It's Party Time!

We’re nearly there; with Christmas just around the corner, the focus is on present shopping and planning for the Christmas feast. However, in amongst all of this, there’s the added enjoyment (or stress, depending on how you see it) of Christmas parties, neighbourly drinks and family gatherings on either side of the Big Day.

If you’re the host, this is another item to add to the list. So my advice is to keep it simple, keep it easy, and don’t go for anything too complicated.  Wine isn’t the star of the show at these events, it’s the supporting act; you don’t need to overspend; the key rule is high quality, versatile wines, that are going to blend into the experience and enjoyment of the evening, rather than try to make personal statements; not too showy – the last thing needed is either overpowering wines, full of tannin or oak; or thin, weedy, sour excuses.

Top Tips:

In terms of number of bottles to buy, work on an average 6 glasses per bottle, and an average half bottle per person.

- Make sure you have plenty of interesting soft drinks for those who are driving – there are lots of sophisticated fruit-flavoured waters and drinks on the market.

- Make sure you have lots of ice – for large parties, if you don’t have enough space to chill wines, fill large buckets with ice and water and plunge the bottles in to chill.

- Glasses – if you’re having a large party, talk to the lovely team at Great Western Wine as they operate a glass loan service

Here are my picks for a few that should fit the bill for the festive season:

Drinks Party

This could be a major party, or a simple gathering of friends and neighbours on Christmas Eve. Either way, these wines should work.

Fizz has to be the starting point here. The options are yours – Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, or other; it all depends on the budget.  If you’re serving Bellinis, or sparkling wine cocktails, opt for Le Stelle d’Italia, a fresh, lively Prosecco, which is great as the base for a cocktail blend.

Want to impress guests without going to Champagne level pricing?  Move up to top notch Prosecco, such as Ruggeri Prosecco Argeo, rich and creamy, with a gentle peachy character, and a definite crowd pleaser.

For whites and reds, go for wines that are fruity, easy-drinking, with lovely, bright flavours.  The wine is to enhance the evening, not dominate it.

Sauvignon blanc is the nation’s white wine darling at the moment, so if you’re going for this option – and it’s a great, crisp, lively party wine style, choose one with ripe, passion fruit flavours and mouthwatering freshness, such as the ever popular The Frost Pocket Sauvignon Blanc 2014, far more reliable and better value than the top brands on the high street.  

Pinot Grigio continues to be a favourite, but be careful how to choose; this grape variety has had a lot of bad press recently, and there are some truly horrific examples around; but good Pinot Grigio is lovely; fresh, creamy, with gentle, appley fruit. The key is to buy wise and from the best areas – you won’t go wrong with a PG from the Alps, Pinot Grigio Colterenzio 2014.

For party reds, keep it soft, keep it smooth. For a lighter style, opt for Chile’s Elki Sangiovese, a bright, soft, juicy red, with no harsh edges, just bursting with lively, berry fruit; or for a fuller, more warming red, go for the rich, wintry, yet velvety soft Chateau du Vieux Parc, Corbieres 2013.

Supper Parties

Amidst the hustle and bustle of  the run up to Christmas,  it’s also the time for weekend gatherings with friends.  For those moments of relaxation during a busy month, keep the wine choices simple.

Welcome guests with a glass of top notch but bargain-priced Gobillard Premier Cru Champagne NV – I’ve written about this Champagne countless times in recent weeks and  I will probably continue to do so until New Year’s Eve – just because it is so, so good. From a small, family grower, it’s smooth, creamy, and silky soft, with a very fine mousse, and an absolute bargain.

It’s all about easy entertaining at this time of year – with simple mezze, smoked salmon, platters of seafood, or a range of tapas, you won’t go far wrong with Ailala Treixadura 2013, a deliciously dry, yet full-flavoured white from Galicia, in  North West Spain, full of ripe, peach and apple flavours, with a smattering of herbs and a whack of lively citrus zest.  This wine is so versatile and never disappoints.

At this time of year, simple steaks, or a big bowl of stew are a great, and easy way to entertain. That makes wine choices easier also. I’d go for either the voluptuous and brooding latin charmer that is Tomero Malbec 2014, full of dense dark, rich fruit, spice, and hints of mocha, or the eternal, and very versatile charmer that is Heartland The Spice Trader  2013 – rich, glorious, and oozing charm, it’s impossible not to love this wine – bursting with ripe, blackberry fruit, layers of spice, hints of herbs - has to be one of the very best value reds around  at the moment.

Cristmas Eve

Any of the wines I’ve mentioned before would be perfect for greeting guests on Christmas Eve. However, if it’s a quiet night in, by a crackling fire, with presents to wrap, and a festive film in the background, why not indulge in a little mince pie and an indulgent glass of The Noble Wrinkled Riesling, . Gorgeous; beckoning; irresistible, even if you think you don’t like sweet wine. Luscious, yet refreshing .You know you want to..

Happy Christmas!

By Angela Mount