Essex


<p>Christmas isn’t complete without arguing over how to cook the turkey, finding sweet wrappers stuffed down the side of the sofa, and wondering how you&#8217;re ever going to fit in your pre-December jeans again after all those chocs you secretly scoffed (and stuffed said wrappers down the side of the sofa).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Untitled-design-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10118" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Untitled-design-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Untitled-design-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Untitled-design-4-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Untitled-design-4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>But with it comes wine. Lots and lots of delicious wine.</p>



<p>But what should you be sipping throughout the festivities, from putting up the decorations to ringing in the New Year? We’ve nobbled the lovely Jack Watts from Colchester wine importer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Watts Wines</a>&nbsp;for his top tips on tipples (dare you to say that when you’ve had a couple) for every occasion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-getting-festive"><strong>BEST FOR GETTING FESTIVE</strong></h2>



<p>When it comes to putting up the decorations, nothing beats a combo of Christmas tunes, mince pies and a glass of this Spanish<a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Manzanilla-Sherry-La-Gitana-50cl-p513444621" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> La Gitana Manzanilla Sherry </a>(£12.50).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Manzanilla-Sherry-La-Gitana-50cl-p513444621" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/5-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10101" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/5-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/5-4-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/5-4-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/5-4-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/5-4-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/5-4-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure>



<p>If you’re busy writing cards, the 10.5% <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Messias-Vinho-Rosé-Portugal-p513449387" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messias Vinho Rosé </a>(£10.50) will keep your handwriting legible while also delivering a fresh and crisp finish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BEST FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING&nbsp;</strong><strong></strong></h2>



<p>This Australian <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Patritti-Bubbly-Pink-Moscato-Australia-p513453629" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patritti Bubbly Pink Moscato</a> (£12.90) is a cracking sparkling wine to open pressies with. Quite low in alcohol (10.5%), it’s also a great accompaniment to canapés.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Patritti-Bubbly-Pink-Moscato-Australia-p513453629" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/7-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10102" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/7-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/7-2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/7-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/7-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/7-2-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/7-2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure>



<p>When it comes to food prep, again turn to Portugal for a small glass of <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Messias-Vinho-Verde-Portugal-p513453630" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messias Vinho Verde</a> (£11.50) to see you through. At 8.5% it won’t inhibit your knife skills, with its slight fizz adding some sparkle to your day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BEST FOR FISH DISHES</strong></h2>



<p>Fish starter or main for the big event? Don’t be&nbsp;fooled by the price of France&#8217;s <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Les-Anges-Sauvignon-Blanc-France-p513453631" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Les Anges Sauvignon Blanc</a> (£9.95). With a refreshing finish and aromas of green apple, it works perfectly with seabass, cod or monkfish.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Les-Anges-Sauvignon-Blanc-France-p513453631" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/4-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10103" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/4-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/4-3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/4-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/4-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/4-3-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/4-3-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Domaine-de-Mauperthuis-Chablis-Burgundy-France-p513453632" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis</a> (£23.90) is another great option. A classic white unoaked Burgundy, in our opinion it’s&nbsp;<em>the</em>&nbsp;wine to drink with shellfish. It’s up to you whether you want to pair red wine for meat and white for fish – just try and match the weight of flavours in the food with the wine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BEST FOR TURKEY</strong></h2>



<p>Chardonnay might have fallen out of fashion, but some of the great whites of the world are made from this grape. Australia&#8217;s <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Bella-View-Chardonnay-Patritti-Estate-Australia-p513452867" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patritti Estate Bella View Chardonnay</a> (£12.90) is a great choice for turkey, thanks to its unoaked and buttery palate.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Bella-View-Chardonnay-Patritti-Estate-Australia-p513452867" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/1-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10104" width="641" height="641" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/1-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/1-3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/1-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/1-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/1-3-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/1-3-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 641px) 100vw, 641px" /></a></figure>



<p>Want to open something to get guests talking? I suggest <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Domaine-des-Varoilles-Gevrey-Chambertin-Clos-du-Meix-des-Ouches-Burgundy-France-p513450886" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Domaine des Varoilles Gevrey Chambertin</a> (£73). A 2015 vintage smooth Pinot Noir, it should be opened two hours prior to eating so it&#8217;s enjoyed to its full potential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BEST FOR VEGANS</strong></h2>



<p>This unoaked <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Santalba-Natural-Rioja-Spain-vegan-organic-&amp;-sulphite-free-p513452868" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santalba Natural Rioja</a> (£15.75) is a great wine for your vegan feast. It&#8217;s 100% natural (even down to the label on the bottle) and is also sulphite-free (meaning you should hopefully wake hangover-free!).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Santalba-Natural-Rioja-Spain-vegan-organic-&amp;-sulphite-free-p513452868" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/8-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10105" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/8-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/8-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/8-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/8-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/8-1-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/8-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure>



<p>Also from Spain comes <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Linar-de-Vides-Albarino-Rias-Baixas-Galicia-Spain-p513446620" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liñar de Vides Albarino </a>(£17.90). A zingy and dry white, it’s the perfect match for nibbles or vegan cheese. Be sure to chill it (or any other of our chosen whites) to a temperature of 8-12˚C. Any colder and you’ll kill the flavour and won’t pick up on your wine’s subtle nuances.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BEST FOR DESSERT</strong></h2>



<p>Australia’s <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Patritti-Liqueur-Muscat-Australia-p513450888" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patritti Liqueur Muscat</a> (£17.50) is like Christmas pudding in a glass! A fortified sweetie, or ‘sticky’ as they call it down under, it’s dark in colour with touches of butterscotch, raisins and dates.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Patritti-Liqueur-Muscat-Australia-p513450888" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Liqueur-Muscat-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10106" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Liqueur-Muscat-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Liqueur-Muscat-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Liqueur-Muscat-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Liqueur-Muscat-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Liqueur-Muscat-1-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Liqueur-Muscat-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure>



<p>If favouring a fruit-based dessert try <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Chateau-des-Valentons-Canteloup-Moelleux-Bordeaux-France-p513453634" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Château des Valentons Canteloup Moelleux</a> (£18). Made from late harvested grapes to increase their sugar content, honey and caramel on the nose complement its concentrated palate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BEST FOR CHEESE&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Port drinkers will love this delicious <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Messias-Colheita-1980-p494250766" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messias Colheita Porto 1980</a> (£99). A family-run business since 1926, this special tawny has been matured in oak casks for 40 years.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Messias-Colheita-1980-p494250766" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/2-6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10107" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/2-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/2-6-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/2-6-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/2-6-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/2-6-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/2-6-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure>



<p>A great red to enjoy is <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Chateau-Haut-Rocher-Grand-Cru-Saint-Emillion-Bordeaux-France-p513445389" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grand Cru Saint Emilion’s Chateau Haut Rocher</a> (£27.90). The French have long been creators of some of the finest cheeses around the globe, so it only seems right to include this 2016 vintage Claret. Just remember if serving wine or port with your cheese open it a few hours before to let it breathe – or serve in a decanter if you have one.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BEST FOR SOCIALISING</strong><strong><u></u></strong></h2>



<p>Want a change from a normal G&amp;T? Mix <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Messias-Dry-White-Port-p513449393" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messias Dry White Port</a> (£14.90) with tonic, adding ice and mint leaves for a drink to impress you and your guests.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Messias-Dry-White-Port-p513449393" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/6-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10108" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/6-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/6-3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/6-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/6-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/6-3-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/6-3-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure>



<p>If favouring fizz, South Africa&#8217;s <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Simonsig-Estate-Cap-Classique-Brut-Stellenbosch-South-Africa-p513452869" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simonsig Estate Cap Classique Brut</a> (£17.50) has been made using a similar mix of grapes to Champagne. FYI, it&#8217;s gone on to win many blind tasting awards around the world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BEST FOR NEW YEAR&#8217;S EVE</strong></h2>



<p>Rather than stocking big brands of Champagne we specialise in smaller producers. We’ve dealt with the Joly family for over 30 years, with their <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Joly-Brut-Champagne-Troissy-France-p513452870" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brut Champagne</a> (£31) never one to disappoint.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Joly-Brut-Champagne-Troissy-France-p513452870" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/3-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10109" width="646" height="646" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/3-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/3-3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/3-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/3-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/3-3-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/3-3-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 646px) 100vw, 646px" /></a></figure>



<p>Alternatively, spend a bit more on Prosecco with a nice bottle of Italy&#8217;s <a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/buy-wine-here/Prosecco-Tallero-Treviso-Italy-p513446119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prosecco Tallero Treviso</a> (£12). Dry but not overly acidic, its balance of pear, lime and apples makes it worth every penny. Want a magnum of bubbles? Wine actually ages slower in larger bottles, so if you’re looking to lie down some wine for a while then a magnum is a good bet.</p>



<p><em>Swerve the predictable supermarket alcohol sections this Christmas, and head straight for these surprisingly affordable, superstar wines as chosen by Colchester importer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peterwattswines.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Watts Wines</a>. Race you to the checkout!&nbsp;</em></p>


18 of the best festive wines from an Essex pro

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