10 red wines you need to try this Christmas

Red wine goes very well with all the rich food you’ll eat over Christmas and great quality wines are increasingly available in shops and supermarkets throughout the UK. Here are 10 red wines you need to try this Christmas – and the best part is they’re all affordable.

TORO LOCO TEMPRANILLO – £3.59

This astonishing, fruity red is one of the best wines on the market and has won countless awards at The International Wine and Spirit competition in 2012, beating wines costing ten times the price!

from ALDI

CALLIA BELLA MALBEC – £8.99

This deep purple wine is a great accompaniment to heavy beef dishes – think spaghetti Bolognese or a hearty oxtail stew.

from Majestic

VIN DE PAYS DE L’ARDÈCHE GAMAY – £8.75

This playful yet mysterious little wine is an ideal accompaniment to a sharp green salad, or a cheese board – but it’s also delightful just on its own.

from Yapp

ALTANO QUINTA DO ATAIDE – £9.99

A scent of rose is offset nicely by the deeper cranberry notes detected after a few sips. A wine that reminds us of summer – that’s perfect for winter nights.

from WaitroseCellar

CENTONZE FRAPPATO TERRE SICILLIANE – £13.50

This Sicilian red is light in colour but its complexity transcends its hue. The floral Frappato grape is very tasty and goes well with a range of sweet Christmas treats such as stollen and Christmas cake.

from HaynesHanson&Clark

PORCUPINE RIDGE SYRAH – £8.00

Unlike much of the Shiraz from warmer climes, Porcupine Ridge is a tangy medium bodied wine with a few distinctly oaken notes.

from Sainsburys

CHÂTEAU DU CAUZE SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU – £11.99

The claret is perfect for English palates and is an absolute bargain at £11.99. It’s a perfect wine to go with your Christmas dinner – whether you’re having goose, turkey or red meat.

from Lidl

ESTE VINHÃO – POA

Although this Portuguese red is hardly easy to find in the UK it’s worth seeking out as the rustic, slightly acidic wine is a perfect supplements the fatty meats of the festive season.

from Martavine.co.uk

CÔTES CATALANES CARIGNAN – £6.99

This mature, plummy French wine is versatile and will go well with almost anything. A great winter warmer, it’ll go down nicely as a last tipple before bed.

from Tesco

CECCHI SAGRATO CHIANTI RESERVA – £6.99

This wine (unlike many others) is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and goes well with pasta and roasted vegetable dishes – as well as poultry and game.

from Waitrose