Supermarket Champagnes: UFC-Que Choisir pinpoints the worst to avoid for Christmas 2025
The festive season is approaching, and the budget is running fast. On the shelves, champagnes attract attention with their labels and special offers. However, some bottles are likely to disappoint on New Year’s Eve.
What UFC-Que Choisir has to say about supermarket bubbles
UFC-Que Choisir has scrutinized several supermarket champagnes. As a result, the consumer association points out some references with a fragile
Among the champagnes surveyed, Champagne Mercier Brut is cited as one to avoid. However, the retail price of around €24.90 may seem tempting, but it’s worth comparing.
To sort them out, keep two simple benchmarks in mind. In most champagnes, the
“Better a good bubble than a great, disappointing label.”
How to spot good value for money
Check the lot number and, when it appears, the disgorging date. In this way, you can avoid a bottle that has been left in the light for too long. Also, compare the price with the volume on offer and with special offers on other champagnes.
Veuve Émille – Champagne Brut is one of the references singled out by the association. With a price tag of €22.90, it’s best to look for a more regular alternative.
- Look at the vintage or lack of vintage.
- Choose a store that stocks fresh produce.
- Compare the dosage: Brut, Extra Brut, Brut nature.
- Avoid bottles on display at the head of a light gondola.
- Cross-check with a guide or wine merchant.
Brands in the spotlight
The survey highlights a number of style and consistency discrepancies. For example, some batches lack freshness, especially after long storage. Moreover, these remarks do not condemn all the champagnes of a house, but they do guide a quick purchase.
Champagne Monopole Heidsick Brut grande cuvée appears in the list of unconvincing profiles. The price tag of around €31.50 is an invitation to weigh the budget against more reliable bubbles.
Can’t decide between crémant and champagne as an aperitif? Compare the acidity, sugar and texture of vintages you’ve already tasted. In short, some entry-level champagnes are less disappointing than bubbles without benchmarks.
Behind the label: manufacturing and style
Alfred Rothschild – Champagne Brut is one of the bottles to avoid. Yet consistency remains a priority, even at a price of around €25.57.
The “Brut” style varies according to the blend and the wine reserve. Longer aging brings finesse and brioche aromas. As a result, some champagnes gain in balance after a few months in the cellar.
Checklist before buying for the holidays
Delagne & Fils – Champagne Brut Tradition appears in the selection of cuvées to be bypassed. So, if you’re looking for straightforward champagnes for a meal, choose a regular house.
Serve at 8-10°C, never iced. That way, the mousse stays fine and the fruit comes out better. What’s more, you avoid the harshness that some champagnes show when too cold.
Plan to buy early, and keep the bottle laid down. On the other hand, avoid direct light, which fatigues the aromas. As a result, you’ll enjoy your champagnes more fully, and more serene moments at the table.
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