Champagne is not something I drink regularly. It always seems too out of reach (expensive) for mere mortals like myself. The drink has long been a symbol of the rich and famous, of wealth and pomp, of a high-calibre palate. 

The price tag has always been a turn-off, especially if you simply want to enjoy a drink without having to dish out a small fortune. To my surprise, the drink that won the title of ‘World’s Best Champagne’ at the World Champagne Awards 2025 will set you back less than £15. And where will you find it? At Aldi, believe it or not.

Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut (£14.95) previously scooped top industry honours, including at The Drinks Business Global Champagne Masters 2025. So they must be onto something, right?

I’ve heard varying opinions from others about why they do or don’t like champagne, with some preferring to drink prosecco or cava. Of course, not everyone is going to agree. I’ve enjoyed my fair share of bubbly over the years. 

Veuve Monsigny is described as having aromas of apples and unspecified red fruits with just a light touch of something floral. I never did get to the bottom of what those are. There are also finishing notes of citrus fruits, strawberries, and more apples. 

Upon first sight, the champagne radiated a warm-toned but light shade of gold. It’s fair in complexion, while its flavour follows the same tune.

Bubbles can be divisive; some people get on well with them, others hate them. However, Veuve Monsigny had a wonderful balance, where you could feel the bubbles dancing around on the tongue without sending the senses into overdrive. 

I could taste the hint of apples lurking around, but it wasn’t overpowering or too tart. If anything, Aldi’s champagne is the epitome of mellow. Inoffensive, really.

There’s the slightest hint of sweetness that lingers on in the mouth, but not so sweet that it hurts your teeth or stings the inside of your cheek. It’s one of those drinks which could easily please the masses without offending anyone greatly.

I also believe that part of the dining and drinking experience is impacted—either positively or negatively—by how it’s presented, whether that be with packaging or dolled up on a plate. Veuve Monsigny clearly took design inspiration from the other Veuve, Clicquot, that is. However, the colours were more regal, matching Champagne green with gold, black, and white rather than an unmissable orange. 

Much like the champagne’s flavour, the bottle was inoffensive in some way. Unlike Veuve Clicquot, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, or Dom Pérignon, Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny could blend into a sea of champagne bottles and get lost. That’s not to say the packaging is unappealing at all; it just doesn’t demand a second glance like some of its most colourful competition.

Aldi’s champagne was a welcome treat to see at the end of a long, swelteringly hot week, cutting through the thick summer air. It seems to present itself as a reliable bubbly that you can always count on. Would I drink it again? Of course, what’s not to like? 

Aldi Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut is avaliblae to buy for £14.95.