IT was our friend Dave's suggestion: "Try some sparkling red - you still haven't done anything on that yet."

"Hmm, you think?"

"It's going to be the next big thing," he said.

"Sparkling red wine?"

"Yes."

"Are you nuts?"

"I read it somewhere."

"Oh right. Do you like it?"

"I suspect it's probably hard to get a good one that doesn't taste like fizzy Ribena or alcoholic Tizer."

"Have you tried any?"

"Not yet."

"But the next big thing, yeah?"

"Yeah."

On the strength of that rather questionable advice, we had a look around. There are a few sparkling reds knocking about - largely hailing from down under and made with strong Shiraz - but the fact wine specialists Majestic stock only one type shows it isn't quite the "next big thing" just yet.

Perhaps interestingly, they've sidestepped the Aussie New World examples, too, and chosen a bigger rarity, a French offering.

But, you know what, it is worth a try.

Sticking with the fizzy Ribena comparison, you might worry it would be like a sparkling grape-juice pop such as the non-alcoholic wine substitute Schloer, only considerably pricier.

But this really is red wine. With fizz.

This one stocked by Majestic - a relatively new departure for the store - is Bouvet Rubis Demi-Sec (medium dry), made from Cabernet Franc grapes, the Loire's famous red variety.

While that region produces plenty of sparkling whites, generally made from Chenin Blanc, and some pinks, this red variation is something of a scarcity.

It has just a hint of sweetness making it probably fit well alongside chocolate or fruit puddings, but this is no dessert tipple.

After the initial cocoa, cassis and plum nose, it is a red wine stuffed with bright redcurrant, raspberry and red cherry flavours - fresh but with a hint of tannin, plus a pleasingly effervescent mousse.

Aside the dessert suggestion, this Bouvet Rubis could also be one for a spring barbecue and your flavoured burgers.

However, for us, it doesn't need food but rather makes a smashing tipple to have on it's own, the fizz on the palette bringing its own delight and making it a good party wine too - a bit of pizzazz for your elegant red tipple, and a real alternative to the comparatively omnipresent sparkling whites, be they aperitif, food or dessert wines.

At 12.5 per cent, it has a sparky edge too. It costs £11.99, or £9.99 with Majestic's "mix six" deal.

Questionable advice it might have been, but thanks to our pal Dave for the suggestion - the "next big thing" or not.