Shropshire orchard to launch apple alternative to prosecco

Following reports that prosecco supplies are running short, causing panic buying, there is good news on our doorstep for people looking for an alternative way to enjoy a glass of refreshing fizz.

Cider producer Oldfields Orchard, which lies on the Shropshire border, is launching its new applesecco this weekend at the Ludlow Spring Festival. It is an unusual cider made with local handpicked Discovery apples, a juicy eating variety which ferments into a very crisp, clean and light drink, more like a sparkling wine in character than a traditional cider.

Oldfields ciders are made at Oldfields Farm in Frith Common near Tenbury Wells by Hobsons Brewery and local hop and apple grower Geoff Thompson.

Geoff said: "When we started making cider and ran our first press in 2013 we experimented with Discovery apples as they are an early cropper. We had no idea that it would result in a fantastic new style of drink."

Hobsons Cider Product Manager, Alison Chadwick, added: "We soon realised that it was similar in style to sparkling wine so we imported some beautiful Italian bottles and launched it as Discovery Cider.

"The feedback from customers has been fantastic and they often remark on the fact that it smells of fresh Discovery apple not cider, so we decided to take one step further and rebrand it as applesecco which gives drinkers a much better idea of how they should enjoy it."

Applesecco is made entirely from freshly picked and pressed Discovery apples and after the Ludlow Food Festival will soon be available in many local independent shops and delis.