Forget the mulled wine this year, there's a new festive drink in town that's set to become your go-to winter warmer. Aldi's surprisingly affordable Sparkling Shiraz, priced at just £7.49, is stealing the spotlight from traditional Christmas tipples with its vibrant flavour and fizz.
The Rise of Sparkling Red Wine
While it might look like a leftover Halloween potion with its shocking purple hue, sparkling red wine is far from a novelty. It's a regular sparkling wine crafted exclusively from red grapes, left on their skins to absorb all the colour, structure, and tannins. The bubbles are always created by the introduction of CO2, regardless of the production method used.
This winter, red bubbles are shaking off their quirky reputation and claiming their moment. They are not only a more interesting conversation starter than mulled wine or sloe gin, but they also taste exceptionally good. So much so, that bottles are now appearing on top-tier wine lists and retailer shelves across the UK.
Aldi's Award-Winning Bottle
Aldi has been quick to capitalise on this growing trend, bringing back its Sparkling Shiraz from South Australia just in time for the festive season. It has already garnered rave reviews online, with Facebook users describing it as 'amazing', 'fabulously fruity and fizzy', and a 'delicious bargain' worth stockpiling.
After tasting it, the consensus is clear: it's a delicious drop. The wine boasts blueberry-flavoured bubbles and a complex palate that is smoky, lightly peppery, and sweet-fruited with plummy textures. It's the perfect alternative to serve your guests instead of a traditional Christmas tipple or Kir Royale.
How to Serve and Other Top Picks
The key to enjoying any sparkling red is temperature. Serve it between 10 and 12°C for the best experience. If it's too cold, you'll mute the fruit flavours; too warm, and you'll only taste the alcohol.
Sparkling red wine isn't a new invention. Many will remember Lambrusco, but it has undergone a significant transformation from its syrupy past into a dry and delicious sparkler. Similarly, Australian Sparkling Shiraz has shed its once-doubtful reputation to become a deep, spicy, and velvety drink that pairs perfectly with a joint of glazed ham.
If you enjoy Aldi's offering, here are other sparkling reds to consider for your wine rack:
- Reunite Sparkling Red, Italy, £6.52, Asda: A simple, off-dry and grapey option, ideal for those new to the style.
- L’Occhiolino Semi-Sparkling Red, Italy, £6.99, Laithwaites: A stunning drop full of sweet, plummy bubbles.
- Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Shiraz, Australia, £12.50, Waitrose: A reliable big-brand option with plummy, peppery depth and a note of dark chocolate.
- De Bortoli Woodfired Shiraz Heathcote, Australia, £17, Majestic: A bold, intense choice with a meaty note, perfect with roast duck.
- New Theory Love Bite Chilled Red, South Africa, £17, Ocado: A quirky, slightly fizzy red from Stellenbosch with loads of red and purple fruit.
This festive season, dare to be different and let a bottle of sparkling red wine become your new centrepiece.
