Rejoice: the festive season is upon us. And what is Christmas without some superlative wine – still and sparkling – to accompany all that delicious yuletide fayre? Vegans, carnivores, Champagne lovers, bargain hunters and devout hedonists; there is a bottle for every person and budget in the CALIBRE Christmas Wine Guide 2022.
Christmas Champagne and Sparkling Wine
Bruno Paillard Zero Dosage NV
The vast majority of Champagne is topped with dosage – a sugar/wine solution that balances out the lovely zippy acidity inherent to high-quality fizz. Yet this exceptional wine from Bruno Paillard does not need it. Aromatically expressive and bursting with citrus fruit, this is a fantastic example of the sugar-free genre.
Where: Hedonism Wines
How much: £50
Champagne Collet Brut NV
This relatively niche brand of high-quality Champagne deserves to be much better known. Indeed, Collet’s NV label offers excellent value: a rich and biscuity style with plenty of freshness and ripe acidity.
Where: VINVM
How much: £30
Billecart-Salmon Sous Bois
Billecart-Salmon is one of those businesses that go from strength to strength. Owned by a close-knit family of winegrowers, their Sous Bois cuvée is rich and decadent, with lovely buttered toast and vanilla aromas. Sublime.
Where: ChampagneDirect.co.uk
How much: £70
Wyfold Vineyard Brut Rosé 2018
Thirty-five years ago, English sparkling wine was typically derided – critics would joke that it “tasted of rain.” But no longer: Champagne houses are investing in the vineyards of southern England in recognition of their unrivalled potential. This rosé from Wyfold Vineyard is simply beautiful, with aromas of crushed red berries and violets.
Where: Laithwaites
How much: £33
Hambledon Première Cuvée
Owner Ian Kellet wants nothing less than perfection at his estate in Hampshire. Based on this excellent bubbly, Hambledon has succeeded! Made in a deliberately rich and autolytic style, this competes with the great names of Champagne in everything but price.
Where: The Finest Bubble
How much: £46
Christmas White Wine
Louis Jadot Saint-Véran 2019
Saint-Véran is one of those up-and-coming Burgundy regions that delivers fantastic quality at a fair price. This lovely white from Louis Jadot is no exception: think buttery flavours allied to crisp minerality, and you’re there.
Where: Tesco
How much: £18
Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
Made by Antipodean legend Brian Croser, Tapanappa is now one of South Australia’s greatest Chardonnays. It manages to be approachable, opulent and structured all at the same time. Enjoy it after the relatives have departed. This is too good to share.
Where to buy: Simply Wines Direct
How much: £40 (minimum six bottles)
Christmas Red Wine
Susana Balbo, Signature Malbec 2019
Susana Balbo knows a thing or two about crafting hedonistic Malbec in the spectacular vineyards of Mendoza. Her signature blend is everything you would want with roast beef: silky smooth and bursting with plum and blackberry fruit.
Where: The Great Wine Co
How much: £24
Akitu A1 2019
The Burgundians may well disagree, but New Zealand Pinot Noir can be just as profound and complex as the best wines of the Cote d’Or. This exquisite red from the vineyards of Otago in New Zealand’s South Island is fruit-forward and richly scented, with aromas of damson, crushed red berries and garrigue. Enjoy it with roast lamb when you’re sick of feathered fowl.
Where: FineDiner
How much: £34
Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2018
Penfolds is celebrated worldwide for its premium and super-premium range of wines, not least the Grange – Australia’s most iconic Shiraz. Yet the St Henri is not far behind in the quality stakes; the beautifully ripe palate is matched only by the elegant, sophisticated tannins and silky mouthfeel. Again, this is too good to share.
Where: Majestic
How much: £100
Quintessa 2019
Napa Valley continues to produce some of the world’s most outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. Quintessa estate in Rutherford is no exception; cassis-infused complexity and impressive length define this red wine. It is opulent in all the right places without being overblown. Very classy indeed.
Where: Grand Vin Wine Merchants
How much: £180
Mazzei Siepi 2019
The Tuscans really do have a way with red wine, don’t they? This delectable bottle from Mazzei is a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, sourced from one of the finest vineyards in the region. It is simply divine: an open and exotic bouquet leads into a rich palate of ripe plums, cassis and earthy tobacco.
Where: Cru
How much: £69 (minimum six bottles)
Castello di Vicarello 2015
Another standout example of the Super Tuscan genre, there is an almost Burgundian quality to Castello di Vicarello’s signature red; aromas of minerals, earth, raspberries and violets fill the glass. Beautifully balanced and fresh.
Where: Nysa Wine and Spirits
How much: £91
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