I tested cheap champagnes from the supermarket…the winner was a £22 cracker from Co-Op, perfect for parties

CHAMPAGNE lovers are buzzing with excitement – as 28 percent of shoppers have already stocked up on bottles for Christmas.

But since we are all trying to save money during the cost of living crisisa glass of real French champions may seem like a luxury too far.

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Fortunately, the supermarkets have that cheaper alternatives to the well-known labels that usually dominate the chic fizz market.

Here, wine expert Helena Nicklin picks her top of the pops.

Les Pionniers non-vintage – £22.75, Cooperative

OFTEN cited by experts as the best non-vintage champions available for the priceCo-op’s great Les Pionniers is still as reliably good as it ever has been.

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At just over £20 for a bottle, it’s also a bargain to get a taste of the real thing.

If you prefer a crisper, redder apple skin than the heady, baked brioche versions of your foam, this one is for you.

Perfect for parties, special occasions or just a special treat; they also have a fantastic, chicer vintage version.

For what you get with that, it’s still a bargain at £30.

An all-round winner in terms of price, quality and taste.

You simply can’t go wrong with this bottle of bubbly.

Rating: 5/5

Taste the difference brut non-vintage – £22, Sainsbury’s

SAINSBURY’S NV has always been my personal point of contact for parties.

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That’s because it is reliable year after year and has a very classic champagne profile.

With a bit of apple peel, a touch of brioche, some riper fruit, and enough tartness to let you know you’re drinking real champions, this option will be a solid choice, if not wildly exciting.

It’s a reliable, value-for-money bottle of French champagne, made with a blend of premium Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir grapes.

Ideal for gift giving or for peeking, it is a great all-round bottle at an extremely friendly price.

And the label looks beautiful too!

Rating: 3/5

The best brut premier cru – £23, Morrisons

MORRISONS The Best range can be absolutely fantastic.

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But sometimes it can also miss the point a bit – as is unfortunately the case here.

For a higher level premier cru style, this is an extremely well priced bottle of champagne and it has everything you would want to see on the label.

But when it comes to the taste, you can see why it has been relegated to the lower price range.

Super lean and astringent, the acidity is a bit stingy here and there isn’t much flavor on the palate other than some smokiness.

Overall, promising, but a real shame it’s not more fun.

Rating: 2/5

Delacourt medium dry, £24, MADAM

MEDIUM dry bubbles are definitely having a moment.

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True Champions means that the bottles come from grapes and vineyards in the Champagne region of France, made exclusively according to strict pressing criteria.

Unlike prosecco, which can be sugary, the sharp acidity makes the extra sweetness taste fruity.

Like this one, which is a hit with salty snacks, hard cheeses and light pavlova-style puddings.

It is made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes.

For a nice change, a glass of Delacourt is also surprisingly tasty when topped with a spicy curry.

Rating: 4/5

Montaudon AOP brute, Lidl £14.99

CHATEAU Monty was brought to us by Lidl to take on Aldi’s French Fizz – and the supermarket has done a really good job.

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Much softer than many styles with simpler notes of baked apple and pastry, this inexpensive champagne is a decent drop that is very easy to drink.

While it won’t reach the complex heights of some of its competitors, this is still a bargain.

You will experience the pleasure of uncorking real French bubbles, while knowing how much money you have saved compared to a bottle of a better known name.

Also great for champagne cocktails.

Rating: 3/5

Veuve Monsigny premier cru brut, £21.99, Aldi

I’ve talked so much about Aldi’s brilliant £14.99 Veuve Monsigny champagne with its rich brioche and tasty apple note.

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So I thought it was high time to shout about the trade-in version as well.

Still an absolute bargain, this premier cru – meaning it’s made with superior quality grapes – is a huge step up the quality ladder.

There are more savory, smoky notes and a flinty note.

If this were a major champagne brand, you would pay a huge premium for this category of wine.

But here customers still only pay just over £20.

Pretty fancy bubbly, but without the premium price tag.

Rating: 4/5

Best vintage brut, £30, Tesco

VINTAGE wine in Champagne is a big deal and will always cost more than non-vintage, which is often abbreviated to NV.

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If you’re looking for a big champagne house on the label in your ice bucket, you’ll pay about double for something this good.

Tesco’s may not have the famous cachet, but you’ll only pay £30 a bottle.

Once it’s in the flute with a fresh purity, there is so much flavor.

But it’s all quite subtle and elegant.

Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, it spends a little longer in the cellars, so you have a stylish little batch that’s perfect for a special dinner party.

Rating: 4/5