Christmas Season Drinks And Cheer

By Iheoma Okoroma | December 19, 2022 0 Comments

The weather is chilly and snowy and seasonal – so that means it’s Christmas! The holidays, for many are upon us again and it’s that time of year when we will make merry and spend time with friends and family. And as usual we’ve reviewed a few seasonal drinks, including a lower alcohol favourite, which will be a preview to our Dry January feature coming soon!
Our selection can be found in various outlets up and down the country, so there should be a retailer reachable for you.

Petaluma, White Label Chardonnay, 2017, Italy, 13.5% abv

Expect all the buttery silkiness of a typical Chardonnay within this pale, yellow hue that hits the mark every time. The nose brims with peach and melon, and a whiff of pineapple. We recommend drinking this chilled on its own – or with vanilla ice cream, if you can stomach the extra chill. RRP £16.00 from Waitrose and Tesco.

Wyfold Vineyard, Brut Rosé 2018, England, 12.5% abv

This is a gorgeous sparkling wine that looks as sophisticated as champagne. The nose is buff with soft strawberry, which gives way to a luscious pink fruit palate – think raspberry and a touch of lemon, with vanilla overtones. This finishes with an endlessly creamy mousse. From the Oxfordshire vineyard established by Barbara Laithwaite. Great for an evening in with the girls. £33.00 from Laithwaites.

Domain Dampt, Petit Chablis Vieilles Vignes, 2021 France, 12.5 %abv

A young yet sophisticated wine with a mature intensity. Abundantly mineral in flavour, with a strong elderflower and straw nose.  We’d say this wine is good for lovers of very dry whites as the palate lingers for a second only. Enjoy with white fish dishes and light salads. £17.99 from Laithwaites.

Ventisquro Wine Estates, Kalfu Kudu, Pinot Noir 2018, Chile, 13.5% abv

Grapes grown on granite soils in a cool climate brings freshness to this medium bodied wine.  Traditionally summer flavours like strawberry and cherry combine with blackberry in this rich drink that has a hint of spice thrown in for warmth. Easy to drink, this wine goes well with all red meat dishes. RRP £13.50 from Frontier Fines Wines, £16.50 from Harvey Nichols.

Susana Balbo, Signature Malbec 2019, Argentina, 14.5% abv

This puncher comes from Susana Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker who started brewing in 1981. Made from handpicked grapes matured for 13 months in French oak caskets, Malbec is a weighty grape that translates into a full-bodied wine. Abundant on liquorice, blackberry, and blackcurrant, with a flint twist this pairs well with strongly flavoured meat dishes. £23.50 from Great Wine Company.

And for spirit lovers we have…

Highball Classic Alcohol-Free G&T, England, 0.01% abv

With its zero alcohol content, this time honoured classic can be enjoyed anytime of the day or night, by anyone and everyone, in whatever quantity you desire. Great for those cutting back on alcohol, the traditional flavour comes from the juniper berry, plus natural botanicals that give the trademark quinine twist. The extra citrus bite added makes this a great alternative to alcohol this season. £4.99 from Laithwaites.

Enjoy your tipples in moderation.

Merry Christmas from Simply Woman!