RAISE A GLASS
Taste the Difference Rheinhessen Pinot Noir
(£8, Sainsbury’s).
This German red is light and fresh, with all the flavour of a full-bodied red. Its notes of raspberry and strawberry are sure to make it a favourite. It’s a perfect way to unwind once the shopping, wrapping and cooking are done and dusted.
I love the airy and refreshing nature of a good pinot noir and
(£12, Tesco) doesn’t disappoint. It is light and polite enough to slot in alongside roast turkey and all the trimmings but with enough spiciness to scrub up well for the Boxing Day curry too. Let the feasting begin!
I was happily surprised at the taste versus value ratio of Aldi’s Exquisite New Wairarapa Zealand Pinot Noir.
Bichot Bourgogne HautesCôtes de Beaune (£15, Marks and Spencer) has flavours of redcurrants and a touch of coffee, which will match well with all the savoury
Yali Wild Swan Merlot 2019 (£7.50). It’s made by sustainable winery Vina Ventisquero and if you buy, you’ll also be helping preserve wildlife. It has aromas of black cherries and plums, and will be lovely for that moment when you finally relax after the guests have gone home.
A classic Bordeaux blend is perfect for Christmas and this wine has merlot at its heart.
Château Thieuley Rouge (£10.95, thewinesociety.com) is a blend of that lovely grape and cabernet sauvignon. It has soft tannins, a mix of damson and black fruit flavours and a touch
of spice. If beef wellington, or even mushroom wellington, is on your menu this Christmas, this wine will be happy to introduce itself as a perfect match. A bit like a dating app but without the swiping (or the dating).
One of my favourite grapes to give my palate a festive wake-up call is cabernet franc. Santa Rita 120 Cabernet Franc 2016 (£8.99, or £5.99 in a buy six deal at Majestic) is a ruby red wine from Chile which is generous with its ripe, fruity nose. It also delivers a tangle of herbs and spice when you sip.
■ Next week... hearty reds for Christmas.
■ Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.