Rumours of a shortage in the Prosecco market didn’t come as much of a huge surprise to me. I knew that Veneto, the region in north-east Italy where the Glera ‘Prosecco’ grapes are grown, had a particularly bad harvest and as a result there would be a lower yield. I also knew that all the stories flying around about Prosecco ‘out-selling’ Champagne meant that a story aimed to worry the British Prosecco drinkers would soon to follow.
Whether or not there is a Prosecco shortage or not (spoiler, there won’t be), I see this as a good thing. There are too many wine drinkers stuck in their ways who buy the same bottle of adult pop each week. Never leaving their comfort zones to try something a bit different.
Escape Prosecco and try these:
Clos Monistrol Vintage Cava: I love a glass of Cava but not that crappy budget £4 a bottle stuff. The Spanish make some truly amazing Cava’s and there are hidden gems out there that are a must try. This is made using a selection of the best Chardonnay, Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes and aged for 36 months. It’s cheap, usually around £7 in Sainsbury’s but there is more depth and flavour to it than you’ll get out of some more budget versions. It’s a good ‘oh I drink good Cava, darrrrling’ dinner party fizz. (Sainsbury’s, £7.50)
Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs NV: Thanks to the lovely Susie Atkins for recommending this in her column a few years ago because it’s now a firm favourite on my wine shelf. It’s 100% Chardonnay, light in style with crisp apple flavours and has a really beautiful label. I like it with a cheese board or a simple crab linguini. (Waitrose, £13.99)
Luis Pato Maria Gomes Metodo Antigo NV: I picked this up on a whim in an Oddbins somewhere in central London ages ago and I still remember it for it’s golden colour and tropical, almost pineapple flavours. This is also good for a cheese board but also works as barbecue fizz. (Oddbins, £14.50)
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