An English fizz from Denbies has topped the annual Which? taste test, beating Proseccos, Cavas and crémants to be named the best Champagne alternative.
Denbies Chalk Valley Brut, which is on sale at Morrisons for £16, was named one of the best value sparkling wines on the market in the Which? survey.
Made from grapes grown in Dorking in Surrey, Denbies Chalk Valley Brut was praised by the judging panel for its “tropical fruit flavour” and aromas of baked apple and elderflower.
The wine scooped the top score in the tasting, netting 77 points out of 100, beating sparkling rivals like Prosecco, Cava and crémant.
Before conducting the taste test, Which? asked supermarkets to nominate an own-label or exclusive label Champagne alternative priced between £7.50-£20.
“For those looking for a change from Prosecco this Christmas, our Best Buy English fizz is an excellent option. The quality and choice on offer this year is good news for lovers of sparkling wine,” said Harry Rose, editor of Which?
“2018 is proving to be a corking year for English wine. The increased number of vineyards, heatwave and warm autumn have resulted in a bumper harvest for our wine producers, who are delighted with the quality of the grapes.
“English wine has earned a world-class reputation for excellence,” added Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.
Coming second in the taste test was Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Crémant (£11), which was described as “refreshing” with “attractive herbal and pear notes”. Also scoring well was Tesco Finest Franciacorta DOCG Brut (£15), which was praised for its “fine mousse”.
