The purse strings feel a lot tighter this year for all sorts of reasons but fear not; we can still pop the corks on some special sparklers that taste and look more expensive than they are. Here’s my pick of 8 top sparkling tipples under a tenner from the supermarkets:
Comte de Senneval Champagne, Lidl £9.99 OFFER ENDS TODAY (was £13.99)
Lidl’s fan favourite Comte de Senneval offers a lot of bang for very little buck - especially if you grab some today before the offer ends! 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.
Less is More Italian Semi-Sparkling Wine, £5.95 on offer at Co-op
Eco warriors after a tipple, look no further. This first of a kind Italian fizz comes in a super light, recyclable bottle that looks a lot smarter than it sounds. What’s inside is perky and pretty too, packed with frothy pear, white blossom and a refreshing lemon twist. At its offer price, it’s hard to beat - and it won’t make a racket going into the recycling bin. Pairs with light bites and makes a good base for a Bellini.
Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé NV, £8.99 Lidl in store
This Lidl stalwart fizz from France has always knocked it out of the park for price and it’s getting better every year. Golden, lean and crisp, with a subtle, savoury finish, this is a classy little number in the glass and the bottle looks the part too. A smart choice for gifting and another that will go with just about anything. It makes a mean Bucks Fizz too.
The Best Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, £9.50 Morrisons
If you’ve not yet tired of Prosecco, look for the ‘G’ and upgrade to a DOCG version, which will have a bit more going on in the flavour department. Made with grapes grown on the more premium, steeper slopes of the region, this Morrisons tipple is impressively classy - a tad drier than some and with a pinch of pear, green apple and a cool mineral vibe.
Specially Selected Method Cap Classique Aldi, £9.99 in Store
This dry, South African Sparkler was new to Aldi this year and has made a real splash for its gorgeously gluggable, Champagne-a-like character with a jolly dollop of fruitiness. Cap Classique means it’s made like Champers and often from the same grapes (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), so it tastes properly premium without the price tag.
Fiari Ribolla Gialla, £7 on offer Co-op
This fabulously festive looking fizz brings the sparkles inside and out. Made with the lesser known Ribolla Gialla grape from Italy, this offers a light, fruity style of bubbles with less sweetness than Prosecco and a salty tang. Perfect for parties and gifting your host and even better when on offer. Serve alone or with a wide range of canapés.
M&S Crémant de Bordeaux rosé £10 M&S
If it’s a classy Crémant you’re after, look no further than this pink and pretty bottle from M&S. Made in the Champagne method but with a quirky mix of red Bordeaux grapes like Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this is all about flavours like strawberry pastry with a delicate crust. Elegant and versatile, this is great with ham and speaking up the leftovers.
Extra Special Crémant d’Alsace Brut, £8.47 (Was £9.98), Asda
Alsace makes some of the best value Crémant out there and is often a little softer and riper than other style. This one has a gorgeous, ripe peachy vibe with a dollop of generous apricot fruitiness. The perfect all-rounder fizz, this goes with just about everything and even better, it’s currently 25% off when you buy 6.
Extra Special Mas Miralda Cava Brut, £7.48 Asda
Cava is very much back in fashion and showing what brilliant value it can be. This one is no exception. Made like Champagne but with local, Spanish grapes, this is a great mid-way style that brings an easygoing toastiness to its tinned pineapple and peach flavour profile. Perky, vibrant and fresh, this can take heavier more savoury nibbles.
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