Prosecco Pinch

According to the news this week, we are facing a global shortage of Prosecco this summer. But before you all dash out to the supermarkets to bulk buy, I thought I’d reassure you that there are other options out there.

 One of the reasons for Prosecco’s huge success is its moreishness. It isn’t a copycat Champagne (the method of production used is far cheaper and less time-consuming than Champagne), but instead it is a soft, fruity and fresh sparkling wine – a great deal tastier than most cheap Champagnes. I will admit that it can be a struggle to find similarly budget wines that are as easy-to-drink but if you’re prepared to stretch up to £10 per bottle I can definitely find you something.

 

Spain

Probably the second-most famous budget fizz is Cava, which is actually much more like Champagne in style than Prosecco because the method of production is very similar. The quality of top-end Cava has improved dramatically in the last decade and brands such as Codorniu are producing sparkling wines that are really rather delicious. Add to this the fact that the most expensive examples in our shops rarely reach above £12, this is really rather an attractive option. One word of warning though: if you go lower than £7 a bottle, you really do get the most tasteless, acidic, headache-inducing fizz, so just don’t.

 

Italy

They may be most famous for their Prosecco, but if you’re looking for something even more easy-drinking, try hunting down a Moscato d’Asti or Asti Spumante sparkling wine. This is made from the Muscat grape and fermentation is stopped early to produce a sparkling wine which is deliciously sweet and low in alcohol (typically 7%). This is what I would class as breakfast wine!

 

France

Crémant wine is a close cousin to Champagne. It is made with the exact same method but in other regions around the country. One of my personal favourites Crémant de Limoux, which is made from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Pyrenean foothills and it is fresh, fruity vibrant and normally available for around £10 a bottle. Also worth looking out for is Blanquette de Limoux, from the same region but made with local grape Mauzac and often even cheaper.

You will also spot Crémant d’Alsace, Crémant de Bourgogne, Crémant de Loire… you get the idea. All of these are worth exploring if you want the Champagne quality without paying Champagne prices.

 

New World

A lot of the New World is far too warm to be able to produce good quality sparkling wine, but where there are high altitude vineyards (Chile, Argentina) or cooling sea breezes (New Zealand, Tasmania) you can find some excellent alternatives.

 

pic courtesy of http://chicvintagebrides.com

Happy Swigging!