Drink me

Red wine is probably high on your Christmas shopping list. Your chosen bottles could be called upon for everything from a friend’s impromptu visit to a meticulously planned festive meal, and having a broad range in the house will help to match the wine to the occasion. A good all-rounder is essential, and while a juicy pinot fills the brief in warmer months, December requires more power. Look to the southern Rhône for options, or try the characterful Douro red below. It’s the time of year when we trade up, drinking pricier bottles than usual, but take care, as many expensive supermarket reds may be high quality but are often too young. If you do end up with a bottle that is disappointingly shy, use a decanter – an hour or two of air will coax out a youthful wine. With the thermostat cranked up, our houses can be too warm for red wine – no red enjoys being over 20C. I often give bottles an hour outside to freshen them up. Here are three to see you through the holidays.