Move over Prosecco and Champagne, there’s a different sparkling wine we’ll all be drinking this year, according to one expert.
Jonny Inglis, founder of Winedrops.com, is confident sparkling red wine will be the fastest growing wine trend of 2025.
“Sparkling red wines have been left out in the cold for far too long,” says Inglis. “Much maligned, the likes of Lambrusco, sparkling Shiraz (£8.50 on Amazon), and Brachetto d’Acqui (£15.48 on Amazon) 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.”
A recent report by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) highlights that sparkling wines continue to drive growth in the UK wine market, bolstered by changing consumer tastes and a growing preference for festive, celebratory 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 extend to sparkling reds, offering wine fans something fresh and exciting.
Sparkling reds such as Lambrusco and Brachetto d’Acqui 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. However, this could all change in 2025.
“There’s a reason these wine styles are so popular in the regions they’re made, there’s rarely any left to export!” Inglis continues. “For a match made in heaven, we recommend trying a Brachetto d’Acqui with ice cream. Its natural sweetness and vibrant red fruit flavors are a perfect complement to dessert.”
Jonny recommends this sparkling red wine cocktail, perfect for get togethers.
Sparkling Red Sangria Spritz
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of sparkling red wine (e.g., Lambrusco or sparkling Shiraz, chilled)
- 60ml orange liqueur (e.g., Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 60ml brandy
- 250ml orange juice
- 1 cup mixed berries (e.g., raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 250-500ml soda water (chilled, for a lighter spritz)
- Ice cubes
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 10-15 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.
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh mint sprigs for extra aroma and a decorative touch.
