Wines of the week: 10 reds perfect for Christmas drinking

Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. For my money, the Pigassou 2018 fits the bill ideally – a succulent, medium-bodied, instantly appealing southern French blend of two grapes unfamiliar to most: marselan and caladoc, resulting in lovely brambly flavours and a perfect For those who want something lighter in weight and also able to take a little chill – which makes it more refreshing and sharpens the flavours for parties in crowded rooms – then the Mandrarossa Frappato Costadune 2018 from Sicily fits the bill very well, bursting with fresh raspberry flavours. If pinot noir is your thing for the turkey or goose – and for many it’s the ideal choice – avoid over priced burgundy and head for the southern hemisphere where you will find the Nautilus Southern Valleys Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014/15 which has floral aromas and silky, elegant flavours of red fruits and spices and a long finish. And if it’s a heavier weight cabernet sauvignon you are seeking for your roast meats, then stay in the new world with the big and bold Journey’s End Sir Lowry Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 from Stellenbosch in South Africa with rich, ripe cedery, black fruits, but with slight hints of violets and mint on the nose which gives an appealing fresh lift or try the Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 an utterly characteristic Aussie cabernet, with really intense blackcurrant, brambly flavours, lifted again by some aromatic herbal notes. Finally, a couple of classic European blockbusters, for those really special meals and occasions over Christmas: the Rioja Vega Venta Jalon Reserva Especial 2014 a limited edition wine from one of Rioja’s most prestigious houses and unusually graciano, rather than tempranillo dominated, it is softly spicy and aromatic, some oaky, vanilla touches and considerable intensity of fruit flavours, but the whole package is not heavy or overbearing.