I find myself making the same error year after year: I fail to prepare adequately. You might wonder, “How can that be, Hannah? As a wine writer, you must have countless bottles lying around yoru home!” The truth is that I spend Christmas with my family, who reside about two hours away by train. I simply cannot risk spilling any precious bottles on the East Midlands Railway.
This leads me to typically pack three or four bottles that are often found in the recycling bin by Christmas Eve. What I truly need to do is avoid procrastination and plan ahead—not just for Christmas dinner but for every occasion throughout the day. From unwrapping gifts to dozing off during yet another viewing of The Good Life Christmas special, each moment deserves a unique beverage pairing.
Essential Selections
Castellore Organico Organic Prosecco Rosé DOC £7.99 Aldi, 11%. This option offers a drier profile compared to Aldi’s own-label prosecco, wich aligns more with my taste preferences—who says summer fruits can’t shine at Christmas?
ca’ di Rajo Lemoss Frizzante £17 Forest Wines, 10.5%. A delightful col fondo perfect for natural wine enthusiasts; this refreshing drink is made entirely from glera grapes.
Westwell Wicken Foy NV £29 westwell, 12%. An English sparkling wine crafted from champagne grapes, enhanced with reserve wines from 2013 and 2014 for added complexity.
Telmont champagne Réserve Brut NV £52 Waitrose, 12%. Hailing from a century-old estate, this blend showcases seven years of aging resulting in notes reminiscent of fruity tarte au citron and pastry.
Alternatives for Non-Drinkers
Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Blå £10.99 (375ml) Selfridges ,0%. Sparkling tea serves as an excellent substitute for customary wines; it combines nine organic teas with a hint of lemon juice.
Oddbird Spumante Sparkling Wine £11 Ocado ,0 .5 % . “Liberated from alcohol,” this non-alcoholic sparkling option features glera grapes—the same used in prosecco.
Bunta Beer Co Non-Alcoholic Citrus Lager £9 .99 (4 x 330ml) Delli ,0 % . This beer pairs wonderfully with Indian cuisine—perfect for your Boxing Day curry!
Pentire Coastal Spritz £27 (700ml) waitrose ,0 %. With flavors of blood orange, rosemary, and oakwood, this invigorating non-alcoholic bitter liqueur can be enjoyed mixed with soda or tonic water.
Stocking Stuffers for Adults
Pure fire Cocktail £3 (200ml) Sly Dog Rum ,8 %. A collaboration between a rum brand and chicken wing concept delivers an intense ginger flavor experience!
Moth Paloma
la Vieille Ferme Rosé< STRONG/> M&S Limoncello Spritz< STRONG/>
THE CENTRAL FEATURE OF THE MEAL
< Strong On Point Australian Chenin Blanc2024
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The Society’s exhibition Sauternes2022‘ target=’_blank’>$11.’95(37.’5cl)’TheWineSociety’,13%’Anexcellentpriceforahalf-bottleofthisdelicioussauternes.GooeytarteTatinnotesarebalancedbyacrisptfreshnessandgoodacidity.< Strong />
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Kopke Tawny Port$16.’25Ocado’,19.’5%’Thisportisaperfectwaytoendameal,pairitwithFerreroRocherforanindulgentexperience.< Strong />
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Black Lines Oatnog$20BlackLines’,6.’3%’Backagain,thispopularwinterwarmerfeaturescreamyflavorsofcinnamon,rumnutmegthatwillkeepyoucozythroughouttheholidays.< Strong />
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H by Hine VSOP Cognac$43BerryBros&Rudd’,40%’Thisaccessiblefruitycognaccontainsadiverseblendofeauxdevieagedfouryearsormore.Serveitneatormixitinahighballwithgingerbeerforasatisfyingdrinkexperience.
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Kopke Tawny Port
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Black Lines Oatnog
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H by Hine VSOP Cognac