Whether you love the classics or yearn for different flavours, expert Susy Atkins has tested hundreds of bottles to find crackers for both scenarios. Plus she’s found a brilliant softie, flagged up top gift choices ( ) and offers tips for serving your drinks in style
Are you trad or adventurous?
CELEBRATION FIZZ
GO TRAD Taste the Difference Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne NV, France 12%
A star among own-label champagnes, this is vivacious with citrus and raspberry streaks (it’s not a rosé but is made from red grapes). It could take on light canapés. £23.50 (£20 until 12 Dec), Sainsbury’s
BE ADVENTUROUS Bird in Hand Sparkling 2022, South Australia 12.5%
This pale pink bubbly is made in the same method as champagne. Fresh strawberries and rich layers of cream jump from the glass with plenty of bubbles. £15.99 (£10 from 29 Nov to 1 Jan), Waitrose
LIGHT WHITE
GO TRAD The Best South African Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Coastal Region, South Africa 12.5%
Sauv blanc from the Cape is often great value. Here’s a young and zesty one, bursting with notes of grapefruit, satsuma and subtle green bell pepper. £8.50 (£7.50 until 3 Jan), Morrisons
BE ADVENTUROUS Domaine Philippe et Sylvain Ravier Altesse 2021, Savoie, France 12.5%
Altesse (or roussette) is mainly grown in the Alpine Savoie region. Here it delivers apple, apricot and honey with a dry finish. A beautifully crafted wine that’s a treat with seafood. £17.50, jeroboams.co.uk
IF YOU ONLY BUY ONE WINE...
RED Extra Special Fleurie 2021, Beaujolais, France 12.5%
A good beaujolais is always useful at Christmas. This lively fleurie sings with red fruit and is relatively light, so it’s fine on its own and will pair nicely with turkey, glazed ham and cold cuts. £9.75 (£9.25 until 27 Dec), Asda
WHITE Estevez Chilean Viognier 2022, Central Valley, Chile 12.5%
Viognier is a great choice if you want a fruity white without sweet oakiness. I like the peachy flavour of this well priced party white. It can stand up to savoury canapés and chicken curries. £6.49, Aldi
RICHER WHITE FOR THE TURKEY
GO TRAD M&S Collection Chablis 2021, Burgundy, France 12.5%
Nicely rounded, complex chablis that reminds me of baked yellow apples and mirabelle plums. Would go with the turkey brilliantly as well as richer fish dishes like fish pie.
£15, Marks & Spencer
BE ADVENTUROUS Bonny Doon Le Cigare Blanc 2021, California, USA 12.4%
A quirky blend of vermentino and grena
