Eat, drink, and be merry. We select wines to pair with classic Christmas fare
One of the joys of Christmas Day is the fanfare of food and wine, but as most hosts will agree, choosing a ‘perfect’ wine to serve can be less joyful. With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide to Christmas wines well worth raising any festive glass to.
WHITES
The Exquisite Collection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013, New Zealand (£7.99, Aldi)
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a touch of class on Christmas Day with this fresh, fruity sauvignon blanc which has enough depth of flavour to make it a cut above many which cost more.
Champ Divin Chardonnay 2013, Jura, France (£15.60, www.tanners-wines.co.uk)
A little gem from the Jura that’s fruity, fresh and food-friendly, this is a new-world, expressive, style of chardonnay.
Domaine Chaume Arnaud, La Cadene Blanc 2011, Cotes du Rhone Villages, France (£16.75, www.bbr.com)
The price of greatness can sometimes be less than you think, especially with little nuggets like this blend of viognier, marsanne and roussanne.
Oldenburg Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2012, South Africa (£16.99, www.sawinesonline.co.uk)
A bright white from a boutique winery that bridges the gap between a chardonnay and a sauvignon blanc, it’s full-bodied and punchy.
Laroche La Collegiale Chablis 2012, France (£15.99, or £11.99 when you buy two, Majestic)
A Burgundy blonde from a highly-respected producer, this elegant chablis offers pronounced mineral pleasure from the limestone soil surrounding the banks of the River Serein.
REDS
Chateau La Tour De Bessan Margaux 2010, France (£24, Oddbins)
A top-notch claret from a great vintage, this is pure, refined and smooth.
Ogier Clos De L’Oratoire Des Papes 2012, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, France (£18.25 from £20.25, from now until January 1, Sainsbury’s)
A superstar red from legendary producers Ogier, this young vintage is drinking beautifully with a nose of black cherry, spice and herbs.
La Rioja Alta, Vina Arana Reserva 2005, Spain (£21.95, www.bbr.com)
A tempranillo temptress from a leading bodegas renowned for its quality, the wine opens with a heady air of sweet ripe cherries, cedar and tobacco.
Renato Ratti, Battaglione, Barbera D’Asti 2012, Italy (£16.96, www.vintagemarque.com)
If you’re gunning for a seriously good red to serve with goose, then a smooth barbera from Piedmont is a good bet.
SWEETS AND FORTIFIEDS
The Society’s Exhibition Sauternes 2012, France (£9.95, 37.5cl, www.thewinesociety.com)
A blend of citrus and exotic fruits on the nose, this light, silky sauternes has good minerality and honeyed guava and passion fruit notes.
Sandeman Vau Vintage 2003, Portugal (£17 from £22, now until December 16, Tesco)
Pass the port please… Rich like treacle, sweet, and lush with plummy, stewed fruits on the nose.
Delamain Pale & Dry XO Premier Cru Grande Champagne Cognac, France (£19.99 from £25, 20cl, Waitrose)
One for the snifter and a must to flame the Christmas pud, this top notch eau-de-vie is made from a blend of Grande Champagne cognacs.