Best Supermarket Champagne: Our Top 9 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

When a special occasion calls for a pop of a cork, navigating the supermarket aisles for the perfect champagne can feel daunting. We’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you. After rigorous testing and tasting, we’ve compiled the definitive list of the best champagnes you can easily find at your local supermarket. For us, one bottle stood out for its vibrant character, celebratory feel, and exceptional quality. We’re naming the Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial Champagne, Gift Box as our top pick. Its luscious blend of red fruits, elegant maturity, and beautiful presentation make it the undeniable winner for any celebration.

Our Top 9 Picks for Best Supermarket Champagne

#1 Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial Champagne, Gift Box – Ideal for: Celebratory Gifting

From the moment we poured the Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial Champagne, Gift Box, its quality was apparent. The colour is a gorgeous, radiant pink with amber highlights that looks stunning in the glass. On the nose, it’s an explosion of lively red fruits—wild strawberry, raspberry, and cherry come through immediately, followed by delicate floral notes of rose and a hint of pepper. This complexity is what sets it apart. The palate is just as impressive; it delivers a persistent intensity of berries, balanced by the juicy fleshiness of peach and a surprisingly refreshing menthol note on the finish. We found it to be exceptionally well-balanced, with a supple elegance that makes it incredibly easy to drink. It’s a spontaneous and enticing champagne that perfectly suits those who appreciate intense, fruit-forward flavours. As one user aptly put it, the “flavour was excellent,” making it perfect for a 40th anniversary celebration. While the champagne itself is consistently flawless, we did notice, as have many other users, that the gift box can sometimes arrive with scuffs or damage when ordered online. If gifting, this is a minor risk to consider, but it doesn’t detract from the superb quality of the liquid inside.

#2 Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne Gift Box – Perfect for: Classic Champagne Lovers

The Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne Gift Box is an icon for a reason, and our testing reaffirmed its legendary status. It presents a beautiful golden-yellow colour, with a steady stream of fine bubbles that promise elegance. The aroma is a delightful mix of yellow and white fruits, but what we truly appreciate is the complexity from its aging process. Notes of toasted brioche, vanilla, and peach are prominent, creating a rich and inviting bouquet. On the palate, this champagne is a masterclass in balance. It has strength and structure, thanks to its Pinot Noir dominance, but remains silky and fresh. We tasted a distinct minerality alongside pear and lemon notes, leading to a long, vinous finish with echoes of fruit and almond. This is a consistently excellent non-vintage brut that embodies the house style perfectly. Our experience was confirmed by numerous users who praise its excellent taste. However, a recurring issue we must highlight, and one that many buyers have frustratingly noted, is the condition of the gift box upon arrival. Several reports mention damaged packaging or even receiving the bottle without the advertised box, which is a significant drawback if you’re intending it as a gift.

#3 Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Champagne – Suits: Summer Parties and Alfresco Drinking

Breaking with tradition, the Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Champagne is the first of its kind, specifically designed to be served over ice, and we found it to be a resounding success for warm-weather sipping. The demi-sec profile means it has a touch more sweetness, which is perfectly balanced by the dilution from the ice. Pouring it into a large cabernet-style glass with three ice cubes, as recommended, is an experience in itself. The aroma is intensely fruity and tropical, with powerful notes of mango and guava, complemented by nectarine and a hint of raspberry. On the palate, it’s like a fresh, sophisticated fruit salad. The sweetness is present but not cloying, cut through by a refreshing acidity with notes of gooseberry and ginger on the finish. We agree with users who call it “super lecker” (super tasty) and praise its mild, fruity character, especially when chilled. Adding a mint leaf, as some suggest, elevates it further. The elegant white bottle also makes a statement. While most found it fabulous, we did encounter one bottle that seemed off, a sentiment echoed by a user who described their experience as “totally undrinkable”—a rare but possible occurrence.

#4 Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne Gift Box – Ideal for: An Elegant Aperitif

The Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne Gift Box is a superb expression of what a rosé champagne should be: elegant, fruity, and beautifully structured. In the glass, it has a luminous pink colour with attractive glints that catch the light. The nose is both generous and refined. Our initial assessment picked up fresh red fruits like raspberry and wild strawberry, which then developed into more complex, biscuity notes of almond and brioche—a signature of the Veuve Clicquot house. Taking a sip, we were impressed by the full-bodied yet fresh character. The palate is a delightful journey of intense red berry fruit flavours, balanced by a dynamic freshness and a creamy, lingering finish. It’s a versatile champagne that we found works wonderfully as an aperitif but has enough structure to pair with a variety of dishes. Many users confirm its quality, calling it a “great champagne, sparkling tasty and original.” It lives up to the house motto of “Only one quality, the finest.” This is a reliable and sophisticated choice that consistently delivers a premium experience, making it a worthy addition to any celebration.

#5 Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne – Perfect for: The Rosé Connoisseur

The Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne is often considered the benchmark for non-vintage rosé, and our tasting confirmed its esteemed reputation. Made from 100% Pinot Noir using the saignée method, it has an enticing salmon-pink colour and a remarkable freshness. The nose is clean and precise, bursting with a medley of red fruits: raspberries, redcurrants, strawberries, and black cherries are all present and distinct. What impressed us most was its structure on the palate. It’s full-bodied and vinous yet maintains an elegant lightness and crisp finish. We found it to be, as one happy user described it, a “very delicate taste” and an “enjoyable easy drink.” This champagne’s versatility is a key strength; it’s delightful as an apéritif but robust enough to pair with everything from grilled fish to red fruit desserts. However, the experience can be marred by logistical issues. We must caution potential buyers, as numerous user reviews report significant problems with the packaging. Many received bottles with damaged, opened, or even “wrecked” gift boxes, making it a risky choice if presentation is paramount for a gift.

#6 Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV Champagne – Suits: Focusing Purely on Flavour

For those who love the iconic taste of Laurent Perrier Rosé and don’t require the presentation gift box, the Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV Champagne is the perfect choice. This is the same exceptional liquid as its gift-boxed counterpart, focusing entirely on the quality within the bottle. Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir and aged for a minimum of five years, it possesses a complexity that we find truly captivating. The nose offers that signature extraordinary freshness, a veritable symphony of raspberry, redcurrant, and black cherry. On the palate, the attack is sharp and clean, quickly evolving into a supple, rounded mouthfeel with intensely fruity flavours that are pure and well-defined. We couldn’t agree more with the user who stated, “we reckon it’s one of the best ones around. Beautiful colour, subtle bouquet, delicious taste.” It’s a masterclass in the maceration technique, extracting beautiful colour and aroma without harsh tannins. It provides all the celebrated flavour of this benchmark rosé without the recurring packaging issues associated with the gift-boxed version, making it a more reliable purchase for personal enjoyment.

#7 Bollinger Rose Champagne 75cl – Ideal for: Pairing with Food

The Bollinger Rose Champagne 75cl is a serious and sophisticated wine that showcases exceptional blending expertise. It stands apart from lighter, more fruit-forward rosés with its structure, depth, and power. During our tasting, we immediately noticed its distinct character, derived from the addition of a small amount of still Pinot Noir red wine. This gives it a subtle tannic finish and a more complex flavour profile. The nose is a delightful mix of red currant, cherry, and wild strawberry, with a spicy touch that is reminiscent of the classic Bollinger Special Cuvée. On the palate, it is vivacious and full-bodied, with fine, velvet-like bubbles. We found its structure makes it an outstanding food wine. It has the weight to stand up to dishes like lobster, salmon, and even lightly spiced Asian cuisine, cutting through richness with its bright acidity. This is a technically brilliant champagne for those who appreciate a more vinous and less overtly fruity style of rosé. It’s a connoisseur’s choice that delivers complexity and length with every sip.

#8 Ruinart R de Ruinart Brut Champagne – Perfect for: Chardonnay Admirers

As the oldest established Champagne house, Ruinart has a legacy of excellence, and the Ruinart R de Ruinart Brut Champagne is a testament to their Chardonnay-focused style. This non-vintage brut is delicate, fresh, and exceptionally elegant. Upon pouring, we admired its brilliant golden-yellow colour and the very fine, persistent mousse. The nose is subtle and fresh, dominated by notes of white fruits—we identified crisp pear and hints of citrus. It’s not an overpowering bouquet but one that invites you in with its refinement. On the palate, the champagne is beautifully balanced. It has a rounded softness that is immediately appealing, enlivened by vivacious notes of citrus and ripe greengage. The finish is pleasant, lengthy, and clean. This is a champagne defined by finesse rather than power. Its character, fundamentally rooted in the high proportion of Chardonnay in the blend, makes it an exquisite aperitif and a perfect partner for delicate dishes like white fish or seafood. For those who appreciate a lighter, more graceful style of champagne, we believe R de Ruinart is an impeccable choice.

#9 Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage Champagne Oak Gift Box – Suits: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration

For the most momentous of occasions, nothing makes a statement quite like Dom Pérignon. The Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage Champagne Oak Gift Box represents the pinnacle of luxury and winemaking artistry. As a vintage champagne, it is only produced in the best years, capturing the unique character of a single harvest. While we didn’t open this particular bottle, our extensive experience with Dom Pérignon confirms its legendary status. It offers unparalleled complexity, with an evolving bouquet that moves from floral and fruity notes to toastier, more mineral-driven aromas as it opens up. The palate is a masterclass in tension and balance, with a creamy texture, pinpoint acidity, and an incredibly long, satisfying finish. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for decades to develop even greater complexity. However, we must issue a strong warning based on user feedback. The product being sold is often not what is advertised. Multiple deeply disappointed users reported receiving the bottle in a standard cardboard box, not the “Luxury Solid Oak Gift Box” described. This is a significant failure for such an expensive, gift-oriented item, and we cannot recommend purchasing it online with this level of uncertainty.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Style (Brut, Rosé, Demi-Sec): The most common style is Brut, which is dry with very little sugar. Rosé champagnes get their pink colour and berry notes from skin contact with red grapes. Demi-Sec is noticeably sweeter and is excellent with dessert or for those who prefer a less dry wine, like the Moët Ice Impérial.
• Vintage vs. Non-Vintage (NV): Non-Vintage champagne, like most on our list, is a blend of wines from multiple years. This allows the house to create a consistent “house style” year after year. Vintage champagne is made only from grapes of a single, exceptional year and is typically more expensive and complex, like Dom Pérignon.
• Grape Varietals: Champagne is primarily made from three grapes: Chardonnay (adds freshness, elegance, floral notes), Pinot Noir (provides structure, body, red fruit notes), and Pinot Meunier (contributes fruitiness and suppleness). The blend determines the final character of the wine.
• Occasion: Are you celebrating a huge milestone or enjoying a casual aperitif? For a show-stopping gift, a bottle in a presentation box like Veuve Clicquot or Laurent Perrier is ideal (though be wary of shipping issues). For a simple, high-quality drink, a bottle without the extra packaging will suffice.

Understanding Champagne Sweetness Levels

The term ‘Brut’ is seen on most champagne labels, but it’s part of a wider scale of sweetness. Understanding this can help you find the perfect bottle for your palate.

• Brut Nature: The driest form, with no added sugar.
• Extra Brut: Very dry, with a tiny amount of sugar.
• Brut: The most popular style. It’s dry but has a hint of sweetness that makes it balanced and versatile. Most of the champagnes on our list are Brut.
• Extra-Dry (or Extra-Sec): Confusingly, this is slightly sweeter than Brut.
• Sec: Noticeably sweet.
• Demi-Sec: A sweet style, perfect for pairing with desserts. The Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial is a great example.
• Doux: The sweetest level, very rare today.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Serving Too Cold (or Too Warm): Over-chilling champagne (below 6°C) numbs the delicate flavours. Serving it too warm (above 10°C) makes it taste flat and less refreshing. The ideal temperature is 8-10°C, achieved by chilling in the fridge for 3-4 hours or in an ice bucket for 30 minutes.
• Using the Wrong Glassware: The tall, narrow flute is classic, but it can stifle the aromas. We prefer a tulip-shaped glass or even a standard white wine glass, which allows the complex bouquet to develop and be appreciated fully.
• Improper Storage: Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature (around 10-15°C). Storing them upright for long periods can cause the cork to dry out. Keep them away from vibrations and light.
• Violent Opening: The classic “pop” is fun but wastes precious bubbles. For a perfect serve, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, place a towel over the cork, and twist the bottle (not the cork) slowly until the cork gently eases out with a quiet sigh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which UK supermarket has the best own-brand champagne?

Many UK supermarkets have excellent own-brand champagnes that offer great value. Waitrose is frequently praised for its Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs, while Tesco’s Finest Premier Cru and Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference are also highly regarded and have won numerous awards, often beating more famous brands in blind taste tests.

Is Aldi or Lidl champagne any good?

Yes, both Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny and Lidl’s Comte de Senneval are famously good for their price point. They consistently win awards and are lauded by critics for offering a genuine champagne experience at a fraction of the cost of the big houses. They are fantastic options for parties or everyday celebrations.

What is the best champagne available at Tesco right now?

Aside from their excellent own-brand Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne, Tesco stocks a wide range of major brands. You can typically find many of the champagnes on our list, including Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Laurent-Perrier, making it a reliable one-stop shop for high-quality bubbly.

Can you find award-winning champagnes at UK supermarkets?

Absolutely. Supermarkets are one of the primary places to buy champagne in the UK. All the major houses listed in our review, such as Moët, Veuve Clicquot, and Bollinger, are multi-award-winning brands. Furthermore, the supermarkets’ own-brand champagnes frequently win prestigious awards like the Decanter World Wine Awards.

How much should I expect to pay for a good supermarket champagne?

You can find very respectable own-brand champagnes from discounters like Aldi and Lidl for around £15-£20. Mid-range, big-name Non-Vintage champagnes like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot typically range from £40-£60. Premium and vintage champagnes will cost significantly more, often £100+.

Are supermarket champagnes good for cocktails like Mimosas?

While you can use any champagne, it’s often better to use a more affordable sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava for cocktails. The delicate and complex flavours of a good champagne can be lost when mixed with orange juice. If you are set on champagne, choose a good value Brut NV; there’s no need to use a premium bottle.

What’s the best Waitrose champagne for a dinner party?

The Waitrose Blanc de Noirs Brut NV is an excellent choice for a dinner party. It’s made from 100% Pinot Noir, giving it enough body and red fruit character to pair well with a variety of foods, from canapés to main courses. It consistently receives rave reviews for its quality and value.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After careful consideration of nine outstanding champagnes, each with its own unique character, we confidently stand by our top recommendation. For its exceptional balance, vibrant flavour, and celebratory spirit, the Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial Champagne, Gift Box is our overall winner. It masterfully combines the intensity of red fruits with an elegant maturity that appeals to both seasoned champagne lovers and newcomers alike. While other bottles offer classic profiles or innovative serving styles, the Moët Rosé delivers a complete and joyous experience from its beautiful colour to its refreshing finish. It’s the perfect bottle to make any occasion feel truly special.