Champagne taste on a Prosecco budget?
Look to France’s crémant regions – Loire, Alsace, Limoux and more – for traditional-method sparkle without the splurge. Over in Spain, Cava is also well worth exploring – once overlooked, it’s seriously upped its game in recent years, with some excellent bottles on shelves from just £8. Further afield, sparkling wines from South Africa, Australia and Argentina can offer character, freshness and brilliant value.
Whether you’re picnic-bound, pouring for a garden party, or catching up on a balmy summer’s eve, here is a selection of great bottles to pop without breaking the bank.
A lightly sparkling, lower-ABV fizz with a little balanced sweetness from Argentina – think peach, pink blossom and sherbet, reminiscent of Moscato d’Asti. Fresh, floral, and made for afternoon tea or fruity desserts.
Organic bubbles from Alsace’s foothills, offering floral lift, saline minerality, and crisp orchard fruit. Seriously elegant for the price – a winner with sushi, salads or goat’s cheese. Grab while on offer.
This Loire rosé brings delicate strawberry, rose petal and soft mousse – a gently glamorous sparkler that’s spot on for creamy cheeses, seafood platters or just for a midweek mood-booster.
Better known for punchy reds, this pretty pink Bordeaux fizz blends Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Bursting with strawberry and blossom, it’s fab with charcuterie or a summery picnic spread.
From leading South African producer Graham Beck, this classy, traditional-method fizz is dry, elegant and fruit-forward, with wild strawberry, rose petals and fine mousse. A great match for salmon or roast veg tarts.
From Bollinger’s Loire outpost, this refined crémant blends crisp apple, chalky zip and creamy texture. A touch of luxury on a budget, and pairs wonderfully with shellfish, grilled chicken or posh nibbles.
Classic Catalan Cava with citrus, green apple and biscuity lift. Great-value, food-friendly fizz that shines with crudo, sashimi or tapas. Tastes far more expensive than it is.
Traditional-method fizz from Burgundy with crunchy apple, citrus and gentle toasty notes. Fresh, lively and great value – a brilliant party pour with canapés and good chat.
New from Aldi, this lightly fizzy English Pet-Nat is zesty, floral and low in alcohol. Unfiltered and unfussy – pour at garden lunches, pair with soft cheeses or just sip in the sunshine.
From the hills of Limoux in southern France, this coral-hued rosé brings strawberry creaminess and soft sparkle. Pair with BBQ prawns, chicken skewers or lightly fruity berry desserts.
