The best wines for Christmas lunch as recommended by Decanter.com.
WHITE WINES:
Domaine Pierre Gaillard, Roussanne, Vin de Pays des Comtes Rhodaniens, 2007 France
A well-priced wine from a highly regarded producer. It has a graceful quality: intense, ripe fruit complemented by honey, peach, apricot and blossom. It would be a perfect match with honey-glazed gammon.
£10.70, Berry Bros & Rudd
Errazuriz, Estate Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, 2008 Chile
Elegant, creamy apple and pineapple fruit, nice weight, firm acidity, good complexity and impressive intensity.
£7.99, Majestic
Olivier Leflaive, les Meix, Puligny-Montrachet, France 2007
Delightfully willowy but intense with layers of aromas. It's creamy and rich while the oak is beautifully integrated, backed by minerality and punchy fruit. The weight indicates real quality as does its perfect balance - very complex.
£28.99, Corney & Barrow
RED WINES:
Lundun, Chusclan Vignerons, Réserve de la Saurine, Vin de Pays du Gard 2007 France
Largely from Grenache but supported by Carignan and Syrah, this is juicy and fresh, with lots of primary currant fruit that has real vibrancy and elegance.
£5.99, Marks & Spencer
Ségla, Margaux, 2004 France
This is the second wine from the Bordeaux Crus Classés Château Rauzan Ségla, and it's perfect for those lacking cellaring patience or the means to buy the grand Vin.
This is showing very well: ripe, currant fruit and elegant structure.
£19.99, Majestic
Domaine Gilles Jourdan, Vieilles Vignes, Bourgogne Rouge 2006 France
Don't be put off by the Bourgogne Rouge classification - this has more to offer than you expect. Pretty and delicate, it's supremely balanced, boasting delightful red cherries, strawberries and a long, elegant finish.
£12.49, Corney & Barrow
GD Vajra, Dolcetto d'Alba, Piedmont 2008 Italy
Perfumed, bewitching, feminine nose of rose petals and violets. The palate is similarly floral, augmented by red cherry and berry fruit, mineral presence and typical Dolcetto tannins that bind it all together.
£14.99, available from Harvey Nichols, Booths Supermarkets, Bennetts Wines
William Downie, Pinot Noir, Gipplsand, Victoria, 2008 Australia
Weighty with primary fruit with young, expressive juicy red fruit from top to tail. Immediately rewarding.
£36.95, available from Liberty Wines, The Butlers Wine Cellars
FORTIFIED AND SWEET WINES:
González Byass, Apostoles, 30 year old Palo Cortado, Sherry
From a solera created in 1862, this is a delicious alternative to Madeira for a late-morning aperitif on Christmas day. Tantalising nuttiness, bolstered by dried figs, raisins and nuts on the multi-layers and lengthy palate.
£14.99, Majestic
Château Petit Védrines, Sauternes 2006 France
Château Doisy Védrines's second wine, this is imbued with intense honey-coated peach and apricot fruit, ably supported by a sturdy, fresh structure which allows the complexity to shine on the palate. Great length as well.
£11.99, Sainsbury's
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