Best sparkling wines, Champagne and alcohol-free bubbles to try this Christmas

Sparkling rosé

Extra Special Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut £11 from Asda (4.5/5)

Sure to be a favourite, this sparkling, dry rosé is well-balanced and neither too fruity nor acidic. It’s made using the “methode traditionnelle” and includes redcurrant and melon flavours.

Costellore Sparkling Pinot Grigio Rosé £6.49 from Aldi (4/5)

The first thing you’ll notice about this wine on opening it is the pleasant scent of roses and honeysuckle. On the palate, this sparkling rosé is dry with hints of fruitiness and unlike other similar offerings, this tipple isn’t gaudy-looking but an elegant, pale pink – and for £6.49, what’s not to like?

Freixenet Italian Sparkling Rosé £13 from (3.5/5)

This attractive, pale pink Italian rosé comes in a beautiful cut-glass bottle that looks simply stunning on a festive table surrounded by decorations and twinkly lights. Hints of red berries and green apples make this a pleasant drink, particularly when served with shellfish and light desserts. Coming in at over a tenner, this isn’t cheap but makes the perfect table centrepiece.

La Folie Mirabeau L’Atelier £14 from (4/5)

A pale pink, award-winning sparkling rosé from the South of France that’s pleasantly dry with delicious red berry flavours. An elegant drink that would work well with marzipan fruits or a light dessert such as pavlova. It’s slightly more expensive than other supermarket offerings, but if you’re looking for a reliable sparkling rosé, this won’t let you down.

Allini Pinot Grigio Blush Spumante £6.29 from Lidl (4/5)

A pale pink sparkling rosé with notes of pear, melon and red berries. Unlike some sparkling rosé, this is really well-balanced with hints of sweetness and a dry finish. Fans have claimed the wine is « easy to drink » and « refreshing ».

Champagne

Champagne Veuve Delattre Brut £12.99 from Lidl (4/5)

It may be the cheapest Champagne on the list but it shouldn’t be sniffed at. With flavours of biscuit, buttered toast and citrus, it’s a treat on the palate and great value for money.

Louvel Fontaine Vintage Champagne £30 from Asda (5/5)

A multi-award-winning champagne that’s perfect as either an aperitif or paired with white fish. Compared to well-known champagne brands, this is reasonably priced with « smooth and soft » flavours. Louvel Fontaine Vintage Champagne is blended with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and includes aromas of white peach.

Nicolas De Montbart Champagne Brut £14.49 from Aldi (3/5)

Aldi’s Champagne offerings are by far the most affordable. Made with the traditional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, this traditional-tasting champagne is golden in hue with hints of biscuits and raisins. The citrus flavours in this tipple are a little overwhelming which slightly throws off the acidity levels. Perfect served with oily fish and soft cheese, this would be lovely served either with a starter or with a cheese course.  

Veuve Monsigny Champagne £14.99 from Aldi (4/5)

A fizzy Champagne that’s buttery with hints of peach and nuts that linger on the palate long after you’ve put your glass down. Fans described this as an « easy-drinking Champagne » that’s both creamy and dry – and I’m inclined to agree. If you’re on a budget this Christmas, this could be the perfect option.

Tesco Finest Vintage Champagne (2017) £30 from (4/5)

This is made with Chardonnay grapes from the Grand Cru villages of the Côtes des Blancs and is only produced in the best years. A delicious, buttery dry tipple that tastes superb with smoked salmon due to its toasty notes. While £30 is expensive, it costs less than some of the bigger labels and isn’t far off flavour-wise.

Tesco Finest Premier Cru Brut Champagne £25 from (3/5)

Flavours of burnt, buttery brioche and apple really dominate this champagne which may not appeal to everyone. It also lost its fizz surprisingly fast compared to other champagnes at this price point.

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne £48 from (4.5/5)

It’s a classic for a reason. With hints of vanilla and spice on the palate, this is the perfect luxurious treat to celebrate Christmas with friends and family. Not the cheapest option for a celebration but it’s the perfect accompaniment to a special occasion.

Sainsbury’s Champagne Rosé Brut £23 from (4.5/5)

A bright pink, jammy offering from Sainsbury’s with delicate bubbles and a delicious, summery flavour. While some may find the colour off-putting, I found it made the whole drinking experience that bit more special. This would be lovely served before Christmas lunch and has been described by fans as “wonderfully tasty”. 

Taittinger Prestige Rosé Champagne £48 from (4/5)

A toast-worthy champagne that feels both sophisticated and elegant with flavours of red fruit, particularly strawberries. I found this to be slightly on the sweeter side but pleasantly so. Taittinger is known for producing delicate, well-balanced tipples and this does not disappoint.

Taittinger Brut Reserve non-vintage Champagne £43 from (5/5)

An elegant, dry Champagne that really defines the Taittinger brand. This delicious tipple has buttery flavours and a delicate sweetness that’s really pleasant on the palate. Fans describe this bubbly as a « wine of elegance » and “impressive” – and I couldn’t agree more.

Sainsbury’s Blanc de Noirs Taste the Difference £23.50 from (4.5/5)

Rated 4.5 out of five on the Sainsbury’s website, this Champagne has been described as « wonderfully balanced », « pleasant » and « easy to drink » by fans. The name « Blanc de Noirs » comes from the grapes – Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Biscuity, toasty and well-balanced, this is a great Champagne that’s cheaper than some of the more well-known brands.