As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, the pop of a champagne cork is a quintessential sound. While luxury brands like Laurent Perrier and Veuve Clicquot might be the dream, post-Christmas budgets often demand a more savvy approach. The good news is that the best supermarket champagnes and sparkling wine alternatives now offer exceptional quality at a fraction of the price.
Why Supermarket Fizz is Winning Awards
Industry insiders confirm that supermarkets and independent houses are currently producing some of the most exciting and award-winning bottles on the market. In 2025 alone, Co-op’s champagne was crowned one of the world’s best at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Meanwhile, Aldi’s £15 bottle triumphed at the World Champagne Awards, and Tesco’s popular premier cru was hot on its heels.
This marriage of affordability and quality is driven by better wine-making technology, warmer climates (particularly beneficial for English sparkling wine from Dorset, Kent, and Sussex), and rising consumer demand. "Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable, more savvy; they can look anything up on the internet," notes Libby Brodie, a qualified wine consultant and columnist.
Wine critic Rosamund Hall explains, "Supermarket own labels often offer a great entry point for Champagne, as they’re working with highly respected producers to source high quality wines for the best value available." While they may lack the quirky finesse of 'grower champagne', you can expect well-made, highly enjoyable wines perfect for any celebration.
Expert Tips for Choosing Your Bubbly
Facing a vast supermarket aisle can be daunting. Lucy Hitchcock, the influencer behind @Partnerinwineuk, advises looking beyond the Champagne region for value. "I find you get much more bang for your buck," she says. Her tip is to scan labels for terms like 'traditional method', 'crémant', and 'method cap classique (MCC)', which indicate the wine is made in the same way as champagne, often with similar grape blends.
Hitchcock highlights South Africa as a standout region, particularly for wine-making value. She also recommends exploring crémant from areas just outside Champagne, such as Limoux, for stellar quality at a lower price point.
The Top 5 Expert-Recommended Bottles
We consulted a panel of experts—including qualified consultants, viral influencers, and critics—to select the best affordable bottles for your 2025 celebrations. All choices are under £50.
1. Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rosé 2018/19
Priced at £18 from Majestic, this South African sparkling wine is fast gaining a global reputation. Hitchcock describes it as "South Africa’s answer to rosé champagne", made with all pinot noir and aged for four years. It offers creamy bubbles, flavours of juicy strawberry and raspberry with a pink grapefruit twist, and a classic champagne-style brioche note. A perfect alternative for lovers of Laurent Perrier rosé.
2. M&S Collection St Gall Champagne Brut
Available for £28 from Ocado, this champagne is produced by the esteemed Union Champagne cooperative. Hall explains it's a chardonnay-heavy blend that delivers an uplifting bite of fresh green apples alongside warming buttered toast and a delicate nutty note, offering a touch of luxury from a trusted producer.
3. Les Pionniers Vintage Champagne Brut 2013
Co-op’s own-label champagne, costing £35, was the only supermarket champagne to win a prestigious IWSC trophy this year. Aged for over a decade, it outperformed bottles nearly three times its price. Brodie praises its gorgeous, delicate brioche and lemon curd notes, crisp citrus, and refined bubbles. Hall adds that it feels effortlessly luxurious with a rich, creamy mousse.
4. Tesco English Sparkling Wine
This bottle, £22 from Tesco, is crafted at the award-winning Balfour Estate in Kent. Brodie is a keen champion of English sparkling wine and recommends this for its great value. Made with the same grapes as champagne, it offers whispers of shortbread and hazelnut alongside glorious English green apple flavours and lively fizz.
5. Roche Lacour Cuvée de Réserve Crémant de Limoux 2018
Currently £16 on offer at Laithwaites (down from £20), this crémant from Limoux is made like champagne using chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. Hitchcock notes its five years ageing on the lees gives it real depth, resulting in a classy alternative with crisp apple, peach, and citrus notes, and a toasty richness from oak ageing.
Whether you're toasting a special occasion or stocking up for New Year's Eve, these expert-approved picks prove you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy exceptional fizz. The era of the bargain bottle is truly here.
