has won a Gold Medal, one of only 10 wines to do so, at the world’s only dedicated sparkling wine competition - The Effervescents du Monde held in Dijon, France. The English sparkler has been on sale in the House of Commons for the past few weeks and has enjoyed great success.

Speaking from Westminster Martin Salter, who introduced the wine to the House of Commons’ catering department, said:

“I am delighted that I was able to put the House of Commons in touch with the people at Direct Wines. This fantastic independent wine merchant, which employs more than 400 people in my constituency of Reading West, has created a delicious local wine which is also a fantastic advert for British vineyards and produce in general. I held my own celebration by buying a bottle in Strangers’ dining room and sharing it with friends.”

John Kemp, Head of Events at Direct Wines also commented:

“Direct Wines are delighted that the Theale Fizz has been such a success both inside and outside the Houses of Parliament!”