Here’s something I wrote for The Sun but I thought you might like it too! It’s my pick of some of the best supermarket Crémant wines around…
Crémant has been the fizz on everyone’s lips for a while now but this year, we’re really loving it, with sales up a whopping 200% year on year according to M&S. It’s easy to see why too: Made in the same time consuming way as Champagne and usually with a blend of grapes, these super sippers can only come from France (plus and one cheeky one from Luxembourg), they are much drier than Prosecco and have a lot more flavour, leaning into those toasty, brioche notes we all love. Some of them really are giving Champagne a run for money too. Here’s my pick of the best from the supermarkets.
M&S Étoile de Timberlay Crémant de Bordeaux Brut NV, £10 M&S
M&S really are masters of great value Crémant, which is no mean feat as prices rise. This bubbly Bordeaux packs a flavour punch thanks to the fact it’s made mostly with two of the region’s top red grapes: Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Think ripe pear and baked apple tart with a sprinkle of sea salt. Excellent value for a traditional method fizz and perfect alone or in a Kir Royale.
Crémant d’Alsace Blanc de Blancs Brut NV, £14 M&S
This is M&S’s brand new, posh Crémant from Alsace but while it’s the most expensive on this list, it’s still less than half the price of a bottle of Moët. Made with local grapes Auxerrois and Pinot Blanc, it’s not trying to be a Champagne-a-like in flavour terms, but it does have plenty of its own charm and complexity. Think white flowers, ripe peach and almond cream. Its soft weightiness makes it a great food pairing with white fish and chicken too.
Crémant de Loire Brut NV, £8.99 Lidl in store
Part of Lidl’s core range, this crisp and refreshing Crémant does not disappoint for the ultra low price tag. A classic Loire blend, Chenin Blanc brings the zippy acidity and fresh, white peach notes while a splash of Chardonnay bolsters the body. There’s a nicely moreish, tangy rhubarb note to this too. A great one to pair with lighter canapés and smoked salmon.
Specially Selected Chassaux et Fils, Crémant de Loire Brut NV, £8.99 Aldi
** Discount alert! Down to £6.69 on the 25% promo 8th-24th Dec
Cheaper Loire Crémant can often taste overly tart and weedy. Not so here with this exceptional sipper from Aldi at an impressively low price. I don’t know how they do it! Tasting drier and fresher than many others, this shows off lemon sherbet and ripe apricot flavours with subtle pastry notes and an indulgent, creamy mousse. Seriously good and ridiculous value.
Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, £10.24 on offer Asda
Those looking for a style closer to Champagne will do well to seek out this awesome Asda tipple. Crémants from Burgundy like this use the same grapes as the posh stuff, so you’ll get more of that classic, peach skin and brioche vibe with a bit of tangy baked apple in the mix. For the price, this is excellent. Hide the bottle and people will think it’s Champers!
Asda Extra Special Crémant d’Alsace Brut, £8.47 on offer Asda
Another cracking, wallet-friendly Crémant from Asda, albeit on the lighter, less complex side. There’s still a lot to love about it though (including the super low price tag). It’s made with different grapes to Champagne and is packed with ripe apricot and peach flavours with a round and generous mouthfeel. This is one for sparkling cocktails and Kirs - or even just mid-week sipping!
Morrisons The Best Crémant de Limoux Rosé, £12.75 Morrisons
It’s getting embarrassing how often I recommend this perky, darker pink fizz to people, but it’s genuinely great. Hailing from Limoux in the South of France, this brings together joyous, melon-like Chardonnay with the crisp acidity of Chenin and a wild strawberry flourish from a splash of Pinot Noir. It’s layered and mineral too with a whiff of smoke. A seriously classy drop that could pass for a posh, foodie rosé Champagne.
Louis Couturier Crémant de Bordeaux Brut NV, £10 Tesco
This super smart looking sipper punches well above its weight in the packaging department and what’s inside the bottle isn’t bad either. Another bubbly from Bordeaux, this is mostly Merlot, which gives the pastry and melon notes in this a moreish, red apple skin tang. A great one with food, especially cold meats and savoury canapés.
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