The social drinker

Lidl made headlines across the water last month with the launch of a new organic Prosecco, which the German discounter claims is “hangover free”.

The Prosecco has fewer sulphite preservatives than other sparkling wines, but won’t be available here, for reasons best known to Lidl Ireland. It’s a shame; as time goes by, the reluctance of drinks companies to explain exactly what they put into their bottles irks me more and more.

So what can you actually drink from Lidl this Christmas? This is worth considering, because the German chain is pretty serious about wine, and usually has a decent selection of special wines, ports and whiskies that they sell over the Christmas season.

This year is no exception; Lidl has more than 25 Christmas wines, with prices varying from an affordable €7.99 Cotes du Rhone Villages, to a hefty €29.99 for a Marechal Gevrey Chambertin AOP Bourgogne.

Here are three of the best from the list. First up is a Gewurztraminer Vieilles Vignes Alsace 2016 for €9.99. Gewurztraminer is a favourite, and this is a good example from Alsace with lots of texture and body, combined with floral and soft stone-fruit flavours. Try pairing it with a curried turkey.

Next up is a Val de Salis from the Pays d’Oc, for €8.99. This is a delicious 100pc Carignan wine, with a rich concentration of cherry and blackberry, alongside vanilla, liquorice and tar notes.

Last up is a Marechal Gevrey Chambertin, which is an exceptional 2014 red for €29.99, and will doubtless be drunk with many turkeys this December. While it makes a great champion to turkey, this is the sort of heavy, complex red which can also be paired well with steak or roast lamb. Highly recommended.