THIS SCEPTRED AISLE

Terry Kirby recommends three supermarket English sparkling wines to put aside for the festive season

A sure sign of the growth of English sparkling wine is that supermarket chains have moved beyond putting it on shelves to commissioning their own versions at more accessible prices. And with Christmas looming, what better time to stock up.

Chapel Down English Sparkling Brut

M&S have been among the champions of English wine, so full marks for their link up with established Kentish producer Chapel Down to produce this fabulous sparkler; made, like all the wines listed here, from the traditional Champagne grapes blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, with added Pinot Blanc. Ethereal, fragrant, hedgerow and hay aromas, and pure crystal-clear fruit flavours.

Marks & Spencer: £22.00

Finest English Sparkling Hush Heath Estate

Something of a coup for the supermarket chain here – Hush Heath, also in Kent and established by hotelier Richard Balfour Lynn; mainly to produce serious upmarket rosé sparkling has collaborated with Tesco to deliver this lovely sparkler, full of elegant, clean flavours of green apples and citrus. Utterly irresistible, brilliant value and high quality.

Tesco: £17.50

Chalk Valley Quality English Sparkling Wine

And when the budget supermarkets get in on the act, it really is game on for English sparkling. Aldi, with a good track record in sourcing regional French sparklers, have commissioned this from Denbies, in Surrey; one of England’s biggest and oldest wine estates. Toasty, creamy – due to a little more Chardonnay in the mix – and beguiling citrus flavours. Why buy cheap Prosecco for your Christmas gathering when you can find this for not much more?

Aldi: £14.99