TalkTV: World Cup Wine & Gin!

Who’d have thought it? England are still in the World Cup 2022! To celebrate, let’s look at a few drinks from some of the countries that are or have been in the running.

England

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Wine 2010 

This vintage English fizz has been a smart find for professional winos since it hit the shelves. It’s made like champagne, from a great vintage year and it’s got loads of bottle age, giving it lots of complexity and flavour. If this were champagne, it would be three times the price. 

Find it here at Morrisons for £27

Uruguay

Specially Selected Albariño

It’s no surprise that a Spanish varietal has become Uruguay’s flagship grape when you consider that most of the winemaking community are descended from Basque immigrants. Hailing from Maldonado, close to the Atlantic, this a decent Albariño, somewhat bolder than the classic Rias Baixas version and with notes of quince, baked apple and white peach with a zesty acidity and saline finish. 

Find it here at Aldi for £9.99

Argentina

Graffigna Genuine Collection Malbec Reserve 2020

Graffigna is the 3rd oldest winery in Argentina, with more than 150 years of history to its name. Their Malbec now hails entirely from the premium region of the Uco Valley in Argentina and their aim is to give the wine more freshness rather than heavy oak. Excellent value and a great choice for festive feasting.

Find it here at Sainsbury’s on offer for £7.50

France

Mirabeau Gin Grapefruit Gimlet

As a special treat, I thought I’d bring in a favourite French gin of mine. Made by Mirabeau using rosé wine and Provençal botanicals such as thyme, rose and lavender, this premium gin really is Provence in a glass. It’s a gin you can sip alone with ice, but it also makes a killer G&T and a Gimlet.

Here’s a simple cocktail recipe, packed full of vitamin C:

The Mirabeau Pink Gimlet

50ml Mirabeau Dry Gin 

25ml Simple Syrup 

50ml Lime Juice (1 lime) 

75ml Pink Grapefruit Juice (1/2 a Grapefruit) 

Ice for shaker. 

Pour all the ingredients into an ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake together then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with half a wheel of lime.

Find it here at Waitrose on offer for £28

Perfect White Wine to Pair with Christmas Food

We’ve been hard at ‘work’ popping corks on the very best white wines at each price point in the run up to Christmas, and these are the crème de la crème.

Richer reds and Champagne are usually more associated with the festivities, but a White (wine) Christmas is much lighter and just as delicious, especially with the inevitable feasting weighing you down!

Perfect for seafood in particular, but also roasts, dive in and discover which delightful bottle to stock in your cupboard this Christmas.

Best Budget White Wine for Christmas

Amandla 'Our Future' Sauvignon Blanc

This is a new South African black-owned brand from one of the rising female stars in winemaking, Pray Dlamini, who hand picks grapes from the Western Cape and blends this zesty sunshine Chardonnay herself. It’s bursting with ripe and tropical notes. Think passion fruit, pineapple, and lemon. Food friendly too, look to serve this alongside fish or lighter chicken and pork meals.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 Sainsbury’s

Andrew Peace Chardonnay 2021

Back in 1980, Jim Peace found himself disenchanted with the rat race in Melbourne and when he passed a vineyard for sale, fate intervened, and he never looked back. His son is now chief winemaker at the cooler climate Victoria vineyard, releasing quality like this. It’s a soft marshmallow Chardonnay with subtle melon and a refreshing splash of citrus from the touch of Semillon included. It’ll sit nicely with any fish you’re cooking over the festive season, as well as softer, creamier cheeses. Elegant beyond the price tag!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6 Coop

Adnams Muscadet 2021

Muscadet is a wine from decades gone by that’s been making a resurgence, with its clean, bone-dry neutrality proving very desirable. The grape itself here is Melon de Bourgogne but don’t be fooled into assuming this is from Burgundy as a result, it’s actually the stunning Loire Valley (confusing we know). It has the classic earthy, fleshy white peach and super refreshing nature you want from a Muscadet, and it’s just the ticket for shellfish!

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

Morrisons The Best Marques de los Rios Rioja Blanco

Fabulous value here with a white Rioja produced in partnership with Bodegas Eguia in Rioja Alavesa south of Bilbao. There’s a lot going on and an awful lot to love with waxy lemon rind notes, vanilla, ripe pear, a touch of sweet spice and some texture from the part aging in French oak. An easy drinking winner with roast chicken or turkey.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7 Morrisons

Tesco Finest Albarino del Rey 2021

Using Albariño Grapes from Spain's Rias Baixas, this is exactly the kind of elegance we’ve come to expect from the region. Apricot aromas make way for a lovely lemon meringue pie feel, with zinging zesty citrus and comforting weight to it. It’s simply a superb white for under the £10 mark. Make it sing with hard cheese or fleshy fish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.50 Tesco

Prima Luna Frascati

This Frascati is a cheap and extremely cheerful thirst-quenching wine. If you’re a fan of Pinot Grigio, then this has a touch more character with green apple hints and citrus notes, before a touch of bitter almond on the finish. It’s seriously solid for under £6. Give it a whirl with fish, or cold chicken at the Boxing Day buffet perhaps.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £5.75 Tesco

Caves des Roches Cotes de Gascogne 2021

If you’re drawn to Kiwi Sauvignon then this is one for you. A vibrant wine from Gascony in Southwest France, it carries tropical vibes with ripe grapefruit and juicy guava, culminating in a crisp finish. At 11% and £5, being this moreish isn’t too much of a problem!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £5.25 Tesco

Co-op Irresistible Viognier 2021

‘Irresistible’ is spot on. This is serious Viognier with a classic profile of hefty weight, sweet peach and apricotty grape. This honeyed flavour is balanced by zingy acidity heightening the freshness. Really, this should be priced into double figures, but let’s hope they don’t because this is Helena’s house white! Any seafood and salads, pour this out.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8 Coop

Co-op Irresistible Marsanne 2021

Jean-Claude is one of the star winemakers of the Languedoc and the brains behind this is fantastically put together perky white expressing the Marsanne grape in all its glory. It can be a tough wine to get right, hence why Marsanne is often blended with others to taper it but this is spot on. Think of ripe fruits like peach and pear as well as honey, all countered by a refreshing acidity that keeps you coming back for more. If you like the Viognier above, chances are this is worth picking up too!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8 Coop

Perelada Només Garnatxa Blanca 2021

White Garnacha (Grenache) is on the up big time and hailing from the region of Empordà in Spain, this is a pure and great embodiment of that. Think weighty, fleshy, creamy white wine with notes of a curiously sweet hit of melon, vanilla, baked apple and white chocolate. This will be just as at home with nuts and cheeses as it will be with poultry – super versatile.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £11.95 Lekker Wines

Best Mid-Tier White Wine for Christmas

Adnams North Otago Chardonnay

With mountains all around, the Waitaki Valley hotbed of wine sits on the river of the same name on the idyllic North Otago, New Zealand. Nestled here is the family-run Forrest estate, growing grapes in white limestone soils with river gravel for mineral rich growth. This is a limited-edition Chardonnay that feels delightfully rich with a toasty, savoury feel. Popcorn and spice show themselves, alongside ripe fruit in a powerful white that is both creamy and chalky. Any meaty fish in rich sauces, this is your bottle.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £19.99 Adnams

Petit Chablis, Vielles Vignes, Domaine Dampt et Fils

The village of Chablis may be tiny, but its reputation and fame is anything but. Petits Chablis uses soils from just outside the area of the top Chablis wines, but with the Dampt estate employing the exact same standards when making it, you wouldn’t notice. The flavours are surprisingly concentrated and beautifully so, with earthy leafiness and chalky feel offsetting melon notes and a touch of noisette. Crisp, clean, well-balanced, and well-rounded – fantastic fundamentals. We think it’d be perfect with smoked salmon or prawns, something along those lines.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £17.99 Laithwaites

G de Guiraud Semillon-Sauvignon 2019

What a wine to fly the flag for white Bordeaux. Toasty, waxy with a zesty finish to pep the bottle up, this is an organically farmed blend with equal parts Semillon and Sauvignon. It’s aged in the old 1er Cru Sauternes barrels to inject real depth and complexity, throwing up notes of ripe peach, lychee, oatmeal, and light lemon. It’s a vibrant palate cleanser so it loves any food. Christmas turkey with every trimming in the book? Pour away.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £15 Coop

Domaine Claude Lafond 'cuvee Nathalie' Reuilly Blanc 2021

This Loire Sauvignon shares the soil with Sancerre, picking up many of the characteristics without the price tag. Every drop oozes class, with leafy lemon flavour, a hint of nuts and a comforting creaminess. Delicious saline finish too. Try it with goats cheese, trust us!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14.99 Majestic

Domini Veneti 'Foscarino' Soave Classico DOC, 2021

It’s head-turning and mouth-watering stuff from this blend of Garganega, Trebbiano and Chardonnay. Produced from grapes nurtured in volcanic soil in the Soave Classico region, there’s a sturdy saline core with branches of tropical pineapple and citrus, all shrouded in a creamy texture that would work wonders with most seafood dishes. A top-notch all-rounder and faultless bang for your buck!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.99 Majestic

Grace Koshu Kayagatake 2021

We’re taking a left field turn off to Japan for a moment if it’s alright with you, because at the very least, you have to see the Koshu grape (seriously, Google it after this) – is it the best-looking grape on the planet?  Mesmerizing pink. The wine itself resembles Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio somewhat, with divine balances of lemon, grapefruit, peach and jasmine. It feels soft and juicy but subtle all over, all whilst being terrifically light if you enjoy that from your wine. Foods like salmon, or perhaps goat cheese will pair nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £19.99 Novel Wines

Best Top End White Wine for Christmas

La Chablisienne Chablis Grand Cru, Chateau Grenouilles, 2018

Now this would bring more than a dusting of magic to any Christmas gathering, more like sleighfuls! Only a tiny harvest of Chardonnay is grown on ancient terroir for this, before two years of oak aging. This is simply top of the Chablis tree. Beguilingly rich, as rounded as they come, with creamy citrus notes grounded by chalky, mineral character and a kiss of oak. It’s as lively and complex as you expect for the amount it’ll set you back, if not more! Bravo!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £74.95 Le Bon Vin

Gusbourne Guinevere Chardonnay 2020

Brace yourself for this stunner, a super elegant Chardonnay from Gusbourne in Kent. You’ll recognise some overlap with a white Burgundy, with ripe stone fruit, a touch of spice and reassuring texture from 10 months of oak barrel aging. The palate is saline and buttery, with mellow oak and vanilla notes, perfectly balanced by the slight acidity of lemon and lime. As well as being crisp and fresh, there’s intriguing complexity that’s dying to be explored so it’s a super satisfying English wine. A glass of this alongside any creamy fish or chicken pie and you’re laughing!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £35 Gusborne

If you haven’t been won around by white wine this Christmas then one, well done for making it to the end regardless, and two, we’ve got Christmas guides for beautiful reds and glorious bubbles too!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

How About a Hellmann’s ‘Mayo-Nog’ this Christmas?

Let’s be honest, eggnog is pretty polarising as it is so when Hellmann’s insist that their signature mayonnaise can be thrown into the mix instead of the egg, well, we don’t know what to make of it frankly.

In partnership with Muddling Memories’ Cody Goldstein, and New York restaurant Amy Fontaine’s, this experimental team is aiming to prove that it works, but how? They’ve created a Frozen Mayo-Nog as well as a Snickerdoodle Mayo Cookie with the aim of producing a Heston Blumenthal-esque milk and cookies revamp.

Unfortunately, if your mouth is watering reading this then, firstly each to their own, and secondly, you better get saving for a trip to the Big Apple, because the Mayo-Nog and the cookie are only officially available at Fontaine’s restaurant for a combined price of $24! But that includes a ‘mayo glaze’ so it’s got to be worth every cent...right?

Not willing to travel to New York to try these mayo creations? Where’s your commitment to the cause? At least you can try it yourself at home because the recipe is on the Muddling Memories Instagram. There is a hell of a lot of egg in America’s best-selling mayo, so it might not be as crazy a leap as you might initially think, as odd as that sounds. The rest of the recipe sounds very nice indeed, with dark rum, apple brandy, milk, cream, syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon, all blended with a generous helping of Hellmann’s and voila, your first Mayo-Nog...

But will it be your last? We’re desperate to hear if mayonnaise can actually substitute the egg, and if so, is it worse, or maybe even better? We may just try and whip one up on the Bring a Bottle podcast very soon to put it to the test! If you give it a go send us a picture on Instagram/Facebook and let us know what you thought!

The Best Rum to Gift this Christmas

The world of dark spirits is ever expanding, and no more so than in the world of rum. Rum, unlike many other dark spirits, seems to be a little harder to navigate. Scotch whisky has hard and fast rules that need to be adhered to, as does Cognac and even most world whiskey in some form or other. It means you know what to expect and there is a quality assurance that comes within its category. Not so with Rum, which, for me makes it exciting. The rules in one country can be quite strict, whilst in another, they may be non-existent. Aging can mean nothing, and colour can be added to make a rum look well aged, when in fact it’s only just been made, sugar can also be added without restriction, giving overly sweet rums. It’s no secret that people in the south Americas like rum to be sweeter than most Europeans.

Rather than dismiss rum as being too difficult, I think one should experiment, just as one would at the beginning of the journey to finding out which whisky one likes. I’ve done a fair bit of experimentation over the last few years, and if you are thinking of rum for Christmas or gifting rum, here are a few of my suggestions, giving their style so you can hopefully find that perfect bottle for the festive season. I’ll start with white rum, getting steadily darker, and include a few spiced rums at the end. There’s something here for everyone at every price point, so let’s get to it!

The Best White Rum to Gift for Christmas

Ron Santiago de Cuba Carta Blanca

In the last few years, we are seeing rums other than Havana Club coming out of Cuba, and this is a great example. It has initially been aged for a short time in oak, but then filtered to take out the colour, but leaving in all the flavour. I think this is one of the best value to flavour ratio rums for making cocktails out there. At a slightly lower abv, it doesn’t overpower with alcohol, but still delivers all the flavour you need.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find it here: £20.94

Bougainville White Rum

This rum comes from the Oxenham distillery on Mauritius. Made with molasses which have been fermented at a low temperature for 14 to 20 days, which is a very long fermentation, it gives lots of fruity banana character with toffee, milk chocolate and a touch of spice. At 40% it is smooth too, and although good enough to drink over ice, it is fantastic to mix with anything from Cola to the fanciest cocktail - this rum will shine through.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £24.37

Toti White Rum

Created by The Sustainable Spirit Company in conjunction with the conservation group Sea Shepherd, 15% of the profits from every bottle go to supporting marine conservation in the Caribbean. Not only that, the rum tastes delicious too! It is a blend of rums from Trinidad, Barbados, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. There are flavours of apricot, chocolate and coconut with a touch of peppery heat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find it here: £27.44

St Nicholas Overproof

Hailing from Barbados and produced by St Nicholas Abbey, this bottling has some punch to it being overproof at a robust 60% abv. This makes it a wonderful cocktail base, and although not the cheapest white rum in the world, it is worth every penny. The strength lets the rum come through with loads of flavour in a cocktail. With sweet honey, red fruit flavours and a nutty background with a little peppery heat, this is a great white rum.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 60%
Find it here: £74.95

The Best Rum to Gift for Christmas

Mount Gay Discovery Set

Here we have a great gifting set. Especially for those wanting to explore a wider range of rums. Mount Gay is a legendary distillery in Barbados. In the set are one each of Eclipse, Black Barrel Double Cask Blend and Mount Gay XO Triple Cask Blend. All quite different and all very tasty. My favourite is the Black Barrel which has been aged for seven years before being finished in heavily charred barrels giving toasted oak, ginger, oranges and a little baked tropical fruit.

Size: 600ml 3 x 200ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £45

Bottle: Mount Gay Eclipse
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $26.99

Bottle: Mount Gay Black Barrel
Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: $29.99

Bottle: Mount Gay XO
Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: $66.99

Hattiers Resolute Navy

A Navy Strength bottling from English rum makers Hattiers, and it’s a brilliant blend of aged rums from Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados and Australia, it’s got lots of baked tropical fruit and buttery caramel and is a little smoky. A brilliant rum for making classic cocktails. I recently tried it in an Old Fashioned and have found a new friend. Warming and delicious, a fabulous rum.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 54.5%
Find it here: £50.94

Doorly 14 Year Old

Yesterday I was at a rum lunch and chatted to rum aficionado Peter Holland, who is now representing Foursquare distillery which also produces the Doorly range of rums. I asked him, which his favourite was, and low and behold, we both like the same one! The 14 Year old is a blend of pot still and column rum, mostly aged in ex bourbon casks. There are a few aged in Madeira giving a touch of sweetness amongst loads of spice including a good dollop of ginger spice, there is also dark chocolate and red berry fruit. A little soft spice on the finish and char, make this a great sipping and mixing rum. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find it here: £61.44

Abuelo XV Finish Collection 

The Abuelo fifteen year old comes in three forms, all finished in different casks. There is an Oloroso Sherry cask finish, a Napoleon Cognac finish and a Tawny Port cask finish. All delicious. Very difficult to choose a favourite, as they are all very good and the choice is subjective. I like the Tawny Port finish as it is a little drier, but that might not be yours, so why not try them all! A great gift for any rum lover.

Size: 600ml 3 x 200ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £73

Bottle: Ron Abuelo XV Napoleon Cognac Cask
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $75

Hampden Estate Overproof Rum

I can’t write a rum list without including my namesake! And it’s not just because of the name. I last wrote about the eight year old Hampden, and this rum is just as incredible, especially if you like very fruity, slightly funky rum, which is typical of the Trelawny area in Jamaica. Lots of fruity esters, mix with a little vegetal bitterness, and at 60%, this is a very punchy rum. One to try if you’ve been drinking rum for a while and want to try something a little different.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 60%
Find it here: £80

Foursquare Elysium 12 Year Old

Dan Davies MW says if you like sherry aged whiskies or rich style of Cognac, you should try this rum. It is a rich blend of pot still and column-distilled rum and matured in both ex-bourbon and ex sherry casks for 12 years in the tropics. There are deep flavours of brown sugar, baked orchard fruits with lifted flavours on the finish of furniture polish, dried tobacco leaves and leather. Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange, they have chosen a cracker of a rum here.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 60%
Find it here: £86.95

Caroni 22 year old 1997 Master of Malt

Here we have a very special rum. From the closed Caroni distillery, these rums are becoming very rare and new bottlings don’t come around very often. Bottled by Master of Malt, this is a very good example. Distilled on a traditional column still in 1997, only 284 bottles were filled in 2020 and only recently released. If you’d like to try a very special rum or need a very special gift for a rum lover, then this will do the trick. With aromas of baked pineapple, confected other fruits and a dry oak the flavours are gentle at first, expanding into dark rich earthy notes and treacle and raisins. Baking spice and cloves come through with stewed fruit on the finish which is very long and complex.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 61.6%
Find it here: £249.95

The Best Spiced Rum to Gift for Christmas

Cassario Black Spiced Flavour with Rum

Here we have a rum that gives true value for money. Beating other much more expensive rums in competitions, like the Spirits Business awards in 2021 where it received a gold medal, this rum doesn’t compromise flavour for price. If you like Kraken or other dark spiced rums, then this should be a rum for you. With caramel and dark chocolate, allspice and manuka honey, it’s a complex and sweet rum punching well above its price tag. Well done, Aldi.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £14.99

Bumbu Original

This rum now comes in a slightly higher strength than when first released and it makes all the difference. Inspired by recipes from the 16th and 17th centuries used by West Indian sailors this spiced rum has plenty of tropical fruit and spice with quite a bit of sweetness but is very well balanced with the higher abv. Think Banoffee pie, caramel, and allspice with a little chocolate. Yum.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find it here: UK £34.99 // US $34.99

Decorrum

We now enter into the world of spiced rum. With its Art Deco design this rum has a complex flavour profile with lots of spice, including ginger and cinnamon, but there is also sweetness from honey and vanilla flavours. Oranges and rhubarb bring in plenty of fruit. It’s real treat for those who like spiced rum.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find it here: £40

If you’re still looking for that perfect gift, why not have a look at our vodka, gin or tequila gift guides too?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 101

It’s Bring a Bottle Podcast Episode 101 and with us in the studio this week is Jack Charlton, traveller and lover of all things drinks who began at Café Rouge when he was 15 and is now Head of Brand Ambassadors for Remy Cointreau in the UK! There’s incredible Mount Gay rum to be sipped, odd advent calendars to be discussed, Jaffa Cake Vodka to be tried and a machine to completely transform your Hot Choc experience! Listen for all that and more!

Our Guest Drinker

Jack Charlton fell in love with hospitality working at Café Rouge when he was 15, later finding his passion for drinks too and becoming Head of Brand Ambassadors for Remy Cointreau in the UK. His younger years were filled with travelling the world alongside his parents, seeing Prague, Cuba and Zimbabwe to name just a few places. You can hear some tales from these trips on the podcast! Welcome, Jack!

What’s In Our Glass?

A delicious rum from the world’s oldest rum distillery, Mount Gay’s Black Barrel blend is distilled in traditional copper pot and column stills, matured for up to 7 years in American whiskey casks, and further aged for 6 months in heavily charred Bourbon casks. Unsurprisingly, that toasted oak comes through, as does gingerbread and the rich vanilla and pineapple you might expect from a golden Bajan rum. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £36 // US $29.99

We’re also sipping Mount Gay’s deep, dark and brooding XO Triple Cask Blend. Sitting in a combination of American whiskey, bourbon and Cognac casks creates a beautiful balance, with a lovely underlining oakiness, notes of waxy pear and sticky toffee fig pudding. A large coconut water ice cube with this poured on top would be incredible to accentuate the coconut notes further.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £54.59 // US $66.99

Advent Calendars

We’re talking advent calendars and in particular the weirdest ones we’ve come across. Biscuits for pets? Dumplings? What would your ideal advent be, or maybe chocolate can’t be beaten?

How Can you Enjoy Hosting A Dinner Party?

All the stress and build up of hosting a dinner party can end up ruining the experience for the host themselves, and that can’t be right, so we’re looking at ways to avoid just that. From prepping to delegating, take these tips and hosting will become a pleasure and not a chore!

Buy it or Bin it

The colour of onion skin... gingery on the nose... whiffs of something very familiar, is it Terry’s chocolate orange? Almost. It’s Jaffa Cake Vodka. The Jaffa cake is bold on the nose, and much subtler on tasting so don’t worry that it’s overpowering or anything. This would sing wonderfully in an espresso martini with a Jaffa cake or two on the side.

National Hot Chocolate Day

Hot chocolate day is just around the corner so we chat about some of the best available. Hotel Chocolat and their Velvetiser isn’t just another underwhelming kitchen gadget – it’s incredible. Listen to find out more about this dream machine!

What pairs WELL with Mount Gay rum?

We’re thinking of indulgent mouth-watering pairings to sit beside this rum – choc, cheese, steak etc. For vegetarians, grilled crispy cabbage and anything with smokiness and umami like nutty mushroom dishes and miso would also work a treat.

This only covers the tip of the iceberg though so to hear what else we get up to, listen in today!

The Best Gins to Gift this Christmas

The world’s obsession with gin is far from over, and as a result, there are a tonne of bottles competing to be the ultimate gin gift. Luckily, we’ve narrowed it down. We’ve travelled far and wide to pull together the very best options for each category and boy do we have some variety here! Some of the most beautifully designed bottles we’ve ever seen, expert crafting, and true innovation – there’s something for everyone and you will find your perfect gin gift here. That’s a promise.

The Best London Dry Gin to Gift

Tulchan Gin

As the eye-catching bag piper suggests, this is a Scottish gin and in particular, the prestigious Tulchan Estate in Speyside. On top of the fundamental and familiar London Dry botanicals of citrus, piney juniper and cardamon is a flavour profile inspired by the Speyside flora that’s local to the estate. Picked on site, heather, sloe berries, blackberry leaves and elderflower combine for a deliciously bright, light and floral gin. You might normally think Speyside in a glass would be whisky, but this gin definitely has something to say about that!

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £37.57 / US $42.99

58 & Co

This is a multi-award-winning gin in a gorgeous minimalist bottle with maximum quality inside. Crisp citrus and leafy notes feature on the nose, with a juniper forward palate supported by more gorgeous citrus and a pleasant peppery finish. It’s just a really well-crafted gin. Serve with Mediterranean tonic, loads of ice and any citrus you like.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £32.94

The Botanist

This stylish bottle has become a gin list staple, and we’d be surprised if you’ve never come across it! Created at the Bruichladdich distillery, it’s exclusively made on the island of Islay off the Scottish west coast. A staggering 31 botanicals are involved, 22 of which are native to the island! From familiar faces like coriander seed and lemon peel to water mint, red clovers, creeping thistle and the Harry Potter-esque mugwort leaves! Everything combines to create a silky smooth, earthy yet sweet expression with subtle herbals never far away. Islay isn’t just whisky you know! Get the most out of all those botanicals in a classic G&T!

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £32.99 // US $41.99

The Best Pink Gin to Gift

Mirabeau

We’ve loved the Mirabeau Rosé for a long time with its top-notch quality and value and inspired by the botanical bounty around their Saint Tropez estate, they turned to juniper too! The glorious base notes of juniper, citrus, orris and angelica root and coriander support this herbaceous twist, with bay, thyme and rosemary providing real character. The Rosé in the base as well as being made with grapes itself makes this gin stand out even more, creating a deliciously light expression, perfectly balanced between fruits and herbs. If you like Rosé or know someone that does, then this is the perfect gateway gin.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £40.24

Great Glen - Pink Gin

This beautifully complex pink gin is made from the pure waters of Loch Ness itself. Now you can’t ask for much more than that. Citrus aromas make way for a stunningly crisp fruitiness - think pink lady apples and wild Scottish raspberries. A floral finish to round off the profile takes over with hibiscus and rose petal botanicals and Great Glen is it satisfying! Ice, premium tonic and a fresh raspberry garnish and that is one delightful sipper indeed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.95

Pinkster Pink Gin

The pinkest of pink gins it’s Pinkster (try saying that after a couple of glasses of these). That striking hue is obtained through the use of real fresh raspberries, no chemicals or colouring. They’re grown local to the Cambridgeshire HQ and provide a lot more naturality, subtlety and smoothness to the gin. Super clean taste and gongs to prove it! Why not go the whole hog and garnish with fresh raspberries in a G&T?

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £35

The Best Spiced Gin to Gift

Rutland Square Chai Spiced Gin

If you like chai tea and spiced gin then you’ve hit the motherload. Made with white tea from Assam, this lovely gin is inspired by the founder’s great-grandfather who teamed up with a Scottish Army Officer to begin distilling while working on a tea estate. There is precision balance with warming cardamon, cinnamon and star anise lightened up by floral sweetness from the tea and a hint of creamy vanilla. There’s plenty to explore served neat over ice, but this would also add really interesting layers to many cocktails, like a spiced negroni. Beautiful bottle for gifting too we think.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £32.94

Atlas Shichimi Gin

If you’re not familiar with Atlas, they come up with exotic variations of gin from around the globe (Chai, Lovecake etc.) and this... Shichimi. If you’re into Japanese cooking, you might have this in your cupboard already for ramen, but it’s a very popular spice blend dating back to the 17th century. There are really unique botanicals here, with nori seaweed, ginger, gyokuro green tea and Sichuan peppercorn creating an unusual but instantly moreish umami profile. Of course, juniper and citrus freshen everything up but this is a really warming spicy gin and one to slowly sip! It would be a fantastic gift for a seasoned gin experimenter to try something new.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £48

The Best Navy Strength Gin to Gift

Shoogle Junniperous Gin - Navy Strength

This lip smacker begins with the same eleven botanicals used in Shoogle’s renowned Scottish Dry Gin and adds a few eyebrow raisers to the mix, like kumquat, baobab, tonka bean and pink peppercorn adding sweetness and textured mouthfeel. Juniper is amplified and pushed to the front of the stage, alongside the citrus notes, and all together there is a staggering amount of flavour for a Navy Strength it has to be said. Get plenty of ice in that glass, a premium light tonic and savour every sip!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57%
Find here: £45

Pickering’s Gin Navy Strength

Allow us to introduce you to this extremely distinguished gin, the official tipple of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (check out what’s over the cap!). Pickering’s uses a family recipe passed down through generations, showing really bold juniper on the nose, and fragrant mandarin, cardamon and anise on the palate. After a few sips you’ll really notice the waves of exotic spice, and these carry through the finish with cumin in particular. One of the best things about this gin is the possibility to take it to the distillery in Edinburgh, and get it refilled! That’s right, if you keep the bottle someone there will fill it up! The everlasting gin, your wish is their command!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.1%
Find here: £39.66

The Best Old Tom Gin to Gift

Rock Rose Pink Grapefruit Old Tom

Old Tom Gin peaked in popularity in 18th century England, but has enjoyed a resurgence lately, particularly in cocktails. Muscovado sugar adds that trademark sweetness to this Old Tom, which uses organic pink grapefruit peel on top of a fresh and familiar botanical base. It’s a benchmark zesty Old Tom, but there’s something else we have to touch on. This gin is available in fully recyclable pouches! You can refill the stunning bottle, and just pop the pouch into a post-box (no stamp or envelope required) and Dunnet Bay Distillers take care of the rest. So, you still get to pour from the bottle, and it’s environmentally friendly too! Win win!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.5%
Find here: £32 Recyclable Pouch / £35 Bottle

Bullards Old Tom Gin

Another gin watching their carbon footprint is historic Norwich producer Bullards, which also offers the eco-refill pouch and picked up the 2020 Gin Guide Sustainability Award. The gin itself is also award winning, so this is really the complete package. Wonderfully warming with pink peppercorns, sweet with Norfolk honey and rich with mango, a touch of grapefruit citrus cuts through perfectly for a stunning expression. Simply add tonic and ice with a slice of grapefruit for a garnish and you’re smiling!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.5%
Find here: £32

The Best Flavoured Gin to Gift

Pink Pepper – Audemus

Based in Cognac, French producer Audemus is aiming to move away from juniper-forward straight gins and create bold new flavours. They have a curious Umami Gin, but their flagship is this lovely Pink Pepper creation. Instantly on sipping, there’s in your face fresh and spicy pink peppercorns, cardamon and still prominent juniper. As the gin takes time to warm a little, baking notes of vanilla and tonka release, and when it comes to serving with tonic and ice, a floral side is shown. Lots of layers taking turns to come to the fore for a really interesting and well-rounded experience – a top gift for any gin lover for sure.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £37.45

Malfy Con Arancia (Blood Orange), Italian Gin

This beautiful bottle has spruced up many a supermarket shelf in recent years, and we love it. This is a flavoured gin for drinkers that really want bold flavour. The blood orange is very concentrated, and usually this would mean a lack of freshness but no. It’s dense with fresh blood orange instead, creating that seductive ruby red and an extra long bittersweet citrussy finish. Truly a drink that transports you to the Italian coast in summer, but it's too delicious not to have all year round. An ideal gift from setting eyes on the bottle to the final drop.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: UK £24.99 / US $27.99

Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla Distilled Gin

This is one of our absolute favourite gins. Not only are the floral flavours dancing, but the orange blossom has an unbelievably fresh feel as if it was squeezed straight into your glass. It’s inspired by an original Charles Tanqueray recipe from Spanish travels in the 1860s, and concoctions like this are part of the reason Tanqueray is loved so much by bar tenders and drinkers all the same! So much flavour here so serve neat over ice with some orange wedges if you have them.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: UK £19.99 / US $29.99

Mermaid Zest

Gaze your eyes upon this seaside wonder from Isle of Wight distillery Mermaid Gin, with its alluring potion-esque colouring. A true taste of the island, it includes coastal samphire, Boadicea hops and locally foraged floral bergamot and rosemary. The combination of refreshment and brightness with the herbal bouquet is a winning one and it’s just crying out for a G&T that forces a long ‘ahhhh’ out of you after the first sip.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38.24

Reverend Hubert's Winter Gin Liqueur

This recipe was created by Reverend Hubert Bell Lester at the beginning of the 20th century, as the renowned partier tried to create a liqueur to blow his army colleagues’ socks off. And he obviously hit upon something because here we are recommending it today! His great grandson Thomas revived it, and what a job. Crafted in the Cotswolds, it uses Amalfi Lemons, Sri Lankan spice and English rhubarb, variety that is reflected in that incredible bottle. Distinct in taste, it’s super smooth with aromatic dried fruit, winter spice and fresh citrusy bursts of orange and lemon. This is a must-have for any cocktail experimenters, elevating negronis and hot punches to the next level. It even comes in a striking gift box too. The complete package, literally.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 27%
Find here: £35.99

BEST OF THE REST

An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin

If you want something guaranteed to be a little different to your usual gins this, is it. How many seaweed varieties do you need in a gin you might ask? An Dúlamán from Donegal in Ireland contains not one, not two, not three but five different varieties of locally harvested seaweed! Combined with other fundamental botanicals, you’re left with a delicious savoury gin that packs gentle heat with very subtle lemon sweetness in tow. A fantastic gift for a gin newbie or someone that’s been around the block, both will love this. Try it with elderflower or lemon tonic for a stonking G&T.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find here: £29.45

Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin

Happily staying in Ireland for a moment, this is a super simple sipper. Don’t mistake simple for dull for one minute, because a gin that’s this clean, crisp and light takes expert craftmanship and that’s exactly what Glendalough provide. The concept behind their Wild Botanical Gin is to represent an entire year in the glacial valley of Wicklow (The Garden of Ireland). From spring notes of juniper, citrus and pine, to summer flowers and autumn fruits on the palate, before a long winter spice finish, it’s a year in a glass! Love it. Everything’s sustainability foraged and used when fresh, so this ‘simple’ gin isn’t actually so simple after all! Plug alert - you can find out more about Glendalough during The Three Drinkers in Ireland on Amazon Prime!

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: UK £33.74 / US $29.99

Cantium Gin

So, there you are, perusing the shelves for gins and oh look, someone’s left their flask here. But wait, maybe this is in fact the gift you’re looking for! Cantium gin isn’t just masquerading as a flask... it is one. The gin itself is bold and citrussy, underpinned by tasty juniper and very soft spices, and once you’ve merrily polished it off, it becomes a flask! What an idea, right? And two presents in one. The only issue is making sure people at work know that you’ve got coffee in it now, because that, ‘gin in a reusable flask’ label could cause a few issues! ;)

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £39

Well, if you want to treat yourself to an incredible gin over Christmas, or you know a gin lover then you should be sorted. But the present buying work may not be done! If you’re on the hunt for amazing Christmas wines, then check out our guides on White, Red, and Bubbles!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

From Budget To Blowout: The Best Vodka To Gift This Christmas

Vodka is a spirit that spans generations and nations, and whilst it was born in Russia and the East of Europe, there are now quality producers absolutely everywhere. It’s still a drink that comes with misconceptions though, so if you’re looking to convert a doubter, or just get a vodka lover something they’re guaranteed to adore, allow us to be your tour guides through the best vodkas to gift this Christmas... starting with incredible value options!

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £20

Wyborowa Vodka

Translated to, ‘Selected’ in their language, this vodka is hugely popular in Poland where every part of it is made. It’s been winning international awards since 1930 and remains an ever-present bottle in the value categories. The Polish rye gives the Wyborowa vodka its distinct gentle pecan taste mixed with subtle sweetness, and it’s smooth and pure beyond its price. Any vodka enthusiast will appreciate this and its place in vodka heritage.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £18.59 

Luksusowa Vodka

Luksusowa is another 1920s Polish vodka overdelivering. Produced from potatoes along the Baltic Sea’s coastline, the soil is ‘loamy’ producing pure flavour. The result is a super clean aroma that’s subtly chalky, minerally, with grassy qualities, so this really has that, ‘vodka of the earth’ feel. There’s a loveable creamy taste, and a mildly peppery aftertaste too. A classic that’s more than earnt its place in the vodka hall of fame.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £19.74 // US $16.79

Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka

 Completing the trio of excellent Polish value is Zubrówka which is infused with Hierochloe Odorata grass (there’s even a blade of it in the bottle)! It’s a unique variety grown in the Bialowieza Forest near the Ukrainian border – home to the eye-catching beast on the bottle, Polish Bison. Distilled from rye, the spirit is strained through this grass, creating the green hue you can see. As a result, there are plenty of herbal and aromatic notes at play, like cut grass, lavender, slight citrus and cracked pepper. This is a really unique sipping vodka and an incredible gift for a vodka lover. Have some fun working out the notes over ice, and then try it with apple juice or ginger ale!

Size: UK 700ml // US 1L
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: UK £19.94 // US $26.99

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £30

Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka

Vodka from cow’s milk? Yep. This is a rather unusual vodka that has been on everyone’s lips in more ways than one. It’s created on a West Dorset dairy farm using the whey left over from the farm’s cheddar (also great if you want to combine them as a gift!). You won’t be surprised to hear that this creates a decadent and creamy mouthfeel and as a result, it is amazing at the heart of an Espresso Martini or White Russian, but not before giving it a go neat!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.99

Debowa Polish Oak Vodka

We love this bottle with its retro 3D design style, and the sliver of oak wood included in every bottle. As you might imagine from looking at it, this Polish oak vodka is still produced in accordance with a traditional polish recipe and creates unparalleled buttery smoothness at this price point. There are delicate nuts and vanilla, but it’s the velvet feel that grabs the headlines.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £25.43

Brecon Five Black Vodka

Named because of the pure rock-filtered Brecon Beacons glacier water that goes into this 5 times distilled vodka, this is a masterpiece from the late Dr Jim Swan. A lovely Welsh vodka born from the same team behind Penderyn whisky, it has won gong after gong for ultra-smoothness in the mouth and a fruity barley spirit twist. Pure, natural, and crystal clear, not what you might guess from the sleek bottle!

Size: UK 700ml // US 1.75L
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £23.94 (usually more!) // US $26.99

Reyka Vodka

This Icelandic wheat and barley vodka is distilled in the most Icelandic way you can imagine. It uses icy glacial spring water and geothermal heat from underground volcanoes, establishing its reputation as one of the world’s greenest vodkas when it launched in 2005. Full and rounded, with a clean but creamy vanilla note that plays against peppery spice and fresh citrus, Reyka would sit pretty in a martini or simply with tonic and ice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 1.75L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £26.94 // US $35.99

Sapling Vodka

... or to give it it’s full title, ‘Sapling Climate Positive Vodka’. For every bottle sold, a tree is planted. The unique code on the bottle tells you where and more about their planting project with the High Atlas Foundation. So it’s not just a pretty picture on the bottle, that’s what we like to hear! The vodka itself is distilled exclusively from British wheat, distilled four times over for a pure and naturally sweet taste. Detectable through this purity are gorgeous herbaceous and citrusy notes, so this would be amazing as a classic Vodka Lime soda. Climate positive and a tick from us on taste – cheers to that!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £26.94

Tito's Vodka

Tito’s Vodka is as handmade as it first sounds. Tito who lives in in Austin Texas, uses old-fashioned pot stills and each small batch is meticulously taste tested and distilled six times to give a clean and pure vodka perfect for a luxury cocktail. Corn distillation imparts a touch of sweetness to the batches, so something like an Espresso Martini that would be top notch. The corn also means it’s gluten free by the way!

Size: UK 700ml // US 1L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £27.85 // US $27.99

Cîroc Pineapple

Distilled five times from a base of frozen French grapes, Cîroc is pretty much as smooth as it gets. Whereas with some vodkas, smoothness is achieved at the sacrifice of character, that isn’t the case here, and that’s before the pineapple flavour is even introduced! This vibrant tropical twist tastes natural and of crushed pineapple, rather than flavouring. It would liven up a vodka lemonade and make a stellar gift for anyone who is a fan of the original Cîroc.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £29.95

FAIR. Quinoa Vodka

This first vodka made from quinoa is organic and Fair Trade certified and created by French distillers and Bolivian farmers. FAIR has been around for over 13 years now, committed to true fairness because no drink is worth it if exploitation is involved anywhere in the long process from soil to bottle. On top of these values, this full but delicate vodka is minerally on the nose with a nice sweetness on the palate. The very subtle but pleasant oiliness creates an incredibly smooth mouthfeel, and we’ve heard this is going down brilliantly with vodka lovers so give it a try!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £29.99 // US $34.79

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £40

Edwards 1902 Vodka

The finest King Edward potatoes going into this premium English vodka lend themselves to a gorgeous minerally vodka with earthy depth. On the nose, on the other hand, there’s a fruity, chocolate aroma. For a spirit that only launched in 2020, it’s been heavily praised at all of the major international competitions and is 100% smooth and crisp enough to sip the night away. It would also luxuriate any cocktail though, so it’s up to you! So good!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.94

Broken Clock Vodka

Hidgate’s Broken Clock is produced at one of England’s oldest distilleries in Cheshire, and the flavour suits this down to the ground as it’s infused with russet apples and garden botanicals from old Georgian recipes. This perfumed nose is met by a richly rounded palate in a vodka that oozes character and heritage. Try it in a martini with an olive for a very memorable drink.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.99

88 Vodka

If you like 88 Gin then this award-winning vodka by the same folks is definitely worth a try. For those of you who are drawn to fruitier vodka, this is also for you. It showcases the citrus notes that can sometimes go missing in other expressions with a refreshing tartness, all whilst retaining a gentle creamy feel. Serve with your favourite citrus fruit of course!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40 %
Find here: £35.95 

The Muff Liquor Company Irish Potato Vodka

A follow up to the success of Irish Potato Craft Gin, it’s The Muff Liquor Company’s Potato Vodka! Made with famous Irish potatoes, it’s distilled six times to create a delicately tuned vodka with a creamy taste and vanilla on the nose. There’s real character with it being based on the old recipes of Granda McClenaghan, but with pure and crisp modern distillation. Gorgeous vintage label too – sláinte!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £35.96

Tom of Finland Organic Vodka

Let us introduce you to Tom of Finland, aka Touko Laaksonen, a gay icon who’s pioneering visual art had a momentous impact on gay culture in the latter half of the last century. His creations focusing on masculinity and homoeroticism influenced the world, with his work represented by the leather-clad moustached man on the standout bottle. The vodka itself is organically produced in small batches by Master Distiller Mika Mönkkönen at the second oldest family run company in all of Finland; Lignell & Piispanen. Distilled five times through traditional sheet filters, there is no burn whatsoever, just subtle rye spice from aroma to finish and silky smoothness all the way! This really is an absolutely delicious industry-acclaimed vodka with an amazing story, and the final cherry on top is that proceeds from every purchase go to the Tom of Finland Foundation!

Size: UK 500ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £35.99 // US $34.79

Chase Aged Marmalade Vodka

Here’s a really interesting vodka from England produced from 100 per cent estate-grown potatoes. It’s a beautifully bittersweet orange-flavoured vodka made with zesty thick-cut Seville marmalade that carries over into a long tangy finish. Definitely one to try for anyone who loves experimenting with fruity vodkas!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.99 // US $29.99

G.H.Q. Vodka

Handcrafted at a secret location somewhere in the Scottish Highlands by unknown distillers using confidential recipes and Cairngorm water, G.H.Q present this glorious creamy vodka. Whoever’s handy work it is they’re clearly smashing it because this has been picked out for praise after praise. There’s a lovely balance of minerality and herbal elements, and noticeable hazelnut and honey in the mouth. Super relaxing to sip on, and it’d go well with Mediterranean tonic or ginger ale! This one won’t stay secret for long!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £37.95

The Best Luxury Vodka to Gift

X Muse

This is a vodka with really amazing flavour, named after a sculpture at the Bonnington Estate which the co-creator Robert Wilson owns. We should clarify, this isn’t a flavoured vodka, it’s a vodka with flavour! X Muse is a barley vodka blending two different heritage varieties together with notes of both fresh and cooked fruits giving great complexity. There’s a standout silky texture with intoxicating viscosity, and delicate touches of ginger and nutmeg surface on the palate too for a sublime experience. An absolute treat for any vodka lover.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £55.74

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

Crystal Head has built itself a reputation as the world’s purest vodka, sourcing water from a natural aquifer that’s hidden on the extremely remote St John’s Newfoundland (the most Easter point in North America). The iconic skull design is created in celebration of the Aurora Borealis aka the Northern Lights and uses high-quality English wheat instead of the usual corn for a slightly spicier expression, with floral aromas and subtle anise. Filtered seven times before a final triple-filter through a cone of Herkimer diamonds, this is absolutely stunning as always and feels as special from the moment you lay your eyes on it to the moment you take your last sip.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £59.94 // US $57.99

If you want to kit out your home for the ultimate boozy Christmas, then check out our favourite luxury crackers this year, each filled with a variety of different delicious drinks!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Helena's Choice: fine wines for your festive meal or gifting

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!