It’s that time of year when getting your festive wines bought might be on your mind. Our resident expert David Carne looks at some of the options you might want to explore
It’s November, and before we know it Christmas will be here. The shops, of course, have been in full Christmas spirit since the end of August, but this is the month when most of us will give what’s on the wine shelves extra-special attention. So, here’s some of my ideas for what to buy to toast the festive season in style.
Welcome drinks
The classic choice is obviously Champagne. Elegant, refined and a classic drink for celebrations. As it’s Christmas, you’re probably going to want something a bit special. For that, I’d suggest the Pol Roger Pure Extra Brut NV Champagne from Waitrose (£56). The slightly drier style means you’re rewarded with a fresher, more floral wine with delicate peachy and tropical fruit notes taking centre stage. This will also pair well with canapes and light starters if you are serving them.
But there are other sparkles you could try. For a nice, refined Cava why not try the Roger Goulart Gran Reserva Cava Brut 2019/2020 which you can find at www.drinksdirect.com (£17.95). This has creamy and fleshy fruit aromas, with fresh fruit on the palate, as well as a toasted and nutty finish.
For something a little closer to home, try the Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2016 which you can find at www.thechampagnecompany.com (£52). This wine was recently named the best sparkling in the world at the International Wine Challenge competition of 1,000 sparkling wines, as well as receiving a 97-point rating.
For something great value and a little different, pick up a bottle of the very affordable Graham Beck Chardonnay Pinot Noir Vintner’s Selection Brut from Sainsbury’s (£14.50). The South African sparkling was served at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration and Barack Obama’s election party. Expect citrus and white fruit notes, with a nice creamy, nutty and toasty finish.
All of these would be possible options for New Year’s Eve as well!
The main course
While normally convention would dictate lighter white wines with white meat, the combination of things on the plate for the traditional turkey dinner means lighter whites are going to be completely overwhelmed. So White Burgundy, Australian Chardonnay or Viognier are all good white options. Wines like these, with more body and a touch of oak can stand up better to the flavours on your plate.
A potential White Burgundy option would be the Louis Latour White Burgundy from Waitrose (£18.55). Alternatively, Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2023 is available from www.secretbottleshop.co.uk for £34.95 or the Matt Iaconis Napa Valley Chardonnay 2021 can be picked up from Naked Wines for £19.99. Alternatively, the Domaine de Saint Ferréol Viognier 2022/23 is £17 a bottle at Majestic.
Often a red is a good choice too. In terms of reds, lighter options would be a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, but potentially even Rhone reds or a Rioja could work in this scenario, especially if there are additions such as cranberry sauce, rich gravy and pigs-in-blankets.
The Bread & Butter ‘Winemaker’s Selection’ Pinot Noir from Sainsburys (£16) could work well and would also pair nicely with any mushroom-containing vegetarian dishes. If you want to go patriotic, why not give the Barrel fermented Pinot Noir from www.aldwickwine.com (£22) a go. You could just as easily opt for the Château de Pizay Morgon 2022/2023 from Majestic (£15). Alternatively, the heavier Spanish Cune Rioja Gran Reserva from www.ndjohn.co.uk is excellent value at only £17.95. The additional age on the Gran Reserva adds depth but also makes it smoother.
And for the leftover turkey sandwiches, you might want to pick up a bottle of Pinot Noir from Oregon, such as the Erath Pinot Noir 2021/22 from Majestic at £25, or you could go for the Chilean Errazuriz Estate Pinot Noir from Waitrose (£10). Pinot Noir’s bright red fruit and soft tannins complement cold turkey without overpowering it.
Dessert
Christmas pudding or cheese and biscuits naturally lend themselves to richer, sweeter wines. Try Graham’s Late-Bottled Vintage Port from Waitrose (£19.25) or Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos, Hungary 50cl 2017/18 from Majestic at £27. Occasionally at this time of year, the budget supermarkets also have ice wine which can also work well.
Whichever wines you pick, please drink responsibly and let me know if you find any hidden gems!
DAVID’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NOVEMBER
Something Fresh and Fruity
Small & Small Gewurztraminer, 2024 – Naked Wines, £14.99.
Floral, fruity (white, citrus and tropical fruits), classic Gewurztraminer lychee flavours, and slightly off-dry with some nice creaminess on the finish.
Something Sparkling
Radacini Blanc De Noirs – Morrisons, £7.
An alternative for Prosecco drinkers, coming from Moldovia. Citrus and flesh fruit flavours, with some hints of darker fruit (cherry).
Something English
Chapel Down English NV Rose (sparkling) – Sainsbury’s, £33.
Notes of redcurrant and strawberry, with a nice balanced citrus note. Some lees aging adds cream and biscuity balance – think strawberries and cream / Eton mess.
Something Big and Bold
VIK ‘A’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2022/2023 – Majestic, £19.
Big and bold, but still silky and smooth. Notes of ripe blackcurrant, cassis, dried fruits, spice and mocha.
Something Classic
Gigondas Le Souiras, Clos des Cazaux 2020 – Wine Society, £38.
A big, powerful and complex Rhone red with layers of black cherry, spice, coffee and caramel.
Something Different
Errazuriz Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Waitrose, £10.
Red fruits on the nose and palate, medium body, with a subtle finish of chocolate, vanilla, warm spice and a hint of balsamic.