Delight guests this festive season with unique wines from unusual grapes and lesser-known regions. The gems below promise something different – at great prices. Fans of white Burgundy should check out my Aligoté discovery. Penchant for Pinot Grigio? You’ll love my crisp Lugana find. Dive into bold reds with a Georgian Saperavi or Spanish Monastrell. And for superb value sweet, head to the French region of Jurançon.
Teliani Valley Saperavi 2021 (13%), £13.50, woodwinters.com.
Uncover this deep magenta-hued vino made from Georgia’s flagship grape, Saperavi, with an enticing exotic perfume and layers of wild berry fruit.
Taste the Difference, Bourgogne Aligoté 2022 (12%), £14, Sainsbury’s.
The Aligoté grape, which accounts for six per cent of Burgundy’s vines, is enjoying a renaissance – here it delivers a rounded texture with sunny citrus and mineral notes.
Bodegas Volver Tarima Monastrell 2022 (14.5%), £9.99, majestic.co.uk.
Spain’s affordable alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with robust, rich beef wellington and other Christmas classics.
Lugana Italian White 2022 (13%), £10, Asda
From scenic vineyards near Lake Garda, this unoaked white crafted from the Turbiana grape really hits the spot with its refreshing lemony quality.
Domaine Lasserre Jurançon 2020 (12%), £7.25 (37.5cl), Co-op.
Here’s a lighter style of sweet wine: best served fridge-cold to complement its inviting notes of honeysuckle and mango with a hint of lime. One to match with fruity desserts.