| This is the time of year when people are looking | | | | Sancerre. |
| to stock up on wines for the festive season, but | | | | For versatile reds, go for young New World wines. |
| with a bewildering array of wines to choose from | | | | Particularly good all-round grape varieties include |
| on the supermarket shelves and in independent | | | | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (or blends |
| stores, what should we be buying? There are also | | | | of these varieties). |
| lots of special offers on wines at this time of | | | | If you want to add a bit more sparkle to an |
| year. However, don’t be tempted to buy a | | | | occasion, you don’t need to spend a lot of |
| case of wine just because it is cheap. Buy one | | | | money on champagne. There are many decent |
| bottle first and taste it before deciding whether | | | | and reasonably priced sparkling wines. There has |
| or not to buy a whole case. Wine merchants will | | | | also been an increase in the popularity of |
| often let you sample a wine on the premises | | | | Prosecco, a dry sparkling wine from the Veneto |
| before you commit to buying and will also make | | | | region of Italy characterised by its slightly bitter |
| recommendations. | | | | aftertaste. It can also be used in cocktails instead |
| It is a good idea to have a selection of versatile | | | | of champagne. |
| wines for any occasion and that will go well with | | | | As for what to serve with the Christmas turkey |
| snacks and nibbles. Go for light crisp white wines. | | | | depends on your preference for red, dry white or |
| Pinot Grigio has become hugely popular in recent | | | | slightly sweeter wines. Pinot Noir contains very |
| years and is being produced by an increasing | | | | little tannin and won’t overpower the taste of |
| number of countries. Try a South African variety | | | | the meal. Other good red wine options include |
| for citrus fruit flavours and a fresh lively finish. | | | | young fruity wines such as Beaujolais. For dry |
| Chardonnay is still favoured by many people, but | | | | white wines, go for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc |
| avoid the oaked variety as the vanilla notes may | | | | or Chablis. If you prefer sweeter wines, White |
| clash with some foods. New World Chardonnays | | | | Zinfandel or German wines such as Riesling are |
| in particular can be very oaky and buttery. Opt | | | | good choices. If you are having a game bird such |
| instead for an unoaked variety, which will be much | | | | as goose or duck, go for a more full-bodied wine |
| lighter and fresher on the palette. Sauvignon Blanc | | | | such as a Shiraz or a good claret. |
| is another good option, along with Chablis or | | | | |