Reds
Anciano Gran Reserva Tempranillo – £8.99 (Waitrose) This mature wine shows the characteristic strawberry fruit of Tempranillo and softness from extended ageing. Grapes from 30-year-old vines were treated to a slow fermentation before seven years of maturation.
Exquisite Collection Argentinian Malbec Magnum – £11.99 (Aldi) Celebrating with this great tasting wine, in a magnum size, means more to share amongst dinner party guests. This bright and intense ruby-red with youthful purple tints and aromas of fresh fruits make this a great match with cheese.
Haut Vignoble – £7 (M&S) A fresh and modern claret offering ripe red fruit and warm spice aromas over a concentrated palate with soft tannins. The bramble flavours make the perfect partner for Turkey.
Whites
Calvet Terre de Brune Sancerre – £12.74 (Waitrose) This elegant white has floral aromas and is rich and ripe with typical Sauvignon Blanc characteristics of gooseberry hints, citrus and herbaceous nettle.
Gavi di Gavi – £7.99 (Aldi) The Gavi di Gavi boasts fresh, zesty lemon notes and ripe peach flavours, making this a refreshing and aromatic white that is ideal as an aperitif or enjoyed with your Christmas dinner. A crowd pleaser for all Christmas party occasions.
Giesen Estate Sauvignon Blanc – £7.99 (Majestic Wines) A richly tropical nose, dominated by youthful aromas of lime, lemongrass and green herbs. Fruit on the palate leans more toward gooseberry and citrus, with a zesty acidity. Perfect with that smoked salmon starter.
Champagne
Pol Roger Pure Brut Nature NV – £32.99 (Waitrose) – A crisp and bone-dry champagne with a gorgeous lemony-minerality. The Pol Roger cellars are the deepest and coolest in Épernay, so fermentation takes longer adding to the soft approachable style
Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut – £9.99 (Aldi) The Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut, delivers a gorgeous bouquet of ripe apples, floral hints and soft red fruits and boasts an aroma of baked apple and brioche. This sparkler is best served with smoked salmon and enjoyed perfectly chilled.
Port
Warre's Bottle-Aged Late-Bottled Vintage Port – £14.95 (Waitrose) Warre's was the first port house to make late bottled vintage by bottling without any fining or filtration after four years in cask, before maturing for four years in bottle.
Maynard’s 100 Years of Port – £24.99 (Aldi) What better way to impress guests than with four different aged ports? The Maynard’s 100 Years of Port set of four includes 40, 30, 20 and 10 Year Old Tawny Port, celebrating 100 years of ageing. These lighter tawnies are terrific served with Christmas Cake due to their nuttier notes. They also make a wonderful gift for wine lovers.
Pudding Wine
Recioto Della Valpolicella 2014 – £8.99 (Aldi) A unique dessert wine made with traditional artisanal methods in small quantities, Aldi’s Recioto Della Valpolicella embodies the history of Valpolicella, the most famous wine district in north-eastern Italy. The wine traditionally features grapes from the ‘tip of the bunch’ to make it extra special. Bright and fruity with a sweet finish, it is the perfect wine to enjoy after a hearty festive meal with family and friends.
Mouton Cadet Reservé – £8.00 (M&S) For something different on your Christmas day, this sweet wine brings out the flavour of an Italian panettone. This wine is smooth and rich on sweet white and yellow fruit flavours. The palate fills out on notes of apricot jam and milk caramel, ending with a touch of freshness.
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
