Drinkable Champagne for DS's18th

[MonkeyTennis34]

Looking for an easy drinking, not too dry champagne, but Prosecco or cava.

Not sure if I've ever bought a bottle of "real" champagne so not sure which one might suit.

My MIL swears by the Waitrose Cremante which is about £16 a bottle. I've helped her dispose of quite a lot of it over the years, and I have to say it's much nicer than Prosecco and actual champagne. And a lot cheaper if you're buying bubbles for all.

If it's only champagne you're after, the Sainsbury's blanc de noirs champagne has won awards. If you need it to be a brand name, I've always liked Tattinger, which is about the same price as Moet but a bit drier.

God, I never considered myself a champagne twat. Think I might be!

Cordornui Brut Cava is lovely £10 in Tesco or sometimes on offer otherwise Lidl do a really nice cheapish champagne but I can't remember the name I'm afraid.

The Lidl champagne goes down very easily and often wins in taste tests.

Aldi champagne is lovely. As is the cava

Aldi or Lidl is fine

Agree with previous posters Aldi and Lidl champers or cremant if they have in stock. Cava also nice. Lidl does Prosecco in a pink glass bottle which is rather good too.

Came here to also say the Aldi champagne is lovely.

Add crème de cassis to make a gorgeous kit royale

You need to do a little research into the ratio of grapes in the champagne. Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay (a dry grape usually the largest percentage in the bottle), Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. If it says Blanc de Blanc on the lable it's pure Chardonnay and an 18 year old will not like it! Laurent Perrier switch the ratios so that the Pinot Noir is the prominent grape so its much less dry. They also do a demi-sec which is a bit sweeter (not silly sweet though) and delicious. Tattinger also produce a really good demi-sec.

Laurent Perrier Rosé is a favourite for occasions in our house. DH isn't a champagne fan generally but can drink that one.

Google good housekeeping Xmas taste tests - they've just ranked all champagne, prosecco etc

I love Bollinger.

Tattinger or Mumm?

Do you have a Majestic nearby? You could explain your situation and ask them for advice, they might give you some some tasters?

Are you worried about the 18 year olds at the party (they won't care) or older people?

I love Laurent Perrier but it's insanely expensive.

Waitrose own brand champagne is very good. Or Sainsbury Cremant de Loire even cheaper.

I love tattinger. They do a rose which is bloody gorgeous

Laurent Perrier is gorgeous but around £60 a bottle I think - although Costco do it for less. We also like Costco’s own brand (Kirkland) champagne or Tesco’s Finest vintage is also nice. I agree though that 18 year old’s may prefer a demi sec

I second this suggestion, it’s one of our favourites.

It depends on how many bottles you're buying and for how many people

Perrier Jouet.

Given you've never bought it, do you like champagne? It has a different flavour profile to Prosecco and Cava, not comparable at all. English sparkling is probably the closest, but they're not the same drink (obviously).

I like champagne but tbh there are numerous occasions where I'd choose a different sparkling wine.

Eg Champagne is better in La Piscine cocktail, Prosecco is better in an Aperol Spritz. I prefer Prosecco in summer and Champagne in winter.

DH and I always choose English Sparkling for "special occasions".

I don't drink enough cava. There are some good ones about but I've had too many bad ones.

Well, Chapel Hill is amazing but for an 18th who possibly hasn't had much if any champagne or sparkling wine, Sainsbury own taste the difference Prosecco is delicious. Even cheaper is this Edizione 789 Prosecco

Do you mean Chapel Down? I don't like that at all but I do like Nyetimber. Also too expensive and wasted on 18 year olds!

Worried?

Do you have to add a cat too?
Sorry, not having a pop at the typo, it just conjoured an image!

For cheaper, Lidl Prosecco is good at £5.50 a bottle, very drinkable! Add a raspberry at the bottom of each glass or a little creme de cassis if you want to perk it up