1. BEST OUTSTANDING CHAMPAGNE
ASDA Extra Special Louis Bernard Champagne Vintage Brut, £28
SCORE: 81/100
JUDGE SAID: ‘This vintage champagne has matured for at least five years, resulting in a complex effervescence.
‘It took first place on our panel thanks to its aromatic apricot, citrus and elderflower, with a hint of biscuit. Combine with smoked salmon for an unforgettable feast.’
ASDA Extra Special Louis Bernard Champagne Vintage Brut, £28, was voted the best in the Good Houskeeping taste test
2. BEST NON-VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE
Waitrose & Partners Blanc de Noirs Brut NV, £24
SCORE: 80/100
JUDGE SAID: ‘Made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, this Blanc de Noir is wonderfully aromatic.
‘Testers enjoyed notes of stone fruit and crisp green apple, as well as a hint of biscuit on the finish.’
Waitrose & Partners Blanc de Noirs Brut NV, £24, came second overall and was voted best non-vintage thanks to ‘notes of stone fruit and crisp green apple’
3. RUNNER-UP NON-VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE
M&S Collection St Gall Champagne Brut, £28
SCORE: 78/100
JUDGE SAID: ‘This elegant champagne is part of Marks & Spencer’s premium Collection range and is a blend of ‘Premier Cru’ classified chardonnay and pinot noir grapes.
‘Testers described it as “buttery and rich” – comparing it to vanilla biscuits – with a complex fruit profile of tart green apple, lemon, gooseberry and apricot.
M&S were praised for their ‘vanilla biscuit’ notes in the £28 Champagne
4. RUNNER-UP BLANC DE NOIR CHAMPAGNE
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Blanc de Noirs Champagne, £20
SCORE: 78/100
JUDGE SAID: ‘Another budget blanc de noir worth stocking up on is this refreshing non-vintage from Sainsbury’s.
‘The panel enjoyed vibrant lemon zest, ripe stone fruit and a lick of butter on the finish for a satisfying mouthfeel. Try it as an aperitif next time.’
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Blanc de Noirs Champagne came fourth overall
5. BEST BUDGET CHAMPAGNE
Lidl Montaudon Champagne Brut, £15
SCORE: 78/100
JUDGE SAID: ‘Opening with zesty sorbet lemon, white peach and elderflower, Lidl’s easy-drinking sparkling drink has a light sweetness that lingers on the finish, making for a very pleasant and balanced wine.
“Sure, it’s not too complicated, but we think it’s impressive for the price tag.”
The jury found that Lidl’s easy-to-drink fizz has a ‘slight sweetness’ and calls it the best budget fizz