FESTIVE DRINKS

Christmas is fast approaching and it’s time to start thinking about the all-important drinks for the big day. To give you some ideas here are some delicious spirits, bubbles, whites and reds, and non-alcoholic selections recommended by Tom Bleathman of The Great Wine Co.

White wines not only make a refreshing aperitif but are often the popular lunch-time choice. A fine option is Kate Sauvignon Blanc (£14.40), from Southern French youngsters, Aubert & Mathieu. Their wines all come from organic vineyards around the Languedoc Roussillon region and the quality is top drawer. This example is an aromatic wine with zesty and tropical fruit flavours dominating the palate. A perfect apéritif, it would also match well with smoked salmon blinis or white meats. If you’re looking for a classy white to complement the turkey, try Pomino Bianco(£13.95) from Tuscan heavyweight, Frescobaldi. This producer makes a myriad of first-class wines from fizz, rosé and of course classic reds, but this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco is spot on, showing pear and citrus notes. While white wines do partner well with turkey, reds do go so well with all of those trimmings. Cerasuolo

(£18.85) from Planeta is a silky blend of two indigenous Sicilian varieties, Nero d’Avola and Frappato. You’ll find flavours of wild cherry, strawberry and pomegranate alongside a fresh bite of acidity and at 12.5% it won’t knock your socks off either! If you favour a bit more grip and intensity,

(£15.50) is a perfect choice. A classically structured Bordeaux with flavours of red fruit and a hint of vanilla on the palate with a nice round structure. This provides great value for money in comparison to other Bordeaux wines. Alternatively, try the Renegade Shiraz-Grenache (£17.50) from South African icon Ken Forrester’s take on a southern Rhone blend. Shiraz spice and Grenache’s bold elegance work perfectly with a full traditional Christmas dinner. Festive events need showstopping sparkling – so look no further than the incredible Gramona Imperial vintage (£33). Not cheap by any means, but Gramona is comfortably one of Spain’s best producers, and the most awarded sparkling wine producers bar none. Situated in Catalonia, they produce exceptional quality, ageworthy bubbles, which easily rub shoulders with the best Champagne houses. Operating with organic and biodynamic processes, these guys are hugely sustainable. Expect supersoft aromas of baked brioche and apple-making, this is a great apéritif or the perfect way to toast Christmas with the family. The low- and no-alcohol category is bigger now than ever and with a growing selection, it can be overwhelming picking out something that is suitable for everyone on Christmas Day. Pentire Adrift (£28) is a great place to start, made using organic ingredients which are foraged along the Cornish coastline, it

acts as a genuine gin alternative with fresh, citrusy, herbal flavours which help to create a complex G&T. Crossip’s Dandy (£22.50) offers a smokey, cocktail-inspired White alternative. This is created by combining flavours like Lapsang tea, cayenne, black pepper and cloves to create the intense, warming drink without any of the alcohol. Fantastic mixed with soda or as the base of a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned. After a big meal, a digestif is often much needed and none fits the bill better than the west country’s finest, Somerset Cider Brandy (£44). Perfect to sip neat with glorious flavours of apples, vanilla and cloves, but you can also try this alongside a selection of local cheeses, or the seasonal flavours of a wonderfully rich Christmas pudding.

(£28.50) is a festive essential, and a wonderful digestif. Notably finer than the popular brand of Amaretto we all know, this is made using crushed almonds rather than extracts or concentrates. Finally, if you’ve overconsumed from the meal, a kick of caffeine may be what you’re craving, if so Conker Cold Brew (£30) will do the trick. It’s made from highquality coffee, a touch of Demerara sugar and distilled British wheat spirit. Amazing neat, but you can also make your own Espresso Martini from this, just add water, ice and shake! n