10 Dec 2025
After three months of tasting across major UK retailers, the clear winners for festive wines are Co-op, Morrisons, and Laithwaites. These selections deliver exceptional
quality without breaking the bank, perfect for pairing with Christmas classics or enjoying on their own. I’ve included a couple from their competitors too!
Morrisons’ The Best range is all about premium quality at accessible prices. These wines are sourced from respected producers and classic regions, often crafted using
traditional methods to deliver authenticity and character. Expect elegant sparkling wines like Crémant de Limoux, vibrant whites such as Grüner Veltliner and Albariño, and luxurious reds including Amarone and Barolo.
Each bottle is chosen to offer exceptional value without compromising on style – perfect for elevating festive occasions.
Co-op’s Irresistible range focuses on distinctive, terroir-driven wines from renowned estates and winemakers. From crisp Gavi by the Broglia family to rich Salice Salentino Riserva and elegant Chianti, these wines combine regional authenticity with modern drinkability. The range also includes limited-edition gems like Grenache Blanc and standout sparkling options such as Les Pionniers Vintage Champagne, crafted by Piper-Heidsieck. Designed for wine lovers who want quality and provenance at fair prices, Irresistible makes festive dining feel truly special.
SPARKLING WINE
Les Pionniers Vintage Champagne 2013 Co-Op £33.50)
An award-winning vintage Champagne crafted by Piper-Heidsieck for Co-op, this 2013 release is a refined blend of 60 per cent Pinot Noir and 40 per cent Chardonnay. Elegant and expressive, it opens with aromas of white flowers, lemon zest, apricot and brioche,
layered with hints of hazelnut and toasted pastry. On the palate, vibrant citrus and stone fruit mingle with creamy texture and savoury, toasty notes, leading to a long, harmonious finish. Perfect pairing for smoked salmon blinis or oysters for a classic festive start.
The Best Crémant De Limoux Sparkling Wine (£10 – 12.25)
A sparkling gem from southern France, Crémant de Limoux offers an elegant alternative to Champagne at a fraction of the price. Crafted using the traditional method, it delivers crisp apple and subtle brioche notes, lifted by fine, persistent bubbles. Fresh and lively, this is a festive pour that brings sophistication without breaking the bank.
Perfect for pairing with Smoked salmon blinis or festive canapés—ideal for a sparkling start to Christmas celebrations.
Morrisons The Best Crémant de Limoux Rosé (£10 -12.75)
An elegant sparkling rosé from Languedoc, crafted in partnership with Sieur d’Arques using the traditional method. This blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir spends 12 months on lees, adding creamy complexity to its vibrant fruit.
Expect aromas of cranberry, raspberry and crisp apple, with flavours of red berries, citrus and a hint of mineral smokiness. Fine bubbles and balanced acidity make it a stylish alternative to Champagne.
Perfect for Smoked salmon blinis or a festive berry pavlova for a sparkling seasonal treat.
WHITE WINE
Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages Chablis 2023 (Morrisons £18)
A classic Chablis with a modern twist from Laurent Delaunay. Crafted from
Chardonnay grown on Kimmeridgian limestone soils in the Yonne Valley, this wine delivers crisp minerality and vibrant freshness. Pale gold in the glass, it offers bright citrus, mandarin zest and delicate white flowers, followed by a flinty, elegant palate. A superb match for roast turkey on Christmas Day.
Passionada Alvarinho 2024, Vinho Verde (Laithwaites £13.99)
From northern Portugal with festive flair! Crafted by renowned winemaker Anselmo Mendes, this vibrant Alvarinho hails from vineyards just across the border from Spain’s Albariño heartland. Fermented and aged on fine lees in stainless steel with regular bâtonnage, it delivers zesty lemon freshness and a stony mineral edge.
notes, leading to a long, harmonious finish. Perfect pairing for smoked salmon blinis or oysters for a classic festive start.
Crisp, elegant and brimming with energy -your go-to for seasonal seafood – oysters, prawns, or a delicate smoked salmon starter. or a refreshing glass during holiday celebrations.
Co-op Irresistible Gavi Broglia 2024 (£11.15)
An elegant white from Piedmont’s Gavi DOCG, crafted by the esteemed Broglia family. Made from the Cortese grape, this wine is crisp, dry and beautifully refreshing. Expect aromas of honeysuckle and pear, with flavours of green apple,
citrus and almond, balanced by a clean mineral finish. Its vibrant acidity makes it a versatile choice for festive dining.
Perfect with Shellfish, grilled fish or a light antipasti platter – ideal for a refined Christmas starter.
Co-op Irresistible Limited-Edition Grenache Blanc 2024 (£8.50)
Crafted by Jean-Claude Mas in Languedoc, this 100% Grenache Blanc is a vibrant, unoaked white with a generous, mouth-filling style. Expect aromas of stone fruit and summer blossoms, leading to a palate that’s fleshy yet fresh, with a subtle creamy texture despite no oak influence. Dry, medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, it’s a great-value addition to Co-op’s Irresistible range.
Perfect with grilled seafood, roast chicken or a light vegetable tart. Or follow in Chef Matt Tebbutt’s shoes and pair with a turkey/chicken tarragon pie – ideal for festive leftovers.
Morrisons The Best Grüner Veltliner (£10)
A crisp and refreshing Austrian white that delivers exceptional value. Expect lively notes of white pepper, lime and green apple, with a clean, mineral-driven finish. Its bright acidity and subtle spice make it a versatile choice for festive dining.
Great with Roast pork or light starters -ideal for a fresh, elegant touch at the Christmas table.
Morrisons The Best Albariño (£12)
A vibrant white from Spain’s Rías Baixas region, crafted from the Albariño grape renowned for its freshness and elegance. Expect aromas of peach, apricot and citrus, with a palate that’s crisp, zesty and mineral-driven. Its lively acidity and subtle saline edge make it a perfect festive pour for seafood lovers.
Pair with shellfish, smoked salmon or a light seafood platter – ideal for Christmas starters.
RED WINE
Cantine Di Ora Barolo DOCG (Morrisons £21)
A majestic red from Piedmont, Italy, crafted from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Barolo DOCG. This wine is full-bodied and complex, offering aromas of rose, violet and dried cherry, layered with notes of truffle, leather and spice. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity give it structure and longevity, making it a classic choice for festive dining.
Perfect with slow-cooked beef, venison or a rich mushroom risotto – dishes that complement its depth and elegance.
Redheads Wilson Gunn Bellum Cabernet Shiraz 2023 (Laithwaites £18.99)
A bold Australian blend of Coonawarra Cabernet and Barossa Shiraz from the innovative Redheads team. Originally crafted nearly 20 years ago by Henry Laithwaite during his Aussie winemaking days, this wine remains a powerhouse of flavour. Deep and concentrated, it bursts with ripe blackcurrant and plum, layered with spice and a hint of oak for balance. Full-bodied yet refined, it’s a wine that tells a story of heritage and adventure. Perfect pairing – roast rib of beef or slow-cooked lamb shoulder – rich, savoury dishes that complement its intensity and structure.
Morrisons The Best Amarone (£21)
A luxurious red from Veneto, Italy, crafted using the traditional appassimento method where grapes are partially dried to concentrate flavour. This Amarone is rich and full-bodied, with aromas of dried cherry, fig and dark chocolate, layered with spice and a hint of coffee. Velvety tannins and a long, warming finish make it a showstopper for festive dining.
Perfect with slow-braised beef, venison or a decadent cheese board – ideal for a winter feast.
Errazuriz Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Waitrose / Tesco £12)
A classic Chilean Cabernet from the Aconcagua Valley, offering exceptional value and depth. Expect aromas of blackcurrant, cedar and subtle spice, with smooth tannins and a well-structured palate. Rich yet elegant, this wine delivers a long, satisfying finish that makes it a festive favourite.
Perfect pairing, roast beef or lamb – ideal for hearty Christmas mains.
Abbotts & Delaunay, AOP Languedoc Rouge, 2024 (Majestic Wine £13/bottle or £10/mix six)
Expect expressive aromas of ripe black and red fruits, violet, and a touch of white pepper. On the palate, raspberry, cherry, and blueberry mingle with subtle oak and a mineral edge, finishing with notes of liquorice and flint. Perfect with charcuterie, beef tartare, or Mediterranean vegetable tart – a sophisticated mid-week pour for those days between Christmas and New Year.
Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages Fleurie 2023 (Morrisons £12)
A stylish new Beaujolais from Laurent Delaunay, fifth-generation Burgundian winemaker. This Fleurie captures the appellation’s hallmark elegance – soft, graceful and approachable – wrapped in a chic Toile de Jouy label. Ruby red with aromas of rose, violet and black fruit, it reveals layers of blackberry and fig with a subtle mineral edge. Silky tannins lead to a smooth, lingering finish. Perfect with brie or camembert for a festive finale.
Co-op Irresistible Chianti 2023 (£10)
A classic Tuscan red from the heart of Chianti, made predominantly from Sangiovese grapes. Bright and expressive, it offers aromas of red cherry, violet and a hint of spice, with a palate that’s fresh and medium-bodied, balanced by lively acidity and soft tannins. A versatile wine that brings authentic Italian character to the festive table. Pair with roast pork with herbs or a traditional antipasti platter – ideal for a relaxed Christmas lunch.
Les Jamelles Syrah 2024 (Co-op £9.15)
From the sun-drenched Languedoc, Catherine Delaunay’s Syrah is rich, full-bodied and beautifully spiced. Deep in colour, it bursts with wild berry aromas – raspberry, redcurrant, blackcurrant -layered with violet, vanilla, cinnamon and a hint of mint. A silky, lingering finish with liquorice makes it ideal for festive gatherings. Pair with mini beef Wellingtons or mushroom arancini for a luxurious touch.
Quinta De São Sebastião 1000 Paths Lisbon Red 2023 (Co-op £6.50)
From the hills of Lisbon, this youthful Portuguese red blends Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet for a vibrant, easy-drinking style. Expect aromas of sour cherry and plum, with juicy black fruit and a tangy finish. Medium-bodied with soft tannins, it avoids the sweetness often found in entry-level reds, offering freshness and balance instead.
Try it with chargrilled lamb chops or a rustic stew – hearty dishes that complement its lively fruit and subtle spice.
4 Winemakers Red Blend 2024 (Co-op £7.35)
A collaborative creation from four talented winemakers, this blend brings together the best of their expertise for a wine that’s rich, balanced and full of character. Expect dark berry and cherry aromas, layered with subtle oak and spice. Medium to full-bodied, it offers smooth tannins and a lingering finish, making it versatile for festivedining.
Pair with herb-crusted lamb, braised short ribs or a hearty mushroom risotto – dishes that complement its depth and structure.
Co-op Irresistible Salice Salentino Riserva 2021 (Co-op £8.15)
A rich, southern Italian red from Puglia, crafted predominantly from Negroamaro grapes. This Riserva offers deep, ripe flavours of black cherry, plum and dried herbs, layered with hints of spice and a touch of vanilla from oak ageing. Full-bodied yet smooth, with velvety tannins and a long, warming finish—perfect for winter dining.
Perfect with slow-cooked beef ragu or a classic lasagne for a comforting festive meal.
DESSERT WINE
Cimaio 2017, Marche IGT (Laithwaites £8.99)
A rare late-harvest Verdicchio from the rolling hills of Italy’s Marche, kissed by botrytis for a touch of opulence. Golden and aromatic, it offers honeyed notes and candied fruit, balanced by vibrant freshness that keeps it from being overly sweet.
Medium-sweet yet wonderfully luscious, this is a dessert wine with finesse. Perfect with blue cheese or a classic Italian almond biscotti for a festive finish.
Sichel Sauternes 2022 (Co-op £11.50)
A luxurious sweet wine from Bordeaux’s famed Sauternes region, crafted by the Sichel family. Made from botrytised Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, it offers aromas of honey, apricot and candied citrus, with layers of marmalade and exotic fruit on the palate. Lusciously sweet yet balanced by fresh acidity, this is a festive classic for indulgent moments.
Perfect pairing would be Roquefort cheese or a rich Christmas pudding for a decadent finish to your meal.
Donovan’s Speculoos Caramelised Biscuit Country Cream (£7 at Morrisons)
Its rich caramel and spiced biscuit profile makes it a perfect standalone festive treat with coffee or tea. The buttery sweetness and warm spice are indulgent enough without needing a pairing. Just think liquidised Biscoff!
You can’t go wrong with these recommendations, and at this time of year there are many buy six get 25% off promotions along with further deals with your Morrisons More Card.
