Our top Christmas day wines

From refreshing winter whites to comforting, warming reds, these are the best bottles to bag

It’s the most magical time of the year and the ultimate foodie holiday - and if Christmas for you is all about the chance to eat, drink and be merry, you’ll be spoiled for choice. But where do you begin with the fanfare of flavours piled high on the festive table, not to mention all the tempting nibbles along the way?

To make entertaining family and friends that much easier this Christmas, we’ve made a list, checked it twice and totted it up with some easy-drinking quality wines - along with a few showstoppers to swoon over, and linger in the memory long after the last sip.

Of course, many of us have traditional Christmas Day menus that never change. But if you are looking to mix things up a little, we’ve suggested some ideal food pairings too.

Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2019, South Australia (£6, Sainsbury’s)

A great workhorse white (light on its legs at 10.5% abv) for low-key celebrations, the zesty aromas of lemongrass, passion fruit and herbal notes aligned with its fruity freshness are impressive enough to run the full festive course - from Asian style nibbles and finger food, to glazed ham on Boxing Day.

William Fevre Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2017, France (£25.99, Ocado)

A notch up the scale, this Burgundy blonde has a wonderful purity and elegance and showcases pear drops and florals on the nose, leading to pristine pear and stone fruits, with a delicate minerality and lovely clean finish.

A winner with seared scallops, trout pate or a spoonful or two of exquisite caviar - if you’re lucky enough to be planning a lavish lunch.

Tesco Finest Rioja Gran Reserva 2012, Spain (£11.50, Tesco)

As the clock counts down to the main event, this fullbodied, beautiful beast of a Rioja ticks all the right boxes with a big, bronzed bird.

A tempranillo temptress that brings complex aromas of dense dark fruits, vanilla, spice and tobacco leaf to the table, it’s loaded with blackcurrant fruit and will stand up to all the scrumptious, crispy bits such as stuffing and sides.

Chateauneuf-duPape Cuvee 13, 2016, France (£16.99, Aldi)

An Aldi A-lister and part of their Classic Icon range of premium wines from famous regions around the world, this Southern Rhone red punches above its weight and offers a perfect parcel from a great vintage. Its richly perfumed bouquet is complemented by lush berry fruits, sweet spice, dried herbs and a silky, energetic finish.

Sip and savour with anything you fancy.