FAB FIZZ for just £ 10

Spring’s on the way, our economy’s on the mend — and what better way to celebrate than with a bottle of bubbly? sales of the classic French fizz reflect the buoyant mood of the nation, and right now sales of Champagne are soaring.

Britain is the world’s biggest export market for Champagne, and latest figures from Champagne Bureau UK, which represents the Champagne industry over here, show that shipments to the UK rose by 6.1 per cent to 32.6 million bottles last year.

‘We often think of Champagne sales as the barometer of our national economy, and the past year was no exception,’ says Champagne Bureau UK director Francoise peretti.

‘Consumers’ confidence is back as the economy recovers, and the market for Champagne is formidable at the moment.’

And you don’t need to spend a lot — there are some brilliant deals. Here’s our guide to the best French fizz . . .

BEST FOR THE IN-LAWS

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut, currently

reduced from £11.99 to £9.99, Aldi. With its fine bubbles and notes of stone fruits, this is an elegant drink that punches well above its weight — it’s an absolute steal for £9.99. Your in-laws will be impressed by your economy and style.

BEST FOR COCKTAILS

Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne NV, £20, Sainsbury’s. This was a bit tart for my taste, but with a sugar cube fizzing away in the bottom it would make a delicious Champagne cocktail.

BEST FOR A GIRLS’ NIGHT IN

Alexandre Bonnet Brut Rose NV Champagne, £26.99, Ocado. You can’t beat pink fizz for giving an occasion a party feel, and this lovely one from ocado has notes of raspberry and biscuit — it’s hard not to glug it, honestly.

BEST FOR A NAUGHTY TREAT FOR TWO

Waitrose Brut NV, £19.99, Waitrose. Made from 90 per cent pinot noir and 10 per cent Chardonnay, this is a really lovely middle- of-the-road Champagne — not too tart, not too fizzy — that everyone will enjoy. if you and your other half want to celebrate, buy this.

BEST FOR A PARTY

Louvel Fontain Brut, down from £24.50 to £10 for 75cl, Asda. This award-winning fizz has vanilla notes and is a real crowd-pleaser. At the current offer price, it’s worth buying in bulk if you’re throwing a party.

BEST FOR A REFRESHING APERITIF

Wm Morrison’s Champagne Brut, £18.99, Morrisons. This has won a silver Medal at the international Wine & spirit Competition and it’s easy to see why. With a bright citrus taste and toasty bouquet, it slips down very easily indeed.

BEST FOR IMPRESSING YOUR HOST

Les Pionniers Vintage 2006, £24.99, The Co-op. Named after the ‘ rochdale pioneers’ who set up what became the Co-op, this champagne has a lovely appley flavour with long-lasting bubbles.

BEST FOR A ‘BLOW THE BUDGET’ CELEBRATION

Herbert Beaufort Bouzy Grand Cru Champagne NV, £33, M&S. produced in the pleasingly named village of Bouzy with mostly pinot noir grapes, this international Wine Challenge award-winning Champagne has a strong and powerful flavour and lots of little bubbles, making it perfect for a really special occasion.

BEST WITH FISH AND CHIPS

Tesco finest* Premier Cru NV Champagne, down from £19.99 to £15.99 until April 21. Made from a blend of Chardonnay and pinot noir, this has fresh, crisp fruit flavours. Works well with smoked salmon or fish and chips.