Vinden Wines Lightly Sparkling Alicante Bouschet 2025 from the Hunter Valley is a seriously fun, vivid ruby‑crimson fizz that looks like Lambrusco’s cool Aussie cousin and drinks like summer in a glass. It is made from rare, estate‑grown Alicante on red loam and bottled with a gentle, refreshing spritz.

In the glass, Vinden Lightly Sparkling Alicante Bouschet 2025 is all juicy red berries – think raspberry, cherry and wild strawberry – with hints of pomegranate, rosehip and a faint earthy twist from the teinturier grape’s red flesh. The light sparkle lifts the fruit, keeping the palate bright, dryish and dangerously smashable while still feeling nicely structured and moreish.

Food‑wise, it is a no‑brainer for antipasti, charcuterie, wood‑fired pizza and grilled chorizo, where the bubbles and red fruit slice through salt and spice. It will also shine with Korean fried chicken, charcoal‑grilled octopus, or a summer barbecue loaded with lamb skewers, halloumi and roast capsicum, and is brilliant slightly chilled on a warm Australian afternoon.