The best value Christmas drinks for 2017

Best value Christmas drinks alcohol 2017 best buys award winning taste test

Stocking up your fridge and drinks cupboard for Christmas and New Year 2017? Yesterday we had my massive list of the best value festive foods, and today we’re moving on to look at the best value seasonal drinks.

It can often be tricky to work out whether you’ve bagged a bargain or not, and spending an extra few quid doesn’t always translate into extra deliciousness – so this guide aims to make it a whole lot easier for you to get real value for money. Everything included in these listings has won prizes and awards, and I’ve also included a few taste testings of my own as I managed to get to most of the showcases this year.

Here we go: some special treats worth spending a little bit extra for, and some absolute bargain steals. There’s everything from champagne to after dinner port, so we’ve got you covered.

 

ChampagneBest value champagne 2017 award winners budget buys

  • IWC Great Value Champion Sparkling 2017: Waitrose Blanc de Noirs Brut NV, £21.99. SAVE: On offer this week at Waitrose for £17.49.
  • IWSC 2017 gold medal: Tesco Finest* Vintage Champagne 2009, £25.00. << The only vintage champagne on the list here, “complex, dry, rich and rounded.”
  • IWSC 2017 gold medal: Tesco Finest* Premier Cru Champagne NV, £19.00. “Elegant citrus and toasty notes, and creamy texture.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal + Decanter + IWC bronze medal: Asda Extra Special Louis Bernard Champagne Brut NV, £18.00. “Smooth, fruity, hint of vanilla.” << I can vouch for this one, the Premier Cru version is really great too if you have an extra quid to spare.
  • Good Housekeeping winner: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference NV Champagne Brut, £18.00. “Brioche, lemon zest and green apple” notes. OFFERS: Currently £16.50 per bottle, 25% off when you buy 6 or more bottles.
  • Good Housekeeping joint bronze medal + Quality Drink Awards 2017 silver: Aldi Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut NV, £10.99. “Apricot, red apple, raspberry and vanilla” notes.<< Only two percentage points less than the winner, great value.

 

Sparkling winesBest value Christmas sparkling wines 2017 award winners taste tests cava prosecco asti

  • IWC Great Value Sparkling between £12 and £20: Jansz Premium Non Vintage Cuvée, £17.29 at DrinksDirect and £18.95 at WineDirect. Notes of “citrus and nougat.”
  • IWC Great Value Sparkling under £12: Marks & Spencer Rosado Cava Prestige, £11.00. “Summer fruits and floral notes.”
  • Decanter silver + Quality Drink Awards silver: Aldi Lot Series Prosecco, £9.99. “Notes of apple, peach and flowers.”
  • Good Housekeeping prosecco winner: Marks & Spencer Prosecco, £10.00. “Apples, herbs… a real crowd pleaser.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Morrisons The Best Vintage Cava Brut 2014, £6.50. Fruity, off-dry and good served with party nibbles.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Lidl Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc NV.
  • IWSC 2017 silver + Decanter silver + ISC bronze + Good Housekeeping prosecco shortlisted: Asda Prosecco Extra Dry, £6.00. “Pear, apple, fine bubbles.” << Great value multiple award winner, I’ve tried this and loved it.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal + Decanter + Quality Drink Awards winner: Asda Extra Special Asti NV, £6.29. Semi sweet sparkler. << Tried this too, also excellent.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Exquisite Collection Sparkling Chardonnay Cremant du Jura 2014, £7.99. “Crisp green apples and citrus notes.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Morrisons Sparkling Moscato Rose 2017, £4.00. Lower alcohol content, easy drinker with strawberry notes. Pink fizz for under a fiver.

 

White winesBest value white wine christmas 2017 award winners taste test bargain

PG Tip: Want a white wine to go with turkey? Pick a full bodied white such as an oaked chardonnay or white burgundy.

  • IWC Great Value Champion White 2017: Morrisons The Best Rioja Reserva Blanco 2011, £8.99. Out of stock online, may be some left in stores.
  • IWC Great Value White Under £15: Waitrose Broglia Gavi del Comune di Gavi, £14.99.
  • IWC Great Value White under £8: Morrisons Shorn Black Edition Sauvignon Blanc, £7.00. Large bottles out of stock, 187ml bottles for £1.25.
  • Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 platinum: Yalumba Viognier, £13.99. “Rich, exotic and savoury.”
  • Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 gold: (Tesco) Marques De Casa Concha Chardonnay, £13.00. “Minerally, notes of pear, fig and toasted hazelnut.” OFFER: now £10.00.
  • Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 gold: (Sainsbury’s) Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc, £8.00.”Long finish, notes of minerals herbs, stone fruit and guava.” OFFER: £7.50 this week. Also sold by The Co-Op.
  • Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 gold: (Sainsbury’s) McGuigan Shortlist Chardonnay, £15.00. “Zingy, full bodied, notes of cedar, stone fruits, lemon and honey.”
  • IWSC 2017 gold outstanding: Tesco finest* North Row Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016, £13.00. “Vibrant, crisp dry wine with long finish.”
  • IWSC 2017 gold outstanding: Morrisons Wm Morrison The Best Rioja Reserva Blanco 2011, £13.00. “Smooth, rich, notes of baked apples and nuts.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding + Decanter + IWC bronze: Asda Extra Special White Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015, £9.98. Lightly oaked chardonnay, good with fish, poultry or cheese.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Waitrose Viña Taboexa Albariño 2015, £8.29. “Floral, zingy and perfumed.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Asda Extra Special Pinot Grigio 2016, £5.98. “Crisp flavours of apples and pears.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Waitrose Grüner Veltliner 2015, £7.99. “Fresh, aromatic, hints of lime and white pepper.” Also at Ocado.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco finest* Argentinian Torrontes 2016, £7.50. “Crisp, spicy, notes of lychee and citrus.” OFFER: now £6.00 online. Also by the case.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco finest* Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016, £7.50. “Long finish, gooseberry, herb and passion fruit notes.” OFFER: £6.50 this week.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco finest* SR Sauvignon Riesling 2016, £8.00. “Lime, grapefruit and tropical notes, crisp.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco Finest* Vire Clesse Chardonnay 2014, £11.00. “Creamy, with apple, citrus and mineral notes.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco finest* Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2016, £11.00.
  • Quality Drink Awards 2017 Over £7 winner: Asda Lugana, £8.98. “Crisp, elegant, lemon and mineral notes.”
  • Quality Drink Awards 2017 Over £7 silver + Decanter bronze: Asda Extra Special Vernaccia DOCG, £7.78. “Crisp, dry, mineral, hint of almond.” OFFER: now £7.00.
  • Quality Drink Awards 2017 Under £7 winner: Aldi Leaf Plucker Sauvignon Blanc, £7.00. “Notes of toast, citrus and tropical fruits.”
  • Quality Drink Awards 2017 Under £7 bronze: Asda Etoile de Nuit Viognier, £5.00. “Peach and apricot notes, white flowers aroma.” OFFER: Buy 6 for £25.

 

Red winesBest value wines Christmas new year 2017 award winners taste test red wine

PG Tip: Looking for red to go with turkey? Traditional medium bodied favourites include Châteauneuf-du-pape, Côtes du Rhone villages, and burgundy, and you might also like to try a more mature rioja (the velvety sort with softer tannins) or new world pinot noir.

  • IWC Great Value Red between £8 and £12: Lidl Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, £10.99. “Plummy fruit, notes of oak.”
  • IWC Great Value Red under £8: Tesco Finest* Viña del Cura Rioja Reserva, price now £8.50 at Tesco Wines by the Case.
  • Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 silver: Lidl Cimarosa South African Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon, £3.99. << High scoring wine, low price.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Tesco Finest Châteauneuf du Pape 2015, £14.00. “Velvety fruits, spices and black pepper”. Also by the case.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Asda Extra Special Barolo 2012, £16.98. “Full bodied, herby, ripe cherry notes.” OFFER: £15.00 this week.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Animus Douro, £4.99. “Complex blend, red fruits and a hint of spice.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Cuvee 13 Chateauneuf du Pape 2013, £12.99. “Black and red fruits, spice.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Cuvée Reserve Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2015, £4.29. “Blackberry, raspberry, pepper notes.” << Bargain contender for a traditional turkey dinner.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Don Tomas Terroir Selection Malbec 2016, £7.99. “Red fruit and raisin notes.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Exquisite Collection Malbec 2016, £6.29. “Plum and blackberry notes.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Asda Extra Special Primitivo 2015, £5.98. “Full bodied, ripe blackberry notes.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco finest* Barossa Shiraz 2016, £10.00. “Full bodied, cherry notes, warm spice.” Also by the case.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco finest* Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, £9.00. “Complex, bold, berry and currant notes.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco finest* The Trilogy Malbec 2015, £12.00. “Notes of plum, chocolate, vanilla and pepper.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco Finest* Valpolicella Ripasso 2015, £11.00. OFFER: now £9.00. “Notes of red and black cherries and spices.”
  • Quality Drink Awards 2017 Over £7 bronze: Aldi Zom Douro Reserva £8.99. “Rounded tannins, full body, red fruits, spice and oak.”
  • Quality Drink Awards 2017 Under £7 bronze: Asda Costières de Nîmes Cuvee Reserve, £6.98. “Blackberry, black cherry, pepper and violet notes.” OFFER: £5.50.
  • Quality Drink Awards 2017 Under £7 bronze: Aldi Iron Horse Barossa Shiraz, £6.99. “Dark fruit, chocolate and black pepper notes.”
  • Penny’s Pick: Morrisons Workshop Bench Blend Shiraz, £5.75. << A blend with a little Malbec grape in it for a full bodied flavour, notes of blackberry and spices. Smooth, well blended, and great value for the price.
  • Penny’s Pick + IWC gold medal + Decanter bronze medal + IWSC 2017 silver medal: (Asda) Wine Atlas Negroamaro, £5.68. Rich, full bodied Italian red with dark fruits, spices and oak. Great with meats, pasta and veggie main courses. << Another great cheapie red.

 

Rosé wines

  • IWC Great Value Champion Rosé 2017: Château La Gordonne Vérité du Terroir Rosé 2016, currently £11.99 at Ocado (usually £14.99).
  • IWC Great Value Rosé between £8 and £12: Waitrose Mirabeau Classic 2016, £9.99. “Crisp, dry, summer berries.” Also same price at Ocado.
  • IWC Great Value Rosé under £8: Aldi The Exquisite Collection Cotes de Provence Rose, £5.99. Out of stock online, may be some left in stores.
  • Decanter Awards 2017 silver + IWSC silver : Asda Cotes de Provence Rose, £8.48. “Elegant, with red berry and melon flavours.” Offer: now £7.00. << High scoring multi award winner.
  • Quality Drink Awards 2017 Under £7 bronze: Asda Les Estivales Rosé, £6.98. “Refreshing flavours of pink grapefruit, melon and pear.”
  • Quality Drink Awards 2017 Under £7 bronze: Asda Casa Luis Rosado, £4.98. “Strawberry, raspberry and floral notes.”

 

Sherry, port and dessert wineChristmas 2017 best value port sherry dessert wine muscat

Port

  • IWC Great Value Fortified between £8 and £12: Tesco Finest* 10 Year Old Tawny Port, £12.00. “Notes of nuts, chocolate, fruit and vanilla.” Also stocked by Tesco Wine by the Case.
  • IWC + Good Housekeeping winner: Maynard’s LBV 1992 Port, £19.99 at Aldi. Berry, cherry and fig notes.
  • Good Housekeeping joint bronze: Tesco Finest* Late Bottled Vintage Port, £10.50. Black fruits and light clove notes.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Waitrose LBV Port, Symington Estates, £10.99. Good paired with cheese or chocolate.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco Finest* Vintage Port 1997, £20.00. Rick, dark berry fruit flavours.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal + Decanter World Wine Awards silver: Morrisons Ruby Port, £7.00. Chocolate and cherry notes.

 

Sherry

  • Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 gold medal + IWSC 2017 gold medal: Morrisons The Best Oloroso, £6.00. “Dry, smoky, notes of toffee and hazelnuts.” << A deserving winner that I’ve taste tested and loved.
  • Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 gold medal: Waitrose Solera Jerezana Fino del puerto lustau, £10.29. “Intense, dry aperitif with a lingering finish.”
  • Penny’s Pick + Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 silver medal: Morrisons The Best Pedro Ximenez, £6.00. << Rich, sweet, fruity and spicy, this is like liquid Christmas pudding in a glass. Goes well with cheesecake, fruity desserts or blue cheese.

 

Dessert wine (all half bottles)

  • Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 *Platinum Best In Show*: Tesco De Bortoli Show Liqueur Muscat, £15.00. “Oak, raisins, coffee and caramel notes.” << The highest accolade of the show, in case you feel like treating yourself to something very special.
  • IWC Great Value Champion Sweet 2017: Marks & Spencer Hermits Hill Botryitis Semillon 2013, £9.50. (out of stock online – may be some left in stores)
  • IWC Great Value Sweet Under £8: Vistamar Late Harvest Moscatel, £6.99 at Majestic. Notes of “flowers, peach, apricot and dried figs.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Aldi Berton Vineyards Botrytis Semillon 2016, £5.99. “Honey, orange and apricot notes.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Tesco Finest* Dessert Semillon 2013, £6.00. “Honey, citrus, peach and apricot.”

 

SpiritsBest value Chrsitmas spirits drinks offers award winners taste tests

  • IWSC 2017 gold medal: Aldi Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin, £9.97. “Rounded spice, zesty, touch of juniper.”
  • IWSC 2017 gold medal: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Calvados XO, £20.00. Smooth 10 year old apple brandy.
  • IWSC 2017 gold medal: Lidl Korol Vodka.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Aldi Saint Germont Premium French Vodka, £13.99.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Waitrose Vodka, £12.49.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Lidl Grappa Riserva 18 YO. Italian wood aged grape brandy.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Lidl Dundalgan Special Reserve Charred Cask Irish Whiskey.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Lidl Wood Aged Grappa Amarone Invecchiata.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Lidl Wodka Rachmaninoff Dreifach 3 Destilliert (vodka).
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Chevalier Cognac, £14.99. “Aromatic, dry, fruity, oak aged.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Clarke’s Bourbon Whiskey, £11.99. “Traditional, smooth, hint of vanilla.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Glen Marnoch Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £17.49. “Lightly peaty, floral notes.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £17.49. “Big, fruity, rich, notes of sherry.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Topaz Blue Premium Gin, £13.99. “Fruit driven, earth, spicy.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Asda Extra Special Triple Distilled Premium Gin, £16.00. OFFER: now £14.00.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: ASDA Extra Special Triple Distilled Vodka, £16.00.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Asda London Dry Gin, £11.00. “Juniper and orange notes.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Asda Triple Distilled Vodka, £11.00.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 12 Year Old Armagnac, £22.00.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Waitrose Armagnac VSOP, £23.00. Also at Ocado.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Lidl Hortus Artisan Oriental Spiced Gin.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: M Best Morrisons Distillers Choice Blended Malt Whisky 5 YO, £16.00.
  • Penny’s Pick: (Asda) Pike Creek Crafted 10 Year Old Whisky, £28.00. << Canadian whisky matured in rum barrels for a more complex flavour with lots of fruit and spice notes. Will be excellent in an Old Fashioned cocktail in front of the fire this Christmas. OFFER: £20.00 this week.

 

Liqueurs & miscellaneous

  • IWSC 2017 gold medal: Aldi Specially Selected Creme de Cassis, £6.99. Multiple award winning blackcurrant liqueur.
  • IWSC 2017 silver outstanding: Lidl Armilar Amaretto.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Bellucci Amaretto, £4.69 for 50cl.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Specially Selected Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur, £8.99. “Made with real Belgian chocolate, smooth and creamy.”
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Specially Selected Triple Sec, £6.99. Rich orange liqueur, perfect for cocktails.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Aldi Tamova Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur, £9.99.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Lidl Massari Sambuca. Strong aniseed flavour.
  • IWSC 2017 silver medal: Lidl Limoncino Orginale di Sorrento. Lemony liqueur.

 

So that’s it for the best value and award-winning Christmas drinks. Have you spotted any bargains you like the look of?

 

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