The Best Wine to Gift this Christmas

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.

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Morrisons October/November 2023

In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we look at the latest discounted top-notch wines and today it’s Morrisons. Reds, Whites, Bubbles and Port, we’ve picked out the bottes that we love and with the discount, they’re absolute must tries, so waste no time in picking up the bottle that takes your fancy (they’re all under £10 too, except one amazing bottle of English fizz that’s still a top deal!).

*Updated: 27/10/2023*

Morrisons Red Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Roodeberg Black Dark Red Blend

Predominantly Pinotage, this South African red was born from the flames of an unfortunate winery fire. Undeterred, the Roodeberg team created this easy-drinking gem, packed with dark fruits and blackcurrant, as well as a delicious smoky oak note. It’s velvety and rich too, and for a tenner an absolute steal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £12.50)

Dynamite Factory Shiraz

This is another South African red that, for a Shiraz, really punches with the fruits. With intense flavours of cherry, plum, and a dash of peppery spice, soft tannins and comforting character, this is tremendous value, particularly for a well-rounded mid-week option.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

The Best Marques de los Rios Rioja Reserva

Made from hand-harvested Tempranillo grapes, this wine is aged for 30 months in oak barrels and then another 6 months in the bottle. It's a rich treasure chest filled with black fruit, hints of vanilla, a touch of spice and smoke, and all this flavour without being heavy or harsh in anyway too. And so smooth! There’s so much to love. Serve alongside a steak and it’s a dream.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Colpasso Nero D'Avola Appassimento

Everyone that tries this Sicilian Red seems to love it. The Nero d’Avola grapes are partially dried before the winemaking begins, resulting in intense flavour and serious punch. It’s as rich and soft as a luxury velvet robe, plush with cherry and plum, but also gentle wafts of smoke and cinnamon. There’s so much going on the for the money, and it easily outperforms wines double the price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10)

Cidade Branca Tinto

This trio of Portuguese grapes is a full-bodied wonder and trophy winner. Especially if you let it breathe for a few hours, the dense plum, blackberry and blackcurrant shine with pepper and pleasant acidity too. There’s an edge to it that’s very moreish. It’s screaming out to be paired with food – think strong cheese but also hearty stews. Charming label too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.75)

Morrisons The Best Negroamaro

This Italian Negroamaro hits you from the off, with an up-front blackcurrant blast with cherries and plums following up. There are more complex and fuller-bodied wines sure, but for punchy fruit, flavour and balance, it’s wonderful for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £8.50)

Morrisons White Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Cuba Azul Alvarinho

This Portuguese revelation makes the very most of the Albariño grape which drinkers cannot get enough of right now. The acidity is lively, the blossom florality is aromatic, and all with a lovely lightness carrying lemony, peach notes as well as pleasant salinity. Utterly refreshing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Zesty, tropical, tangy, and majestically smooth, this is top notch expression of Marlborough Sauvignon. The overwhelming feeling is of instant crispness and complete refreshment, and it should be a reliable go-to with many dishes, particularly fish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Morrisons Sparkling Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Martini Asti Sparkling Wine

Yes, it’s Martini but make no mistake this is a very different drink. Made in the uniquely Italian way with single fermentation, the 100% Moscato Bianco grapes are a joy. Light and lovely, melon, peach, green apple, and subtle brioche arrive in smooth and sweet waves, with refreshing effervescence and crisp acidity providing the perfect palate cleanser. Try with white choc and surprise yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 7.5%
Find here: £7.50 (usually £8.50)

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

This is a terrific representative for the progress English fizz has made and where it’s headed. 8 years of ageing gives so much depth – plenty of fine bubbles rivalling Champagne, intense biscuity notes, crisp orchard fruits, vibrant citrus and a finish stretching far off into the distance. With £8 off, this is the perfect time to give it a go.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £19 (usually £27)

Morrisons Port Discounts October/November 2023

Cockburn's Special Reserve Port

Cockburn’s benchmark Port has been a comfort since its 1969 release, like a warm, fruity blanket. The rich tapestry of molasses, woody vanilla, prune, smooth caramel, and plum set the standard, with everything balancing out magically. A no brainer at £12.

Size: 1L
ABV: 20%
Find here: £12 (usually £19.50)

Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port

A mature and characterful deep ruby Port, Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage is packed with blackberries and cherries that feel rich and robust from the six years aging. Notes of chocolate, baking spice and liquorice lurk beneath the surface invitingly too. A smooth ride, and the perfect way to end an Autumn evening.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £11 (usually £18)

Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny

Taylor’s decade aged Tawny is also well worth a try, especially at this price. Mature prunes, plums and raisin combine with the charm of delicate woody notes, and the nuttiness has really come through too – tasty. Elegant, voluptuous and the aftertaste is to die for.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £19 (usually £25)

W.& J. Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port

This isn’t as thick as some Ports, but it packs a hefty punch of intense blackberry and fresh plum. The barrel comes through with the oaky vanilla and dried fruits, and welcome touches of spice. Those sweeter elements are reigned in a little too, by the edge of dryness that settles everything down nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £11 (usually £16.50)

Keep your eyes peeled if you do the weekly shop elsewhere, or if you’re too late for these offers, because we’re going to be out hunting all the latest bargains wherever you shop. Check out our Sainsbury’s offers here, updated regularly with the latest wine bargains.

The Best Bubbles to Pop this Festive Season

With the near constant flow of food from nibbles to feasts to desserts, a delicious sparkling wine is perfect for cutting through Christmastime and providing the crisp refreshment required. Without further ado, here’s a selection of our most eye-catching fizzes, from supermarket marvels to sublime top tier magic! Let’s pop those corks!

The Best Budget Sparkling Wine (£10 and Under)

Sainsbury's Cava Brut

Cava is made using the same method as Champagne, but with Spanish grapes like Paradella, Macabeo and Xarel-lo which creates a more tropical and savoury profile than Champagne. Some see it as less refined but when it comes down to value, Cava is king. Those three grapes all go into this Cava Brut, which is aged for at least nine months creating bold zesty citrus aromas. It feels super fresh and vibrant, with a particularly lovely green apple flavour running through it. Try it with any fish from smoke salmon to good old fish and chips.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 1.5%
Find here: £5.85

ALDI’s Specially Selected Cremant Du Jura

You may not be familiar Crémant but it’s a sparkling wine made in the exact same way as Champagne outside the Champagne region, and the production quality of it has improved dramatically over recent decades. This bottle is fabulously light and refreshing, exactly what you need when feasting over the festive period. It lacks the creamy feel of a typical Crémant, but has a bolder combination of fruits, with citrussy lemon and grapefruit, and green apples and pears. If you’re fed up with Prosecco then this is a must try!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%    
Find here: £8.99

Sainsbury's Pignoletto Brut

Pignoletto derives from ‘pigna’ meaning pinecone because of the tight grape clusters on the vine and has similarities with Prosecco. Made using the Grechetto grapes of Umbria, this is drier than a usual Prosecco and similar to the Crémant above, has the pear and apple combination alongside citrusy notes. The real reward here is the refreshment of the fizz and the bright and crisp flavours that make it extremely quaffable indeed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7 (usually £9!)

Tesco Finest 1531 Blanquette De Limoux

If you were on the hunt for sparkling wine in 1531, this would be your only option because Blanquette de Limoux is the oldest sparkling wine in the world! Mauzac and Chenin grapes blend and age in the bottle for a year to create this light sparkling wine full of complex flavours of peach flesh and green apple. There’s a really pleasant soft acidity and interesting toasted brioche finish too. It really gives the more expensive wines and Champagnes a run for their money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.50

Sainsbury's Crémant De Loire

This is another fantastic value option from Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range, and one that’s picked up some serious gongs. Mostly Chenin Blanc with a touch of Chardonnay, it’s a dry fizz with heaps of richness and refreshment from cleansing chalky apple flavours down to the Loire Valley soils. This zesty rich combination is a winning one, and so easy to drink as a result. Bravo to the producer Bouvet Ladubay!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £12!)

Sainsbury's Cremant d’Alsace

From the same collection is Cremant d’Alsace. Cave du Roi Dagobert are renowned in the Alsace region and produce this in the traditional method where it spends over a year bottle aging. It’s rich and creamy as a result, with buttery brioche flavours. Running alongside that too is a vibrant freshness from orchard fruits and luxurious lemon curd notes, completing an extremely well-rounded fizz for the price point. It’s perfect for any celebration and would pair really nicely with smoked salmon.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12

The Best Mid-Tier Sparkling Wine (£10-£29.99)

Graham Norton’s Own Prosecco DOC NV

Chat show king Graham Norton has brought to us a stunning Prosecco, opting for a classic ‘Extra Dry’ style which means it’s lovely and sweet as well as being sublimely light. Citrus and white flower aromas fill your nose, and the finish is refreshingly crisp to boot. It’s a fantastic conversation starting party fizz!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.2%
Find here: £12

Invivo X Unity Prosecco Rosé

This is another bottle that has a link to Graham Norton, albeit indirectly. It’s the official wine of the Eurovision Song Contest and will be served at Liverpool next year! This Venetian wine feels suitably glam and celebratory too, with fresh strawberries on the nose and a lovely blend of green apple, orange and lemon filling the palate. A really feel good fizz for Christmas.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12

Cave de Turkheim Crémant d'Alsace

Another delicious Crémant for the money here, standing out for its perfumed pink grapefruit and lychee, as well as a characterful tartness not always found in similar bottles. Delicate bubbles, super dry and silky smooth, this is a lovely introduction to Champagne alternatives.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £13.49

Castel Fagila Franciacorta Extra Brut

In the heart of the Franciacorta area of Calino, Castel Faglia opt for small garden-like pots rather than sprawling vineyards, bringing out different aromas to usual. Fresh fruit invites you in on the nose, and the following palate is super dry, with surprising structure and lively acidity. Think fresh toasted almonds and aromatic spice underlined with subtle citrus. Satisfying and well worth a try!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £15.50

Tissot-Maire Blanc de Noirs Cremant du Jura Brut

Sheltered in the mountains of the vineyard corridor between Burgundy and Switzerland is the Jura wine region. Maison Tissot-Maire in Arbois is the merger of two expert winemaking families making elegant wines like this. Using mainly Pinot Noir, wildflowers and ripe berries come through on the nose, before a fresh and powerful mouthfeel that has a strong mineral core. Redcurrant and spice fig show themselves amongst the fine bubbles for a stunning food-friendly wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £15.95

Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2017/18

Graham Beck and South African fizz have been going hand in hand since the 1990s, picking up award after award along the way using the traditional ‘Methode Cap Classique’ sparkling winemaking method. The Blanc de Blancs uses night picked Chardonnay for extra freshness, with in-your-face green aromas of lime, apple, and pear. It’s biscuity-rich, with notes of brioche and a special feel of indulgence. Put simply, it’s one of the best. Suitably magical for this special time of year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £19.99

Tesco Finest Rose Champagne

Tesco brings us this wine in partnership with Union Champagne, a cooperative of 2000 winegrowers, 60% of whose land is Grand Cru rated, so you can be assured that the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in this are top notch. It’s super dry with invigorating citrus and red fruits before a very delicate mousse finish. Definitely pop this bubbly when you’re bringing out any fruity desserts!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £24

The Best Top End Sparkling Wine (£30+)

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve

Well, the top end was always going to include Champagne wasn’t it? In particular, this is a rich and weighty expression picking up a number of major awards. It’s ripe, it’s biscuity, it’s dense with mature fruit and a lively acidity cuts through with surgical precision. The average age of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier is a decade, with the younger additions bringing freshness, and the elders that complexity and spice. Full-bodied bubbly that oozes class and is a joy to explore.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £46

Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018

You don’t need fluent French to identify ‘blanc de blancs’ as ‘white from white’ meaning white wine from white grapes. In the world of Champagne, this equates to the exclusive inclusion of Chardonnay grapes, and the same applies to English Sparkling wines. This bottle happens to be both. Gusbourne is a massive name in luxury English wine as it continues to win gong after gong. 2018 conditions left the Kentish fruits in fabulous condition, creating a wonderfully layered flavour. Riper notes of nectarines and clementines float above characterful green apples, whilst alluring lemon sherbet and pink grapefruit slice through. The creamy texture bows out for a toasted nut and brioche finish that really drives home. A benchmark British sparkling wine for sure. We love it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £46

Rare Champagne Millésime 2008

We’ve touched on Charles Heidsieck, and now it’s Piper Heidsieck which originated in 1777. The first ambassador of their Champagne? Marie Antoinette no less. Since then, Piper Heidsieck drew connections with Old Hollywood and is one of the most prestigious, technologically advanced and well-funded houses around. In short, the Millésime Rare is absolutely delicious and very special indeed. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, all grapes were sourced from Grand Cru villages. Delicate apricot pastry and orange zest tease the nose before the magic reveals itself. Pronounced vanilla tangles with fizzing fruitiness – pineapple, blood orange and a comforting continuation of patisserie flavours. Majesty and elegance to match the price tag and for any sparkling wine lover, this guarantees a magical Christmas treat.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £194

Refreshing, and light, we love Christmas fizz but variety is the spice of life, so if you want some reds, whites or even gins to complete your festive cupboards, we’ve scrutinised and deliberated to come up with our end of year best recommendations! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Words by Calum Ecroyd