In a stunning upset, Tesco’s £25 Finest premier cru brut champagne has dethroned the prestigious Moët & Chandon in a blind taste test conducted by consumer champion Which?. The surprising results have sent shockwaves through the world of bubbly, as the affordable supermarket fizz outshone its pricier rival just in time for the festive season.
A Toast to Affordability and Quality
The Tesco Finest champagne, priced at a mere £25 per bottle, received a glowing score of 82% from the expert panel at Which?. Judges praised the budget-friendly bubbly for its “nutty aroma and fresh, fruity flavours,” solidifying its position as the top choice for holiday celebrations.
In contrast, the esteemed Moët & Chandon, which retails for nearly twice the price at £44, fell short with a score of 77%. This stunning upset has left many champagne connoisseurs questioning the long-held belief that premium labels always equate to superior quality.
Aldi and Waitrose Join the Fizzy Fray
Tesco wasn’t the only supermarket to make waves in the taste test. Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny champagne, priced at a wallet-friendly £22, also received high marks from the panel. Scoring an impressive 80%, the Aldi offering was lauded for its “aroma of crunchy green apples with a suggestion of pecans, spice and butterscotch.”
Not to be outdone, Waitrose’s brut NV champagne, also priced at £25, matched Aldi’s score and secured a coveted “best buy” title. Tasters described the Waitrose bubbly as having “pleasing peach, pear and apple flavours, and a superb nut and winter spice taste.”
Prosecco: The Budget-Friendly Bubbly
For those looking to celebrate on an even tighter budget, Which? also put sparkling wines to the test. Lidl’s Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene, priced at a mere £7.49, emerged as a top contender with a score of 80%. The consumer group hailed the Italian sparkler as an “excellent alternative to champagne, and perfect for Christmas parties.”
Our taste tests show that you don’t have to spend over the odds for a supermarket champagne or sparkling wine that delivers on quality and value for money.
– Natalie Hitchins, Which? home products and services editor
Festive Fare: Mince Pies Make an Early Appearance
As the champagne corks pop, retailers are also gearing up for the festive season with the arrival of mince pies on supermarket shelves. According to grocery industry analysts Kantar, October sales figures showed a staggering 648,000 shoppers had already purchased Christmas cakes, while 14.4% of households had stocked up on mince pies.
In a separate taste test, Which? crowned Waitrose’s No 1 brown butter mince pies as the clear winner, with Aldi’s Specially Selected mince pies also receiving high praise for their “great buttery taste and tasty filling.”
The Bottom Line: Affordable Luxury for All
As households across the UK prepare to raise a glass this holiday season, the surprising results of the Which? taste test serve as a reminder that luxury need not come at a premium price. With supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, and Waitrose offering high-quality, affordable alternatives to prestigious champagne labels, consumers can indulge in a bit of bubbly without breaking the bank.
So, whether you’re toasting to a prosperous new year or simply enjoying a festive gathering with loved ones, rest assured that your local supermarket shelves are stocked with champagnes and sparkling wines that promise to deliver both quality and value. Cheers to that!
