As we head towards Christmas, it’s time to stock up on festive wine. From Crémant to Rosé, we have some options that will suit all tastes and all pockets, too.
NYETimber Classic Cuvee NV
£28
Christmas is an excellent excuse to celebrate with some bubbles, and this English sparkling option from NYETimber is a fabulous festive wine to kick off the festivities.
It’s rich, bright and packed full of delicate bubbles that give a lovely creamy mouthfeel. It looks the part, too, with that delicate amber liquid and gentle, rolling bubbles inviting you in for a sip. On the nose, you’ll find toasted brioche, vanilla and delicate spices, with just a touch of nuttiness. On the palate, there are warm pastries and sweet, green apples with just a little hint of citrus. All this leads to an elegant, yet complex, finish that is filled with delicious decadence – ideal for a Christmas celebration.
Plumpton Estate Brut Rose NV
£33
This sparkling rose from Plumpton Estate is a blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir & Chardonnay grapes, and is made using the traditional method by the students at Plumpton College, using the grapes grown at its own vineyard. The result is a sparkling rose that is full of flavour and finesse.
On the nose, there is plenty of fruit, with sweet peaches and strawberries making an early appearance. There is a hint of brioche there, too, adding vanilla warmth to the mix. On the palate, the fruits persist, bringing a crisp, dryness which is refreshing and balanced. The gentle, persistent bubbles give a mousse texture that feels indulgent in the best way. The long finish has a fitting elegance.
Plumpton Estate Brut Rose is the perfect accompaniment to a rich, fruity Christmas pudding, but would work just as well with canapes and nibbles.
Fleurs de Prairie Luberon Rosé
£9
For something a little lighter with a faintly festive blush, this delicate rosé from the South of France brings fresh berries and lemon to the Christmas table. With gentle florals and some faintly tropical notes, it is the perfect choice for a fish course or smoked salmon starter.
If you’re serving a fruity dessert, then Fleurs de Prairie Luberon Rosé would be a good choice to enhance the flavours, or for sweeter dishes, the hint of acidity will cut through nicely.
Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Brut
£11
Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Brut is a blend of merlot and sémillon grapes, which results in a golden-yellow wine with pleasantly persistent, fine bubbles.
On the nose, you’ll find pear and green apple with hints of citrus and some toasted almonds. On the palate, the texture is soft and velvety, thanks to the fine bubbles, and the fruit is a balance of sweetness and acidity, which is tangy and fresh. Notes of faint yeast balance the flavours well. The finish is long and crisp, with subtle hints of lingering citrus.
A nice festive wine to accompany most dishes, from the Christmas turkey to Boxing Day nibbles, and at a great price, too.
La P’tite Pierre 2023
£7.25
This fruity red is an excellent pairing for meat dishes this festive season. The notes of strawberries and floral rose work wonderfully well with the slightly salty hit of pigs in blankets.
If you’re serving leftovers on Boxing Day, La P’tite Pierre will be easy drinking with a turkey curry or cold meats and nibbles, thanks to its easy-going flavour.
For something slightly more refreshing, why not chill it for half an hour or so? For some, this might be a touch too radical, but you can thank me later.
JP Chenet Cabernet-Syrah
£8.49
The bold, fruity red is a great value option to serve with nibbles at a festive gathering. It isn’t overly complex, but with notes of cherry and red berries, followed by hints of liquorice and some peppery spice, it is a very pleasant glassful to sip socially.
It’s pretty well-balanced and smooth, making it a popular choice and a great all-rounder. It isn’t going to win over any wine aficionados, but it will be well-received as a good quaffing wine.
Katherine’s Vineyard 2021 Chardonnay
£31
Hailing from the Santa Maria Valley in California, this single-vineyard Chardonnay has plenty to recommend it. Flowing with white fruits, such as peach and apple, there are hints of sweet citrus in the mix, adding complexity to the flavour.
On the palate, there is a creaminess which brings notes of creme brulee, and a faint hint of oak, just in the background. It’s rich and buttery, and perfect for poultry, making it a strong contender for the Christmas dinner table.
Picpoul de Pinet Villemarin 2024
£11.25
For a light, bright, zesty wine, you can’t beat a Picpoul de Pinet. Exclusively produced in the Picpoul de Pinet appellation near Montpellier, France, this wine is the perfect bottle for fish and seafood dishes, as it has a beautiful salinity from the winds hitting the vines as they sweep over slopes just above the sea.
The crisp, green apples, and sweet lemon and citrus bring a freshness which balances the salinity and minerality nicely. There is a hint of acidity at the finish, but just enough to have to dive back in for another sip.
This one will be a crowd pleaser, so be sure to have a second bottle chilling…
