How to choose the best English Sparkling Wine

Your guide to finding the perfect fizz for your money

You want to buy a bottle of English fizz, but don’t know how to choose the best English Sparkling Wine for your budget?

We’ve selected some of the best wines from big name wineries to boutique producers to give you punch for your pound.

But first, there are two main types of English fizz. If you know the difference it’ll help you pick the best English Sparkling Wine for your budget.

Types of English Sparkling Wine

English Sparkling Wine is made in the traditional/classic method which is the same way as Champagne is made. There are three main styles to choose from. Classic Cuvées made from a blend of grapes. Blanc de Blancs made from Chardonnay. And Blanc de Noirs made from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. These wines are expensive to make, and so it’s a struggle to find any under £20, even at Aldi!

And then there’s Sparkling Wine of England. This is usually made in the (cheaper) charmat style which is the same way as most Prosecco is made. These wines are fruity, super quaffable and cheaper to buy.

English Fizz under £20.00

Finding traditional method English Sparkling Wine in this price bracket is difficult. This is because it’s expensive to make.  As a result English fizz for under £20 is most likely be made in the Prosecco style.

Supermarket

Our supermarket pick is Prince Charmat. Made in the charmat style, we love its play on words,  but more importantly, it’s ridiculously drinkable. This spring it was on offer at Tesco for £11, which makes it one of the cheapest on the market. Bramble Hill at M&S is around £15 and easily available – you can even pick it up from the train station on the commute home.

Recommendations: Prince Charmat, Bramble Hill.

Independent

The range is small but growing. Boutique producers are starting to experiment with new techniques using  German grapes to make English fizz under £20. Albourne Estate in Sussex has made the UK’s first frizzante: it’s floral, zesty and wonderfully gluggable.

Recommendations: Albourne Bacchus Frizzante

English Sparkling Wine under £30.00

If  you have £30, choosing the best English Sparkling Wine for your budget gives you a decent selection of larger household names and a sprinkling of boutique wine producers too.

Supermarket

Most supermarkets stock a Champagne-style Classic Cuvée from a big name producer such as Chapel Down or Balfour.  Our personal favourite is Ridgeview Bloomsbury, NV.  It’s a wonderfully balanced wine that is great on its own or with seafood.  It’s available at supermarkets like Waitrose and terrific value at £22 when on offer.  Nyetimber Classic Cuvée gets amazing reviews from top wine critics and is one of the most globally recognised English Sparkling Wine brands.  It’s an absolute steal when on offer. Bring this to the party and many will know you’ve bought an expensive bottle to the table.

Recommendations: Ridgeview, Nyetimber Classic Cuvée

Independent

Hunting around independent retailers and at the cellar door will give you some stunning examples of English fizz. We love Langham Culver Classic Cuvée, it’s a rich and robust wine similar in style to Bollinger and a lot cheaper.  If you prefer the prosecco style of winemaking try Flint Charmat Rosé, which is available online.

Recommendations: Lagham Classic Cuvee, Flint Charmat Rosé.

English Sparkling Wine under £40.00

With up to £40 to spend you will be blown away by choice of English Sparkling Wine for your budget and it’s really worth exploring the smaller wineries.

Supermarket

If we are spending £40 in a supermarket it’s on Gusbourne Limited Edition for Waitrose. Made with grapes from the golden vintage of 2018, it’s a super elegant wine with honey and citrus notes.

Recommendations: Gusbourne Limited Edition 2018

Independent

If you prefer Blanc de Blancs in the style of Tattinger this is a great price bracket for you with plenty of award winning wines available. We recommend Tinwood 2019, which is geuinely refreshing and the perfect welcome drink.  There’s a good choice of rosé too and we have a particular soft spot for Harrow and Hope, especially on a summer’s day.

Recommendations: Tinwood, Blanc de Blancs 2019, Harrow and Hope Rosé

English Sparkling Wine under £50.00

If you have up to £50 to spend you can buy some of the best bubbles in town. This is because wines that have won top international awards made by the best producers in the country from single estates and specific vintages are all at your disposal.   There’s just so much choice of the best English Sparkling Wine for your budget that we’ve let the judges do the talking.

2022 Wine GB Trophy winning sparkling wines to help you choose the best English Sparkling Wine for your budget

Ashling Park Rosé NV

Artileum Blanc de Blancs 2015

Digby Fine English Vintage Reserve Brut 2013

Exton Park Cuvée M Isaac Blanc de Blancs 2011

The Grange Classic NV

Harrow and Hope Brut Reserve no 6 NV

Wiston Blanc de Noirs 2014

Here are the rest of the Wine GB medal winners to help you choose the best English Sparkling Wine for your budget.

Still not sure

Become a member of The Marasby Club and receive a wine and magazine subscription.  Taste, learn, enjoy and help support the trail blazing producers who are putting English wine on the map.

Final thought

English Sparkling Wine is world class, delicious and sustainable. Next time you buy a bottle of bubbles, choose English Fizz. You won’t be disappointed.