And so, this is Christmas! With the festive season upon us, I've been exploring supermarket wines for you to enjoy over the Christmas period (it’s a tough job but someone has to do it!), as well as top tips, supermarket hacks and food and wine pairings. Please visit me on Instagram @ElizabethWineGirl and TikTok for more!
So, what are my wine picks for Christmas 2023?
Sparkling wines:
It wouldn’t be Christmas without something fizzy and cold. If you're looking for an affordable sparkling wine from France made in the same way as Champagne, you'll love Crémant - and it's becoming increasingly accessible! Some of my favourites include Crémant Du Jura from Aldi £8.99, Crémant de Bordeaux from M&S £10.00 and No.12 Crémant de Bourgogne from M&S Classics: £12.00.
Kylie Prosecco Rosé:
Celebrity wines can be a bit hit-and-miss... but when it comes to Kylie's Prosecco, sommeliers love this wine! It’s a lovely bottle too and makes a lovely gift that won’t break the bank. You can pick it up in most supermarkets. Available for £9.00 in Sainsbury's.
Three Sainsbury's Taste the Difference wines:
The 'Taste the Difference' collection at Sainsbury's is home to some fantastic wines, including the Champagne that you'll find on my Christmas table this year, it's only £20 and it's a grower Champagne that you must try!
Another favourite from the 'Taste the Difference' range is the Chablis - which I recently paired with sushi in my #SommelierSecrets video.
To pair with beef, goose, or rich foods this festive season I'd highly recommend the Valpolicella Ripasso from the 'Taste the Difference' shelf, it’s delicious.
M&S Found Range:
You need to discover the M&S Found collection, which features some unique and rare grape varieties that are mostly under £10! It’s good to look elsewhere to find value for money. If you like Sauvignon Blanc then you should try Moschofilero & Roditis from Greece (£9.00 from Ocado) or Furmint from Hungary (£8.50). I also love the Zweigelt from Austria which is a bit like Pinot Noir but darker (£9.00).
M&S Expressions Range:
Another M&S collection you need to discover is the 'Expressions' collection which is full of gems under £10 including my three go-to delicious crisp expressive white wines to keep everyone happy this season which won’t break the bank: Roero Arneis (£9.50), Northern Italy, Falanghina (£9.50), Italy and Fetesca Regala (£7.25) from Romania.
M&S Valdobiaddene Prosecco Superiore:
I've been talking shopping hacks on my Instagram this month and giving top tips on how to find the best Prosecco in the supermarket. This Prosecco from M&S is one you need to try if you're looking to find a top-quality Prosecco from the supermarket this winter. Currently on offer for £10.00 at Ocado (usually £13.75).
Transcript
Understanding the Prosecco label, finding out what to pick. It's a minefield. You need to be turning the bottle around and looking for DOCG means the most premium. DOC, great area, but if you want to get the best, this is what you need. Vals of Biarrone for a seco superior. You can always find it because it has DOCG on the back of the label. Simple.
Transcribed automatically from the speech, so a name may be misheard.
Morrisons The Best Chianti Classico:
I recently fell in love with Morrisons 'The Best' Chianti Classico, it's amazing quality and a bargain at £10.50 that'll have you wanting to go back for more.
Taylors Port:
Christmas is coming and it's time to get the Port out! Look for LBV on the label (it means Late Bottle Vintage) and this gorgeous tipple is from Portugal and has rich flavours of strawberry jam, hints of leather and mocha, a perfect match with chocolate truffles and cheese at the end of the meal. Serve a small measure in a wine glass. Currently on offer in ASDA for £11.00 (usually £16.00).
Elizabeth x
