The Xmas build up begins with discounted Champagne under £10

Christmas discounting on champagne has started early this year with discounts in the major UK supermarkets of up to 25% on wine and champagne for minimum purchases of either 6 or 12 bottles. Tesco's wine category manager says they have a strong plan in place for Christmas 2013 and are looking ot compete harder. Speaking at the autumn press tasting she said Tesco performed in-line with the Champagne category last year but lost a bit of share. They are currently offering a 15% reduction for consumers buying 12 bottles or more online, making its De Vallois Brut Champagne brand equivalent to £11.04 per bottle. Meanwhile Sainsbury’s is offering 25% off which will bring its Antoine de Clevecy Champagne to below £10 a bottle at £9.75.

Waitrose is expected to start a 25% discount on its whole wine aisle this weekend and rival Marks & Spencer is also running a 25%-off deal on Champagne for the three weeks to 17 November.

Among the brands, Heidsieck Monopole has been selling at £15 a bottle at Asda, while Piper-Heidsieck was at £15.74 in Morrisons.