I Tried 48 Supermarket Champagnes. These Are The Seven Best Thatll Make Your Party The Talk Of The Town… Including The One That Tastes Like Taittinger For Just £13.99

Not so long ago, cracking open a bottle of supermarket champagne felt a bit… naff. Like a knock-off Prada bag, it sparkled from afar but close up, it never really fooled anyone.

The big, branded bubbles had all the flavour and finesse, while the budget bottles tasted unfresh, a bit flat or searingly tart. Everyone had their favourite champagne house and the line between those and the supermarket offerings was clear. These days though it’s a very different sparkling story.

While champagne will always be in fashion, prices for the big names have shot up. Even Moët et Chandon, which is arguably the most commercial of the lot, now weighs in at £45 for their most basic, non-vintage blend. Its famous friends, Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger and the like, sit significantly north of that price point too.

Happily though, for those of us on modest budgets, or even those simply keen to find a genuine bargain, the supermarket buyers have stepped in to save the day.

You may have heard it whispered in the wine aisles but many are quietly partnering with top Champagne houses now to create blends that genuinely rival the famous names, often for half, or even, a third, of the price.

Grand Marque Champagne will always have a place, each with its own house style that others will try to emulate. These wines are couture; precise, layered and fine, but they demand a second mortgage if you’re hoping to treat your guests this Christmas.

So if you’re looking for occasion bubbles – and have than a few thirsty mouths to fill, here’s my pick of the supermarket bottles that will make your party go with a bang.

The Biscuity One

Veuve Monsigny Brut NV, £15.49 Aldi

Only a few years ago, finding real champagne for under £15 was unthinkable. Then, Aldi exploded onto the scene with this genuinely tasty, complex and biscuity little number that still has us asking how they do it. One for fans of richer, foodie styles like Bollinger.

The Aperitif One

Henri Cachet Champagne Brut NV, £15.44, Asda

Asda couldn’t be left behind in the race to offer a decent, inexpensive champers, so came up with this elegant sounding bottle. Light, dry and crisp, this is perfectly judged for the price with a little of everything from apple to brioche. Not the most complex but great for parties.

The Savoury One

Comte de Senneval, £13.99 Lidl

Lidl’s fan favourite Comte de Senneval offers a lot of bang for little buck. It’s a mid-way style that’s mineral and nutty with a savoury hint of cheese rind. Not the most fruity or with the most finesse, but for the price it’s very good. Taittinger fans especially will appreciate this.

The Older Vintage One

The Pioneers 2013, £33.50 Co-op

It’s a very badly kept secret that Piper-Heidsieck makes this wine for Co-op, which for an older vintage wine is incredibly well priced. Pinot noir dominant, this is dark gold in the glass, rich and mouth filling, with a toasty nuttiness and baked apple tang. Proper champagne.

The Grand Cru Vintage One

Tesco Finest Grand Cru Vintage Champagne 2017, £32 Tesco

When you consider that this is vintage, i.e. with grapes so good, they’re from one year only, it has bottle ageandcomes from posh Grand Cru vineyards, it’s a wonder this creamy, textural, brioche and baked peach-scented wine is only £32. A proper bargain for good stuff!

The Pink One

M&S Delacourt Cuvée Rose Champagne Brut, £27 M&S / Ocado

To be fair, M&S’s Delacourt brand has always been consistent and their rosé is excellent. Made with chardonnay and pinot grapes that hail from top quality Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, think dark, rose petal pink with fresh berries, red apple and delicate baking spice.

The Blanc de Noirs

Waitrose Blanc de Noirs Brut NV, £28 Waitrose

Blanc de Noirs means the champagne has been made with black grapes only, so pinot noir and pinot meunier. This gives the fizz here a subtle pink tinge, red berry flavours and a tangy, red apple skin grippiness. It’s full-flavoured but elegant and with a whiff of smoke.