Dreaming of a white Christmas

With the odds stacked against us seeing snow at Christmas, why not make sure your Christmas is white with our guide to the perfect white wines to serve over the festive period.

Pre-Dinner Drinks

Gilberts Port, Asda, £5.99
Ditch the Sherry this Christmas and try a White Port instead. Perfect mixed with tonic and served with ice and a slice of lemon, this aperitif is fast becoming the drink choice of celebrities. Gilberts White Port is young and fruity, with an intensely floral nose and hints of exotic fruits.

Fantastic with fish

Finca Las Moras Viognier 2006, Co-Op, £4.79, Majestic, £4.99 or £3.99 if buy 2
If you’re having smoked salmon or prawn cocktail to start, try this tangy and refreshing Argentinian Viognier from Finca Las Moras. Packed full of ripe apricots, melons and soft peachy notes, it is balanced with just a hint of honey.

Main Course Choices

Traditionally Turkey

Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2005, Thresher, £6.99
For a traditional turkey with all the trimmings, there’s no better choice than this crisp Chenin Blanc from South Africa. The subtle inviting fruit notes on the nose lead to a palate of fresh tropical fruit and a wonderfully long finish that is a great match for the turkey. Great value with Thresher’s 3 for 2 offer.

Viré Clessé Vieilles Vignes 2005, Tesco Wine Club, £6.64 (£39.84 per case)
If you feel like serving a traditional white Burgundy with your turkey, you won’t find better value than this outstanding Viré Clessé. Made using grapes harvested from older vines with an average age of 70 years, the resulting wine has intense and concentrated fruit, with characteristics of a more expensive wine than its £6.99 retail.

Gorgeous with Goose

Seifried Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Morrisons, £7.99
This stunning New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is fresh, lively and overflowing with flavour. The nose is intense gooseberry and cut grass – giving it the robustness to complement the goose meat, and the acidity to offset the richness.

Designated Driver Selection

Eisberg Chardonnay, Tesco, Asda and Co-Op from £2.95
This alcohol free wine is perfect for those of you who have been selected as this years designated driver! The palate is vanilla and butterscotch with ripe grapes, crisp apple and honeyed sweetness. This Chardonnay will enable those designated drivers to join in the festivities without worrying about the effects.