Asda’s £28 Vintage Brut tops Good Housekeeping’s Champagne taste test for Christmas, with judges praising its ‘complex fizz and aromatic apricot’ – as shoppers claim its better than Moet

•  Vintage Brut has been praised for its ‘complex fizz’ and ‘aromatic apricot’ 
• READ MORE:  Quality Street fans spot their favourite purple sweet in a bar

Millions of people will wake up to a glass of chilled Champagne on Christmas morning, but with the cost-of-living crisis and price of presents stacking up, it can be an expensive indulgence.

But there’s no need to splash out on an expensive bottle, as a £28 offering from Asda has been dubbed the best in the UK by  the experts at Good Housekeeping.

The Vintage Brut has been praised for its ‘complex fizz’ and ‘aromatic apricot’ with judges suggesting it can pair with smoked salmon for the perfect festive breakfast.

It beat out offerings from other supermarkets, including M&S and Waitrose.

The panel at Good Housekeeping, who were all trained in wine and spirit education, tried 35 bottles looking for ‘well-balanced, easy-drinking fizz, packed with smooth bubbles’.

Asda’s Vintage Brut   has been praised for its ‘complex fizz’ and ‘aromatic apricot’ with judges suggesting it can pair with smoked salmon for the perfect festive breakfast

Fans have also headed online to praise the drink – saying it’s ‘better than Moet’ – which is nearly twice the price.

‘I was impressed by the quality of this champagne at such a low price,’ one wrote.

‘I shared this a friend that usually drinks Moet and they said they would definitely be buying this one again AAAA from us’. 

‘Tried this tonight for the first time, what a find Goes exceptionally well with Lindt Chocolate!’ said another.

‘This was lovely and enjoyed on my wedding night. I will be buying more!’ commented a third.

‘Thought we’d try this champagne for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. 

‘From the moment it’s poured from the bottle the fizz is quite audible.

‘We were bowled over at the quality. We have drunk other far more expensive champagnes but this just knocks them all for six. 

‘A sensational drink which is easy to devour leaving the bottle empty somewhat sooner than anticipated. Highest recommendation,’ commented another.

‘This is my second purchase. Basic good quality, for price,’ wrote one.

The best champagne for Christmas 2023 

1. BEST VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE

ASDA Extra Special Louis Bernard Champagne Vintage Brut, £28

SCORE: 81/100 

JUDGES SAID: ‘ This vintage champagne has spent at least five years maturing, resulting in a complex fizz. 

‘It took the top spot with our panel, thanks to the aromatic apricot, citrus and elderflower, with a touch of biscuit. Pair with smoked salmon for a feast to remember.’

ASDA Extra Special Louis Bernard Champagne Vintage Brut, £28, was named the best in the Good Houskeeping taste test

2. BEST NON-VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE

Waitrose & Partners Blanc de Noirs Brut NV, £24

SCORE: 80/100

JUDGES SAID: ‘Made exclusively from pinot noir grapes, this blanc de noir is deliciously aromatic. 

‘Testers enjoyed notes of stone fruit and crunchy green apple, as well as a touch of biscuit on the finish.’ 

Waitrose & Partners Blanc de Noirs Brut NV, £24, came second overall and was picked as the best non-vintage thanks to ‘notes of stone fruit and crunchy green apple’

3.  RUNNER-UP NON-VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE

M&S Collection St Gall Champagne Brut, £28

SCORE: 78/100  

JUDGES 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” — likening it to vanilla biscuits — with a complex fruit profile of tart green apple, lemon, gooseberry and apricot.

M&S were praised for their ‘vanilla biscuits’ 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

JUDGES SAID: ‘Another budget blanc de noir worth stocking up on is this refreshing non-vintage from Sainsbury’s. 

‘The panel enjoyed lively lemon zest, ripe stone fruit and a lick of butter on the finish for a satisfying mouthfeel. Try it as an aperitif next time you’re hosting.’

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Blanc de Noirs Champagne came fourth overall 

5. BEST BUDGET CHAMPAGNE

Lidl Montaudon Champagne Brut, £15

SCORE: 78/100

JUDGES SAID: ‘Opening with zippy sherbet lemon, white peach and elderflower, Lidl’s easy drinking fizz has a slight sweetness that lingers on the finish, making for a very pleasant and well-balanced wine. 

‘Sure, it isn’t too complex, but we think it’s impressive for the price tag.’

Judges said Lidl’s easy drinking fizz has a ‘slight sweetness’ calling it the best budget fizz

 

Source: Read Full Article