Tis the season for red wine and gluhwein so hot it burns the tip of your tongue! But, what if it’s just not your cup of tea (or should I say glass of vino?). Rosé and white can be just as festive – and what is Christmas without bubbles?!
Whatever your tipple of choice, we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite wines at this time of year – so whether you’re after the best bottle to gift a wine-o, or something for yourself and the family to enjoy on the big day, we’ve got you covered.
Rouge de Léoube
A rounded red from the Provence region in France, Rouge de Léoube is a delicious, organic and aromatic wine. Produced at the Léoube wine estate overlooking the Mediterranean, the reds created here have a freshness like no other. With a bold fruity flavour and velvet tannins, the wine is especially tasty in the colder months and is a perfect choice for the Christmas dinner table.
The talented team at Château Léoube have some other treats in store this season too, as they have recently released Le Petit Rosé by Léoube, the world’s first luxury, certified organic Côtes-de-Provence rosé in a can. A refreshing wine in a stylish can would make for a perfect stocking filler! The products are available at a couple of different retailers, so be sure to check them out at Daylesford, The Great Wine Co or Ocado.
Hubert Brochard Sancerre
First discovered in the Waitrose Wine Cellar, Sancerre has become a personal favourite and is a popular choice amongst seasoned white wine lovers. Sancerre is a dry white produced in the Loire Valley region of France, usually immensely versatile and extremely delicious.
Hubert Brochard Sancerre is classic, elegant and can be enjoyed all year round. It’s wonderful slightly chilled in the summer, yet it’s fruity aromas make it just as enjoyable when temperatures drop. Made from the sauvignon blanc grape, Sancerre’s range in price and can sometimes be on the more expensive side – however, Hubert Brochard is available at Waitrose for just £16.99.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
A French wine appellation known for its bold red blends, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is made in the Rhône region. A super popular red – Châteauneuf-du-Pape is rich, fruity and as it evolves, can boast flavours of leather and herbs.
There are around 320 Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine growers in the area, which means there’s lots of choice when it comes to finding one you like! Superstores such as Aldi and Tesco sell affordable (and tasty!) bottles, but if you’re looking for something slightly more premium, Majestic Wines have a great selection, including the Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2017/18 Réserve des Diacres – sweet and spicy, this bottle is a firm favourite, priced at only £19.99!
AIX Rosé
The Provence region is known for making some of the best rosé in the world – so it’s no surprise AIX, produced just there an hour North-East of the historical city of Aix-en-Provence, is a highly-regarded bottle you’ll find served at all the hot spots in town. A premium option, AIX is fragrant, well balanced and beautifully bottled so is ideal for gifting.
A perfect choice to enjoy with friends and family, AIX is a rosé for celebrating – an affordable everyday luxury to indulge in on special occasions. And, it tastes even better than it looks. Currently available and on offer at Thorne Wines, you can steal this smooth and crisp bottle for just £14.95. Magnums are also available, which would be the ultimate gift for any rosé lover this festive season.
Bollinger
Now who can say no to champagne at Christmas? Nobody. But, it’s worth noting that Bollinger is one of the nicest ones! As glam as it may feel to drink any old champagne, some can be super acidic and even not enjoyable, so it’s good to try a few and see which one you like.
Bollinger however, is always a firm favourite – the famous French Champagne house produce several labels of Champagne, but the Special Cuvée is probably the most popular. Fresh, dry and delicate, the sophisticated bottle is usually available in most supermarkets too – with Asda currently selling it for a sweet £25.
Il Poeta Barolo 2016
Considered to be one of Italy’s greatest wines, Barolo is a delicious but expensive red. Made from the nebbiolo grape grown in the Barolo region, it’s a high-tannin, age-worthy wine, bursting with cherry, raspberry and cinnamon flavours.
Il Poeta Barolo 2016 is a really unique pour – a near perfect vintage from a fourth generation family cellar, it’s also well priced for Barolo. A great choice for the colder months, the aroma can be quite perfumed with a delicate floral note. Available at Laithwaite’s Wine for £27.99, it is on the pricier side but well worth it if you like red. It would also be a very impressive gift for any wine lover!
Sainsbury’s Crémant De Loire
A spectacular find in Sainsbury’s, the Crémant De Loire from the Taste The Difference range is a high-quality sparkling white wine. Rich on the palate and full of fruit, this zesty sparkling is a great option for the Christmas spread. Priced at just £11.50, grab a few bottles and let the bubbles flow – but be quick, as this one is a regular sell out in local stores!
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