Who says the Christmas season has to be reserved for mulled wine, a hot toddy or the red grape variety? Not me! I love a glass of white, on its own or with food, from a creamy Chardonnay all the way to a zesty Sauvignon Blanc. The party season is upon us and, whether you are dining with family or partying with friends, we have some interesting choices for the best budget party sippers to the top food pickers.
José Pizarro Chardonnay
With a straw yellow colour with green hints, this 100% Chardonnay grape offering holds aromas of white flower, citrus fruits, peach and aromatic herbs. Flavour-wise this is a lively wine with a great intensity of fruit, minerality and saltiness with a long finish.
I always have a Chardonnay or two ready to go and this is a fine choice – pair with fish or poultry.
Price: £16.00
Where to buy: josepizarro.com
Joseph Drouhin, Puligny-Montrachet
An elegant, bright looking Chardonnay, this premier cru wine hails from the village of Puligny-Montrachet in the celebrated Cote des Blanc. Matured in French oak, expect a fresh silkiness on the palate with a floral and fruity finish. This wine will go well with seafood and poultry.
Price: £57.50
Where to buy: waitrosecellar.com
Proudly Vegan Sauvignon Blanc 2017
According to Proudly Vegan their wines are the only ones on the high street that are 100% vegan, meaning no egg white, gelatine or milk protein has been used in the winemaking process, which can be the case. Right down to the glue and ink on the label, this is vegan friendly meaning you can drink totally guilt-free, it tastes great and it has a very affordable price tag too.
This delightful Sauvignon Blanc from Chile’s Central Valley is zesty and refreshing with tropical fruit aromas of gooseberry, passion fruit and hints of mouth-watering fresh lime. Serve with risotto made with peas, green beans or asparagus; pasta with lemon and garlic, or with mushrooms braised with coriander and ginger or a herby salad.
Price: £6.99
Where to buy: ocado.com
Shorn on Tour Pinot Grigio
This Pinot Grigio is light and fresh with flavours of citrus fruit and pear, and comes in a handy pouch format so you are always prepared for guests. Once opened the wine stays fresh for 4 weeks so you can always have a white wine on hand. Ideal to pair with pasta, chicken or fish.
Price: £11.00
Where to buy: Tesco and Morrisons
Vandenburg Chardonnay
With a complex balanced aroma of lime, white stone fruits, nectarine and butterscotch, Vandenburg has apparently been made to express the joys of life in a sun-blessed country – that might just be the exact thing needed in the midst of a typical British winter! This will complement fish or chicken.
Price: £10.00
Where to buy: The Co-Op
Yali Wild Swan Sauvignon Blanc
A fresh and crisp offering from Chile, this is produced in the nature reserve of El Yali, meaning you are not only drinking a tasty wine but it is sustainable too. With notes of grapefruit and pineapple, this would be ideal with goats’ cheese, fresh vegetables and herbs and delicate fish.
Price: £7.50
Where to buy: coop.co.uk
Dark Horse Rose
It just wouldn’t be right if we didn’t have a rose on the list! Meticulously crafted by winemaker Beth Liston to guarantee the highest quality, Dark Horse Rose is a blushing wine boasting fresh strawberry, raspberry and citrus, balanced by hints of minerality and floral notes. The perfect accompaniment for fresh seafood dishes.
Price: £8.50
Where to buy: Waitrose, Sainsbury’s
