As seen in my latest piece in The Sun Newspaper, not all Champagnes are created equal and you definitely get what you pay for BUT, Champagne is arguably the hardest to judge quality-wise. This is because we’re distracted by the bubbles and even the cheaper tipples have a fair amount of flavour going on - and it’s rarely, genuinely bad. We all tend to have our favourites, though our wallets may not necessarily agree. Here are some great bottles to try when it’s not time to splash ALL the cash but we crave an old fave.
Bollinger NV (£64) Majestic
TRY Veuve Monsigny, Brut NV, £15.49 Aldi
Bollinger is deliberately made in an opulent style and fans love this Champers for its golden hue and biscuity flavours, which come from lots of Pinot Noir in the blend as well as reserve wines from older vintages. Aldi’s now iconic Veuve Monsigny captures much of this toasty, creamy vibe with a whack of spiced, baked pear and nuts. There are clearly reserve wines in there. We don’t know how it’s still so cheap!
Billecart Salmon Rosé (£75) Majestic
Tesco Premier Cru Rosé, £26 Tesco
When it comes to Champagnes that lead with their rosés, Billecart-Salmon is the pretty, pink tipple to beat - but it’s not cheap. While ‘Billy’ is silky with restrained notes of wild strawberry and cherry and a gentle toasty note, Tesco’s version is a little fresher on the fruit with pink sherbet notes and a frothier fizz but it does settle down to show a cool, mineral side that keeps it classy. It’s Premier Cru too, which equals quality grapes!
Piper-Hiedsieck NV (£40-45) Majestic
Les Pionniers Brut NV, £22.75 Co-op
Piper’s NV has always been a bright, characterful Champagne that emphasises approachability and fruitiness backed up by a little brioche and zippy acidity. Co-op has scored a blinder with Les Pionniers, which falls very much into this flavour camp with vibrant notes of pear and citrus, impressive mineral backbone and just the right level of brioche. Some even say Piper-Hiedsieck make it for Co-op, which would explain why it’s so good! Fabulous.
Laurent-Perrier Brut NV (£53) Sainsbury’s
Etienne Dumont Champagne Brut NV, £15.49 Sainsbury’s
Laurent-Perrier Brut NV is a much-loved classic. A fair bit leaner and lighter in style than other brands, it brings a delicate, floral note to its poached pear in pastry, white peach and lemon citrus flavours. If it’s the lightness of style you’re after, Sainsbury’s Etienne Dumont brings an easy-drinking, pinch of peach to proceedings and a gentle, pastry note. It’s a tad simpler and the bubbles are less fine for but a third of the price, you’ll forgive it!
Moët et Chandon (£45) Sainsbury’s
Comte de Senneval, £13.99 Lidl
Moët sets the benchmark for commercial, non-vintage Champagne, partly because it’s made with almost equal thirds of the three famous grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Ripe and round with notes of custard cream and green apple, its generous and easy drinking, if lacking some of the freshness of other brands. Lidl’s Comtes offers a similar profile and drinkability with a savoury, nutty note on the finish. For the low price, it’s impressive.
Lanson le Black Création 257 (£46) Majestic
Exceptional by Asda Champagne Benoît Renaud Blanc de Noirs Brut NV, £24.95 Asda
Lanson’s ‘Création’ only uses their top grapes as well as lots of older reserve wines and ageing before release. The result is a bold, super-concentrated, quite nutty style that’s big on the spiced apple and red fruit notes. While Asda’s Exceptional hasn’t had quite the same attention, the fact it’s ‘blanc de noirs’, i.e. made with only black grapes, means it’s naturally richer with red berry notes and an apple skin tanginess that goes some way towards mimicking the Lanson style. A real foodie fizz.
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, £50 Tesco
Nicolas de Montbart, £13.99 Aldi
With its eye-catching orange label and punchy, sweeter style, Veuve Clicquot is a real fan favourite. Today though, it will set you back around fifty quid a bottle! If it’s fun and frothy bubbles you want though with just enough toastiness and a whack of sweet, baked apple and spice, then Aldi’s natty Nicolas is a good bet - especially if you need a few for a party. It doesn’t quite have Veuve’s mineral verve but serve it really cold with canapés and no one will complain.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut NV (£88) Majestic
Delacourt Blanc de Blancs Brut NV (£30) M&S / Ocado
Blanc de Blancs means 100% Chardonnay in Champagne and Ruinart is famous for this saline, chalky style. The M&S house version really holds its own next to the posh stuff with toasted brioche and honeycomb notes balanced by green apple and lemon blossom. In the mouth, it’s creamy and textural like the Ruinart but it doesn’t share that classic, lime wine gum note that can split the judges with the premium fizz. Not necessarily a bad thing!
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