The best-value red wines to match your Christmas feast
Providing the rail strikes don’t get in the way, this is the first Christmas for three years when we can expect to see our loved ones, friends and neighbours and raise a glass or two in good company.
Many of us will also be searching for great value treats, perhaps more than ever. I’ve trawled through the special offers on red wines between now and Christmas and come up with five wines that are well worth stocking up on before the big day.
There’s nothing too light and flimsy here. Christmas reds have to take on robust feasts with plenty of different dishes on one plate, so it makes sense to pick those that are ripe and rich. That said, I’ve included a pinot noir, which is considerably softer than most (it still sings out with bright fruit).
The other thing you might note here is that all five are relatively youthful wines. I think venerable older bottles, ones that have lost their primary fruit and are more savoury and mellow, suit long braises, stews and casseroles better than they do the more classic Christmas meal, with its central roast ingredient. Save them for another occasion.
I’ve got at least one festive food match for each wine here. Since turkey will be off the menu for some, there are pairings for beef, lamb, chicken or pork, if you’re thinking of bringing forward the Boxing Day ham. Of course, the turkey meets its match here, too.
Try these...
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz 2021, South Australia
14%, Tesco, £9, down to £8 until 1 January; 25% off six mixed bottles or more until 18 December, both offers for Clubcard holders
Bargain alert! A ripe but rounded shiraz, big on cassis and blueberries with spicy hints, for an enticing £6 if you combine the two offers (and you’ll need to be a Clubcard holder). It’s strong but well-balanced and must be the best-value Aussie red on the shelves right now.
Best with: roast turkey or goose and all the trimmings.
Zurriago Malbec 2021, Mendoza, Argentina
13%, Sainsbury’s, £8, down to £6 until 13 December
Deep garnet coloured, and rich in blackcurrant and blackberry with a peppery twist in the tail, this is actually a blend of 85 per cent malbec with 15 per cent of the somewhat softer grape bonarda. It’s a very decent malbec for the full price, and especially tempting on special offer, though note that it finishes on Tuesday so don’t delay.
Best with: rib of beef.
Tapa Roja Old Vines Monastrell 2021, Murcia, Spain
13.5%, Marks & Spencer, £7.50, down to £6.50 until 2 January
A good, honest red if ever there was one, hailing from hot Yecla in Murcia, eastern Spain. The old monastrell bush vines that produced the fruit are grown at 750 metres (2,460ft) above sea level, which helps the grapes retain their freshness. There’s a full fruity scent and buckets of ripe plums in the flavour.
Best with: roast pork and baked ham.
The Hedonist Shiraz 2020, McLaren Vale, South Australia
14%, Waitrose, £14.99, down to £10 until 1 January
For a little more outlay, a shiraz with proper complexity, plenty of tannin and integrated oak. With delicious notes of black fruit pastilles and a hint of mint, it’s made in the renowned red wine region of McLaren Vale and aged in French oak for 18 months. A serious wine for a tenner; decant to serve to soften it down and bring out the aroma.
Best with: roast lamb, roast beef, full-flavoured hard cheeses.
Irresistible Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir 2021, Chile
14%, Co-op, £8, down to £7.50 until 3 January
Pinots grown in the relatively cool coastal region of Casablanca in Chile often have a lively and juicy character combined with smooth texture, and so it is with this youthful example. Plenty of Victoria plums and red cherries mark it out, and it isn’t tannic.
Best with: roast chicken, nut roasts, Diana Henry’s cheese and onion potato pie, fresh salmon.
If you're looking to buy a cocktail or other alcohol inspired gift for someone this Christmas, look no further than our best alcohol Christmas gift guide.
Read last week's column: The best pre-made bottled cocktails for Christmas parties
