With Christmas and New Year’s Eve just a few weeks away, now is the time to restock your wine rack! This is the season to be more adventurous and splash the cash on some seriously good vino. In this short guide, we recommend 8 Christmas drinks to include in your shopping list. Enjoy your Christmas wines and thank us later!
With Christmas and New Year’s Eve just a few weeks away, now it’s time to restock your wine rack!
Table of Contents
Rathfinny Blanc de Noirs, 2016 (England) – A Delicious Christmas Wine
Based in East Sussex, Rathfinny is a relatively new producer of premium English sparkling wines, having released its first cuvées in 2018. The 2016 Blanc de Noirs is a blend of predominantly Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and the wine has been aged for 36 months in the bottle. A fabulous alternative to champagne, with a lower carbon footprint to boot, this is a great Christmas wine.
£35.95 from The Whisky Exchange www.thewhiskyexchange.com
Based in East Sussex, Rathfinny is a relatively new producer of premium English sparkling wines, having released its first cuvées in 2018.
Martín Códax, `Organistrum` Rías Baixas Albariño, 2018 (Spain)
Fans of entry-level Albariño might want to upgrade to ‘Organistrum’ this Christmas: a signature wine from the renowned Galician producer Martín Códax. Before bottling, the wine was aged in oak barrels, giving it a smoky, vanilla note on the nose, while the body is rich and full, with ripe white stone fruits and a powerful, long finish. A versatile white to be paired with finger food such as mini sausage rolls, cheese croquettes and sweet potato wedges.
£21.20 from Hedonism www.hedonism.co.uk
Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Moussière, 2018 (France) – A Gorgeous Christmas Wine
This biodynamic Sancerre from top producer Alphonse Mellot is pure class. Made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the wine is rich and aromatic, with notes of white flowers, stone fruits and citrus. This is a main course kind of wine and will taste even more delicious with a mushroom risotto or baked cod with creamy sauce. This makes it an ideal Christmas wine to accompany lighter Christmas meals.
£24.95 from Slurp www.slurp.co.uk
This biodynamic Sancerre from top producer Alphonse Mellot is pure class. Made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the wine is rich and aromatic, with notes of white flowers, stone fruits and citrus.
Plan B Riesling Off Dry, 2021 (Australia)
A perfect Christmas wine, this fresh Riesling from Down Under contains a small amount of residual sugar which is a perfect match for slightly spicy dishes and hard cheeses such as aged Gouda, Comté, Parmigiano Reggiano and Manchego. Also consider it as a pairing wine for some desserts, like vanilla panna cotta or almond cake.
£19.50 from Hedonism www.hedonism.co.uk
Don Guerino Sinais Rosé, 2021 (Brazil)
Rosé wines are no longer confined to summertime drinking and are now enjoyed all year round. We’ve added this recent release into our Christmas wine round up – from Brazilian winery Don Guerino is produced from Malbec grapes, so you can expect a medium-bodied rosé, with pronounced notes of red fruits such as strawberries and cherries. It will go down a treat with charcuterie or crab on toast.
£12 from Go Brazil www.gobrazilwines.com
Rosé wines are no longer confined to summertime drinking and are now enjoyed all year round.
Cabernet Franc Bodega Garzón Reserve, 2019 (Uruguay)
When it comes to Christmas drinks, this is a South American wine that is bound to impress friends and family at your Christmas dinner or NYE party. Cabernet Franc is a French grape variety that thrives in this part of Uruguay, rendering red wines that are beautifully fragrant, with great acidity and moderate tannins. A great option to accompany a roast turkey or a veggie quiche.
£15.99 from Taste Argentina www.tasteargentina.co.uk
Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano, 2020 (Italy)
In the past few years, Lambrusco has shaken off its [undeserved] reputation of being a bit sweet and naff and repositioned itself as a serious sparkling wine, regarded by both critics and consumers. Perfect as a Christmas drinks, this dry Lambrusco from Emilia-Romagna is a point in case. It has a striking purple colour and enticing aromas of forest fruits. The wine has a surprising acidity that you wouldn’t expect from its dense appearance. Try it with typical Italian dishes such as arancini or a spinach lasagne.
£13.90 from Hedonism www.hedonism.co.uk
In the past few years, Lambrusco has shaken off its [undeserved] reputation of being a bit sweet and naff and repositioned itself as a serious sparkling wine, regarded by both critics and consumers.
Sandeman Jerez, `Royal Ambrosante` Pedro Ximénez (Spain) – A Fantastic Christmas Wine
If Christmas pudding is not your thing, but you still want to finish off your meal with something indulgent, then this 20-year-old sherry from Sandeman is just the ticket. A rich, complex and nutty style of fortified wine, packed with notes of caramel, cinnamon, coffee, raisins and dried dates. You can serve it either chilled or at room temperature. But be warned: it’s highly addictive.
£15.99 from Simply Wines Direct www.simplywinesdirect.uk
If Christmas pudding is not your thing, but you still want to finish off your meal with something indulgent, then this 20-year-old sherry from Sandeman is just the ticket.
Our Expert: Fabio Adler
Wine Expert & Writer
