Booths English Sparkling Wine
£21, Booths
Like it or not, it looks as if we’re going to have to get used to drinking English bubbly, because we probably won’t be able to get our hands on anything else after Brexit. But that’s no great hardship with Booths English Sparkling (12% abv), which is made for them by the reliable Ridgeview in Sussex. Rich, full and toasty, and great value, too. If you’re not near a Booths (though it does deliver nationwide), Waitrose’s Hattingley Valley, on offer at £24, is also first rate.
Paul Roos Die Skoolhoof 2015
£18, Oddbins
Take family and friends out of their Francophile comfort zone with this swoon-worthy, 13.5% abv South African white from Stellenbosch that bears comparison to a top white burgundy (although it’s mainly chenin blanc). Perfect for rich shellfish dishes.
Blandy’s 15-year-old Bual
£24.99 for 50cl, Waitrose
Ring the changes on port with this utterly delicious 19% abv sweet madeira, whose refreshing acidity prevents it being cloying. When the noise and hubbub gets too much, just take a glass and a good book off to a quiet corner.
Vino Tavola Bianco and Vino Tavolo Rosso
both £5, Marks & Spencer
Marks & Sparks isn’t noted for the sharpness of its prices, but you’d be hard pushed to beat these basic Italian wines at £5 (the white is 12% abv, the red 12.5%). They won’t make the earth move – this is the kind of simple, decent carafe wine you’d expect to find at a trattoria – but if you’ve got a crowd who threaten to drink you out of house and home, they won’t break the bank (even less so when they’re on one of M&S’s frequent “buy two six-bottle cases, get 25% off” offers).
Château Pierre de Montignac 2012 Médoc
£10, Waitrose
A really pukka, smooth, plummy claret to wheel out for elderly relatives. One of Waitrose’s special Christmas parcels, and terrific value at £10. Perfect with roast beef.
Le Verdier Cairanne Les Garrigues 2016
£10, Morrisons
As I’ve recently written, the Rhône is the ideal hunting ground for Christmas reds, and this textbook example comes from a Christmas parcel bought in by Morrisons. Gloriously full-bodied, generous and fruity (14.5% abv), it’s a perfect match for the bird and all the trimmings.
Red Boar Bobal
£7, Oddbins
A suitably jolly 12% abv red for Boxing Day and other post-Christmas knees-ups. From Valencia in southern Spain, and made from bobal (a grape to look out for in 2018, incidentally), it’s a bit like a souped-up beaujolais. One for the turkey sandwich.
Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2016
£11, Marks & Spencer
This lush, 12% abv Australian white has a similar fresh, citrussy character to sauvignon blanc, but that’s modified by some smooth, sexy semillon. A good all-rounder with buffet and party food.
Grande Alberone Zinfandel 2015
£3.99 for a half-bottle, Aldi
The ideal bottle for someone who’s spending Christmas on their own: ripe, sweet, plummy and full of Christmassy flavours (and 15% abv, to boot). Great with stilton and crackers.
Vin Santo del Chianti 2009 Societa Agricola Venatoria Taginaia
£9.99 for 50cl, Lidl
It’s rare to find this sophisticated Tuscan sweet wine at such a knockdown price. Drink as you would a tawny port, with blue cheese and/or dried fruits. This 16% abv beauty would even go with the Christmas cake.
This article contains affiliate links to products. Our journalism is independent and is never written to promote these products although we may earn a small commission if a reader makes a purchase.
