Twelve Drink Recommendations for Twelve Christmas Occasions

This Christmas, Tesco is helping customers get ready for the festivities without overspending on wine and spirits.

For cherished moments entertaining guests, wrapping presents, or sharing a spiced drink by the fire, there’s a great-value bottle to suit every budget and occasion. In this year’s prestigious IWC awards, Tesco achieved more than 190 medals, solidifying its place as the top supermarket destination for quality and promising customers a fantastic find every time.

Tesco has selected a line-up of standout supermarket finds, including some IWC award-winners, crowd-pleasers under £10, and premium pours. Each bottle is matched to a festive moment, be that decorating the tree or the much-anticipated New Year’s countdown.

1. Decorating the Tree

Shallow Bay South African Sauvignon Blanc, 12.5%, £6.75

As the tree goes up and the lights are switched on, a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc sets the mood. This dry but fruity South African white delivers citrus fruits aromas with a refreshingly zingy finish. At under £7 it’s a cheerful choice to mark the start of the season.

2. Christmas Card Writing

Tesco Finest Argentinian Malbec, 13%, £9

For a focused hour of card writing, Tesco Finest Argentinian Malbec sets the tone. Made in Mendoza, famed for its high altitude and bold wines, this rich red combines dark berry fruit with subtle spice and earthiness.

3. The Christmas Party

Tesco Finest English Sparkling Rosé, 11%, £21.50

For a bottle that stands out among the crowd, Tesco Finest English Sparkling Rosé is a strong choice. A Silver IWC medal winner, this homegrown traditional method sparkler features fine bubbles, strawberry and raspberry notes and toasted aromas on the nose. Great to serve guests or bring as a gift for the host.

4. Friendsmas

Papa Salt Coastal Gin, 42.8%, £39

Hosting friends is made effortless with a show-stealing spirit. Co-created by actress Margot Robbie, Papa Salt Coastal Gin blends zesty citrus with peppercorn and subtle Australian botanicals. It’s the perfect base for a glittering Berry Fizz cocktail to kick things off for the evening ahead.

5. Christmas Film Night

Errazuriz Estate Reserva Merlot, 13.5%, £9.50

Cosy up with a festive film and a glass of Errazuriz Merlot make for a relaxed evening in. This full-bodied, juicy red wine with plum and cherry flavours is matured in French and American oak, pairing perfectly with salted popcorn and favourite holiday classics.

6. Gingerbread house decorating

Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora, 9.5%, £8.75

A sweet white wine from Australia expressing honey, musk, and spicy aromas, balanced with fine acidity that complements warm gingerbread biscuits.

7. Wrapping presents

Tesco Finest Sancerre Rosé, 12.5%, £16

Wrapping gifts calls for focus and a glass of something refined. IWC Gold medal winner Tesco Finest Sancerre Rosé, with crisp red berry notes, stone fruit and a dry finish, offers an elegant way to get through the ribbon and tape.

8. Chilly evenings around a fire

Tesco Finest 10 Year Old Tawny Port, 20%, £14.50

On cold evenings, this 10-year aged port is the perfect tipple to sip. Smooth and amber in colour, it has nutty and dried fruit aromas with flavours of butterscotch to finish. An IWC Gold medal winner.

9. Christmas Day brunch

Condesa De Flores Cava Brut, 11%, £5.79

Begin the big day with a chilled glass of Condesa De Flores Cava Brut. Its light bubbles and fresh citrus notes work well with rich brunch dishes like smoked salmon blinis and poached eggs.

10. Christmas Day dinner

Tesco Finest Chablis Premier Cru, 12.5%, £24

A standout wine for the main event. Tesco Finest Chablis Premier Cru, a Gold IWC medal winner, brings crisp minerality and citrus brightness to complement classic roast turkey, herby seasonal sides, or a delicious nut roast. Partially oaked, this wine is a more intense, complex style of Chablis that holds its own alongside a Christmas feast.

11. Boxing Day leftovers

Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Pinot Noir, 14%, £10

Peter Morrell, Editor comments “I’ve recently tasted the Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Pinot Noir, the grapes for this wine are grown in the Leyda valley, about 10 miles to the east of the Pacific coast. This means that the terroir benefits from marine moisture and cooling breezes, allowing the grapes to develop a range of complex flavours. The wine pours a dark ruby colour and the bouquet is very fruit forward with good aromas of cherries and soft summer fruits.

In the mouth the wine is on the bold side of medium, and the well-structured tannins give it a smooth texture. On the palate the fruit persists and is joined by flavours of damson and sloe berries, together with emerging tones of mushrooms and earth and higher notes of violets and oaky vanilla.

The finish dry, ‎long and fruity. Pair this with cold cuts, strong cheese like Stilton, and even the leftover stuffing balls and pigs in blankets.”

12. The New Year’s Eve party

Tesco Finest Premier Cru Brut Champagne, 12.5%, £26

For the countdown to midnight, Silver IWC medal winner Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne delivers. Extra-long ageing in the bottle makes for elegant flavours of citrus, green apple and brioche with a fine mousse. A real head-turner, this Champagne is made for a confident toast to the year ahead.

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