Looking to splurge on a few great quality bottles to tide you over until New Year’s, but not sure where to start? Allow us to do the hard work for you.

1. Masi Canevel Valdobbiadene Extra Dry Prosecco Superiore; Italy

      Oakham Wines, £14.49

Start Christmas as you mean to go on, with plenty of Prosecco to hand.          Best served with fish salads, crudités and starters such as fish risotto, this lively tipple will get any party started.

2. Masi Casal dei Ronchi Recioto della Valpolicella 2013; Italy

AG Wines, £41.99

Cherries preserved in spirit and walnuts, with hints of plum jam and spices – what flavours could be more festive? This traditional, sweet dessert red wine hails from the Valpolicella region,  where the grapes are laid out for the winter to rest on bamboo racks in drying lofts for a smooth finish.

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3. Le Faîte Blanc Saint Mont 2013; France

Adnams, £17.99

An explosion of citrus fruit, litchi and gunflint, this AOC Saint Mont premium wine pairs perfectly with white meats and shellfish due to its age.

4. The King’s Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2016; New Zealand

 Majestic, £14.99

Best with soft goat’s cheeses, this wine has a beyond interesting history – its maker Brent Marris is descended from the noble De Marisco family, whose members variously fell in and out of favour with the English monarchy in the 12th and 13th centuries. As Marlborough’s favourite grape, Sauvignon Blanc here represents a time of the King’s Favour.

5. Leaf Plucker Sauvignon Blanc 2018; South Africa

Aldi, £6.99

Would you believe this unique South African Sauvignon Blanc owes its existence to a flock of sheep?. Plucking the leaves from the vines, they allow the sun to reach the grapes, ripening them to perfection. Enjoy with creamy soup or blackened, spicy pan-fried fish.

6. Pacherenc du Vic Bilh, Maestria 2015; Plaimont

Tanners, £9.95

A new cuvee, this trend-setting choice is perfect if you prefer your wine on the sweeter side, hailing from a little appellation in South West France called Pacherenc du Vic Bilh.

7. Pelegrim NV, made from the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier with reserve wines from previous vintages; England

Westwell Wines, £25

Pelegrim means ‘Pilgrim’ in Middle English, and recognises the history of our forbearers that walked the Pilgrim’s Way above its very own vineyard on their final leg to Canterbury. This wine replicates the tradition in how the grapes are grown, selected and fermented. Now there’s a story to tell your Grandad while pudding’s being served.

8.  De Bortoli Woodfired Heathcote Sparkling Shiraz, Australia

Sainsbury’s, £15 (down to £12 until 1st January 2019!)

Concentrated, ripe dark fruits make this the perfect accompaniment to rich puddings and salty cheeses finishing off a truly indulgent Christmas meal (and indeed, a Christmas wine round up!).

Happy Christmas, one and all! x