I completely agree, *unless* you're spending around £100 a bottle on the good vintage stuff. Perrier-Jouët La Belle Epoque, especially the pink version, is our favourite. Or for something a little more affordable, Pol Roger Reserve:
https://www.waitrosecellar.com/fine-...rut-reserve-nv Both are great of examples of 'proper Champagne', worth the money.
*BUT*... In terms of English sparkling wine, see my post here about Morville St Gregory:
https://theartofsound.net/forum/show...83#post1145183
We tasted their pink sparking, and it was superb, and for £18 a bottle, bonkers good value! They're still working on their website, but email them or give them a call, and they'll ship out what you want. Honestly, Dan, it's top-notch!
Marco.