We’ve found the best supermarket Champagne to stock up on this Christmas

It’s Christmas, which means it’s time to pop open some bubbly! Don’t want to spend big? No problem. We’ve found the best Champagne from supermarkets and they’re all under £25.

Champagne pairs perfectly with crisp tempura or battered fish, seafood canapés or smoked salmon starters. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to light and creamy poultry-based dishes.

EXPERT TIP: Champagne is best served between 8-10ºC in a Champagne flute, as the flute helps accentuate the aromas and bubbles. To savour your fizz over a few days, invest in a Champagne bottle stopper to keep in the bubbles.

Champagne terminology explained

The world of Champagne can be a minefield of descriptions and terminology, so here’s a quick summary of the most confusing ones:

Champagne - this describes the type of wine and is also the name of the region in France it comes from.

Non vintage (NV) vs vintage (V) champagne - NV Champagne is most common and means that the Champagne consists of a blend of wines made in various years. Best consumed within three to five years of bottling, the idea is to create a “house style” that tastes the same year on year. Vintage Champagne, however, is only made in years where the Champagne house feels that the Champagne will be unique and exceptional. These Champagnes can be aged for 10+ years after bottling, with some of the finest ageing for decades.

Blanc de blancs vs blanc de noirs - Champagne can only be produced from three grape varieties: Chardonnay (a white grape), pinot noir (a black grape) and pinot meunier (a black grape). Blanc de blancs means the Champagne has been made purely from chardonnay, while blanc de noirs means the Champagne has been made from either pinot noir or pinot meunier or both. Blanc de blancs Champagnes tend to be lighter, floral and citrus-filled in style, whilst Blanc de Blancs are richer and fuller-bodied (you may even pick up some delicate red fruit characteristics).

How we test

To find the best Champagne, each was assessed on aroma, flavour, texture and overall drinking experience. We were looking for a well-balanced and easy-drinking fizz, packed with smooth bubbles and a pleasant, lasting finish.

Prices subject to change.