Co-op's Les Pionniers Champagne Takes the Top Spot
The top bubbly for this year's festivities has been revealed – and it's by a supermarket you probably wouldn't think of. Beating a luxury champagne house as well as Aldi, the winner from Co-op costs up to half the price, Which? found.
Expert Panel Blind-Tastes Champagne to Uncover the Best
The consumer champion asked a panel of four independent wine experts to blind-taste a selection of champagne to uncover the best. Co-op’s Les Pionniers Champagne proved to be a corker with Which?’s panel, as it received the top score in the testing.
Impressive Flavors and Affordable Price
Scoring 85%, the bubbly impressed the experts with its smoky notes and fruity flavors of red apple, lemon, and grape. At £22.75, the experts thought it was a cut above the rest, praising its smooth creaminess, pleasing freshness, and long savory finish.
Aldi's Monsigny Premier Cru Champagne Comes in Close Second
Discounter Aldi wasn't far behind though, with its Monsigny Premier Cru Champagne at an 81% score. The panel said the bubbly showcased fresh fruit flavors against a savory backbone, with a long, concentrated finish. Priced at £21.99, one expert called this fizz a "crowd-pleaser" and it was considered a great option that won’t blow the budget.
More Delicious and Affordable Options
In good news for bargain hunters, these bottles were rated higher than the most expensive champagne the panel tasted. Despite not coming first for their fizz, Which? found other supermarkets delivered tasty options too.
Asda’s Veuve Olivier & Fils Secret de Cave Champagne, £28, was a hit and experts said it was a full-flavored fizz with aromas of spiced apple, red fruit, and citrus. Another fizz that proved popular was Waitrose’s Brut Champagne, £21.99. It was described by the tasting panel as fresh and lively with lovely lemony aromas and a pleasing biscuity note. For a cheaper equivalent to champagne, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Crémant d’Alsace, £11.50, impressed the experts. The panel praised the refreshing and lightly fruity fizz, which had enticing aromas of apple blossom and toasted almonds.
Quality and Value for Money
Natalie Hitchins, Which? home products and services editor, said: "Champagne is the perfect way to toast the festive season with family and friends and it's great news that this year's top-scoring supermarket fizz costs less than half the price of an alternative bottle from one of the big-name champagne houses. Our taste tests have found superb supermarket champagnes and cheaper alternatives that deliver on quality and value for money and more than rival a famous champagne house."
Looking for Other Options? We've Got You Covered!
If you're keen to spend so much on bubbly, our expert has tested the best prosecco at supermarkets with prices from £5.50. Plus, we've crowned our favorites among English sparkling wine.
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