Drinks of the Month

The best value champagne buys Christmas 2021

Posted by Fiona Beckett (Google+) on December 19 2021 at 10:57

With bad news all around us the last thing you may feel like is popping a cork but you may just think to yourself 'to hell with it' and resolve to have as good a time as possible.

For most of us that means champagne but the danger always is paying over the odds especially this year when there's a bit of a shortage among the so-called grandes marques (big brands) and so very few discounts.

If you're not too fussed about the name you'll do best if you buy a supermarket own label which are much better value especially if you can get them on a discount. Unfortunately all the 25% off six bottles deals are over for the time being (make a note for the future that's that the time to stock up!)

I'll be updating the post up until the New Year as promotions finish and I spot other offers. (If you want something a bit more special I strongly suggest you drop into an independent wine merchant. There are a couple of recommendations in my recent Guardian column)

Under £15

Veuve Monsigny £13.99 Aldi and Comte de Senneval £13.99 Lidl
Surely it can’t be coincidence that both Aldi and Lidl have a champagne at £13.99? I marginally prefer the Comte de Senneval but they’re both decent. If you want champagne for a party this is where to look

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut on offer at £14.67 at Asda
Pleasantly light, fresh, party fizz. (Also some stylish tulip-shaped glasses if you anticipate breakages)

Under £20

Bredon brut on offer at £17.99 Waitrose
Waitrose generally has a special offer on this toasty fizz which should appeal if you're a lover of the richer style

Bollinger £19.99 a half bottle from Waitrose - if you're lucky. No longer available online
Yes, it's only a half bottle but maye that's all you're looking for? And it is Bolly!

Les Pionniers £19
The Co-op has of the most reliable - and awarded - own label champagnes - impressively still under £20

Sainsbury’s Blanc de Noirs £19. Also comes in half bottles at £12.50 which would be a bit of a treat for anyone living on their own or having to isolate.

Tesco finest* premier cru £19 if you’re a Clubcard member, otherwise £21.Out of stock online.
Another consistently reliable own label fizz

Under £30

Adnams champagne brut £24.99

Don't overlook the indies - they have good bargains too, even though this has gone up a pound since I last wrote about it. A slightly fuller flavoured toastier fizz that would work with food (especially fish and chips!).

Drappier Premier Cru £24.99 on a mix six deal from Majestic

Drappier makes some really interesting champagnes but their basic non-vintage made in a rich toasty style is particularly good value

Taittinger brut reserve £28 Waitrose (out of stock online)

One of the few big names to be on a discount and with a gift box to boot. Taittinger is generally made in a lighter, fresher style that's ideal for an aperitif

Under £40

Pol Roger Réserve £35.99 on a mix six deal from Majestic

OK £36 isn't exactly cheap - you could almost get 3 bottles of Aldi or Lidl champagne for that but Pol (as it's known in the trade) is one of the nicest non-vintage champagnes and can cost at least a tenner more elsewhere.

Photo by asife at shutterstock.com

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