Your one-stop drinks shop
“Starting on the next page, you’ll find 50 great bottles, each and every one a tried-and-tasted top Christmas pick from me. They’ve made it through to my final list either because they’re great party wines that are good value and crowd-pleasing or because they make particularly appealing matches for festive fare. I’ve also chosen a few that stand out as fine fizzes or sweet gems that would make great presents. To make buying extra-easy and save you time, I’ve grouped everything together by retailer, so this really is a one-stop shop… Happy Christmas!”
SUSY ATKINS, DRINKS EDITOR
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO BUY
Your store-by-store roundup of party drinks, wines for the Big Day and some special bottles to give as gifts
MARKS & SPENCER
BARGAIN BUYS
WHITE
Marks & Spencer Grillo 2017, Sicily, Italy (£7)
A refreshing dry white laced with tangy lemon and lime and a subtle note of aniseed. A ‘house white’ for the holidays.
RED
Soleado Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Central Valley, Chile (£5 from 4 Dec)
A bargain for parties with fresh cassis and mulberry flavours and an easy-going style.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
WHITE
Florent Rouve Viré-Clessé 2016, Burgundy, France (£14)
White burgundy is a Christmas classic, pairing well with the turkey and any seafood starters. This one tastes of apples and mandarins with a long, toasty finish.
RED
Kendal Lodge Cabernet Sauvignon- Merlot-Cabernet Franc 2016, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£10)
Impressive blend with ripe cassis and spicy, peppery twists. One for roast red meat.
SPARKLER
Colle del Principe Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG NV, Veneto, Italy (£14)
Crisp, premium prosecco with pear and apple flavours. Not too sweet, either.
PORT
Marks & Spencer Late Bottled Vintage Port 2013, Douro, Portugal (£11 for 75cl from 4 Dec)
Made by Taylor’s port for Marks & Spencer, this is super-smooth and lingering, with a gorgeous cherry fruitcake flavour.
HAVE IT DELIVERED
Standard UK rate (3-5 days) £3.50, free on orders over £100. Nominated-day rate £3.99, free on orders over £150. Last deliveries for Christmas 22 Dec. marksandspencer.com