Three Christmas Wines - Sensible, Classy, Funky

Three wines to keep in stock for Christmas

You never quite know what Christmas is going to throw at you; it's also an opportunity to try something new, just for fun.

So here are three wines to keep in stock - the sensible, the classy and the funky.

Dourthe la Grande Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc (£8.99 Waitrose) grapefruit and gooseberry fruit with white pepper, zippy citrus and cut-grass aromatics. Light and unpretentious but elegant, precise and deft.

Match with mozzarella and pesto or garlic and herb roulade.

Taylor’s First Estate Reserve Port (£12 Tesco, Sainsbury’s) dark cherry fruit, roasted spices, eucalyptus and some mixed fruit; warming, fresh and long with fine-yet-firm tannins. Substantial with a supple, muscular core.

Match with bitter dark chocolate, chocolate and cherry torte or Christmas pudding.

If you want to mix things up, try this Taylor’s Festive Punch:

1 teaspoon superfine sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
6cl Taylor’s First Estate
3cl Cognac
Orange and lemon slices and sprinkled ground clove to garnish.
 Serves 1 or multiply for number in the party.

Place all the ingredients in a pan and bring to a simmer. Serve warm. 

Croft Pink (£10.99 Virgin Wines 50cl) red-berry bubblegum with sweet red cherries, eucalyptus and spice; refreshing and vibrant.

Match with tarte aux cerises or duck breast with spiced cherry sauce; for something more adventurous, try panna cotta or white chocolate mousse.

Festive cocktail
9cl chilled Croft Pink
12cl Champagne or Prosecco
1.5cl Cointreau
2 dashes of bitter

More Croft Pink cocktail recipes here.