Sparkling ideas for spring
Spring isn’t just for blossoms – it’s also for bubbles! From Crémant, Champagne and Cava to two top local sparkling wines, Drinks Editor James Viner selects seven standout bottles for longer, warmer days…
Spring has arrived which means it’s time for some uplifting, finely tuned fizz! Cool climates like ours, where grapes (high in acidity and not usually boldly flavoured) often struggle to ripen, are perfect for premium sparkling wines. The choice is vast, and the quality has never been higher.
There are no tank-method sparklers (arrivederci Prosecco!) — instead, each wine is produced by the meticulous traditional method, with the second fermentation taking place in the bottle. To celebrate International Sauvignon Blanc Day on May 1, I’ve also included a zesty Chilean crowd-pleaser.
Here’s where to invest your vernal taste buds…
1. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Cava Brut NV, Spain (£9, Sainsbury’s, 11.5%)
Drier than most, this método tradicional Cava blends Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo. Bright lime, pear and crisp apple deliver a zippy, quietly characterful Catalan sparkler. Just £6.75 on the next buy-6-save 25% offer. Excellent with tapas, Cantonese and Indian dishes.
2. Morrisons The Best Crémant de Limoux Rosé NV, Sieur d’Arques, Languedoc, France (£10.50, down from £12.75 with a More Card to May 4, Morrisons, 12.5%)
If you’re buying bubbly for a crowd, this vibrant pink party fizz from the cool foothills of the Pyrenees is the rosé to pour. Made mainly from Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, it’s a traditional-method wine brimming with tangy raspberry, red cherry and crunchy apple — a smart, wallet-friendly alternative to Champagne.
3. The Society’s Celebration Crémant de Loire 2023, France (£13.75, The Wine Society, 12%)
On-song Gratien & Meyer, long a source of stylish Society-label sparkling wine, makes sophisticated, affordable fizz in the Loire. This lively aperitif is reminiscent of meadow grass, pears, green apples and lime. Pair with fish canapés and seafood. Hard to fault.
4. Waitrose Blanc de Noirs Brut NV Champagne, Maison Alexandre Bonnet, France (£25 offer until 28 April, down from £28, Waitrose, 12%)
Champagne is the archetypal sparkling wine, and this one has real punch and verve. Think plum, red apple, pink grapefruit, pastry and nuts, with a spray of saline acidity. Ideal with lamb, game and soft, mild cheeses. Right at the top of the supermarket own-label tree. 100% Pinot Noir. Impeccably balanced.
5. Balfour Blanc de Blancs Brut NV, Kent (£26, Tesco, 12%)
New season, new arrivals at Tesco. Savour this poised, bone-dry, delicious aperitif from Balfour Winery in Staplehurst. A blend of 94% Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, it shows fine, lacy acidity, pristine fruit purity, and a medley of orchard fruit, buttered toast, and citrus. One for sushi or fish and chips.
6. Les Pionniers Vintage Champagne 2013, Piper-Heidsieck, France (£33.50, Co-op, 12%)
Creamy, savoury and complex, this is the best own-label supermarket vintage Champagne I’ve tried recently, with confident notes of brioche, stone fruit, lemon posset, baked apple, nuts and flowers. The finish lingers and makes you reach for another glass. Serve at 11-12°C (not ice cold). A stellar bargain from top-tier Piper-Heidsieck. Bonjour Comté! 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay.
7. Mereworth White from Black 2021, Kent (£40-45, mereworth.co.uk, Corkk, 12%)
Compelling Pinot-led bubbly from one of Kent’s top boutique estates, with vineyards on the Greensand Ridge overlooking Wateringbury. Marrying stone fruit, summer berries and roasted almond flavours with dancing acidity, this is achingly pure and elegant. The finish races away, leaving you reaching for more. A whizz with lamb, duck à l’orange and roasted pheasant. Tours and tastings £30, with Sunday jazz, pizza and sparkling afternoon teas adding to the appeal.
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