Six of the best wine pairings for all of your festive needs

From whites and reds to rosé, let the festive fervour flow, says Sam Wylie-Harris

Christmas is coming… Time to up your wine game, channel your inner sommelier, treat yourself to some top drops and pluck a standout classic to chime with the occasion. So, what are the best wines for Christmas this year?

From inviting styles to recognised regions and luxe labels, these bottles are tailor-made for every palate and pocket this Christmas…

TTD MUSCADET CHÂTEAU THÉBAUD 2016, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE (£12, SAINSBURY’S)

With lots of lovely lemony weight, hints of dried fruit, good concentration from extended ageing and a fabulous saline, flinty finish, this Muscadet is more complex than most and a must with dressed lobster, seared scallops and all those delectable seafood starters.

ANCIENT LAKES ‘EIGHT THOUSAND LAKES’ RIESLING 2019, WASHINGTON STATE, USA (12.99 PER BOTTLE OR £9.99 MIX SIX, MAJESTIC)

It’s the sommelier’s favourite foodfriendly variety and this Washington State riesling comes highly recommended. Offdry with honeyed undertones, apple and peach flavours are enhanced by fresh, citrusy acidity and while it’s delightful on its own, it’s the perfect pairing with Boxing Day ginger-glazed ham or Asian inspired menu.

RAMÓN BILBAO RIOJA CRIANZA 2018, SPAIN (£9, TESCO)

The winemaker’s quest for excellence really shows in Ramón Balbao’s “everyday drinking red”, with enough va-va-voom to take on turkey and all the trimmings. Well-judged oak, sweet vanilla spice, concentrated red fruits, and a lick of liquorice and vibrant finish – this ruby red has wide appeal and is a steal at this price.

MORRISONS THE BEST TOSCANA 2019, ITALY (£10, MORRISONS)

This stunning red impressed the Decanter judges so much, it scored 92 points out of 100 at their Tuscan IGT tasting. With beguiling plummy aromas, a riot of spicy, herby, inky black fruit and a super satisfying finish, it’s bang on the money and a triumph with Tuscan style roast pork.

JEAN-JACQUES GIRARD SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE 2017, BURGUNDY, FRANCE (£20, COOP STORES)

WITH BEGUILING PLUMMY AROMAS, A RIOT OF SPICY, HERBY, INKY BLACK FRUIT AND A SUPER SATISFYING FINISH, IT’S BANG ON THE MONEY AND A TRIUMPH WITH TUSCAN STYLE ROAST PORK

Artfully perfumed and silky, this plush pinot delivers what it promises on the nose, with a seamless palate of

succulent, cherry-edged fruit, a savoury, earthy note and long, elegant finish.

Beautifully balanced, it’s a superb choice with thinly sliced turkey breast and

cranberry sauce.

LEYDA SINGLE VINEYARD GARUMA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020, LEYDA VALLEY, CHILE (£12, TESCO)

Beautifully expressive and pure as the driven snow, this savvy blanc will complement a fanfare of canapes with its lemon-limey nose backed up by ripe, citrusy fruits, herbal grassiness, zesty thread of grapefruit and hint of minerality. Mouth-watering and just the ticket with oysters and sharing plates of sushi.