I’m a drinks expert – seven cheap supermarket fizzes that will pop on your special occasion
SAYING “I do” does not come cheap, especially if you raise a glass of real champers.
But the French fizz is not necessary any more, with wine specialist Sam Capron declaring this week that most drinkers cannot notice the difference between champagne and budget bubbles.
Here Helena Nicklin, from thethreedrinkers.com, provides her expert guide to alternative bottles to pop on special occasions that overdeliver on their price tags.
Cremant de Loire – £8.99, Lidl
THIS is made just like Champagne but comes from other regions in France.
As a result you get all the quality but for cheaper.
A Cremant de Loire, like my pick from Lidl, gives you a super dry sparkler, which goes well with orange juice for Mimosas or Buck’s Fizz.
It also pairs nicely with nutty cheeses or nibbles.
Contevedo Cava Brut NV – £5.49, Aldi
THE Spanish fizz cava has never shared the popularity of its Italian rival prosecco, but I think it’s more interesting.
My choice from Aldi is affordable, flavoursome and refreshing with a chalky texture and flavours of tinned pineapple.
These bargain bubbles pair well with savoury snacks or a tapas-style spread.
Radacini Blanc de Noirs – £7, Morrisons
THIS unusual style of fizz from Eastern Europe is made like Italian bubbles, but is less sweet and with a lot more going on in the red fruit department.
As it’s pale in the flute no one will guess that it’s made with the bold, red grape Cabernet Sauvignon or that it hails from Moldova.
A good choice if you want a break from prosecco.
Tesco Finest 1531 Blanquette de Limoux – £10
YOU might not have heard of Blanquette de Limoux; but these Gallic bubbles predate Champagne.
Hailing from the south of France, this sparkler style is Chardonnay-dominant like many Champagnes and has a similar peachy and brioche-like flavour.
It’s delicious alone or sipped with a canapé.
Sparkling Shiraz- £7.25, Morrisons
IF you are watching the pennies, a sparkling Shiraz is sure to turn heads on a budget.
A rich red wine but in sparkling form, every Aussie knows the secret of this full-bodied, plum and licorice-scented, crimson fizz from Down Under.
It goes great with grilled meat or veg and offers something deliciously different to Champagne.
Sainsbury’s Asti – £4.75
A COOL glass of honeyed Italian Asti is a winner to serve at your wedding afters.
Grapey and peachy, this retro, frothy fizz sings with desserts like Eton Mess and summer pudding.
Pour out flutes for the speeches and wait for the compliments to come in.
You’ll feel smug that you’ve saved yourself a fortune at less than a fiver a bottle.
Alcohol Free Belle & Co. – £3.75, Lidl
WITH so many people now opting not to drink alcohol, offering a booze-free bubbly has become more normalised.
If you prefer prosecco flavours, this fun fizz hits the spot.
For the price it makes a delightful driver’s drink, especially with a splash of fresh peach juice or orange.
Or to give to that relative who has had one too many.