Master of Wine Phillipa Carr chooses her favourite wines for the festive season and tells us what to pair them with. From light whites for a seafood starter to full bodied reds that pair perfectly with rich turkey gravy and pigs in blankets, you can count on us this Christmas.
Christmas lunch might be a smaller affair than in other years, but whatever you choose for your festive roast - pick a red that's a match to the full-on flavours of all those scrumptious side dishes like pigs in blankets, rich gravy and honey roast parsnips.
A seriously smoky, toasty Rioja Reserva that matches perfectly all the rich flavours of the Christmas roast, which is also on promotion for just £7.99 (11th December - 2nd January, normally £9)
Such a lovely wine that gives so many French Pinot Noirs a real run for their money, and is a really good price point at £7.50. Elegant, poised and packed with raspberry flavours.
Seafood or fishy starters like coquilles st jacques or smoked salmon are such a wonderful treat: why not ramp up the luxury with an indulgent glass or two of classy white wine.
Selected from northerly vineyards in France's Burgundy region of Yonne, this is a stunning white wine balancing bright acidity with creamy flavours. Perfect with all fish and seafood. Sheer class in a glass for £7.99
In the darkest months of winter we all could do with some Sicilian sunshine, and here is an orange blossom bottle of joy. This bottle is only £6.49 and is dry, citrussy and bursting with flavour.
We're all more conscious than ever of sustainability and the world around us. So if you're looking for wines which are organic or suitable for vegetarians or vegans, SPAR has some great choices. We're also working closely with our wine producers to make ALL our SPAR brand wines vegan friendly so check out our labels for an even wider selection.
Fruity, plump and chunky, here's a wine that's gorgeously rich, and full of flavour. This would make a smooth match to a vegetarian wellington Christmas lunch centrepiece, even better as it's on promotion for just £5.99 for Christmas. (11th December - 2nd January, normally £7.50)
Another classic that's on special offer for just £5.49! This is such a light and refreshing Pinot Grigio from Italy - tasty with whole roasted cauliflower, vegan curry or just a glass on its own with homemade kale crisps. Delish! (11th December - 2nd January, normally £7)
Whoever you'll be spending Christmas with this year, a glass of sparkling is a great way to celebrate simply being together. SPAR has a brilliant range of sparkling wines from Cava to Prosecco to Champagne, so there's definitely going to be a bottle to suit the occasion as well as your pocket. Pop instore to find a fizz in the chiller - and in the meantime, here are two of our top picks.
Launched just in time for Christmas at a special offer of £7.99, Prosecco Rosé has to be the sparkler of the season. Beautiful label, lovely delicate flavours and just the fizz for a Christmas morning treat.
A top of the (Christmas) tree Prosecco that's super elegant, lightly fruity and the perfect glass to wish everyone you know a safe, happy and healthy New Year, grab a bottle (or two) at your local SPAR for £10.50
The festive season is the perfect time to say 'thank you' to all the people you know who have gone that extra mile this year; be they teachers, care workers, delivery drivers, or neighbours, friends and family. Treat someone you care about to a classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or a bottle of indulgent sunshine - a promise of brighter days ahead.
Clean, green and brisk, this is a brilliant Marlborough Sauvignon. Perfect for Zoom parties, delicious with food, it's almost too good to give away…. especially at the reasonable price of £7.50
For £6.75 get this gorgeously smooth winter-warming red from Southern Italy that's simply choc-full of sun-drenched fruit. A wine for dreaming of get-togethers to come.
Snuggle into your onesie, pour a glass of one of Britain's most popular grape varieties and hunker down for the holiday with your No 1 box set. Christmas? It's sorted.
Rosé is not just for summer! And Malbec isn't just for red wine drinkers. Malbec Rosé is the perfect pick for sipping on your sofa: smooth, fruity and not too dry. Pick up at bottle for £6.50 from SPAR.
No-one does Pinot Grigio quite like the Italians, and when it's this good, why drink anything else? Especially when it's only £6.50. Creamy, appley, floral. Snacks on the sofa, PG in the glass and box sets on the TV - it's a match made in heaven.
Malbec has taken the world of wine by storm , whatever the seaon- and why not? Plump, juicy fruit flavours make this a wonderful winter favourite. Only £6.50
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