How to Pair Cheese and Wine: Your Definitive Tasting Guide

Words by Jessica Summer, founder of Mouse & Grape and certified cheese and wine pairing expert.

Tasting cheese and wine is difficult and it takes time to learn how to identify the different flavours and aromas you are experiencing. When you first start, if all you are smelling and tasting is just cheese and wine that is okay, it takes practice! You have to train yourself to recognise flavours, the best way is to try different things and be mindful. Think what am I tasting? Why do I like it? It can also help to associate a specific memory with tasting a specific item of food which will help you remember how the food tastes, such as family holidays or romantic dinners!

When I run my tasting events I always recommend that my guests go with their first option on a flavour or aroma 99% of the time it is the correct one. When you over analyse and second guess yourself is where it goes wrong, trust your instincts! Before we dive into my favourite cheese and wine pairings recommendations I am going to explain the Mouse & Grape tasting system so you can fully experience the joy of pairing cheese and wine together.

I would always recommend starting with your wine first and tasting it on its own, then trying the cheese on its own and lastly, (the best bit!) enjoying them together. The approach to tasting wine and cheese is very similar. In both cases, you need to pay attention to the look, smell and flavours as well as the feel of the cheese.

How do you pair cheese and wine?

To experience the best flavours in your cheese and wine I would recommend avoiding strongly flavoured food and drink such as coffee before you taste as this will affect your ability to taste simple and complex flavours. It is useful to have good palate cleansers to hand. These include water, bread, crackers and apples to use between trying different combinations. Cheese and wine must both be served at the correct temperature to allow them to reach their most delicious potential. Different wines should be served at different temperatures. Typically white, rosé and sparkling wines are served chilled. Reds are typically served lightly chilled or at room temperature. It’s important to remove your cheese from the fridge, and its wrapping, 1-2 hours before serving. If your cheese is still cold when it is served, its flavour will be dulled. 

THE LOOK

Wine: Hold your glass at an angle to identify the colour and the intensity. Is it white (lemon, golden or amber), red (purple, ruby or garnet) or pink (salmon or orange)? Pale, medium, or deep colour? Is it clear or cloudy? For the best results, examine your wine held against a white piece of paper and in bright natural light.

Cheese: Every cheese tells a story through its appearance so take a moment to look closely at the cheese. Examine the colours of both the exterior (the rind) and the interior (the paste). What type of cheese is it? Hard, soft or blue? Are the colours of the paste consistent and even throughout the piece? Look at the texture of the rind - are there any bumps, cracks, patterns or coloured moulds? Does the cheese have holes or salt crystals? Compare the centre of the cheese to the cheese next to the rind: what are the differences, or are they the same? Cheese loves to grow mould, so if your cheese has spent some time in the fridge you may find some surface mould has developed. Simply trim a thin layer off the surface – the cheese beneath will still taste exquisite. On the subject of mould, artisan cheeses can look very different to supermarket cheese: the cheesemakers focus on flavour over appearance. For example the goat’s cheese Rachel is washed regularly in a brine solution as the cheese matures. This gives it a pinky/grey rind with occasional orange and yellow spots which are naturally occurring and safe to eat. 

THE AROMA

Wine: Put your nose a little way into the glass and take a big inhale, the deeper the better! What does the wine smell like? Don’t worry if at first you can’t smell much, you’ll quickly be able to identify more aromas with practice. First identify broad categories (like berries) then try to pinpoint the aroma (blackberries). You may smell: fruits, such as green apples, pears, cherries or blackcurrant; spices such as cinnamon or vanilla; earthy smells like soil, grass, hay; or woody aromas like oak, pine, or cedar. Now swirl the wine in your glass. This will introduce more oxygen to the wine, which will increase the flavour intensity. Can you detect the existing aromas more strongly, or even notice new aromas?

Cheese: There are a few similarities in the way we describe wine and cheese flavours. Both can have aromas that are lactic, earthy, grassy, nutty or floral. Pick up the cheese and bring it to your nose to take a big sniff. Some cheeses like Époisse or Roquefort will be easy to smell! What can you smell? Cheeses can smell animally, yeasty or mouldy. Can you smell grass or flowers? Can you smell a “farmyard” smell? 

THE TEXTURE

Wine: Take a small sip of your wine but don’t swallow it yet! Let it sit on your tongue and warm the wine making it easier to detect. Then gently swish it around your mouth to get the full effect. Ask yourself:

• What is the mouthfeel like (water, semi-skimmed milk or creamy)?

• Is your mouth filled with saliva (telling us the wine is high in acid)?

• Is the wine creating a drying sensation in the mouth thanks to tannins?

Cheese: The texture of cheese plays an important role in the evaluation of it. Take a small crumb of the cheese you are tasting and rub it between two fingers. Notice how easily (or not) it smears. Take a small bite, and let it sit on your tongue for a moment. Notice how firm or soft the cheese feels. As it warms up it will soften a little more. Now slowly and mindfully chew it. Is it soft and pliable? Does it melt in your mouth? Is it a hard cheese that breaks down into small chunks as you chew? Does the cheese coat the inside of your mouth?

THE FLAVOUR

Wine: Take a second sip and employ the “slurp” technique to aerate the wine (sucking air past your front teeth with the wine on your tongue). This will help you notice the flavours more easily. Ask yourself:

• What flavours do you taste? 

• Can you taste the aromas you detected or have they changed?

• Is the wine sweet, tart or bitter?

• Are any elements standing out in a bad way, meaning the wine is unbalanced? (Acidity, tannin or sugar, for example?)

• Swallow the wine and breathe out. Do the flavours change?

• Do they linger or do they disappear quickly? This is known as the “finish”. Great wines have a pleasant finish that lingers and does not vanish quickly.

Cheese: When tasting the cheese for the first time think ‘less is more’ and take a small bite which will be easier for you to move around your mouth. Let it sit in your mouth for 5-10 seconds which is enough time for the cheese to warm up and release more powerful flavours making them easier to detect. The flavours in cheeses change and evolve the longer you keep them in your mouth. You may notice that a cheese might start being very salty but as you continue to chew it becomes sweeter and the diary flavours are more pronounced.

How to taste cheese and wine together

Pairing is the art of bringing two or more ingredients together to create a more delicious outcome. The best way to discover outstanding pairings is through trial and error, and sometimes great pairings can come from the most unlikely of combinations. It is important to remember that taste is subjective. I might love a wine, cheese or pairing but it might not be for you. For this reason, all Mouse & Grape hampers feature exceptional quality cheeses and wines that can be enjoyed on their own too, and I always add other pairing recommendations and recipes for you to try. Part of the fun is to discover your palate and experiment and try different combinations to find your ultimate cheese and wine pairings. That being said, there are cheese and wine combinations that I have put together in the Mouse & Grape hampers and tasting events that people love and I am excited to share some of the most popular ones with you here. 

First, take a sip of wine and work through the Mouse & Grape tasting system above. Then use a palate cleanser and do the same with the cheese. Then take a bite of cheese and hold it in your mouth as you take a sip of wine and chew them together. 

Ask yourself the following questions: 

• What flavours can I taste with them together?

• Is either the wine or the cheese flavour dominant?

• Is this combination more or less enjoyable than the cheese and wine alone?

When you are pairing cheese and wine together, you are either looking for two contrasting flavours which bring out the best in both such as the classic contrasting flavours of sweet and salt, or you are looking for a cheese and wine with similar flavour profile which will complement one another without overpowering creating a harmonious balance bringing out the best in both. One example of the former pairing would be Sauternes and Roquefort. A stunning example of the latter is 2 Year Aged Gouda with a Saint Émilion Grand Cru (the pairing combinations from the Mouse & Grape Old & Bold Christmas Hamper). Both the cheese and wine have big bold flavours which complement one another and don’t overpower. I love how the salt crystals in the cheese bring out the fruitiness in the wine. Another great example is Truffle Brie with Champagne, which can be found in the Mouse & Grape Ultimate Christmas Hamper. The high fat content in the brie coats your mouth in gooey goodness and then the refreshing sharp ultra-fine bubbles of the sparkling wine cleanse the palate and set you up for another bite! The rich creamy, mushroomy flavour of the truffle brie is complemented beautifully by the toasty notes in the champagne - a match made in heaven! 

What are the best cheese and wine pairings?

Following my two pairing rules above, below are a selection of my favourite cheese and wine pairing combinations for you to try:

Sparkling Wines
Champagne: Aged Comté or Colston Bassett Stilton - a combination you can find in the Mouse & Grape Luxury Christmas Hamper
Cava: Manchego or other hard sheep milk cheese like Berkswell or Cora Linn
Prosecco: Burrata, Mozzarella or feta, I particularly like the Blackwood Cheese Graceburn
English Sparkling wine: Creamy soft cheeses like Hampshire cheese co Winslade or Tunworth.

White Wines
Sauvignon Blanc: Ash - coated goats cheeses like Valencay, Norton and Yarrow Brightwell Ash or Sainte Maure De Touraine - a combination from the Mouse & Grape classic Christmas Hamper.
Verdejo: Hard goats cheeses like White lake Dairy Rachel - you can find this delicious combination in the Mouse & Grape Eliza Hamper
Soave: With washed-rind cheeses like Taleggio or Nettlebed Creamery Highmore
Oaked Chardonnay: Eppoisé or  Maida Vale made by Village Maid Cheese

Red Wines
Bordeaux Blend: Keen’s Cheddar - found in the Mouse & Grape Old and Bold Christmas Hamper
Pinot Noir: Saint Nectaire, Tomme De Savoire, truffle pecorino
Rioja: Appenzeller, Gruyere, Aged Comté
Sangiovese: Pecorino Sardo, Gorgonzola Naturale or Beauvale - a British cheese made in a similar style.

Rosé
South of France pale Rosé: Goats cheeses like Perroche, Sinodun Hill or Golden Cross
English Rosé: lactic cow’s milk cheeses like Cornish Yarg or Mrs Kirkhams Lancashire

Sweet wines
Sauternes: Roquefort or Époisses
Moscato d’Asti: Gorgonzola Dolce or Flor Di Langa
Tokaji: Fourme D’Ambert or Cote Hill Blue
Port: Stilton or Durrus

Jessica Summer is the founder of Mouse & Grape and a certified cheese and wine pairing expert. Mouse and Grape is a luxury online cheese and wine business that specialises in perfectly paired cheese and wine hampers, a cheese and wine subscription service, and corporate and private tasting events. Jessica is a cheese and wine writer and was a judge at The British Cheese Awards 2022, a finalist at the World Cheese Awards Young Cheesemonger of the Year Competition 2022, and a wine judge at this year's people’s choice drinks awards.

Using my knowledge, tasting experience and qualifications I select the best quality wines and cheeses to curate the ultimate cheese and wine pairing hampers and tasting events. I have drawn upon my experience in the industry to write this guide and I am excited to share my cheese and wine pairing secrets with you! In my opinion, cheese and wine has to be the most iconic and well suited pairing combination in the food and drinks world. Biting into one's favourite piece of cheese or sipping a beloved wine is already a very pleasurable experience but when you combine these heavenly flavours together you reach optimum indulgence and maximum enjoyment!

If you have any cheese and wine questions, would like to book Jessica for an event or try one of her mouth-watering cheese and wine hampers contact her through the website or on Instagram! 

The Best Whisky to Gift this Christmas

For those of us who love whisky Christmas is a time to enjoy it all the more, whether that be for oneself, to share with others, or even to buy as gifts. I believe there are whiskies which are special at most price points, so I will be giving you great suggestions you can find in a supermarket, but also a range of bottles you most definitely can’t. It is Christmas after all, and the festive holidays should be for everyone. From sweet ex-bourbon casks, sherry casks, port casks and smoky whisky, these are my Christmas crackers for 2022. Starting with the two best-selling single malt whiskies in the world. So without further ado, let’s get to it…

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

At any one point in time, it is never certain whether this whisky or the next is the best-selling single malt in the world. They are so well matched, that they both take the lead over the other from time to time. Although they are equally very good, I do have a favourite, and this is it. With great balance and lots of fruity Speyside orchard fruits, this whisky will often be on special offer over Christmas and is a great gift. Although I’m not sure if it’d make it into wrapping paper in my house.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £38 // US $44.99

Glenlivet 12 Year Old

I recently re-visited this distillery and in the tasting after the tour was presented with the 12-year-old as the first whisky. We then had two others from the range, and in my mind, although it was certainly not the most expensive, it was the best. It is so well balanced with apples and pears, with a little honey and vanilla, it’s hard not to see why it holds such regard in many people’s minds. And already on sale until January 2023 at Waitrose

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £28 // US $47.99

Thompson Brothers 8 Year Old Blended Malt SRV5

The Thompson brothers, Phil and Simon have gained legendary status as independent bottlers, and the way they have managed that is by bottling great whisky at great prices. And this is no exception. With complex aromas and flavours of melon, limes, grapefruits and bananas with touches of candlewax and a tiny bit of smoke, this is a great blended malt whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.5%
Find it here: £34.95

Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or 

This is a real sweetie for the festive season. Finished in Sauternes wine casks, it has honey sweetness and vanilla to the fore. The sweet French white wine casks giving a syrup sweetness and viscosity. Sipped by itself or drunk in a highball with grapefruit soda, or ginger ale, this is an easy going crowd pleaser.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: UK £58.94 // US $81.99

Glenfarclas 15 Year Old

A stalwart of sherry matured whiskies, the 15 Glenfarclas is my all-time favourite ex-sherry cask Scotch. With the classic Christmas cake flavours, there are also nutty walnut flavours with orange peel, dates, and raisins. With a little water, it becomes even juicier. A great whisky for cold winter weather being very complex and easy to drink at the same time.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £57.94

Glen Grant 18 Year Old

In 2016 Glen Grant relaunched their range and thankfully included this 18 year old. It is a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks but is so balanced there is not a predominance of flavour from either. With lots of caramel, vanilla and raisins there are complex waves of sweetness which meet the palate. If you don’t like big heavy sherried whiskies then this would definitely be one for you.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: UK £115 // US $139.99

Glenturret 15 Year Old 2022 Release

This is the regular annual release from Glenturret of their 15 year old and like previous releases they have kept the abv on the higher side which gives a big punch of flavour. They’ve used a mix of casks which add to the complexity with both sweet and spicy notes, mixed with pepper, pine resin and lots of dried fruit. A big whisky for a big celebration.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £125

Fettercairn 18 Year Old

This is a very unusual whisky. Scotch must be matured in oak, but where that oak comes from can vary. Traditionally ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks are used, as well as Port, Madeira, and many other wine casks, but never before has a Scottish oak cask been used. Whyte and Mackay, the owners of Fettercarin have a comprehensive Scottish oak project which this 18-year-old has benefited from. The type of oak makes a great deal of difference, with Scottish oak having a peppery spicy note on the back palate and finish beyond all the fruit cake and soft spice. Each batch is pretty limited, so grab one while you can.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.8%
Find it here: £174.50

Dalmore King Alexander III

One of the most complex yet easy drinking whiskies I know. This is matured in six different types of casks and then blended. It is a grand sipper, with lots of soft spice, winter berries and a zesty, oaky edge keeping the palate lively, this is a long-time favourite of mine. Decadence in a glass and definitely a special whisky.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £129.90 // US $279.99

Bowmore 22 Aston Martin 2nd Release

I have to thank my fellow drinker Aidy for opening his bottle for his Christmas party last weekend, otherwise, I’m not sure this would have been on my radar, but it definitely is now! A big rich complex dram with lots of fruit cake and spice, nuts, toasted oak and a good dollop of sweet beach bonfire smoke. This is an absolutely brilliant whisky from Bowmore. Sold out in most places, buy it if you see it, or find it at auction. It’s not only a great present, tastes great, but I think it will increase quite a bit in price, so maybe one to hang onto.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 51.5%
Find it at auction for around £500

Glenrothes 32 Year Old 1988 Cask 16546 Gordon and MacPhail

This whisky is simple in its conception. Fill an American oak hogshead, let it mature for thirty two years, and when ready, bottle it. Simple is not how I would describe the result though. There are subtle flavours of white meadow flowers and fennel which mix well with lots of complex honey and fresh vanilla pods. Fruit salad in syrup and a little fine oak and sandalwood make this a very special whisky for a special gift if you can bare to give it away!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.9%
Find it here: £720

Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute

I’ve been banging on about malt whisky, but now it’s time for a blend. The perception of blends is that they are cheaper and blander. This couldn’t be further from the truth. This whisky has great complexity with the whiskies contained within having been matured for over 40 years. Inlaid in 24 carat gold, this is the ultimate Christmas gift!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.9%
Find it here: £2799.90

With the above choices there should be something for everyone. From highball drinkers and aperitive sippers, to big rich fireside drams. For the new drinker and supermarket shopper to the new king, the one thing all of these have is quality, and the ability to give you pleasure. So, enjoy the festive season with whatever whisky you find and raise a glass to all people who enjoy a glass of the amber nectar.

If you enjoyed this then why not check out our gin, rum or red wine Christmas guides?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 102

Episode 102 of the Bring a Bottle Podcast is packed with knowledge, with Helena joined by absolute cheese and wine guru and owner of Mouse and Grape, Jessica Summer! Inevitably, we took this opportunity to learn all about cheese and wine pairings, using an incredible value supermarket Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec as an example. There are Earl Grey gin experiments, a G&T unlike any you’ve probably tried before, and money-saving insight into how wine lists work!

Our Guest Drinker

Sharing a drink with us this week is Jessica Summer, the owner of the cleverly named Mouse and Grape, a luxury cheese and wine business specialising in everything from gorgeous hampers to corporate tastings and events. Jessica really knows what she’s talking about and has WSET Level 3 and Cheese Academy Level 2 to back it up!

What’s In Our Glass?

We’re merrily sipping our way through Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec, 2020, a fresh and fruit-forward Malbec. It’s voluminous and intense with black cherry and plum, and perfect alongside food for this time of year. Also, it was awarded 92 points from Decanter so it’s not just us that love it. Immense value.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7.50 (usually £9)

Drinks News

The American lager brand Coors Light has released a nail varnish that tells you if your beer is cold by changing colour depending on how cold your beer is when you hold it. Surely, you’d already know if it was cold by that point though? But it’s a nice novelty and maybe it’s an attempt to get more women into beer?!

Graffigna Malbec and Cheese pairing

Of course, we were going to get up to some wine and cheese pairings when we’ve got Jessica on. We won’t do Jessica justice by trying to recreate her detailed pairing guide here, so you’ll have to listen! The Malbec is tested with Goat’s cheese and Cheddar with very different results, and you’ll definitely want to try it for yourself after.

Mixology with Helena

Helena’s got her mixology hat on and this time she’s concocting a milky cocktail inspired by Earl Grey Latte. With York Gin’s Grey Lady at the heart of it, it’s like a lighter aromatic Baileys with great flavour. Perhaps it needs more creaminess to really sing though? If you try it, let us know your thoughts here!

Drinkers Discovery

It looks like a potion discovered in an ancient alchemist’s lab with the pipette top, but it is in fact Cotswolds Gin Essence, 10x the concentrated flavour of usual gins. 4 or so drops of this with tonic and you get a G&T with a light and breezy feel, and less bitterness if you’re into that. Interesting!

Size: 100ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £17.95

Mailbag

This week’s question concerns where to find the best value wine on a wine list! Helena and Jessica advise targeting the mid-range, to avoid the huge mark up on the cheapest wines and hefty price tag of the top end. Look out for Malbecs and Portuguese wines in general!

For all this and more listen in today!

Five Perfect Food Pairings for Argentinian Malbec

This article is brought to you by Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec from the exceptional Uco Valley. With more than 150 years of history, Graffigna is the 3rd oldest winery in Argentina.

Argentinian Malbec is loved all around the world for its comfortingly full body, velvety texture and notes of chocolate dipped, ripe berries. We’re finally getting our heads around Argentinian Malbec in this country and realising that there are different styles to enjoy, even from within the most famous region itself: Mendoza. The vertiginous Uco Valley there produces more concentrated, aromatic and mineral styles of Malbec than the sweeter and more fruit forward styles from the warmer plains. Here are some classic Argentinian Malbec and food pairing ideas: 

Malbec & Meat

Tender cuts of grilled meats and steak are always a go-to pairing for any Malbec, but it can take on some more interesting flavours too. Don’t be afraid to do your beef ribs with barbecue sauce or go full on decadence with a venison wellington. It can handle it, especially the more concentrated, bolder styles of Malbec. Fruit and meat can be a wonderful match as well, so don’t discount your tagines either, especially with prunes. Younger, fruiter, lighter styles of Malbec work very nicely with duck and plum sauce too. 

Malbec & Vegetables

Malbec loves a vegetable, especially if it’s grilled or has a hint of bitterness or juiciness about it. Earthy beetroot is a surprisingly good pairing, whereas any kind of mushroom is a more natural choice. Roasted peppers can sing with Malbec as can baked aubergines and moussaka. Fruity, young Malbecs often fit the bill a little better than heavily oaked, older versions here.

Malbec & Fish

Fish is a trickier match with Malbec, but if you are going to pair them, aim for something grilled, smoked or barbecued like halibut or smoked eel. Malbec can handle fattier, fleshier fish too though, especially if in a fruity, sweet sauce. Try teriyaki salmon or grilled swordfish with a mango sauce. 

Malbec & Cheese

Aged Gouda is a great match for an Uco Valley Malbec, like Graffigna Reserve. The moreish salt crystals bring out the fruit and the tangy, nuttiness of the cheese seems to enhance the baking spice and chocolate notes too. It’s a harmonious match where the result is greater than the sum of its parts! Also try an extra mature Cheddar, which would work well with either a high altitude, heavyweight Malbec or a fruitier one. If you can find it, Provolone also makes a classic Argentinian dish called Provoleta, where it’s warmed up to melt and go deliciously gooey.

Malbec & Chocolate

Dry wine and chocolate are not generally happy bedfellows, as the fat in the chocolate can strip fruit from the wine and leave it tasting metallic or dull. Very dark chocolate however, is another matter. Try a bittersweet, 70% plus dark chocolate with a particularly fruity Malbec so you’re not left with a mouth full of tannin. For more concentrated Malbec, chocolate truffles are an absolute winner. 

Which Malbec Should I Try?

If you’re looking for the perfect bottle of Malbec to pair with these delicious dishes, try Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec, (£9 from Sainsburys £7.50 when on promotion).

Want to get to know the story of Malbec? Check out this article! Want to take a deep dive into more wine and cheese matching? Take a look at this one.

9 Christmas Themed Gins You Need to Try

If you need some inspiration for the gin lover in your life or just a treat to yourself, these Christmas themed gin gifts are guaranteed to capture the spirit(s) of Christmas!

One Port Barrel Rested Gin

A truly distinguished limited edition gin, which has taken One Gin’s premium sage edition to another glorious golden level by resting it in port barrels. This could definitely be taken neat, with notes of rich warming spices, a hint of smokiness, sage and smooth sweet vanilla. It reminded us of sitting by the fire watching old black and white movies with a gorgeous Christmas drink. Delicious served neat over ice or with premium tonic and a wedge of clementine and lemon. 

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34.76

Tarquin’s Christmas Crackers

Why crack open one Christmas cracker when you can have three?! The stunning, original Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin features in this gorgeous set of three generous 50ml miniatures, alongside their best selling Rhubarb and Raspberry, and British Blackberry Gins. The bottles are perfect replicas of the full size versions and are miniature works of art in themselves. Any gin fan would love these in their Christmas stocking, just don’t ask them to share! 

Size: 50ml each bottle
ABV: 42%, 38%,38%
Find here: £18

Hayman’s Sloe Gin

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the perfect sloe gin and Hayman’s has managed to create an extraordinary one just for you with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The sloes are steeped for around 3 months in their original London Dry gin ensuring the perfect depth of flavours. There’s distinctive almond on the nose followed by beautifully rich fruits, cut with the sharpness of the sloes in complete harmony. Perfect for that Christmas dinner tipple, or any other time come to think of it! Serve neat with ice, with a premium tonic and a wheel of orange, or for that real Christmassy feel try it with hot cloudy apple juice, an orange wheel and a stick of cinnamon. Divine!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: UK £22.99 // US $29.99

Angels Share Glass Pink Gin Bauble

A beautiful hand-blown glass bauble from Angels Share Glass filled with Premium Pink gin from the award-winning Stirling Distillery, this bauble would be the perfect addition to any gin lover’s Christmas tree. Originally makers of the stunning whisky filled glass angels, they have now branched out to include gin baubles in their collection and we love them! Even better, you can refill them with your favourite tipple for next Christmas! Presented in an easily wrapped gift box that even an amateur gift wrapper can handle!

Size: 50ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £17.95

Tappers Figgy Pudding Gin

The beautiful amber colour of this fabulously festive gin tempts you in and the flavours do not disappoint. We definitely all want this figgy pudding! With rich winter fruits, citrus and spices this is Christmas personified. Figgy Pudding gin is made using the age-old skill of cold compounding the fruits and botanicals in the gin base, allowing a deep rich flavour and natural colour. Serve it with lots of ice, premium clementine tonic, fresh fig and a cinnamon stick.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 39.6%
Find here: £32

Fuzzy Duck Gingerbread Gin

The name alone makes you want to pour yourself a gin! The smell of gingerbread fresh out of the oven, Christmas songs playing on the radio and everyone wanting the end of the loaf - you can’t beat it. Fuzzy Duck distillery doesn't use any syrup in their gins, it’s all natural goodness just like homemade gingerbread! They’ve definitely hit the nail on the head with this gorgeous tipple. Ginger and cinnamon spice are perfectly balanced with a gorgeous silky mouthfeel. This is a full bodied beauty that deserves to be cherished! Serve it neat over ice or with Mediterranean tonic, plenty of ice, cranberries and a slice of ginger.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £38

Warner’s Christmas Cake Gin

For all of the lovers of sumptuous, dark, fruity Christmas cake this gin will be right up your snow-covered, fairy-lit street! Distilled with hand picked sloe berries, spices, rich fruits and dark chocolate…yes we said dark chocolate, this is no ordinary Christmas gin this is a Warner’s Christmas Cake gin! From a 50ml stocking-filler miniature to a gorgeous gift set, including a stunning etched Warner’s copa glass, there is something here for everyone. Their recommended serve is plenty of ice, cola, and a slice of orange or why not try it in an Espresso Martini?!

Size: 5cl or 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: £5 to £45 (gift set inc glassware)

The Boatyard Distillery Winter Solstice Gin

A stunning Christmas inspired gin hailing from the beautiful banks of Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, North West Ireland. Without losing its juniper heart it’s been distilled with gorgeous Christmas pudding fruits of candied orange peel, raisins, ginger and spices. Expertly blended with a French Sauternes dessert wine giving such a silky sweetness to this perfect winter tipple. You won’t want to put it down until the last Christmas carol is sung!! Serve with premium tonic, plenty of ice and a slice of orange or why not try an Irish coffee with a twist; 50ml Boatyard Winter Solstice Gin, 75ml Filter Coffee, 10ml Muscovado Syrup (2 parts sugar 1 part water) and a Double Cream Top!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £30

Chew Valley Clementine and Cranberry Gin

Hailing from the multi award-winning Somerset distillery. In their own words “This is not a typical “Flavoured” gin. It is a true premium quality gin with hints of winter essence”. The botanicals in this fabulous gin, including fresh clementine peel, ginger and cranberries are vapour infused for the finest flavour extraction. There are no added sweeteners in this gin, which will definitely appeal to those who want something a little less sweet for their Christmas tipple but still want those warming winter flavours. Serve with lots of ice, premium tonic and a slice of orange peel or try it in some mulled apple juice with a stick of cinnamon .

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £34.95

Smugglers Spirits Gin Baubles

You will definitely want to be sneaking these gorgeously colourful gin baubles onto your tree! Full of festive cheer, they are generously filled with a fabulous array of gins from the award-winning Smugglers Spirits. Including their cracking navy strength Old Sins gin, beautifully warming seasonal Winter gin, the fantastic original Smugglers gin as well as their small batch, hand-crafted Orange, Raspberry and Strawberry gins. Just watch that nobody else spirits them away!

Size: 50ml per bauble (x6)
ABV: From 38% to 57%
Find here: £24.50

If you’re looking for more gin suggestions this Christmas, then make sure you have a read of The Best Gins to Gift This Christmas. We don’t stop there though, for gifting suggestions for rum, vodka, tequila, whisky and more click here!

Words by Leigh Andrews

The Best Bubbles to Pop this Festive Season

With the near constant flow of food from nibbles to feasts to desserts, a delicious sparkling wine is perfect for cutting through Christmastime and providing the crisp refreshment required. Without further ado, here’s a selection of our most eye-catching fizzes, from supermarket marvels to sublime top tier magic! Let’s pop those corks!

The Best Budget Sparkling Wine (£10 and Under)

Sainsbury's Cava Brut

Cava is made using the same method as Champagne, but with Spanish grapes like Paradella, Macabeo and Xarel-lo which creates a more tropical and savoury profile than Champagne. Some see it as less refined but when it comes down to value, Cava is king. Those three grapes all go into this Cava Brut, which is aged for at least nine months creating bold zesty citrus aromas. It feels super fresh and vibrant, with a particularly lovely green apple flavour running through it. Try it with any fish from smoke salmon to good old fish and chips.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 1.5%
Find here: £5.85

ALDI’s Specially Selected Cremant Du Jura

You may not be familiar Crémant but it’s a sparkling wine made in the exact same way as Champagne outside the Champagne region, and the production quality of it has improved dramatically over recent decades. This bottle is fabulously light and refreshing, exactly what you need when feasting over the festive period. It lacks the creamy feel of a typical Crémant, but has a bolder combination of fruits, with citrussy lemon and grapefruit, and green apples and pears. If you’re fed up with Prosecco then this is a must try!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%    
Find here: £8.99

Sainsbury's Pignoletto Brut

Pignoletto derives from ‘pigna’ meaning pinecone because of the tight grape clusters on the vine and has similarities with Prosecco. Made using the Grechetto grapes of Umbria, this is drier than a usual Prosecco and similar to the Crémant above, has the pear and apple combination alongside citrusy notes. The real reward here is the refreshment of the fizz and the bright and crisp flavours that make it extremely quaffable indeed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7 (usually £9!)

Tesco Finest 1531 Blanquette De Limoux

If you were on the hunt for sparkling wine in 1531, this would be your only option because Blanquette de Limoux is the oldest sparkling wine in the world! Mauzac and Chenin grapes blend and age in the bottle for a year to create this light sparkling wine full of complex flavours of peach flesh and green apple. There’s a really pleasant soft acidity and interesting toasted brioche finish too. It really gives the more expensive wines and Champagnes a run for their money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.50

Sainsbury's Crémant De Loire

This is another fantastic value option from Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range, and one that’s picked up some serious gongs. Mostly Chenin Blanc with a touch of Chardonnay, it’s a dry fizz with heaps of richness and refreshment from cleansing chalky apple flavours down to the Loire Valley soils. This zesty rich combination is a winning one, and so easy to drink as a result. Bravo to the producer Bouvet Ladubay!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £12!)

Sainsbury's Cremant d’Alsace

From the same collection is Cremant d’Alsace. Cave du Roi Dagobert are renowned in the Alsace region and produce this in the traditional method where it spends over a year bottle aging. It’s rich and creamy as a result, with buttery brioche flavours. Running alongside that too is a vibrant freshness from orchard fruits and luxurious lemon curd notes, completing an extremely well-rounded fizz for the price point. It’s perfect for any celebration and would pair really nicely with smoked salmon.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12

The Best Mid-Tier Sparkling Wine (£10-£29.99)

Graham Norton’s Own Prosecco DOC NV

Chat show king Graham Norton has brought to us a stunning Prosecco, opting for a classic ‘Extra Dry’ style which means it’s lovely and sweet as well as being sublimely light. Citrus and white flower aromas fill your nose, and the finish is refreshingly crisp to boot. It’s a fantastic conversation starting party fizz!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.2%
Find here: £12

Invivo X Unity Prosecco Rosé

This is another bottle that has a link to Graham Norton, albeit indirectly. It’s the official wine of the Eurovision Song Contest and will be served at Liverpool next year! This Venetian wine feels suitably glam and celebratory too, with fresh strawberries on the nose and a lovely blend of green apple, orange and lemon filling the palate. A really feel good fizz for Christmas.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12

Cave de Turkheim Crémant d'Alsace

Another delicious Crémant for the money here, standing out for its perfumed pink grapefruit and lychee, as well as a characterful tartness not always found in similar bottles. Delicate bubbles, super dry and silky smooth, this is a lovely introduction to Champagne alternatives.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £13.49

Castel Fagila Franciacorta Extra Brut

In the heart of the Franciacorta area of Calino, Castel Faglia opt for small garden-like pots rather than sprawling vineyards, bringing out different aromas to usual. Fresh fruit invites you in on the nose, and the following palate is super dry, with surprising structure and lively acidity. Think fresh toasted almonds and aromatic spice underlined with subtle citrus. Satisfying and well worth a try!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £15.50

Tissot-Maire Blanc de Noirs Cremant du Jura Brut

Sheltered in the mountains of the vineyard corridor between Burgundy and Switzerland is the Jura wine region. Maison Tissot-Maire in Arbois is the merger of two expert winemaking families making elegant wines like this. Using mainly Pinot Noir, wildflowers and ripe berries come through on the nose, before a fresh and powerful mouthfeel that has a strong mineral core. Redcurrant and spice fig show themselves amongst the fine bubbles for a stunning food-friendly wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £15.95

Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2017/18

Graham Beck and South African fizz have been going hand in hand since the 1990s, picking up award after award along the way using the traditional ‘Methode Cap Classique’ sparkling winemaking method. The Blanc de Blancs uses night picked Chardonnay for extra freshness, with in-your-face green aromas of lime, apple, and pear. It’s biscuity-rich, with notes of brioche and a special feel of indulgence. Put simply, it’s one of the best. Suitably magical for this special time of year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £19.99

Tesco Finest Rose Champagne

Tesco brings us this wine in partnership with Union Champagne, a cooperative of 2000 winegrowers, 60% of whose land is Grand Cru rated, so you can be assured that the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in this are top notch. It’s super dry with invigorating citrus and red fruits before a very delicate mousse finish. Definitely pop this bubbly when you’re bringing out any fruity desserts!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £24

The Best Top End Sparkling Wine (£30+)

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve

Well, the top end was always going to include Champagne wasn’t it? In particular, this is a rich and weighty expression picking up a number of major awards. It’s ripe, it’s biscuity, it’s dense with mature fruit and a lively acidity cuts through with surgical precision. The average age of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier is a decade, with the younger additions bringing freshness, and the elders that complexity and spice. Full-bodied bubbly that oozes class and is a joy to explore.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £46

Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018

You don’t need fluent French to identify ‘blanc de blancs’ as ‘white from white’ meaning white wine from white grapes. In the world of Champagne, this equates to the exclusive inclusion of Chardonnay grapes, and the same applies to English Sparkling wines. This bottle happens to be both. Gusbourne is a massive name in luxury English wine as it continues to win gong after gong. 2018 conditions left the Kentish fruits in fabulous condition, creating a wonderfully layered flavour. Riper notes of nectarines and clementines float above characterful green apples, whilst alluring lemon sherbet and pink grapefruit slice through. The creamy texture bows out for a toasted nut and brioche finish that really drives home. A benchmark British sparkling wine for sure. We love it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £46

Rare Champagne Millésime 2008

We’ve touched on Charles Heidsieck, and now it’s Piper Heidsieck which originated in 1777. The first ambassador of their Champagne? Marie Antoinette no less. Since then, Piper Heidsieck drew connections with Old Hollywood and is one of the most prestigious, technologically advanced and well-funded houses around. In short, the Millésime Rare is absolutely delicious and very special indeed. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, all grapes were sourced from Grand Cru villages. Delicate apricot pastry and orange zest tease the nose before the magic reveals itself. Pronounced vanilla tangles with fizzing fruitiness – pineapple, blood orange and a comforting continuation of patisserie flavours. Majesty and elegance to match the price tag and for any sparkling wine lover, this guarantees a magical Christmas treat.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £194

Refreshing, and light, we love Christmas fizz but variety is the spice of life, so if you want some reds, whites or even gins to complete your festive cupboards, we’ve scrutinised and deliberated to come up with our end of year best recommendations! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

The Ultimate Christmas Gifts For Drinkers

Wave goodbye to the headache of finding gift ideas and panic buying, because we’ve sourced some top-notch Christmas gifts for wine, beer and spirits lovers. Stocking fillers, hampers, experiences…we’ve got it all. Let’s get straight into it.

The BEst STOCKING FILLERS for Drinks Lovers

Miller Lite’s Beernaments

You’ll have to be quick if you want to get your hands on these; with numerous television appearances in America, they’ve become extremely popular! The idea itself is pretty simple - cans of beer shaped like ornaments and voilà: Beernaments. These boozy baubles are scheduled for more releases so just check the link and jot down the release date if you want these elegant additions to your Christmas Tree.

Find here: $19.75

Football Ice Cube Moulds

Has there ever been a better time for football shaped ice than the first ever winter World Cup? These Kikkerland twin moulds make 5cm ice balls with surprisingly detailed patterning and will be just what’s required for any England fan, particularly English supporters celebrating a possible World Cup win… or drowning their sorrows.

Find here: £9.99

Mermaid Gift Set

Any gin lover will be delighted to pull these beauties out from their stocking. It’s a lovely way of dipping your toe into The Isle of Wight Distillery’s alluring selection of gins, which use locally foraged botanicals and sea salt to impart a fresh, island sea air feel. Refreshing and crisp, it includes 50ml of Pink Gin, Salt Vodka and original Mermaid Gin!

Find here: £17.28

Cotswolds Whisky Taster Pack

Founded in 2014, this distillery produces some of the best English whiskies going, and what an introduction this is: three 50ml bottles of their signature selections!  There’s the rich and fruity Signature Single Malt, the toasty, re-charred Founder’s Choice and the moreish Peated Cask to finish. Perfect to try before committing to a full bottle of your favourite!

Find here: £22.95

Barbadillo En Rama Sherry Gift Box

Now this is a sherry that is too good to leave out for Father Christmas! Barbadillo Pastora Manzanilla Pasada En Rama (15%) is a dry and crisp sherry with extra depth and character that comes from the en rama (from the barrel) style. delicious as aperitif, it is also fantastic alongside bolder winter dishes. You also receive two varieties of gourmet olives, two sherry glass copitas and the wooden box itself can be use as retro wall art at the end – neat.

Find here: £35

The BEst Drinks HAMPERS for Christmas

Mouse & Grape - Cheese & Wine Hamper

You can’t beat a mouth-watering Christmas hamper, and Mouse & Grape have put together some beautiful selections. Each combination has been thoughtfully and expertly selected and includes various amounts of luxury wine and cheese depending on which you opt for. There’s Italian, Spanish, French, Red, White, Sparkling – whatever combo you can think of! Don’t they just look gorgeous? We thoroughly recommend trading up to the truffle honey. One for Christmas day or gifting.

Find here: £75-£225

M&S Collection Christmas Giftbox

A box of pure indulgence - exactly what Christmas is about. Watch as they pop open the premium Prosecco, munch the Marc de Champagne truffles and savour the beautifully moist fruit cake, perfectly matured christmas puddings and dark Dominican Republic chocolate. What a treat for your giftee! Maybe they’ll even share it?

Find here: £45

The Deli Society

The Deli Society source hundreds of artisan products from the UK and Europe to offer top-quality, delicious, deli foods, many of which you can’t find anywhere else. They’ve assembled their best discoveries in a number of bundles encapsulating the finest wine, cheese, meats, chocolate and nibbles of each country. There’s so much selection here, whether it be the French Madelyn with delights like crisp Bourgogne wine and Camembert, or the Spanish Gabriela, packed with classic Manchego cheese, delicious Rioja wine and mouthwatering Chorizo. The only problem is which one to choose!

Find here: £45 (except the Ooh La La Champagne Edition)

Climpson & Sons X Drag & Wine - Festive Box - Limited Edition

The one and only Beth from our show The Three Drinkers in Ireland and founder of Drag & Wine, has put together a fabulously festive celebration box in partnership with coffee pioneers Climpson & Sons! it includes four expertly selected gastronomic wines (fizz, white, red, and sweet), all ideal for seasonal pairings. In addition to that, there’s Climpson’s ready-to-drink 700ml Espresso Martini and two 250g bags of ‘The Baron’; their legendary, go-to Brazilian coffee beans. Everything is sustainably sourced, so this jam-packed box is ideal to fuel your festivities!

Find here: £150 including delivery (UK only, order by Dec 13th)

The Wine Society Gift Cases

The Wine Society really are the go-to place for reliable wines without massive mark ups and their festive boxes are always a joy. Choose from the festive half case box, the afternoon tea box, the Rhône and Paté case, fizz and chocolate case and many more. Of course, there is also gift membership on offer! Perfect for any wine lover. The even better news is that TWS now offer free delivery with no minimum order (including next day delivery most days if the order is placed before 12.00).

Find them here from £17

Tidal Rum x The Pished Fish: booze-infused smoked salmon

Stunning salmon company Pished Fish specialise in booze infused salmon, whether smoked or otherwise. We tried the smoked salmon infused with Tidal Rum and it was the most delicious salmon we’ve ever tasted. A hint of rum-ness with the elegant smoke and lovely, thick slices of succulent salmon. Order now before they run out! Try the 5 multipack to keep you going over Christmas.

Find them here for £36. 99

The Best DRINKING ACCESSORIES To Gift

Riedel Glasses

The right glass can really heighten the experience of the wine you are enjoying. Riedel make stunning glassware relevant to specific grapes and not only do they look attractive, they a feel great to sip from and help open up the wines as intended, intensifying the best qualities of the wine style in the glass. Their iconic glassware is in high demand, so availability changes frequently but right now, they have pairs of Riesling glasses as well as Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc. A top-class glass is a great way to make every drink feel that bit more special, so why not treat someone this Christmas? Or even yourself!

Find here: £49.95 (usually more!)

The Glencairn Mixer Glass

Whisky aficionados and Glencairn glasses go hand in hand, with it being the official tasting glass at many competitions and events. This Mixer edition is multi-functional, not just for whisky but other spirits and their mixers. The tulip shape enhances the nose and the tapered lip directs liquid to the top of the tongue for full appreciation. If you drink spirits, then this glass should be your go to and it’s bigger than a normal Glencairn so you can add your mixer to it. Isn’t it beautiful too?

Find here: £28

Drinky Tees

Our very own Helena has been busy creating Drinky Tees with the aim of producing affordable drinks-slogan t-shirts and tops that are natural, sustainable and fully recyclable, including the packaging! There’s something for pretty much any wine you can imagine – Riesling Rocks, Life is Rosé, Mama loves Malbec etc. Certified organic cotton and super comfy, plus £1 from every purchase goes straight to the Blue Seas Protection charity! Follow @DrinkyTees and @HelenaSips on Instagram to stay in the loop with new releases!

Find here: Various around £26

Cocktail Time! By Paul Feig

Paul Feig is an American writer, director and producer (Freaks and Geeks, Bridesmaids, The Office, Ghostbusters) who, like us, is obsessed with cocktails. This book is a guide to making not only 125 different cocktails, but also throwing parties, perfect music, glassware, and everything related to cocktail partying! It’s a love letter to everything about them, and there’s even some amusing insider Hollywood stories with each recipe!

Find here: £19.88

The BEsT UNIQUE DRINKS to gift

Gosnells Vintage Mead Selection

Gosnells are the premier modern mead brand who adore bees, and this selection contains their vintages from the last three years. These bottles use raw honey from the same set of hives each year, but due to yearly changes in what the bees eat, climate and crops among other factors, you can taste the difference each year. The usual range is made from orange groves hives in Spain, whereas this uses London hives and comes out at a much stronger 12%. It’s sweet, herbaceous with layered fruity notes and overall, a distinctly bold taste. Give it a go and support the bees in the process!

Find here: £65

Personalised Bottle of York Gin

York Gin creates their range of charmingly bottled gins around the history of the equally beautiful city of York. Whether it’s telling the story of the Roman foundations by using fruit they introduce, the Chocolate Orange flavour honouring the iconic Terry’s, or the Vikings edition with dried nettles and bilberries, both found when digging on Viking sites! Check out their others – they’re fascinating creations even if you’re not going to buy anything. You can now add to the story by gifting someone a personalised engraved bottle matching that lovely historical font.  It’s also a 100% renewably powered distillery, so with a great concept, award-winning gin, and a customised special touch... what a present this is!

Find here: £55-£61

The Best Drinks Subscriptions and VOUCHERS

The Cocktail Society - Bottled Cocktail Gift Subscription

This is the UK’s leading cocktail discovery box, giving you the opportunity to try the seemingly endless options for cocktails so that next time you visit a cocktail bar, you know exactly what to order. These subscription boxes are shipped on the 21st of each month, and contain up to 12 cocktails, 3 snacks and a magazine. These aren’t makeshift home cocktails, they’re intent on being bar quality premium kits to recreate the magic at home. You’ll get everything you need to make your own, as well as ready to drink delights too – the best of both worlds. No more amateur mixology, this is premium.

Find here: £120 3 Boxes

Black Chalk Vineyard Tour and Tasting, Andover - voucher

Nothing beats a vineyard tour to get close to wine, and Black Chalk provide this guided tour of their picturesque Hampshire vineyards where you can gain an insight into what goes into award winning traditional English winemaking. Of course, you’ll then want to taste it, so you’ll finish with a tutored tasting of two signature wines! Not a bad day out at all.

Find here: £22

We’ve included a few great bottles here, but if you want a comprehensive guide of gins, sparkling wines, reds, and whites then we’ve created lists of our recommended bottles for each. Just check out our website! Rest assured; they’re cracking choices (if we do say so ourselves.)

Words by Calum Ecroyd

The 20 Best Red Wines for Christmas 2022

We’ve been spoilt for choice when it comes to top-class red wine this year, whether that be £5 gems on supermarket shelves, mid-tiers packing a punch or precision excellence at the top end.

We’ve narrowed it down to the 20 eye-catchers that have that extra special something you need to try. They’re perfect for the magic of the festive season, whether that’s gifting or sipping away yourself! Without further ado, we’ll begin with some beautiful bottles you can easily find in your local supermarket...

Best Budget Red Wine Under £10

Mimo Moutinho Lisboa

Mimo Moutinho Lisboa continues the trend of Portuguese wine representing top notch value. Brimming with brambly, black and redcurrant spice, it’s bold and well worth trying if you want something a little different to usual. For under a fiver, it’s fantastic. Drink it with gamey meats, you’ll be surprised!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £4.49 Aldi

Tilting Tree Merlot

Velvety soft and delightfully easy drinking, Merlot is the Michael Bublé of wines. Bursting with aromas of sweet cherry, this bottle from the Asconi Winery in Moldova is refined beyond its price. It feels light on its feet with juicy plum flavour and a tantalising touch of eucalyptus too. Forget White Christmas, it’s Red Christmas at this price!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5 Coop

Monte Plogar Cariñena Reserva

Six years aged, with leathery spice and tangy notes of tobacco leaf, this dry Spanish Rioja hails from the Cariñena region of the country, an area that is lesser known, hence the price. Rioja can easily be overpriced, so this is particularly good value and crying out to pair up with a leg of lamb or roast chicken. A crowd pleaser and wallet pleaser all in one!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £5.49 Lidl

Piccodoro Nero D'avola

There’s more fantastic value here with this stunning sipper from the gorgeous island of Sicily. It’s rich, rustic and figgy with comforting notes of cocoa, dark ripe cherries, and warm baking spice - a hug from the Italian nonna you never knew you had! All in all, it’s a tremendously food-friendly Nero d’Avola that’s perfect with pizza, or even richer stews and meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5.75 Tesco

Dark Horse Malbec

Dark Horse is a fantastically rich and full-bodied red that shows what Californian Malbec has to offer. Plush and velvety, it’s bursting with juicy plums and blackberries, and a welcome hint of spice underneath. This will be a winner with most of your festive feasts, in particular pork and lamb and roasted veg! Nom!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 ASDA (usually £8.50!)

Graffigna Reserve Malbec

If you haven’t tried Graffigna Malbec yet this year, then this Christmas is the perfect time. From the Uco Valley in Argentina, it’s elegant, rich, and chocolatey with fruit forward notes of blueberry balanced by a crack of black pepper. For its price point, it’s an absolute steal!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7.50 Sainsbury’s (usually £9!)

Best Mid-Tier Red Wine

Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir

Argentinian wines usually provide good value in the UK, and few more so than this Pinot from Mendoza. Lively in the mouth, this bright ruby red feels light and fresh, with subtle toasts from French oak ageing. It has a defined but delicate character, with black fruit notes playing off hints of smoke and spice simultaneously. Masterfully crafted, it’s a reflection of the heritage of the Bosca vineyard that’s still family run today. A go to with any seafood over the festive season.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.2%
Find here: £15.30 Vinvm

Orovela Saperavi 2015 Kakheti

The mind doesn’t jump to Georgia when we think of wine, but maybe that’s going to change? Waitrose have uncovered this Saperavi from Kakheti, one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world. The vines that go into this unusual fruit-forward red are between 13-30 years of age and present tonnes of structure. It’s intense and brooding, with generous notes of cedar, meadow berries and chalky cocoa, all swimming in subtly spicy plum sauce. Autumn in a bottle, and a limited production apparently so be quick!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £16.99 Waitrose

Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro Laderas del Norte 2020

Say hello to the winner of Best Red Over £10 at the Wines From Spain Awards 2022. This is the first wine from Finca Valdesardon (Valdesardon Estate), a single organic vineyard in the heart of Ribera del Duero region. There’s characterful red fruits to be enjoyed, as well as curious balsamic tones, freshly brewed coffee and toasted notes from the 12 months in French oak. A vineyard to keep an eye on that’s for sure.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: €17.90

Clarendelle Bordeaux Inspired By Haut-Brion 2016

Haut-Brion inspired Clarendelle’s 2016 release is a benchmark Bordeaux with aromas of blackcurrants and red fruits tangling with floral overtones. Largely Merlot, there’s enough acidity to be surprisingly refreshing and with the silky-smooth tannins, it creates a mightily impressive blend.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: UK £19.99 Laithwaites // US $24.99

Susana Balbo Signature Malbec

The ultimate introduction to quality Malbec from the most renowned female winemaker in Argentina, Susana Balbo. This is a beautiful bottle with a deep violet hue, revealing glorious aromas of bundled blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry, all framed by touches of minty spice. Toasted vanilla and juicy plum flavours follow before a luxuriating velvety finish. Lovely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £22 Good Wine Online // US $24.99

 Talbott 'Kali Hart' Pinot Noir 2017/18, Monterey

Next up is this sublime, silky-smooth Pinot from the Kali Hart using the coveted cool-climate Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey. These conditions create extremely concentrated grapes with a lively acidity and great flavour, perfect for Cali Pinot Noir. The vibrant red berried palate is dying to be served with Christmas Turkey, and the depth with oak, spice and minerality, alongside soft tannins, will keep you sipping all night long.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £24.99 Majestic

Pinot Noir, Josten & Klein Vom Schiefer, 2018

Germany is underrated for Pinot Noir, or ‘Spätburgunder’ and actually produces the most after France and the U.S, with a steady flow of light, elegant and expressive creations... just like this! There’s luxuriating cherry chocolate flavour, but it doesn’t get bogged down so for a wine with so much depth and complexity, there’s an appealing lightness. A glass of this alongside a gluttonous Christmas Dinner and life’s good.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £23.50 The Good Wine Shop

Best Top End Red Wine

La Fiorita Rosso di Montalcino

This is the definition of an easy-drinking red using 100% Tuscan Sangiovese. The nose is somewhat mysterious in its delicacy, with faint pine. On taste, the expressive palate opens up with fruity black cherry and raspberry mixing with herbal notes and pepper. It’s medium bodied with silky light tannins and a bright finish you’ll want to come back to over and over. Stunning!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: UK £31.90 Hedonism // US $68.99

Boot Hill Pinot Noir, 2020 Gusbourne

Simply put, this is a classic Pinot, but expertly crafted. There are wild raspberries and red cherries on the nose and it treats you to such a smooth mouthfeel with all the plump red fruits you expect, and a grounding earthy minerality to complete the balance. Seriously well put together and fantastic alongside a roasted chicken with trimmings galore.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £35 Gusbourne

J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Nicole Hitchcock at J Vineyards focuses on cool-climate varieties in the sunny Russian River Valley, where many of the top American Pinots originate from – this is one such classic example. Notes of blueberry, raspberry and dark cherries fill out the flavour with just the right balance of oak and cocoa in support in what is by all accounts, an expertly crafted, moreish, and supremely well-rounded premium liquid. Bravo! Pair it with something along the lines of pork tenderloin with rosemary and apple, or even a goats cheese with spiced cherry!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.3%
Find here: UK £29.99 Vivino (usually £34.95!) // US $39.99

Chateau d'Esclans 2020 Rosé

A little step away from reds for a second here but what an incredible gift for any rosé lover this would be, one of the world’s greatest from a top producer slap bang in the heart of the Côtes de Provence. The carefully selected grapes are sorted electronically and manually several times over before they undergo a Burgundian style process, receiving a twice weekly stir in large oak barrels for 10 months, adding incredible structure and richness to the wine. Pure on the nose, it's weighty with vibrant peach and redcurrant and the beguiling combination of crisp acidity and creamy texture is so easy to love. Class. In. A. Glass.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £29.95 Fine Wine Direct (usually £50!!!)

Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon

Brace yourself for a delicious Cab with oomph. Cabernet, alongside Chardonnay helped put Napa Valley and Californian wine on the map in the 1970s, and they’ve only got better. Full-bodied and bold, this is a long journey of wine, bursting with berries to begin, and finishing with mellower notes of chocolate, leather, and even tea leaf. Give it some air to sing and you’re away! Any grilled or barbequed meats and get this cracked open. It’s utterly glorious... and dangerously moreish!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15.5%
Find here: UK £59.95 Vivino // US $68.99

Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum Toscana 2015

We’re really into the higher price points now where any wines have to really prove their worth, and this wonder certainly does because it’s one of the best we’ve had the joy of experiencing. The ultimate dreamy date-night Tuscan red, it’s an Italian French love affair with rich tannins and magically intense dark fruits. These seductively tangle with indulgent dark chocolate, ripe cherries, raspberries rolled in black pepper and dark, juicy plums. So much has been experienced before the embracing finish of cherry compote and warming cedar spice that echoes and echoes in the mouth. Pure romance, pure excellence. Save this special wine for an equally special night and you won’t be disappointed!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £90 // US $79.99

Siepi 2020, Toscana

Castello di Fonterutoli has been a stopping off point between Florence and Siena for over a thousand years, where everyone from traders to Emperors paused for refreshment. It’s in the heart of Chianti Classico and has been owned by the Mazzei family since 1435! In the 80s (very recent history for them!), they planted Merlot beside Sangiovese in their very particular terroir and this inky blend of both was born. It’s stunningly elegant, powerful, and complex. The aromatics of lavender, cloves, and mocha dance seamlessly, melding with brambly blue fruits, leather, and graphite with precision. There are dried herbs and spices, creaminess, and agile liveliness, it has everything. Divinely beautiful, and a magical experience for the drinker.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £94

Maybe you’re more into bubbles or whites when it comes to wine. Well, relax because we’ve got you covered there! If it’s spirits you want to check out next though, then we’ve got gifting ideas for gin, vodka, tequila and rum waiting for you too.

Words by Calum Ecroyd