Christmas, we are told, is a time of celebration and indulgence (isn’t that all year round?!) well what better way is there to indulge than with food and wine – food that is sumptuous and comforting and wine that elevates the fare (and the cheer) to another level. If you’d like to know what red to reach for this year, from Pinot to Port for pairing with rich red meats, cheese and even your classic turkey, then read on. We’ve done the hard work for you – it was tough but we powered on – so take a look at the below to find our 10 best picks with varying price tags too.
Salentein Primus Malbec
RRP £47.57
Available at Easywineshop.co.uk
Primus Malbec, with raspberry, plum and blueberry flavours, is complemented by a hint of violet, black pepper and tobacco. This is a full-bodied wine with well-integrated oak and a lengthy finish. It shows sweet tannins, that are typical of this variety, good structure, and acidity that is remarkable and well-balanced, yet firm, adding agility and freshness with a long finish. This wine brings out all the best flavours in meat and pasta dishes.
Penfolds Marananga Shiraz 2010
RRP £43
Available at Drinks21.com
The Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is produced in the hamlet of Marananga, which lies very close to the centre of the Barossa Valley floor – slightly to the north and west, where warm, dry conditions and rich red soils provide the backbone to some of the region’s best known wines. Standing on its own two feet, this release of the Marananga Shiraz delivers a contemporary Shiraz alternative, framed by a mix of oaks; French and American, old and new, conceived from the ancient soils of this special place, Marananga.
Kopke 1999 Colheita
RRP £32.99
Available at Waitrosecellar.com
With a vivid golden-red colour and a complex bouquet of fruity aromas, especially red fruit, in the mouth, it is elegant, well structured and with excellent aromatic intensity. Its freshness is in perfect balance with the delicious fruity flavours that persist in a seductive and lengthy finish.
Tenuta Vitalonga, Phiculle 2012
RRP £28
Available at Buyonline.friarwood.com
Ruby red is the quintessential colour of the festive season and Friarwood’s Tenuta Vitalonga, Phiculle 2012 originating from Umbria, Italy, is just right for Christmas. Named after a fragment of shell that was discovered amongst the soil, Phiculle is a glossy red, with elegant notes of balsamic, black cherries and dark spices. Produced with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes, on the mouth the wine is full bodied and soft. It is the ideal wine to pair with slow-roasted beef.
Barolo, Fontanafredda
RRP £25
Available at Carluccios.com
One of Italy’s greatest wines, this is an intense wine with perfumed roses on the nose and well balanced ripe tannin. This is a wine to match with rich foods, red meats and game dishes. If you’re still set on turkey then enjoy with your cheese board afterwards – mature cheese is the best – or just enjoy as an all-round after dinner wine.
Nepenthe Pinnacle Gate Block Shiraz
RRP £19.99
Available at Amazon
Founded in 1994, Nepenthe wines reflect a modern Australian style that embodies the cooler climes and higher altitude of the Adelaide Hills, championing the elegance and diversity of the land. The Pinnacle Gate Block Shiraz hails from a high-altitude site in the hills that benefits from ample sunlight, encouraging concentrated flavours of fresh red berries and classic pepper notes. With firm tannins and a long, lingering finish, this wine can be served with fuller-flavoured meats such as veal and beef.
The King’s Wrath Pinot Noir
RRP £18.99
Available at Ocado
This red seamlessly mixes dark berry and woody flavours to create a beautifully spicy finish. Pinot Noir is famously the best accompaniment to the famous Christmas turkey – an obvious addition to the ever-growing Christmas shopping list.
David Gill, Master of Wine at Kingsland Drinks, and with 28 years experience, has selected this wine.
Baron de Ley Rioja Reserva
RRP £12.99
Available at Co-Op and Waitrose
The subtle spice flavours of this Spanish wine makes it perfect for the festive season, the accompaniment of the soft strawberry flavours mean that it’s a drink that even the fussiest of drinkers will love. Never fear if turkey is off the menu this year as this is ideal with lamb, pork and game.
Apothic Dark
RRP £10
Available at Tesco.com
Apothic Dark is crafted using a unique blend of dark grape varieties. It is rich, smooth and has dark fruit flavours of blueberry and blackberry, with opulent notes of coffee and chocolate. Each grape has been carefully selected to provide richness, complexity and balance, blending Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot.
It is the ultimate blend for those looking to embrace their dark side, and provides the perfect accompaniment for richer foods and succulent red meats during an evening dinner party.
Trivento Malbec Reserve
RRP £9
Available at Tesco.com
Trivento Reserve Malbec is medium bodied, with jammy, fruity notes and oaked in French barrels for six months, offering a depth of flavour that will provide the ultimate comfort factor. Its sweet tannins and velvety finish also make it the perfect partner for rich, meats such as lamb and steak.
Andrew Peace Masterpiece Gold Reserve Shiraz
RRP £5.29
Available at Nisa
This Australian gem is a brilliantly full-bodied red wine blended from Shiraz with just a touch of Tempranillo. The delicious black fruit and cherry flavours bring out the intense flavours of red meat, perfect when you’re sick of the Christmas turkey!
