Last minute Christmas wines – recommended by the Love That Wine team.

If you are in the throws of doing your Christmas shopping and still wondering what wines to buy for the festive season then Love That Wine has compiled a list of recommended wines to drink from those lower in alcohol to the busty reds. All are available in retail outlets across the UK.

Sparkling
Beringer Sparkling Zinfandel Rosé: £7.99, Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco
Distinctive, bright, fruit flavours, which are enlivened even more by the bubbles. The nose has floral notes with citrus and strawberry fruit nuances. Citrus flavours interplay with a refreshing acidity that carries everything into a long delicious finish.

Castillo Perelada Cava Brut Reserva: £7.49, Waitrose
This is a deliciously full-bodied and elegant Cava, worthy of any celebration activities!   A complex nose of caramel, nuts and spice is backed up by sensuous apple fruit flavours on the palate.

Taittinger Brut Réserve NV: From £31.99 at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Oddbins, Majestic
Produced each year from the first pressings of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier & Chardonnay from prime vineyards throughout Champagne – half from the Taittinger’s own vines - this is the definitive Cuvée of Champagne Taittinger. Made with 40% Chardonnay for delicacy and finesse, it is a pale straw coloured wine with a consistent fine mousse. The nose is light and delicate with hints of biscuit and brioche. The palate has considerable depth and elegance with a long, fresh finish. Guaranteed to bring festive cheer!Read more

Wine writer Jonathan Ray gives top tips on last minute gift ideas that won’t break the bank

The Telegraph newspaper wine guru Jonathan Ray has provided his top tips for what to buy for the festive season

His suggestions include:

Last minute Champagne

There are numerous good deals on Champagne at the moment so keep an eye out for your favourite brand at a knockdown price. Read more

Wine tastes better in ambient lighting, new research finds

Worried about how your guests will perceive the wine chosen for the festive season?

Well, help is at hand as psychologists have found your chose of ambient lighting can make your guests believe the wine tastes better.

The German researchers found blue or red ambient lighting tricks the brain into thinking the wine is more expensive.Read more

Stay merry and safe during Christmas and New Year

‘Tis the season to be merry..’ but for some the lure of Christmas cheer and all those parties may lead to a tipple or two too many.

It is for that reason that the government and alcohol charities are likely to step-up their campaigns to urge people to be careful about what they drink.

Expect to see the usual government backed adverts hitting our TV screens urging people to stay safe when drinking and to watch their intake. Who can forget the woman who throws up and rips her clothes before she goes out with the key message: ‘would you go out like this?’

Many wine drinkers think these adverts and responsible drinking messages do not apply to them. “Wine is special,” they say. Of course the general perception is “only the educated drink wine.”Read more