Good Cheers

Start thinking about the wine you’d like to drink at Christmas now, then all you have to do on the day is enjoy it, writes Toni Paterson.

Celebratory tipples.

Wine is a major part of my Christmas celebrations. And because I am rather wine obsessed, I start thinking about my selections well in advance.

Wine is an item you can strike off the shopping list nice and early. Try to do your research before hitting the shops or, even better, order direct from your favourite bottle store or winery. You don’t want to be worrying about the quality of the wines you’re serving at this time of the year, so it’s best to avoid impulse buys. A broad spectrum of styles and prices is recommended.

For a casual Christmas gathering on a summery day, rosé is perfect. A great option is 2017 Angullong Fossil Hill Rosato, $24, dry and savoury with a lemon freshness. For affordable bubbly, you can’t go past the NV Calabria Family Wines Private Bin Prosecco, $15. The Spanish NV Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava, $15, is also terrific. Quality riesling is another excellent choice; the fine-boned 2017 Gaelic Cemetery Celtic Farm Riesling, $23, is well worth the hunt, and the widely available 2017 Annie’s Lane Riesling, $15, is one of my top picks.

For reds, it’s good to have something flavoursome yet soft, such as the 2016 The Thief Grenache Shiraz Mataro, $22. For something a little weightier and savoury, try the fabulous 2016 David Hook Shiraz, $18. If you’re after rich fruit, go for the 2015 Shingleback Red Knot Classified Shiraz, $19.

For elegant dining in the lead up to Christmas, try the exquisite 2017 Grosset Springvale Riesling, $40; 2015 Frankland Estate Chardonnay, $28; or well-proportioned 2013 Lake Breeze Arthur’s Reserve Cabernet Blend, $42.

For the big day itself, you can’t go past the stunning options below…