13 hours Ago By [email protected] (Talya Honebeek)
A wine expert has revealed which bottles we'll be buying in 2025 - and his top pick is a lesser-known but more affordable alternative to Prosecco and Champagne. Sparkling wine is a popular choice for many over the festive period, and Jonny Inglis, founder of Winedrops.com , predicts this enthusiasm for bubbles will soon extend to sparkling reds.
“Sparkling red wines have been left out in the cold for far too long,” he said. “Much maligned, the likes of Lambrusco, sparkling Shiraz and Brachetto d’Acqui are sure to make waves soon. "Fizzy reds offer incredible value for money; fruitier and richer than Champagne, with many more versatile food pairing options, and all at a fraction of the price.
" Sparkling reds have long been celebrated in their home regions of Italy, while sparkling Shiraz enjoys a cult following in Australia . Despite their popularity abroad, these wines have struggled to gain traction in the UK, often overshadowed by the dominance of Prosecco and Champagne. “There’s a reason these wine styles are so popular in the regions they’re made, there’s rarely any left to export.
” Jonny continued. “For a match made in heaven, we recommend trying a Brachetto d’Acqui with ice cream. Its natural sweetness and vibrant red fruit flavours are a perfect complement to dessert.
” If you want to give sparkling red a go this Christmas , Jonny has shared a cocktail recipe perfect for festive get togethers. Sparkling Red Sangria Spritz Ingredients 1 bottle of sparkling red wine (Lambrusco or sparkling Shiraz, chilled) 60ml orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec) 60ml brandy 250ml orange juice 1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries) 1 orange, thinly sliced 1 lemon, thinly sliced 250-500ml soda water (chilled, for a lighter spritz) Ice cubes Fresh mint sprigs (optional garnish) Method In a large jug, mix the orange liqueur, brandy, and orange juice. Stir well.
Add the berries, orange slices, and lemon slices. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 to 15 minutes to let the fruit infuse. Just before serving, pour in the sparkling red wine and stir gently.
Add soda water to taste for a refreshing spritz. Serve over ice in wine glasses or tumblers, ensuring each glass has some fruit. If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here.
