We may be in an economic crisis but research is showing that people are choosing to spend a little more on their drinks this year instead of going out as it’s still cheaper to do that! I didn’t have to be asked twice. Here are some of the loveliest fine wines I have tried this year that would make great wine gifts or matches for your festive table as featured on Helena’s latest reel.
Champagne
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve
A deliciously, rich and weighty, brioche-tastic champagne with zippy acidity and ridiculous drinkability. Very smart on the outside as well as on the inside. Awesome with cheese and smoked salmon blinis.
£46 from The Wine Society and The Finest Bubble
Gastronomic Provençal Rosé
Château D’Esclans 2021
For me, the creamier, fuller-bodied style of Provençal rosé is what I like to drink if my festive meal is at lunchtime. These gastronomic pinks are exceptionally versatile and refreshing when you are going to be eating a lot! They can be super premium too.
On sale for £29.95 from Fine Wine Direct
Grand Cru Chablis
Château Grenouilles, La Chablisienne 2019
£83.75 from Vinissimus
This is the granddaddy of Chablis with its golden, viscous robe and creamy, lactic texture. Top with a pinch of spice and tangy chalk and it's a foodie match joy! Try this with a comté cheese or your roast chicken and turkey with all the trimmings.
Red Burgundy
Pommard Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Génot-Boulanger 2017
A lighter style of red is perfect for your Christmas turkey as it won’t overwhelm the flavours but will stand up just enough. This pommard is delicate, perfumed and silky, packed full of spiced cherry and plum. Divine.
£41.67 from Justerini & Brooks
English Pinot Noir
Gusbourne Boot Hill Pinot Noir, 2020
Enter, England's finest still red wine - in my opinion, anyway. The Boot Hill Pinot gives a nod to the finesse of classic Burgundy with its crisp, red cherry and raspberry notes and subtle, earthy flavours. Lean and light.
£33 from Gusbourne.com
Red Bordeaux
Pomerol NV
Pomerol, the Merlot-dominated village on the right bank of Bordeaux is often a classic red choice for Christmas. Velvety, red-berry and cedar scented, it’s an easy going red with a touch of class. If you’re having beef especially, this will sing.
From Justerini & Brooks
Aged Red Bordeaux
Clarendelle Bordeaux Rouge 2016 by Domaine Clarence Dillon
Another classic and classy Bordeaux, this time with a little more age and some Cabernet in the blend, giving more juicy, blackcurrant flavours with earthy, tobacco leaf notes and a plush texture. Have this with beef or lamb.
£19.80 from Hedonism Wines
Rosso di Montalcino
La Fiorita Rosso di Montalcino 2020
Rosso di Montalcino is meant to be a baby version of Brunello but these days, some fo the ross wines are so fine, they demand attention! Such is La Fiorita’s Rosso: a concentrated and complex, full-bodied Sangiovese with a characteristic herbaceousness and wild cherry finish. Have this with tomato based dishes, stews and even hard, nutty cheese.
£31.90 from Hedonism Wines
Super Tuscan
Siepi Toscana, Castello di Fonterutoli, 2019
If Italy is your thing, then this wine is all levels of epic. A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, this is a super seductive, velvety, God of a wine that manages to stay bright and refreshing in spite of its concentration. Think dark plum, baked spice, woodsmoke and herbs. Needs big meat!
£80.20 from Vinvm
Premium Malbec
Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2019
To continue the super concentrated theme, this Uco Valley Malbec shows why we love this sub region as it showcases those aromatic, dark chocolate and mineral flavours so beautifully. Classy wine from a lady at the Vanguard (vinguard?) of premium Argentinian wine: Susana Balbo. Have this with dark chocolate or grilled meat.
£18.16 from The Fine Wine Company
Want more recommendations? Check our our gift guides!