Some of the best Christmas wine advice out there is drink what you (and your guests) like. It’s crazy to suddenly feel that you have to push the boat out and buy wines that you ‘should’ drink over the festive period. Gone are the days when it’s all about claret and burgundy.
Hopefully, with the help of the WineTubeMap, you know which styles of wines you like, so we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite wines and organised them by line so you can then browse the styles you like.
We’ve highlighted 3 wines for every line (the shortlist) and put a few more details on and the rest – is a list sorted by lines (we need time to do the Christmas shopping too).
Deals are highlighted in [brackets] with the relevant dates.
Happy drinking!!
THE SHORTLIST of Christmas wine
AROMATIC LINE
Softer and more floral wines, often with a hint of sweetness. These are good with buffets and spices (this is the turkey curry line).
Exquisite Collection Eden Valley Riesling – Aldi – £6.99
Tongue tingling but not too dry, this is an easy-sipping, good value wine perfect for serving with a boxing day buffet or bits and pieces in the days after Christmas.
Larry Cherubino Apostrophe Stone’s Throw – Oddbins – £12.50
A blend of aromatic grapes that is more textured than the Aldi Riesling but shares its limey, zestiness. Great with aromatic thai salads and satay sauces.
Albert Mann Pinot Blanc – L’art du Vin – £17.45
Pricey but so very delicious, ironically one of the best qualities of Pinot Blanc is its ability to shine whilst letting something else take the lime light. This would be delicious with a crab or smoked salmon based starter but is infinitely versatile.
WHITE CENTRAL LINE
The White Central line travels all the way from crisp and dry to rich and creamy so covers a lot of Christmas wine bases…
Good Ordinary White – Berry Brother’s & Rudd – £8.85
This is such a versatile dry white, based on a white bordeaux blend (semillon / sauvignon blanc) which will work just as well at parties and gatherings as with fishy starters and light bites. A definite one to keep around.
Ascheri Gavi di Gavi – Great Western Wines – £13.50
Ascheri are pretty much a go-to for Italian wines, everything they make is delicious and this is a step up from lots of the gavis out there. It manages to be really tasty without being intrusive, like the Pinot Blanc so is good for delicate flavours but also when you want the food to shine.
Weingut Wageck Pfaffmann Chardonnay – Oddbins – £17.50
Normally I’d be recommending a classic French chardonnay as the one for the main event, but this German Chardonnay knocked my socks of recently. It’s one for when you’re impressing some wine-y know alls! They’ll never guess where it’s from. It’s deliciously rich but really refreshing and cleansing, which is what you need for the roasties.
RED CENTRAL LINE
Like the white central this is at the core of Christmas drinking from light, easy-going reds to ones that can single-handedly wrestle your Uncle Jim.
Taste the Difference Douro – Sainsbury’s – £8
Douro is coming up as a surprise favourite in all of our Christmas tastings, so many people love the combo of smooth and rich. This is a good starter, try this, and if you like it you can explore the world of Douro! Rich, dark and a bit silky.
Chateau Liversan Bordeaux – Waitrose – £9.74 (on promo from £13.49 until 3rd January)
A good, classic bordeaux that is neither to dry and tannic nor too soft and fruity. A perfect crowd pleaser for a big roast, especially beef rib.
Morgon Cotes du Py – Berry Brothers & Rudd – £36.50 150cl Magnum
This is one of those wines that has been out of the limelight for a long time but is on its way back in. Morgon is a region within beaujolais, known for its softer reds. Morgon isn’t exactly soft, it’s got plenty of oomph but won’t blow your socks off, which makes it great for turkey, and equally for the ham on boxing day. Magnums look very impressive and this won’t fail to impress even the snobbiest of snobs.
REDISCOVERY LINE
This line tends more towards classic wines that are less ‘fruity’ and more layered in the main, they also tend to have slightly drier tannins. Classically they are always drunk with food which rebalances that dryness.
Araldica Barbera d’Asti Superiore – Waitrose – £8.99
A great wine for people who like Italian reds like Amarone and Barolo as this shares the really dark cherry flavours and has a tang of acidity which makes it really good with rich, fatty food. It’s a pork pie wine if ever I tasted one (and who doesn’t need one of those).
Gual Dornfelder – Oddbins – £11.50
Meet dornfelder, a grape mostly found in Germany because it grows better in cool places. A spicy, berry-soaked, softer red. Quite unusual but in a good way. Again, one for the cold meats and pickles / turkey sandwiches.
Chavy Chouet Bourgon Rouge La Taupe Magnum – M&S – £25 [on promo from £30]
Like the Morgon this is part showing off, part just-what-the-doctor-ordered! It’s a silky, strawberry, slightly earthy, gentle red so will please even the non-red drinkers and it works out to be a great way of pouring for plenty. Serve cool (not chilled), again good for boxing day fare.
REVELATION LINE
A line of smooth reds for big flavours and textures and for some sofa sipping.
Puglia Rosso – M&S – £7
An easy-going, fruit punched, party wine that will get passed and sipped with ease.
Emiliana Natura Caremenere – Oddbins – £8.75
A really bright, easy red that will wash down curry spices surprisingly well, as well as whatever to hand when you’ve got rid of everyone and have switched to Netflix.
Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero – Sainsbury’s – £15
A showstopper which looks good and could match up to roast lamb, pulled pork or be given as a gift to a malbec or rioja lover.
FIZZ LINE
Needs no introduction!
Philippe Michel Cremant de Jura – Aldi – £7.49
yes, we mention this every now and then, but only because it is so good for the price. Rich and layered with a deep apple pie aroma (without the cinnamon). If you’re pouring on a budget this knocks the spots from anything else at the price.
Chapel Down Brut Vintage – Waitrose / Morrisons – £14.99 [Waitrose promo price, currently £16 in Morrisons down from £22]
English sparkling that won’t break the bank and does a lovely job. It has rivals (we also love Nyetimber, Hambledon, Hattingley, Wiston to name but a few) but this wines on value. As good as champagne.
Louis Roederer Brut Premier – Waitrose – £29.99 [down from 39.99]
There are many others, but this is my favourite branded champagne. I like the balance of rich and dry, Santa could put it in my stocking any time. If you want champagne and don’t want to spend as much, Waitrose Blanc de Blanc is down to £17.99 and very good too.
THE LONG LIST
well done for getting this far. Next year we’ll find a better way of sorting these, for now, here they are, in flavour order!
White Central
Alouette De Labadie blanc – Berry Brothers & Rudd – £10.80
Felsner Moosburgerin Gruner Veltliner – Waitrose – £11.99
Exquisite collection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – Aldi – £7.49
Berry Brothers & Rudd Sancerre – BBR – £14.95
Good Ordinary White – Berry Brothers &Rudd – £8.85
Cape Peninsula Sauvignon Blanc – M&S – £10
Terre di Chieti Pecorino – M&S – £10
Ascheri Gavi di Gavi – Great Western Wine – £13.50
Co op fiano – Co op – £6.99
Isoletta Grillo – Morrisons £8 [Promo 2 for £12 until 1st January]
Ciello Cattaratto – L’art du Vin – £8.30
Taste the Difference Greco di Tufo – Sainsbury’s – £9
Cutizzi Greco di Tufo – Morrison – £15
Atlantis Santorini – M&S – £11
Taste the Difference Fairtrade Chenin Blanc – Sainsbury’s – £7
VIlliera Traditional barrel fermented Chenin Blanc – M&S – £12
Les Bois Doré Saumur Chenin Blanc – M&S – £8
Mullineux Kloof Street Chenin Blanc – Berry Brothers and Rudd – £14.50
Bellingham The Bernard Series Roussanne – Sainsbury’s – £10
Weingut Wageck Pfaffmann Chardonnay Kalkmergel – Oddbins – £17.50
Domaine de la Pinte Arbois Chardonnay – M&S – £16
Domaine Costebelle Chardonnay Limoux WR £11.99
Aromatic
Taste the Difference Pinot Blanc – Sainsbury’s – £7
Salidini Pilastri Falerio – Oddbins – £8.75
Pinot Blanc ‘The Lot’ – Aldi – £9.99
Albert Mann Pinot Gris – L’art du vin – £17.45
Larry Cherubino Apostrophe Stones Throw – Oddbins – £12.50
Taste the Difference Godello – Sainsbury’s – £8
Waitrose Vina Taboexa Albarino – Waitrose – £7.99
Morrisons albarino £8 [promo to £6 until 1st January]
Lo Abarca Riesling – M&S – £10
Exquisite collection Eden Valley Riesling – Aldi – £6.99
Berry Brothers Mosel Riesling Kabinett – Berry Brothers & Rudd – £10.25
Leitz Magdalenenkreuz Riesling Kabinett – Waitrose – £13.99
Stepp Riesling *S*- M&S – £15
Yalumba Viognier – Waitrose – £9.99 [£7.49 on promo until 3rd January]
Torres Vina Esmerelda – Waitrose £8.50 [£6.74 on promo until 3rd January]
Paul Blacnk Gewurztraminer – Waitrose £14.99 [£11.99 on promo until 3rd January]
Red Central
Contrade-Bellusa Nerello Mascalese – Morrisons – £7.50 light and fresh
Morgon Cote de Puy – Berry Brother’s & Rudd – 150cl magnum £36.50
Henry Fessy Beaujolais – Oddbins / Waitrose – £11.99
The Saviour Swartland Cinsault – Morrisons – £7 [£5 on promotion until 1st January]
Couleur de Rouge – Oddbins – £6.75
Taste the Difference Saint Chinian Syrah Grenache – Sainsbury’s – £8
Les Hauts de Saint-Martin St Chinian – Co op – £6.99
Les voiles de Paulilles Collioure – M&S – £12.50
Chateau de Cesseras Cuvee Olric Minervois – Oddbins – £10.75
Mullineux Kloof St Rouge- Oddbins – £13
Recanti Carignan Petit Sirah – M&S – £10
Cotes du Rhone Villages – Aldi – £3.89 great for the price
WM Morrison Cotes du Rhone Villages – Morrisons – £6.50
Taste the Difference Cotes du Rhone Villages – Sainsbury’s – £7
Dolias de vespessian Cotes de Catalans – Morrisons – £7.50
La Verdier Cairanne – Morrisons – £10
Chateau de Flaugergues – M&S – £10
Larry Cherubino Apostrophe Possessive Red – Oddbins – £12.50
Iona One Man Blend – M&S – £16
Jim Barry ‘The Barry Bros’ – Oddbins – £16.50
Chapoutier Petite Ruche Crozes Hermitages – Waitrose – £15.99
The Lab Reserva – Waitrose – £8.50
Merino Movi Syrah – Oddbins – £12
Berry Brothers Australian Shiraz – Berry Brothers & Rudd – £11.50
Chateau la Croix Saint Pierre Cotes de Bordeaux – Waitrose – £8.29
Exquisite Collection Hawkes Bay Bordeaux blend – Aldi – £6.99
Santa Maria del Cami Binissalem Mallorca – M&S – £10.50
Donnafugata Angheli – Waitrose – £23.99
Good Ordinary Claret- Berry Brothers & Rudd – £9 for 75cl bottle, £19 for 150cl magnum
Chateau Liversan Bordeaux – Waitrose – £13.49 [£9.74 on promo until 3rd January]
Extra Ordinary Claret – Berry Brothers & Rudd – £14.50
Chateau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac 2008 – Sainsbury’s – £22
Chateau Musar 2009 – Waitrose – £23.99
Vina tondonia tinto reserve – Berry Brother & Rudd – £67.50 150 cl Magnum (pricey but amazing!)
The Lot Douro Grand Reserva – Aldi – £9.99
Taste the Difference Douro – Sainsbury’s – £8
Waitrose Douro Valley Reserva – Waitrose – £10.79
Tercius Touriga Nacional – M&S – £8.50
Quinta de Fafide Reserva – M&S – £10.50
Rediscovery
Pittnauer Pitti – Oddbins – £11.50
Araldica Barbera d’Asti Superiore – Waitrose – £8.99
Pecchinino Nebbiolo Langhe – Oddbins – £18 (A Barolo esque wine)
Chavy Chouet Bourgogne Rouge La Taupe Magnum – Waitrose – £30 [£25 on promotion until 3rd January]
Gual Dornfelder – Oddbins – £11.50
Chamonix Feldspar Pinot Noir – Oddbins – £17.75
Stepp Pinot Noir – M&S – £15
Sancerre Rouge Les Champs Clos – Sainsbury’s – £12
Melini Chianti Classico Riserva – Waitrose – £10
Cerro del Masso Poggiotondo Chianti – Waitrose – £7.99
Revelation
Bio bio Malbec – Co op – £6.99
BBR Malbec Pulenta estate – Berry Brothers & Rudd – £11.95
Emiliana Natura Carmenere – Oddbins – £8.75
Desierto 25 Malbec – Berry Brothers & Rudd – £13.95
Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero – Sainsbury – £15
Torres Celeste Crianza Ribera del Duero – Waitrose – £11.99
The Lab – Waitrose – £6.99
Puglia Rosso – M&S – £7
Co-op Fairtrade Bonarda Shiraz – Co-op – £4.99
Matetic Vineyards Corralillo Winemakers blend – Oddbins – £16.50
Fizz
Berry Brothers Champagne de Mailly – Berry Brothers & Rudd – £26.95
Waitrose Blanc de Blanc – Waitrose – £22.99 [£17.99 on promo until 3rd January]
Louis Roederer Brut Premier – Waitrose – £39.99 [£29.99 on promo until 3rd January]
Veuve Monsigny Champagne – Aldi – £10.99
Chateau de L’Aulee Cremant de Loire Cuvee Jeanne d’arc – Oddbins – £12.25
Cave de Lugny Sparkling burgundy Blanc de Blanc – Waitrose – £13.99 [£10.49 on promo until 3rd January]
Chapel Down Brut – Morrisons, Waitrose – £22 [£14.99 Waitorose / £16 Morrisons on promotion]
Loimer Extra Brut – Oddbins – £21 (very unusual blend)
Quartet – Wine Society – £21
Philipppe Michel Cremant de Jura – Aldi – £7.49
Cava Prestige Brut – M&S – £10
Taste the Difference Prosecco Conegliano 75cl – Sainsbury’s – £10 [£8 on promotion until 1st January]
Taste the Difference Prosecco Conegliano 150cl magnum- Sainsbury’s – £19 [£15.50 on promotion until 1st January]
WM Morrison prosecco spumante – Morrison – £8.25
Lambrusco Secco M&S £9
Red fizz – Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz £16 Morrisons
Overground
Wine Society Fino – £6.50
Romate Fino Perdido – Wine Society – £7.50
Very Rare Dry Oloroso 37.5cl – M&S – £8
15 year old Oloroso dry sack 75cl – M&S – £23
Berry Brothers Sauternes 37.5cl – Berry Brothers & Rudd – £12.75
Curatolo Sweet marsala superiore – Waitrose – £11.29
Here’s to you and your’s, hope you have a wonderful festive period, with plenty of time to do the things you love, with the people you love, drinking the things you love!
Thanks for hanging out with us this year.