As we enter deep winter and Christmas approaches, there is no better drink than a rich, fruity red wine. It’s an alcoholic beverage that goes with all the best Christmas foods - from Turkey to Mince Pies - and a red’s deep flavour acts as the perfect blanket for your mouth on a chilly night.
There are a wide array of different red wines that can be enjoyed during the festive season, all with different flavours, different prices, and which compliment different delicious Christmas foodstuffs. So here’s a quick guide to some of the best red wines to should try over the festive season! Winter only comes around once a year, so it’s important to make the most of it and get the perfect reds to see you through the darker portion of the year. Here are some of the best red wines available for various different price ranges.
Under £5.00
Côtes du Rhône Villages 2015, France - £4.29
A decent red wine for under £5 is a rare thing, but this delightful Côtes du Rhône is perfect for Christmas on a budget, whilst still bringing the fancy touch. The essence of stewed plums and a gentle stony taste encapsulates the highlights of this region of France.
The phrase you get what you pay for does not apply to this subtle, yet deep and engrossing, red, and will allow the more affordable Christmas period to have a taste of luxury. Aldi is once again the place to go for surprisingly exquisite wines at a low price.
£5.00 - £9.99
Les Hauts de Saint Martin Saint-Chinian 2014, France - £6.99
A complex and flavoursome French red from Saint Chinian, this M&S beauty combines a wide variety of features, which, together, create a rewarding and stimulating sensation. Packed with spice, and reminiscent of thyme and rosemary, with hints of roasted chestnuts, this layered beauty is all mixed together with a luxurious chocolatey texture that gently tumbles through the mouth. Another good value wine, with a compelling and gorgeous mesh of flavours.
£10.00 - £19.99
Clos de los Siete 2013, Argentina - £14.00
The perfect accompaniment to any Christmas banquet, made by famous French winemaker, Michael Rolland. This intense and opulent Argentinian red wine is resplendent with vigorous mulberry flavours, filling your mouth with an iconic wintery tang and warming depth. The rich and pungent fruity taste matches perfectly with succulent meats like Beef, and creates a powerful and complex aroma.
£20.00 - £29.99
Seresin Estate Rachel Pinot Noir 2012, New Zealand - £24.75
Iconic winter flavours of raspberries and cranberries seep all the way through this pungent Pinot Noir, with a baked aroma giving this stunning wine a warming sensation. All of this makes it the perfect accompaniment to Christmas dinner, enriching your luscious Turkey with a rich and rewarding cranberry aroma. This red originates in the estate of the filmmaker Michael Seresin, in the heart of sauvignon blanc country, around Marlborough in New Zealand.
Over £30
Barolo Vigneto Rocche Andrea Oberto 2009, Italy - £62.00
Wafts of rosewood, mace, red cherries, balsamic, and dried roses permeate this broad-shouldered, elaborate 2009 Barolo. You might spend just as much time with your nose in the glass as actually drinking this superb, rich, and exciting wine. Whilst it’s pricey, this is a valuable and exquisite drink, with a rich taste. If you are only to buy one win this Christmas, then maybe push the boat out and give the Winter season a rewarding flavour to remember.
