Taste test

CHAMPAGNE

We asked supermarkets, food shops and convenience stores to submit a bottle of their ‘house’ Champagne, which we blind-tasted with a group of eight testers. At this price level, we didn’t expect anything complex, but were looking for a well-priced bubbly suitable for serving on New Year’s Eve.

LOUIS D’OR BRUT CHAMPAGNE, MITCHELL’S AT AVOCA, €32.95 (PROMOTION), 9/10

One of the more expensive of the Champagnes tested, our testers loved the abundant bubbles and zesty aromas, pronouncing it “distinctive and characterful”.

COMTE DE SENNEVAL CHAMPAGNE BRUT, LIDL, €19.99, 8/10

With slight floral notes and crisp lemon and apple flavours, Lidl’s value house Champagne has a creamy texture and nice biscuit on the finish.

MARTIVEY CHAMPAGNE BRUT NV, SELECTED EUROSPAR, SPAR, MACE AND LONDIS, €29.99, 8/10

This elegant and well-balanced Champagne has notes of lemon and apple and is the one that you’ll find on the shelves of your local convenience store.

MONSIGNY BRUT NV, ALDI, €19.99, 7/10

Our testers noted apple and citrus aromas and a nice buttery touch on the nose; this reliable Champagne, which is aged for nearly five years before release, is fresh-tasting and excellent value.

PIERRE DARCYS BRUT NV, SUPERVALU, €15 (SPECIAL OFFER), 7/10

This traditionally-made Champagne was slightly sweeter than the others we tested. Nicely balanced and crisp, with delicate aromas of lemon and apple. Hard to argue with the price.

OUDINET CUVEE BRUT, MARKS & SPENCER, €33, 6/10

Clean and dry, our testers found this Champagne from the house of Oudinet a tad dull.

TESCO FINEST PREMIER CRU BRUT NV, €35, 6/10

Our testers found this drinkable but lacking in personality.