Choose wisely and you could be happier with sparkling wine than some Champagnes. Here's Susie Barrie MW's list of 25 great sparkling wines under £25.
If you’re a Champagne lover, consider sparkling wines made in a similar way and from the same grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier). New World countries are a great source of high-quality, traditional method wines and the best under £25 from are more than a match for Champagne at the same price. New World fizz also suits drinkers who find Champagne too acidic, as it’s generally rounder and fruitier.
The UK also produces top sparkling wines largely from Champagne varieties. These have a distinct scent and flavour, often reminiscent of an orchard at the end of a warm summer’s day, although acidity levels can be quite high.
Each of the 25 wines listed here has been chosen for its unique flavour and drinkability, as well as value for money, or read below for more styles of sparkling wines
Perhaps the most rustic and intriguing flavours are to be found in the various Crément wines of France. Again, these wines are made by the traditional method used in Champagne, but they vary enormously in flavour according to grape variety and origin. The robust, smaller-producer wines of Jura, Limoux and Alsace are very well suited to autumn drinking.
Although Cava is made by the traditional method and aged on lees for a minimum period, it differs greatly in quality and style. Wines produced from the traditional Cava trio of Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada tend towards dried herb and green apple flavours with softish acidity and moderate weight. When Chardonnay and Pinot Noir make an appearance, the wine becomes richer, with bready notes and flavours closer to Champagne. Non-vintage Cava is produced in massive quantities, so go for a vintage wine with a few years of age.
Finally, where would you be with out Prosecco? This gentle Italian fizz provides a wonderful contrast to the various Champagne-style sparklers on the market. If you like a touch of sweetness, pick up a bottle of Extra Dry rather than Brut, and wines labelled frizzante will be less fizzy than spumante.
