While once a celebration called for a bottle of Laurent-Perrier, Veuve Clicquot or Moët & Chandon, wine lovers are increasingly turning to supermarket shelves for special occasions.
The Champagne market has democratised in recent years – Aldi and Lidl have both won awards for their fizz, while alternatives like Crémant give you high quality at a fraction of the price.
“If you’re after a Champagne dupe that offers fantastic value, seek out Crémant,” drinks expert Becky Paskin recommends. This expression is “made using the same ‘méthode traditionelle’ but outside the region of Champagne and with different grape varieties.”
Read more: Wine expert ranks the 9 best supermarket bottles from Sainsbury
Widely considered to be just as good as Champagne, Crémant is produced in wine regions across France and in Luxembourg. Bottles tend to have a slightly fruitier, lighter style while rivalling the fine bubbles and dry, complex flavour profile of Champagne.
If you’re looking for your new favourite affordable fizz, Becky suggests the below bottle from Sainsbury's – and it’s just £12.99.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Crémant de Loire NV
★★★★★
What we love: Excellent value for money and beautiful, balanced flavours
Take note: There are eight Crémant appellations to choose from
“This stunner in Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range is from the Loire and produced from a blend of 85 per cent Chenin and 15 per cent Chardonnay, with the wine aged on lees for twice the appellation minimum for additional complexity and elegance.
Expect to find Crémant de Loire’s signature lemon and quince flavours mingling with rounded biscuity notes and a beautiful creaminess. It’s a bottle worthy of a summer celebration.”
- Style: Crémant de Loire
- Produced in: Loire, France
- ABV: 12%
- Size : 75cl
Read more: Wine expert reveals the best bottles to buy at Waitrose right now
