Christmas Wine Selection

[Bouzy]

I have a feeling that I must be the wino that Andy has been alluding to....... and apologise for taking a few days to come to.

good reasonably priced Champagnes include the Tesco 1er Cru or, if you don't want a supermarket brand, try Billecart Salmon Brut NV from Oddbins - lovely stuff. Don't know how patriotic you are, but Waitrose also stock an English Sparkling wine called Ridgeview from Sussex - may be just over £15, but I would back it against most Champagnes of that price.

for turkey, I am afraid I am rather hooked on Pinot Noir and so would not look further than that. hard to find a decently priced red Burgundy, although Waitrose again normally have some good ones. Possibly a good Beaujolais, like Louis Jadot Moulin a Vent Chateau des jacques.

Alternatively, try a new world Pinot noir, maybe from Chile (Cono Sur) or New Zealand (Montana Reserve). A surprisingly good source is actually Romania - one may not expect much at under £6, but the Prahova Valley Pinot Noirs are really good.

Agree with all the comments about Rhone and the South of France. It must sound like a Waitrose testimonial, but they are a wonderful source of good reds from this region too. Try the Chateau Pech-Latt or Saint Joseph from Cave de St Desirat.

Happy Drinking!
Richard