Olly Smith’s cream of the Christmas cremants

THE Mail on Sunday’s wine critic Olly Smith says cremant is a great alternative to cava, prosecco and champagne as a Christmas tipple – with the French sparkling wine offering ‘prestige for pennies’.

Here he gives his expert verdict on five of the best cremants on offer – to help you stock up with the best variety of a bubbly rapidly becoming a new British favourite.

Aldi, Cremant d’Alsace 2017, £8.29

A zingy, clean blend of characterful local grapes delivering pristine purity and ravishing refreshment. Hats off to Aldi for delivering terrific value with this vintage vino. A fantastic festive aperitif for this year’s Christmas party.

Waitrose, Cave de Lugny Cremant de Bourgogne, £13.99

Top quality, with seductive aromas of fresh croissants alongside ripe fruit and brilliantly balanced complexity. Worth the extra money and rich enough to work with a spread of starters. Cracking.

M&S, Les Caves des Hautes Cotes Cremant de Bourgogne, £10

A lighter style of cremant with a floral fragrance and intense zesty flourishes.

With its unique elegance, this is a proof that Burgundian bubbly really can be bliss.

Berry Bros & Rudd, Cremant de Limoux, £13.95

Absolutely scrumptious and irresistible quality to rival serious bigname bubbly. Canny buying from Berry Bros and bravo to the producers for creating this winner. Pop with pride.

Sainsbury’s, Cremant de Loire, £11.50

Toastiness gives this golden delicious fizz wonderful depth as well as appetising spritz. Serve it well chilled either with nibbles, to go with its savoury sumptuousness, or paired with smoked salmon.