Forgotten to buy the wine for Christmas dinner? Fear not. With the big day fast approaching, there's still time to secure some truly excellent bottles that will impress your guests without a frantic last-minute dash to a specialist merchant.
Four Festive Bottles for Every Palate and Plate
The key to a successful festive wine selection is offering variety. The ideal spread includes lighter styles for white meat and vegetarian options, alongside fuller-bodied reds to stand up to rich, hearty dishes. The following four wines, all readily available from UK supermarkets, deliver exceptional quality and flavour that will have everyone asking for a top-up.
Elegant & Light: Perfect for Turkey and Nut Roasts
For the centrepiece turkey, goose, or a splendid nut roast, you need a red with finesse rather than brute force. Two bottles fit this role beautifully.
The Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2022 (13%) is a classic expression of Burgundy. It's supple and elegant, with flavours of ripe red berries and a subtle, savoury forest floor character. Its silky tannins make it a dream pairing with roast turkey or duck, especially when accompanied by cranberry sauce.
The Best Block Series 019 Saumur-Champigny 2024 (12%) offers a different take on a lighter style. Made from Cabernet Franc, it is perfumed and pure, bursting with bright cherry notes and a floral lift. A fine mineral edge adds complexity, making it a charming companion to roasted vegetable dishes or a hearty nut roast.
Bold & Structured: Ideal for Red Meat and Cheese
When the main event is a slow-roasted joint of beef, a glazed ham, or a cheeseboard featuring strong varieties, a wine with more depth and structure is required.
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2020 (14.5%) is a full and expressive Tuscan red. It delivers luxurious dark berry fruit flavours intertwined with sweet spice. This warming, robust wine is the perfect match for classic Italian porchetta or any slow-roasted red meats.
The Cape Quarter Boekenhoutskloof Bordeaux Blend 2024 (14%) brings classic claret character to the table at a very appealing price. Polished and plush, it features notes of cassis and tobacco with a gentle touch of toasty oak. This sophisticated blend is an ideal partner for a celebratory beef Wellington or a succulent rib roast.
By choosing a selection from these four standout bottles, you can effortlessly cater to every course and preference at your Christmas feast. Each wine offers outstanding value and is guaranteed to elevate the festive dining experience, making that inevitable call for 'just one more glass' a pleasure to fulfil.
