Wine Expert's £12.99 Champagne Alternative: Crémant de Loire
Wine Expert's £12.99 Champagne Alternative: Crémant

Drinks expert Becky Paskin has revealed a supermarket Champagne alternative for just £12.99, perfect for late summer celebrations. The bottle in question is Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Crémant de Loire NV, which she rates five stars for its excellent value and balanced flavours.

Why Crémant is a Smart Choice

Crémant is made using the same 'méthode traditionelle' as Champagne but outside the Champagne region and with different grape varieties. It is widely considered to be just as good as Champagne, offering a slightly fruitier, lighter style while rivalling the fine bubbles and dry, complex flavour profile of Champagne.

Produced in wine regions across France and in Luxembourg, Crémant bottles tend to be more affordable than Champagne, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious wine lovers.

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The Recommended Bottle

Becky Paskin highlights the Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Crémant de Loire NV, which is from the Loire region and made from a blend of 85 per cent Chenin and 15 per cent Chardonnay. The wine is aged on lees for twice the appellation minimum, adding complexity and elegance.

She describes the flavour profile as featuring Crémant de Loire's signature lemon and quince flavours, mingling with rounded biscuity notes and a beautiful creaminess, calling it 'a bottle worthy of a summer celebration.'

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Product Details

  • Style: Crémant de Loire
  • Produced in: Loire, France
  • ABV: 12%
  • Size: 75cl