Day 3

Calcada Sparkling

From the Vinho Verde region but something a bit different. They call their sparkling wine espumante. A blend of Arinto and Loueiro grapes, it has a smooth finish and is wonderfully well balanced. None of the acrid dryness of a Cava at this price. None of the “I’ve added a tablespoon of sugar” that so many Proseccos have.

Drink it with?

This is the “you’re welcome to my house” drop. A really good sparkling on its own, but the balance of it means you can hit it with a bit of OJ and make a Bucks, a hit of cassis and a have a Kir, or mix it with bitters, sugar cubes and cognac for your straight up champagne cocktail at a fraction of the price.

Value?

At a tenner this is probably the best value sparkling wine you can get hold of at the price in my humble opinion. Skilfully made, beautifully balanced. This suits all your Xmas needs at a bargain price. I have 3 ready for Xmas morning. You should do the same.

Day 4

Graham’s Six Grapes

Now I feel like Christmas is coming. I enjoy port all year round but who doesn’t enjoy one at this time of the year? This is a high-quality reserve ruby port with lovely berry and cherry notes, that all-important Xmassy spice and a well-rounded and warming finish. This is a good present to buy for yourself but will also make a really nice gift as I believe the lads at Drink Portuguese Wine are selling this in a presentation sleeve.

Drink it with?

This is terrific to drink on its own (or with a tiny dash of brandy if you’ve just trudged home from the tube station in freezing conditions!). But it’s Christmas after all, so this is a perfect drop to go with that lump of Stilton you bought and/or a sharp cheddar.

Value?

This is an award-winning port, with medals at the Decanter awards and International Wine Challenge. That tells its own story. But the real story for me is that at Drink Portuguese Wine this is not the normal price of £14.99, but reduced to £11.99 for the month of December. It’s good value at the list price. It’s crazy value at the reduced price. I would suggest one for yourself, one for a gift for someone and one to have in the New Year, when you think back and say “I wish I had another bottle of that excellent port we had over Christmas”!

Day 5

Vale de Lobos White

I like this wine. A really drinkable and well-rounded drop from the Tejo region. I’ve tried a lot of wines from this producer and they all bring something interesting. This one has hints of citrus, pear, and a subtle touch of tropical fruits with just the right amount of oak. A pleasant and surprisingly long finish for an entry level white. A high level of skill demonstrated by the winemaker.

Drink it with?

This is ideal to open for guests who want a glass of white when they arrive, or if you want a decent glass of white yourself on a school night. It’s got a good balance that would suit if you were having roast chicken or guinea fowl perhaps.

Value?

Even though I’d had this wine before I had to check the price and I was surprised that it was £7.99. I thought it was more expensive and in truth it could well be, as there is enough complexity and enjoyment at 8 quid for you to think it would be. A very, very fair wine at this price. If you’re a white wine fan I can recommend this. Very easy drinking and a good weapon to have in your Xmas wine arsenal.

Buy Calcada Sparkling
Buy Graham’s Six Grapes
Buy Vale de Lobos White