Technically, champagne can only be called ‘Champagne’ if it is from that region. I have personally found that sparkling wines produced in the UK can often have a superior taste to some of the pricey bottles of champers, and have a similar nutritional profile. Prosecco contains comparable properties, so keep that in mind when purchasing your fizz. All these bubbles have a few things in common. Like wine, they contain antioxidant polyphenol compounds that may have a positive effect on the gut microbiome, as they essentially ‘feed’ bacteria in the gut. But stick to one or two glasses and don’t keep topping up your flute. The other reported benefit of polyphenols is that they have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease when consumed moderately and mindfully.
Moderation may go out of the window somewhat at Christmas but, if you’re thinking of keeping an eye on your calories, then sparkling might be the better choice. On average, a single glass contains 80 calories versus 120 in regular wine and, because you are drinking out of flutes rather than wine glasses, servings are generally smaller, too. Some studies suggest that bubbles may move into the bloodstream quicker, but this seems to differ from one person to the next and would be a rather short-lived heightened effect. You will feel just as tipsy an hour after a drink, even if you don’t consume another, so pace yourself, whatever you are drinking, lest they catch up with you too quickly.