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12 Prosecco Alternatives To Drink In The Sunshine This Weekend

The bad news is there’s a Prosecco shortage. The good news is that we’ve got you covered on the fizzy-booze-to-drink-when-the-sun-comes-out front.

Warning, people who like drinking fizzy wine that doesn’t bankrupt them: we may be about to run out of Prosecco.

Heavy rainfall in the Conegliano and Valdobbiadene regions leading to the worst grape harvest in 50 years means that production on the Italian champagne-alternative (and Yahoo’s favourite Friday night go-to, incidentally) is down this year by around 15 per cent. All of which is so stressful that it is, ironically, making us want a big drink. Of Prosecco.

There are so many alternatives for afternoon tea! [REX]
There are so many alternatives for afternoon tea! [REX]



Happily though, there are a host of alternatives which we can turn to when we want that sparkly park-friendly hit.

You can, of course, get flash with a bottle of champagne, but if you fancy something a bit different (and mostly cheaper) there are a load of new alternatives to pop open.

At the recent Decanter World Wine Awards, lots of unusual sparkling wines from countries like Canada, Slovenia, Germany were celebrated, not to mention the UK ones. It turns out, one of the biggest successes of our rapidly growing wine industry is the fizzy stuff; many of them are now world-renowned.

“The quality of wine in the UK has never been so high, with a record-breaking 90% of all wines tasted being awarded a medal,” says a spokesperson from Decanter.
And while the UK market is booming, it’s likely that more far-flung alternatives will emerge in the next few years too.

Say YES to bubbles! [REX]
Say YES to bubbles! [REX]


Maxwell Alwood, head sommelier at the Michelin-starred Alimentum in Cambridge says to keep an eye on southern hemisphere wines for fizz replacements.


“Countries like Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Australia and South Africa are already producing some good quality sparkling wine, and given how successful these countries have been with other wines, it is only a matter of time until one of them comes up with a smart advertising campaign to promote their wares,” he says.

There are great versions of the well-known alternatives too - we’re just unfamiliar with them because we’ve been drunk on Prosecco for the last five years.

“They key to Prosecco is that it is not a complicated wine – you don’t need an expert’s palate to appreciate it,” says Alwood. “It also sits comfortably with most people’s budgets, without seeming cheap, which I assume is the main reason why Cava isn’t as loved as Prosecco in the UK. But I actually think that a decent Cava is a great alternative to Prosecco, and sometimes more interesting too.”

From next year too, Prosecco should be back on our shelves, says Alwood, and after that, the shortfall is unlikely to happen again.

“This year some producers have not managed their stocks very well,” he says. “In future, I think provisions will be made to ensure a healthy supply of Prosecco, so this is probably a one-off.”

In the meantime though (and if all this wine chat is making you thirsty - just us?), here is a selection of fizz that we recommend you order for this weekend’s BBQ/ picnic/ dinner/ solo night in in front of Friends re-runs getting slowly drunk because it’s Friday and you can...

Cuvee Royale Cremant de Limoux, France (£11.49)
The monks of St-Hilaire near the town of Limoux were the first to produce sparkling wine in 1531, so you can trust the local wine growers have learnt a few things along the way. This one’s rich and dry and delicious.


Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut (£13.99)
We hear Oyster Bay and our hand literally takes itself to the cupboard with the glasses in. Australian and New Zealand sparkling wines are having a moment and we think this one - from the makers of our favourite New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc - is a bargain.


Campanula Sparkling Pinot Grigio (£9.99)
Hungary might not be your go-to country for sparkling wine, but this award-winner is lemony and smooth and lovely.


Lambrusco di Sorbara (£18.99)
No stick with us. Come back! Like the culottes of the wine world, Lambrusco is officially on trend again and this one even crops up on wine lists at big name restaurants like TOZI in London. Clean, fresh and really refreshing.

Not what you think of when someone say s Lambrusco? [Ottolenghi]
Not what you think of when someone say s Lambrusco? [Ottolenghi]




Codorníu Brut NV (£9.99)
Stop being sniffy about Cava and try this: fresh tasting with super-fine bubbles, it’s got a crisp, dry finish.


Innocent Bystander Moscato Rosé 2014 (£7.50 for a half bottle)
This Aussie rose suits people who like only a gentle fizz and a nice sweetness. Bonus: we love that bottle and might keep it for home decor candle-holding purposes.

A lovely lookingmoscato [Wine Trust]
A lovely lookingmoscato [Wine Trust]



Bolney Estate Blanc De Blancs (£26.99)
Yes, the UK sparkling wines are pricey, but when you’re sitting in your garden with this beauty in your hand - and when you consider the great environmental benefits of getting your wine from Sussex not New Zealand - it will definitely be worth it. Works well with strong cheese.


Cava Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV (£9.99)
Another great Cava option. A long-ageing process means it’s got a gorgeous creaminess about it and the bottle is saying at least £20 to us, which will make you look very generous at that BBQ.

Sparkling wine for all! [REX]
Sparkling wine for all! [REX]




Nyetimber Classic Cuvee England 2009 (£31.99)
Nyetimber’s vineyards sit on the type of soil found in Champagne, which dips under the channel and reappears in Sussex. Sold, on that detail alone. A future classic and completely British, which we think is quite cool and worth the higher price tag.


Abbesse Crémant de Loire Rosé 2012 (£10.39)
As French as gnawing on a brie baguette, Cremant is often overlooked, but really shouldn’t be - this one’s ideal as a lovely light aperitif.


Chapel Down Blanc de Blancs Brut (£161.94 for six bottles)
This award-winner is one of the best English sparkling wines, which given how much great fizzy stuff the UK is producing, says a lot.

Langlois Chateau Crémant Bryt NV (£15)
Has all the freshness and fruitiness of a good Prosecco and is owned, impressively, by Champagne Bollinger. We’re in good hands here, people.

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Will you be trying one of these? Let us know in the comments!