We’ve got fairly used to the idea that Lidl is a good source of well-priced wines for everyday enjoyment. Their Wine Tours especially offer up some good value, and often interesting , bottles in the £7-10 bracket.
But when it comes to a bottle of Champagne, that signifier of celebration, would your thoughts immediately turn to the German discounter?
I recently tasted their Premier Cru Comte de Senneval Champagne (retailing at £19.99). You might have come across the regular bottling, Comte de Senneval, which I remember as the cheapest Champagne available in the UK, at £10. Now it has crept up to £13.99 and offers straightforward sparkling wine pleasure – though at that price I would be much more inclined to buy a Crémant or a good quality Cava
Is the Premier Cru a step up and worth the £6 premium? I would say a resounding yes to both.
On the nose there is lots of fruit, especially red apple, which along with the rich colour, leads me to believe there is a majority of black grapes in the blend – as usual, Lidl seem to treat the origin and make-up of its wines as highly classified information, so you just have to go with what you find in the bottle. Along with some brioche and a hint of flowers, it makes for an attractive nose.
It is rich and generous on the palate with plenty of ripe orchard fruit and a touch of tobacco leaf and dried herbs in the background. The emphasis on the broad finish is on that lovely juicy fruit, making this is the kind of sparkling wine that will appeal broadly and, usefully, won’t put off people who don’t habitually drink Champagne. I know that I would much rather have a glass of this as an aperitif than AN Other mega brand Champagne for quite a few pounds more.
Fizzicality 