It’s fair to say that we really are spoiled for choice with wine in the supermarkets these days. Some have really stepped up their game in recent years too, offering great quality, entry-level wines that won’t break the bank as well as some finer classics that even if you’re trading up, would easily cost more elsewhere. Here are some bold and beautiful red wines hand-picked by us for your festive feasting pleasure.
Graffigna Reserve Malbec
From the higher altitude of Argentina’s Uco Valley, this is quite simply just a darn good Malbec for the money. Rich and chocolatey with a ripe blueberry note. Lovely.
ABV: 13.5%
Size: 750ml
Grape: Malbec (Argentina)
Find here from Sainsbury’s: £7
Casa Roscoli Organic Primitivo
Organic and vegan friendly, this is a wonderfully juicy Primitivo. So easy to drink and packed full of plum and blackcurrant fruit with a touch of baking spice. Not too sweet and cloying either.
ABV: 13.5%
Size: 750ml
Grape: Zinfandel (Italy)
Find here from Tesco: £8
Specially Selected Amarone
Amarone is making a comeback this winter as we reach for its comforting notes of dark cherry, raspberry and cocoa. This is big and brooding - ideal with beef and hard, truffle cheese. Just what you need in the cold!
ABV: 15%
Size: 750ml
Find here from Aldi: £12.99
Magnums for celebration
Ramón Bilbao Crianza Rioja Magnum
Nothing says celebration like a big bottle and this is one hell of a crowd pleaser. Think wild strawberry, spice, a touch of licorice and leathery notes starting to appear. A great, reliable producer too and fantastic value.
ABV: 14%
Size: 750ml
Grape: Tempranillo (Spain)
Find here from Tesco: £19
Viñalba Reserve Malbec Magnum
Another classic, reliable Malbec only this time, in a big bottle! Concentrated and inky, this has a lovely texture where graphite meets bramble fruit. Elegantly poised - and a must with meat.
ABV: 14.5%
Size: 750ml
Grape: Malbec (Argentina)
Find Here from Tesco: £10 for 750ml (magnum coming soon)
Sparkling Red
Specially Selected Sparkling Shiraz
Yes, you saw that correctly. A sparkling red! Australia has been producing wonderful sparkling Shiraz for years and years. Its slight sweetness makes it a fun, alternative choice for grilled meat and veggies. Serve slightly chilled but not too cold, as well as with meat, It can take some salty, blue cheese too.
ABV: 13.5%
Size: 750ml
Grape: Shiraz Blend (South Australia)
Find here from Aldi: £6.99
Sweet Red
Malamado Fortified Malbec (perfect with chocolate truffles or a chocolate log)
Christmas isn’t Christmas without some form of fortified red at the end of the meal, but if Port is a little too much, try this! Made in a similar way to Port, this is a high quality Malbec that has been fortified to 18%. A little softer than Port ‘proper’, this is chocolatey and velvety with notes of raspberry, cherry and spice. Have it with chocolate truffles after dinner - or for dessert - and it will sing! Incredible value from one of Argentina’s best producers.
ABV: 18%
Size: 500ml
Grape: Malbec (Argentina)
Find here from Tesco: £9
Click here for our other gift guides: Drinks gifts, whisky, rum and great value white wines.