As the final countdown to Christmas begins, households across the UK are stocking their fridges with celebratory bottles. While champagne remains the classic choice for festive toasts, a significant shift is underway in where Britons are sourcing their bubbles.
The Rise of Supermarket Champagne
The era when celebrations automatically called for prestigious labels like Laurent-Perrier, Veuve Clicquot, or Moët & Chandon is evolving. Today, shoppers are increasingly turning to the aisles of major supermarkets such as M&S, Lidl, and Waitrose for their fizz. This change reflects a more accessible champagne market, where own-label bottles from retailers and alternatives like crémant and English sparkling wine are gaining serious ground.
"Supermarket own labels often offer a great entry point for champagne," explains wine critic Rosamund Hall. She notes that retailers frequently collaborate with respected producers to source high-quality wines, offering excellent value. While they may lack the quirky finesse of 'grower champagne', consumers can expect well-made, enjoyable wines perfect for any occasion.
Expert Verdict on Aldi's Bargain Bottle
Leading the charge for value this season is Aldi's £15 Champagne Brut. The discount supermarket, which has previously won awards for its champagne, has produced a bottle that has impressed professional palates.
Wine and food critic Emma Henderson praised the offering in her review of the best champagnes. "Coming in at a snip under £16 for a champagne is nothing short of impressive, and it's even more so when it both looks and tastes this good," she said. Henderson described the champagne as "elegant with notes of freshly cut apples and fleshy peach," adding that on the palate, it reveals "plenty of baked apple crumble notes along with nutty hints and buttery brioche."
Act Fast for Festive Stock
With Christmas Day almost here on Monday 22 December 2025, the message for shoppers is clear: do not delay. As is typical for Aldi's champagne, it is only available in-store, and stock is limited due to high festive demand. This expert-approved bottle proves that splashing out on a prestige label isn't essential for a quality festive toast.
The trend underscores a broader movement in consumer habits, where value and quality are no longer mutually exclusive, especially for celebratory staples like champagne. Aldi's successful offering stands as a testament to the power of supermarket sourcing and the evolving tastes of British shoppers during the holiday season.
