6 of the Best Wines for Christmas
Deciding what wines to buy this christmas for the big day is always a dilemma.
What to open first?! What will pair with the main event? Are we having a cheeseboard? (To which the answer should be yes, by the way).
So we thought it would be a good idea to take away the stress and put together a case of perfect wine for Christmas. This selection will see you right through the day, from the breakfast Bucks fizz to the final cheeseboard by the fireplace.
Purchase our Christmas Day case
Here we've outlined each of the wines with a little bit about why we've chosen them and how they pair so well.
Francesc Ricart, Cava Brut, 11.5% ABV - Spain
It's only right that we begin the day with some bubbles. We love Cava and the Francesc Ricart in particular. We serve it by the glass in all of our bars and it's our go-to if we're having a few friends over. If you're looking for Christmas wines to buy this should be near the top of your list.
If you're adding some orange juice whilst opening your presents or if cooking up a fancy breakfast with some poached eggs and avocado (maybe a drizzle of truffle honey too - it is Christmas after all!), then this will pair beautifully. It'll really get the day up and running.
Domaine Gayda, En Passant White, 13.5% ABV - France
So we've had brekkie, opened presents and maybe people have started to arrive. Smoked salmon blinis are my favourite Christmas canapé (only because pigs in blankets don't really count - although I've definitely had them pre-dinner before)! We think this Southern French white blend fits the bill perfectly. It's full of Granny Smith apple, zesty lime and zippy acidity with enough ripe stone fruit and subtle almond complexity to stand up to the rich flavours from the fish.
Bodegas Palacio, Glorioso Blanco, 13.5%, Spain
Now we're into the main event and we have a couple of options here.
First up, this fantastic white Rioja from Spain. It's perfect if you're having turkey. This is a very versatile and food friendly wine with great appeal. There's expressive and intense aromas of tropical fruits and honey, with a subtle smokiness. It shows hints of oak from the barrel ageing process, giving it some weight which is well-integrated, managing round stone fruit with crisp acidity on an unctuous palate. It's fresh but generous and the round and slightly creamy texture mean that this has enough to stand up to a gravy, stuffing or sweet parsnips you've got on the plate. This wine has enough fresh acidity to lift, refresh and cleanse the palate while holding its own in this complex mix of flavours. A true winner. It'd also be a nice match to some classic vegetarian centrepieces, such as veggie wellington or a nut roast.
Terres Fideles, Montsable Pinot Noir, 13% France, Vegan
Pinot Noir is perfect with duck or goose, so if you're going down the three bird roast theme then here is an absolute cracker. What's great about this is the versatility - it's a lighter bodied red, but it has fantastic concentration of red berry fruit, silky smooth tannins and sweet spices. Ideal if you're putting some redcurrant jelly or cranberry sauce in the mix!
Cantine Sampietrana, Brindisi Riserva, 13.5% Italy, Vegan
Here's a choice for anyone after a bigger red with the main event. It's also a great red to take on to your cheeseboard too. A blend of negroamaro an dmontepulciano grapes from southern Italy, this is full of dense cherries and plum compote with sweet, silky tannins. It's one our best-selling red wines all year round and once you try it, I think you'll understand why. A great match if you're going non-traditional and having beef for the main event with dinner too!
Niepoort, LBV Port 2020 (Half-Bottle), 20%ABV Portugal
We couldn't have a Christmas day case without a port - and this is an absolute belter.
Niepoort have been our preferred port producer for years. As a producer who use grapes from their own vineyards, they have full control over what they produce and the result of the playful and quality-driven style of owner Dirk Niepoort is a range of fantastic pure and distinctive wines. The LBV is a classic christmas drop and has wonderful aromas of dark chocolate and a subtle floral character which enrobes the deep fruits of the forest notes. On the palate it is superbly balanced and fresh, with a most seductive middle palate and good extract, followed by a superb spirit-driven finish.
Sweet desserts suggestions: Chocolate desserts, specially dark chocolate.
Cheese suggestions: Cheddar, Gouda, Brie.
Meal suggestions: Spicy dishes with red meat or game lamb and veal meat or pepper steak.
So there you have it. A super selection to ensure you have a cracking Christmas day, which also makes this case some of our best wines for gifts if you're looking to share the good taste and times. The case comes complete with a card full of tasting notes and food pairing tips for each wine too.
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