The best high-street wines for Christmas

There’s been a quality revolution on the high street in recent years and, thanks to savvy winemakers and wine buyers, you’ll now find own-label wines of the very highest quality at multiple retailers. So while you’ve doubtless already got your grand cru Burgundy and classed growth Bordeaux earmarked for the festive spread, we’ve picked the best easy-quaffing whites and reds to bolster your Christmas food shop – all IWSC award-winners.

For fans of winter warming reds, nothing shouts Christmas more than the aromas of vanilla spice and dark berry fruit that Old World classics such as Rioja and claret deliver. Booths’ trophy-winning Gran Norte Rioja Reserva 2015 is a traditional rendering made by the renowned La Rioja Alta, one of the region’s oldest wineries responsible for some of its most famous wines. Ageing the wine in American oak creates a wonderful harmony between oak, fruit and acidity. Then the great-value – and vegan – Cap Royal Bordeaux Supérieur 2018 over delivers with its textbook, juicy blackcurrant flavours that will complement any dish, nut roasts included.

When it comes to textural whites, those craving South African sunshine (let’s hope we’ll be able to jet off there soon), can pour it into a glass with Morrison’s The Best Bush Vine Grenache Blanc 2019. Key lime aromas develop into pear and lush stone fruit on the palate. Or, for traditionalists, Tesco Finest* Chablis 2017 is a grand cru that’s created in partnership with the Union des Viticulteurs de Chablis and is a sophisticated, poised wine that has pure lemon citrus fruit flavours, finishing with a classic steely acidity.

With only a week left to go to Christmas, there’s still time to make some last-minute additions to your online shop and wine fridge. Why not add some of the below wines into your cart – you’ll be surprised just how much they deliver.