Last updated: November 22, 2024
The perfect time to stock up on fine wines and fizz, there’s nothing better than getting cosy by the fireside with a good glass of vintage red. Likewise, the festive season invites a full range of novelty flavours and gorgeous one off bottles to fill the shops and stores making for gorgeous gifts for friends and family. Here our a few of our faves this year if you fancy trying something a little different.
ORMA 2013, Toscana
This vintage is a real treat for the festive season. An opulent blend of Merlot, Cab Sauv and Cab Franc, this Tuscan beauty from the heart of Bolgheri comes from a certified organic single-vineyard estate. The 2013 Orma’s ruby hues hint at its intensity, but the the layers of black fruit really show themselves on the nose. Delivering an elegant combinations of harmonious deep flavours, we loved the ripe black cherry, hints of plum and touch of tobacco, underpinned by fine velvety tannins. A luxurious treat that will be a well received gift to its recipient! £59, buy it here.
Chateau De Ferrand, Grand Cru Classe Saint-Emilion 2019
Château de Ferrand’s 2019 vintage is a sophisticated choice for Merlot lovers and emerging collectors, epitomizing the elegance of Saint-Émilion. From a certified organic estate perched on the edge of the region’s limestone plateau, this wine balances approachability in its youth with impressive ageing potential, making it a standout gift for Christmas.
With an inviting bouquet of bright bramble and subtle spiced wood, there’s a floral lift to taste which adds a freshness to the blackcurrant and blueberry laced with layers of ripe red fruit. With silky tannins and a polished finish, you could undoubtedly enjoy this wine now, or leave for years to come. 14.5%, £20, purchase here.
Château d’Issan 2012
Château d’Issan 2012 is a wine steeped in history and elegance, so if you’ve some fancy festivities, this bottle will go down an absolute treat, while offering a regal centerpiece for your Christmas table! Its illustrious gold label serves as a nod to its royal heritage—it was famously served at the 1152 wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II of England, so you’re definitely in good company too! The estate’s motto, “For the Table of Kings and the Altar of the Gods,” encapsulates the grandeur of the Château d’Issan, and it’s a great choice when pairing with a Christmas roast or game dishes.
With an opulent but balanced expression, this 2012 vintage showcases redcurrant, blackberry and violet (the wine itself has almost violet hues), with hints of tobacco and cedar. On the palate, this wine unfolds with silky tannins and luscious layers of dark fruit, earthy minerality and subtle spice with a long finish. 13%, £68, you can buy it here.
Silver Reign Charmat Brut
Silver Reign from the Silverhand Estate in the heart of the Kent countryside is a refreshing, sparkling wine made in the charmat style (undergoing secondary fermentation to produce bright fruity flavours and plenty of bubbles). This blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes produces light aromas of fresh floral notes, pear and elderflower, with hints of peach and citrus to taste. It has a really unique flavour which the Silverhand Estate believe is down to its rare terroir with the estate named after legendary King Ludd – founder of London and God of Protection and Prosperity. The lighter fruit in the Silver Reign makes this bottle of British fizz the perfect accompaniment to a cheese board. 12.5%, find out more about this beaut here.
Della Vite Prosecco D.O.C. Rosé
Let’s start with the bottle shall we?! The frosted finish and soft coral-pink hue of Della Vite Prosecco D.O.C. Rosé make this a visual delight—but that’s just the beginning. This creation from the Delevingne sisters really will whisk you away to the sun-drenched terraces of Northern Italy’s most romantic villages. Bursting with punchy red fruit aromas, it delivers a creamy, smooth palate layered with ripe berries, strawberry, and a hint of rhubarb. The fine bubbles enhance its refined texture, culminating in a silky finish. Naturally vegan and crafted with care in a solar-powered winery using only natural ingredients, it’s as conscientious as it is chic. If you’re holding an Christmas afternoon soiree, this rosé will go perfectly with baked salmon, salad, a tonne of hot baked bread smothered in butter and a fresh green salad. It’s definitely one to enjoy during party season, as well as all summer long. 11.5%, £22.99 from Selfridges.
Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion, 2020
This certified organic Bordeaux cru from Pessac-Léognan showcases the elegance and precision that modern winemaking can achieve. Sourced from the region’s cooler, gravel-rich soils, it reflects a commitment to terroir-driven expression, with the winemaking team drawing inspiration from Burgundy’s meticulous approach. Minimal oak usage allows the purity of fruit to take centre stage, with vibrant red berries, hints of graphite, and a touch of earthy minerality on the nose. With 58% Cab Sav, 29% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, on the palate it offers finely integrated tannins, bright acidity, and a clean, elegant finish. 13.5%, £24, Buy it here.
