Wine columnist Charles Hardcastle

The wines that are sure to bring out the best in your Christmas feast

The turkey’s ordered, the Christmas pudding’s made and the mince pies are on standby. Now for the wine. However, this isn’t the time to agonise over your festive refreshments; in fact it’s the perfect opportunity to broaden your vinous horizons. So, eschewing Mrs H’s unhelpful (and expensive) ‘Champagne all the way’ suggestion, here are a few ideas to accompany your Yuletide feast:

Try fashionable Prosecco as an aperitif. Waitrose’s Oro Puro NV Prosecco Superiore (£12.34, waitrosewine.com) is dry, aromatic and great with canapés. Alternatively, our very own Domaine Champalou, Vouvray Brut NV (£15.53, josephbarneswines.com) is made in the Méthode Champenoise and holds its bubbles beautifully.

Seafood starters? How about Picpoul de Pinet? This dry and zesty white from the Languedoc is made with seafood in mind and represents great value for money. Cambridge Wine Merchants’ Domaine des Lauriers Picpoul de Pinet 2010 (£6.83 CWM 01223 309309) will fit the bill perfectly. As will Noel Young’s Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 2009 (NYW 01223 566744). Fresh and mineral, this would be great with smoked salmon.

If it’s turkey for the main course then why not try a Crozes-Hermitage rouge from the northern Rhône. The peppery notes from the Syrah will partner the herb-infused stuffing perfectly. Majestic’s Domaine les Hauts de Mercurol, Crozes-Hermitage 2009 (£14.99 majestic.co.uk) is a fine example of the Syrah grape. Savoury and spicy, this will accompany most roasts and even the ham on Boxing Day. On the white front, a firm favourite of ours is Gewürztraminer. Like the Crozes-Hermitage, the spiciness of the Gewürztraminer will not be overpowered by all the trimmings. Try Spain’s Bodeas Pirineos, Gewürztraminer 2010 (£12.99, The Smiling Grape Co. 01480 403100).

If there’s still room for the Christmas pudding, then a red ‘sweetie’ is called for. Adnams’ Antonio Barbadillo Pedro Ximinez Sherry (£11.99, Adnams, Saffron Walden 01799 527281) is a heady, luscious PX that can also be poured liberally over vanilla ice cream! For something a little less intense try Banyuls. A.K.A. the ‘Frenchman’s Tawny Port’, this light and fruity Grenache also pairs well with chocolate (Chateau de Jau, Banyuls 2008, £11.99 josephbarnewines.com)

However you spend your Christmas, I trust that it will be a peaceful one and I wish you all a happy holiday and a prosperous New Year.

Charles Hardcastle is the proprietor of Joseph Barnes Wines (Runner-up IWSC Independent Retailer Award 2010), 13 Market Row, Saffron Walden CB10 1HB, 01799 528019, josephbarneswines.com