Move over Prosecco and Champagne, there’s a different kind of sparkling wine we’re all drinking this year, according to one expert.
Jonny Inglis, founder of Winedrops.com, believes that sparkling wine will be the fastest growing wine trend in 2025.
“Sparkling wines have been in the cold for far too long,” says Inglis. “Much maligned like Lambrusco, Sparkling Shiraz (£8.50 at Amazon) and Brachetto d’Acqui (£15.48 at Amazon) will soon be making waves. Sparkling reds offer incredible value for money; fruitier and richer than Champagne, with many more versatile food pairing options, all at a fraction of the price.
A recent report from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) highlights that sparkling wines continue to grow in the UK wine market, supported by changing consumer tastes and a growing preference for festive and festive drinks. Sparkling wine has been the fastest growing Wine category in the UK, rising 187% since 2018 from 2.2 million bottles to 6.2 million in 2023. Inglis believes this growing enthusiasm for bubbles will also extend to sparkling wine, offering wine lovers something fresh and exciting.
Sparkling reds such as Lambrusco and Brachetto d’Acqui have long been celebrated in their native Italy, while sparkling Shiraz enjoys a cult following in Australia. Despite their popularity overseas, these wines have struggled to gain traction in the UK, often overshadowed by the dominance of Prosecco and Champagne. However, this could all change in 2025.
“That’s why these wine styles are so popular in the regions where they are produced, there are rarely any left for export!” Inglis continues. “For a heavenly match, we recommend trying Brachetto d’Acqui with ice cream. Its natural sweetness and vibrant red fruit flavors complement the dessert perfectly.
Jonny recommends this sparkling red wine cocktail, perfect for a date.
Sparkling Red Sangria Spritz
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of sparkling red wine (e.g. Lambrusco or sparkling Shiraz, chilled)
- 60 ml orange liqueur (e.g. Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 60 ml of brandy
- 250 ml of orange juice
- 1 cup mixed berries (eg raspberries, blackberries or sliced strawberries)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 250-500 ml soda water (chilled, for a lighter spray)
- Ice cubes
Method:
- Mix orange liqueur, cognac and orange juice in a large jug. Mix well.
- Add berries, orange slices and lemon slices. Let the mixture stand for 10-15 minutes to allow the fruit to absorb.
- Pour in the sparkling red wine just before serving and mix gently.
- Add soda water to taste for a refreshing spray.
- Serve over ice in wine glasses or drinking bottles, making sure there is fruit in each glass.
Optional decoration:
- Fresh mint sprigs add aroma and a decorative touch.
Wine tasting in London with Humble Grape
The post Forget Prosecco, 2025 is all about sparkling reds appeared first on Ravish Magazine.
