Prosecco bursts Champagne’s bubble as Britain’s sparkling wine of choice

The Italian sparkling wine prosecco has overtaken champagne for the first time in Britain, with sales far outstripping its French rival, according to research. Sales of prosecco jumped 72 per cent in value in the year to mid-July, reaching £339m (A$725m), the research company IRI found. “Prosecco is a fashionable drink that provides a cheaper and excellent quality alternative to champagne,” said IRI alcoholic drinks analyst Toby Magill.