A White Christmas

Christmas is a time to share with friends and family and to indulge ourselves a little. Advice on wine selection for the holidays is nowadays everywhere, which leaves some, and especially the occasional drinker, as confused as when there's no advice to be found.

 Am I about to cut through the fog or confuse you further?  Let's have a go.

There are numerous excellent and knowledgeable wine writers in the daily press and on TV station websites. But, I think most importantly these days it's the supermarkets which come into its own at this time of year. I've scoured the said newspaper wine columnists' recommendations, read through the TV websites and checked out the supermarkets and here's my list of selections and recommendations (and my own personal choice) for a modest budget. Among my favourite writers are Victoria Moore at The Daily Telegraph, Matthew Jukes at The Daily Mail, Olly Smith at The Mail on Sunday because they're down to earth and offer practical advice. So let me first acknowledge them, and their fellow wine writers and broadcasters, for their sterling work and research. But, if you're in doubt, do talk to your wine supplier, be it the specialist wine shop or your local supermarket - they're full of experience and, I find, are eager to assist to fit any budget. Be adventurous and develop your own preferences: give me your recommendations.

I wish you and yours good and responsible drinking and a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Christmas Turkey. A white to accompany the turkey is the obvious choice but as there are lots of other flavours on the plate you can choose widely from:

     (Red) Sangiovese, Chianti, Zinfadel, Syrah [Shiraz], Beajolais Nouveau 

     (White) Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano,

My white choice is "Alerce Reserve Bio Bio Chardonnay Vionier Riesling" (£7.49) and my red Chateau Florie Aude 2009 (£5.32)

Roast Beef works best with a considerable red: choose from Tempranillo, Merlot, Rhone, Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel.  My choice goes with Matthew Jukes' selection of The Definitive Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Majestic £12.99, down to £9.99 if you buy 2 bottles).

Lamb also needs a substantial red. Choose from Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Rioja, Merlot, Red Rhone, Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel, Barolo, Malbec. Or at a mere £3.99 in Tesco try Gran Teroso Granacha 2009. I love a good Rioja with lamb so my choice is 2005 Bodegas Muriel Rioja Barón de Barbón Selección Especial, but, as it's difficult to find, a good alternative is Cerro de la Mesa 2007 Crianza, Rioja. (Waitrose £9.49). Another fine match is Marques de Murrieta 1999 Tinto Reserva, Spain (£11.99; Justerini & Brooks, Safeway, Sainsbury's, Selfridges).

Goose and pheasant.  Choose a red from: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sangiovese, Chianti, Barbaresco, Red Bordeaux, Cabernet, Grenache, Syrah/Shiraz,Zinfandel. Otherwise, a white Chardonnay works well. Big choice here but, traditionally, and my choice would have to be a Pinot Noir , say  Bouchard Aîné et Fils, Red Burgundy 2009  (Waitrose £8.54) or Blason de Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009 (Tesco £6.64). Also well recommended is 2001 Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge, Blain-Gagnard, Burgundy, France (£11.99; Majestic).

Fish. Usually a white, but not necessarily, from Bordeaux, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, White Rhone, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Trebbiano. But, as a Spaniard and a lover of good dry sherry I would choose a Manzanilla, served very cold, such as Antonio Barbadillo, Manzanilla Solear Sherry, 37.5 cl (£4.74). But my favourite is Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana, Bodegas Hildago, luckily a preference well noted by my sons so I can expect a bottle or two in my Christmas stocking. Santa has been notified to keep it well away from the hearth as it is best served well chilled.

And for your parties try from:

Champagne Monteau Brut (Victoria Wine, £9.99)

Casablanca 2003 Pinot Noir, Chile, red (£4.99; Marks & Spencer).

Flor de Maig 2000, Montsant, Spain, red (£6.49; Marks & Spencer).

D'Arenberg 2000 d'Arry's Original Shiraz Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia, red (£7.99; Oddbins).

Tesco Langhorne Creek Verdelho 1997, white (£5.99)

Some suppliers' contact numbers:  

Asda 0500 100055;

Budgens 020 8422 9511;

Harrods 020 7730 1234;

Majestic 01923 298200;

Marks & Spencer 020 7268 1234;

Morrisons 01274 494166;

Oddbins 0800 328 2323;

Safeway 01622 712926;

Sainsbury 0800 636262;

Selfridges 020 7318 3730;

Somerfield 0117 935 9359;

Tesco 0800 505555;

Thresher 01707 387200;

Unwins 01322 272711;

Waitrose 0800 188884;

Wine Rack 01707 387200;