Bringing the right wine is always difficult to get right. Whether it’s as a present, or to hand over when you’re let in, we’ve hunted down the best wines to gift this Christmas.
Now, we’ve kept it tight on the purse strings to recommend some reds and whites that come in at under £10, but taste far more expensive. Okay, one of the sparkling wines goes over budget, but it’s so worth it. These are wines that seriously impress, and they’re great alongside Christmas foods too!
The Best Red Wines to Gift This Christmas
Castellore Primitivo
This is probably Aldi’s best wine for under £10, brimming with bold, rich, and intense dark berry flavours. Earthy spice keeps everything grounded, and there’s enough pleasant acidity to cut through those Christmas foods before a jammy, silky-smooth finish. It’s a winner with any tomatoey dishes too.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.29
Greasy Fingers Luscious Red
Smooth and food-friendly too. Grenache delivers the sweetness, and Shiraz brings the rich fruits in this delicious Australian blend. You can find it at most of the UK supermarkets because it’s so popular and moreish. It’s one of those joyful wines that is made for sharing with friends, and perfectly suits red meats or Italian dishes.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.50 (usually more!)
American Gothic Lodi Zinfandel
Named after the instantly recognisable painting adorning the bottle, this is a robust and rich Cali Zinfandel that demands the drinker’s attention. First, the smooth mouthfeel, and second the marriage of juicy plum and smooth blackberries, all underlines by elegant toasted oaky tobacco notes. Dangerously drinkable, and as good as wines twice the price.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99
B. Ink South Australia Red Blend
Pretty remarkable at this price, this Australian red delivers the signature opulence you want and so much more. Inky by name and inky by nature, velvety tannins mix with up front jamminess, raspberries, and dark chocolate. But that’s not all, because vanilla and cinnamon notes layer up this beauty to make it the gift that keeps on giving.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £8 (usually more!)
The Best White Wines to Gift This Christmas
Te Pā Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc
This mouthwatering Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc leans into the classic tropical notes of this style, delivering an adventure of ripe fruits – think nectarine, gooseberry, passion fruit and guava. Beyond this though, there is a minerality with chalk and a purity and crispness to the finish that is perfect between Christmas bites.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9
Pinot Gris Urmeer Löss
This is another Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc punching above its price point, carrying herbaceous grassy hints, passion fruit, and concentrated gooseberries and peaches. Zesty acidity meets fruity sweetness, with a touch of peppery spice at the end – it’s easy to love.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.49
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
If you know someone into Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, then we’d stunned if they weren’t on board with this. The grapefruit zips around the palate which is so moreishly bright and light, especially served chilled. Clean, zesty refreshment makes this this a winner that delivers way beyond its price. It’s gorgeous with chicken and lighter fish too.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9
Freixenet Pinot Grigio
The bottle screams gift, but to become as well-regarded as Freixenet have, the liquid inside needs to be spot on, and it certainly is. Born in the picturesque vineyards of Garda, it brings a bit of Italian sun to Christmas with delicately poised florality, fruits and crisp citrus. The elegance to value ratio is tremendous.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £8 (usually more!)
The Best Sparkling Wines to Gift This Christmas
Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010
The price of this has been much higher previously, but at £18 you have to give it a go. Being an English fizz, it makes for an interesting gift because not everyone knows about the staggering improvement English sparkling wines have enjoyed. This will show them. 8 years of age bring deep biscuity notes and crisp orchard hints and the fine bubbles rival Champagne.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18
Martini Asti Sparkling Italian Wine D.O.C.G
It is Martini, but this is a very different drink all together. Unique Italian single-fermentation of the Moscato Bianco grape deliver natural flavours of melon, peach, and green apple, each lighter and lovelier than the last. Intertwining is a hint of brioche, and combined with those gorgeous bubbles and cutting acidity makes this one of the best palate cleansers available. Hearty meats, soups, potatoes… and even white chocolate – try it and surprise yourself (once your giftee has first of course).
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £6.99 (usually more!)
We’ve searched high and low for the best drinks gifts this year, so whatever you’re looking for on the website, we’ve got it. We didn’t include Champagne for the cost, but these Our Best Champagnes. We also have Vodka, Tequila, Sherry and well, there are just too many to link, so if you’re struggling with a bottle that will impress someone, take a look.