THERE is no better time to have show-stopping tipples than at Christmas.
But with so many options it can be hard to know which are worth splashing out on. We asked wine expert Jilly Goolden to test some of this year’s supermarket whites, reds, fizz, ports and sherries and give her verdict on each.
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So pour yourself a glass and savour our festive drinks guide.
Cheers!
Whites
ALDI
29
“Clean and uncluttered with hints of toffee apple. More full figured than expected. Good and well priced.”
ASDA
29
“Smells of fruit salad, tastes of peaches and cream, yet delicate. Great label.”
THE CO-OP
29
“Zippy, grassy and lemony. Benchmark sauvignon. Well priced.”
LIDL
29
“Begins well with marshmallow and sugared almonds but then fades and is fairly disappointing.”
M&S
29
“Bouncing ripe melon fruit, buttery and a mouth-coating, full-figured rich white.”
MORRISONS
29
“Sauvignon blanc at its most powerful, with generous kiwi and gooseberry fruit.”
SAINSBURY’S
29
“Aromatic and exotic with notes of pear and pineapple. A bit too much for me.”
TESCO
29
“Latest vintage gooseberry-scented, squeaky dry sauvignon blanc, a bit on the attack.”
WAITROSE
29
“Big and busty and very fruity and brash, this is chardonnay at its most powerful.”
Reds
ALDI
29
“Whiff of violets followed by plum, tailing into a taste of strong tea. Needs food.”
ASDA
29
“Big, busty dark berry fruit plus serious, tongue-coating tannin.”
THE CO-OP
29
“Promising scent of redcurrant fades leaving flimsy, tart flavour.”
LIDL
29
“This is a juicy come-on wine scented with simmering blackberries. Big flavour but soft.”
M&S
29
“Like beef stew and dumplings in a glass. Fruit very direct. Pair with a hefty meal.”
MORRISONS
29
“Delicate fruit and sumptuous palate, although the acidity is challenging.”
SAINSBURY’S
29
“Inviting like cherry pie. Juicy fruity but also serious. Can be chilled.”
TESCO
29
“Soft and cakey like Victoria sponge with jam filling, followed by slight sourness.”
WAITROSE
29
“Smells like straw-berries. But there is a steeliness to it until in roar the strawberries again. Appealing.”
Port & sherry
ALDI
29
“Smells like golden syrup, nutty notes and syrupy sweetness. A cheap thrill.”
LIDL
29
“Looks like dark gravy and seems as thick. Burnt sugar and baked apple notes. Dessert in a glass.”
M&S
29
“Amber nectar, aromatic with dried orange scent and hazelnut flavour. Smooth and alluring.”
SAINSBURY’S
29
“Intense blackberry and plum fruit with the sumptuous richness you want.”
TESCO
29
“Nutty with zip of lively acidity to offset sweetness. Like liquid fruit cake.”
Sparkling
LIDL
29
“Green, fresh and friendly. This is inviting and appetising. Great choice for a (small) party.”
M&S
29
“Orange blossom on the bouquet, refreshingly dry for prosecco with an edge of preserved lemons.”
MORRISONS
29
“Come-on, sweetie-bag scent. Light and easy drinking. Great wine for a celebration.”
TESCO
29
“Whiff of a hay barn. A very traditional cava. A class act.”
DELIVERY FAIL
Delivery chaos as shoppers self-isolating struggle to book online Xmas orders
SALE AWAY
Argos launches end of year sale with up to 75% off toys and baby products
HELPING HAND
Struggling households can get vouchers worth up to £150 to help pay for bills
ON A ROLL
How to get a free Greggs breakfast roll and hot drink
DINNER WINNER
Toby Carvery is doing takeaway Christmas dinners and it includes two courses
EVERY LIDL HELPS
Lidl to top up food vouchers for struggling households to £4.25
WAITROSE
29
“Light and sherberty. Seemingly green and herbaceous, like a plant without flowers.”
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