£9 supermarket fizz named best in the world - and it’s more popular than prosecco
A trio of sparkling wines from a discount supermarket have all scooped top awards, but one is the drink of the summer, says Rosalind Erskine.
Two of Lidl’s own label sparkling wines and a Champagne have recently won big global awards.
Lidl is having its own 'break the internet' moment after securing a hat-trick of global victories at the prestigious 2026 World Drinks Awards, meaning shoppers can pour a glass of the world's best fizz for as little as £7.99.
The awards saw Lidl become home to the World's Best Champagne, World's Best Crémant and World's Best Prosecco.
Judged through rigorous blind taste tests, where the wine bottles are stripped of their labels and judged solely on what’s inside the glass, Lidl's own-label sparkling wines outshone established luxury Champagne houses, globally recognised drinks brands and supermarket rivals alike.
Lidl's award-winning trio claimed the top accolade in three major categories with the World’s Best Champage named as Champagne Bissinger & Co. Premier Cru (£24.99), which was heavily praised by the expert judging panel. It was described as "elegant and delicate on the nose, with notes of peach and sherbet lemon" and a "touch of elderflower. The palate was described as "elegantly complex without being loud”.
The World's Best Crémant was named as the supermarket’s Marquis de Plagne Crémant de Loire AOC Brut (£8.99). It was lauded by the judges for its "fresh apricots on the nose" and a beautifully fresh, crisp palate balanced by "nice astringent lime notes”.
Meanwhile, the award for the World's Best Prosecco went to the supermarket’s Valdobbiadene Conegliano Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry DOCG (£7.99), which was celebrated for its "delicate and elegant" aroma, "sweet fruitiness, kiwi notes," and signature, premium "fluffy bubbles”.
It’s the Cremant win that’s on-trend as shoppers look to make savings on fizz - and not just at Lidl. Recent Tesco data shows a 73% year-on-year increase in sales across its Crémant range as more shoppers venture beyond familiar sparkling choices such as prosecco.
This rise in sales comes amid the cost of living crisis which has left many consumers seeking out small luxuries as part of a trend often called “affordable indulgence”.
Crémant fits this mood perfectly. Made using the same traditional method as Champagne but produced in regions like Alsace, the Loire, and Burgundy, it offers quality and discovery, usually at around £10 a bottle. It provides the craftsmanship of Champagne at a price that feels accessible for everyday celebrations.
Across the UK, Crémant is gaining ground, with French exports to the UK more than doubling in recent years, rising from 1.2% in 2019 to 3.1% in 2025. It’s also an ideal summer drink - crisp and refreshing it can be enjoyed by itself or in cocktails that require a dash of bubbles such as a French 75, Kir Royale or negroni sbagliato.
With more styles appearing on shelves and consumer confidence growing, Crémant is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most exciting sparkling wine categories, not only for its value but also for its variety.
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