Char’s 50 Wines Under €25 Organised By Style
Words: Shamim de Brún
Images: Google Images
Forget the carols and mistletoe – we’re diving into the real holy spirit: uncorking bottles under €25 that’ll make your Christmas feel like a tipsy jig from your nan.
Whether you’re into wines as bold as your holiday party antics or as crisp as your winter Instagram aesthetic, we’ve got your back. This isn’t your grandma’s wine list – it’s a carefully curated collection of affordable gems that’ll have you sipping through the season with more swagger than Santa on a surfboard.
In this guide, we’re not talking grape varietals or regions; we’re throwing tradition out the frosted window and organising by style – the rebels of red, the audacious whites, the funky oranges, the blushing rosés, and the effervescent sparklers.
Get ready to pour, clink, and survive the holidays in style without breaking the bank! Cheers to festive sips that won’t leave your wallet weeping.
Skip to – Sparkling, Red, White, Orange, Rosé
This is a choose-your-own-adventure wine-shopping article. If you would rather shop by price, pairing or by shop click what you’re after.
Buy Price – Under a Tenner, Under €15, Under a Score, Under €25
Buy Pairing – Kick Off, Mains, Deserts, Couch Snacks, Universal Matches
Buy Shop – Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, SuperValu, Mitchell & Son, Baggot Street Wines, Martin’s, Sweeney’s, The Corkscrew, 64 Wines, Fallon & Byrne, Donnybrook Fair, Drink Store, Deveney’s, Green Man
Sparkling
50
Tuffeau Blanc de Blancs
This is a wine about town. You can find it at all your fave restaurants as their go-to natty sparkler. It’s a grown-up fizz that oozes class without breaking the bank. This crisp number is all about clean apple vibes, ending on a dry note that’s as refreshing as it gets. Consider it the champagne of great value.
The Style: Sparkling Natural
The Price: €21
The Shop: 64 Wines, Green Man, Deveney’s
Pair With: Serve with mixed bits you have before dinner.
49
Tuffeau Brut Rose
This Rosé fizz is the MVP. It’s like a berry bonanza with red berries, crab apple, raspberry, and a splash of pink grapefruit. The literal best bang for your buck in the fizzy pink world at the moment.
The Style: Sparkling Rosé
The Price: €21
The Shop: Green Man, 64 Wines, Fallon & Byrne, Baggot Street Wines, Deveney’s
Pair With: Literally everything, but it’s also one of the few things that will go really well with a Christmas ham.
48
Specially Selected Crémant du Jura
If you’re a fan of sparkling wines, you’ll want to pay attention to this one. The Aldi Crémant du Jura has always been a pocket-pleasing bubbly, and the new version? Even better! With its effervescent charm and delicate flavours, this French crémant will make you wonder why you ever spent more on Champagne. Perfect for celebrating, commiserating, or just a cheeky Tuesday night tipple.
The Style: Sparkling
The Price: €17.99
The Shop: Aldi
Pair With: Literally everything all the time
47
Integrale Pét-Nat Bianco Frizzante
It’s like Glera, Garganega, Serprino, and Pinella hit the gym, got hand-picked, and threw a bottle party after tank fermentation. A fresh fruit basket with pears, lemons, and stone fruit vibes when you give it a snaff. Now, the palate is where the real action happens—white peach, golden apple, a hint of exotic fruits, and white flowers, all vying for your attention like swats at the front of the class.
The Style: Natural Sparkling
The Price: €19.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son
Pair With: Breakfast. It makes for a perfect first drink of the day.
Orange
46
Oveja Naranja
This glorious, hedonistic sipper is a mixtape of tangy, fresh zesty acidity, the zing of orange peel, and luscious fruits that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha. The finish? It’s got a lightly tannic bite, like the perfect plot twist in a blockbuster. This wine is the real deal, an absolute rockstar that leaves a remarkable impression.
The Style: Orange
The Price: €20.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son, The Corkscrew, Martin’s, Drink Store, Fallon & Byrne
Pair With: A good nut roast would do the trick.
45
Peninsula Viticultores Skin Contact Albariño
This juice not just nice; it’s downright smashable. Check out those inviting amber hues, setting the mood in the glass. Think orange blossoms and ripe yellow fruit, a combo that’d get you a KO on Tekken. Take a sip, and you’re in for a lively ride with beautiful acidity and freshness, not to mention those savoury notes of ripe yellow fruit. It’s a solo act that’s great on its own but also plays incredibly well with a whole lineup of dishes.
The Style: Orange Natural
The Price: €24.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son
Pair With: Earthy veggie dishes like wild rice, fall and winter roasted vegetables.
Rosé
44
Le Montalus Rosé Côtes de Thau
This is a pink stunner that’s practically glowing—this wine is the cool kid with a beautifully luminous pale pink vibe. Its Expressive and clean, bringing fruity notes to the Christmas season. Take a sip, and you’ll experience a seductive, well-balanced groove, followed by a blast of great freshness. Hailing from sun-soaked vineyards nestled on clay and limestone hillsides known as “costières.” It’s practically a coastal lagoon party in a glass, just a stone’s throw from the Etang de Thau.
The Style: Rosé
The Price: €9.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son
Pair With: Chilled vibes and a spread of hot and cold dishes
43
Domaine le Novi Côté Levant Rosé
This wine rocks a beautiful pale pink hue with a nose that’s basically a bouquet of intense floral and strawberry vibes, sprinkled with mineral tones for good measure. It’s a lively party with citrus notes and a riot of red berries, all wrapped up in a refreshing mineral finish. It’s like a sip of sunshine in a glass, leaving you with that “more please” feeling.
The Style: Rosé
The Price: €19.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son
Pair With: A box of roses.
White
42
Specially Selected Côtes de Provence Blanc
Ah, Provence, the land of rosé and romance! But don’t let rosé hog all the spotlight. The Côtes de Provence Blanc is a hidden gem in Aldi’s lineup. It’s like a crisp sea breeze captured in a bottle, with a touch of elegance that’ll make you feel like you’re sipping in the French Riviera. Perfect for a light dinner on the terrace or any time you need a taste of sophistication without the hefty price tag.
The Style: Rosé
The Price: €12.99
The Shop: Aldi
Pair With: A tin of biscuits
41
Vinho Verde Loureiro/Alvarinho, Azevedo
Dive into the freshness, fruitiness, and vibrant vibes of this wine. If you’re a Sauvignon Blanc fan looking for a little extra pizzazz, this sip is your go-to level-up. Consider it the cool cousin in the wine family, delivering a flavour twist that’ll have you cheating on your sauvvy b more often.
The Style: White
The Price: €15.99
The Shop: Clontarf Wines, Baggot Street Wines, The Corkscrew, Blackrock Wine Cellar
Pair With: Smoked Salmon, a wheel of prawns or any Christmas fish you want.
40
Vesevo Beneventano Falanghina
Meet the wine with a crisp and aromatic swagger—it’s got a character so bold, it stands tall even next to hearty meals. This wine like the superhero of the dining table, cutting through the chaos with its unique charm. Take a sip, and let the adventure unfold. Who said wines can’t be mealtime MVPs?
The Style: White
The Price: €18 – €21
The Shop: The Corkscrew, Baggot Street Wines
Pair With: The main Christmas event. Best with Turkey and Stuffing.
39
Colomba Bianca Vitese Grillo
Brace yourself for a whiff of pure flower power, like a botanical garden in a glass. This bad boy is bursting with the scent of ripe yellow peaches—like, the kind that are so juicy they should come with a bib. And just when you think you’ve landed in fruit paradise, bam! Citrus acidity swoops in like the sidekick that’s low-key better than the main character.
The Style: White
The Price: From €15 to €17
The Shop: Green Man Wines
Pair With: Perfect to refresh the palate and to cut through the buttery richness of roast potatoes or a good aul wheel of prawns.
38
Schloss Gobelsburg Domaene Grüner Veltliner 2022
Get ready for a wild ride with this badass gruner veltliner—it’s ripe, substantial, and ready to Christmas. This wine is like a fruity disco, swinging from yellow apples to stone fruit, and ending the night with a dash of baking spices. The structure is on point, and the balance is so lovely it’s practically doing a tightrope walk. Oh, and did I mention it’s got a screw cap? No fuss, just pop, pour, and enjoy!
The Style: White
The Price: €18 – €21
The Shop: Donnybrook Fair, 64 Wines
Pair With: Christmas cheer
37
Wagner Stempel Grauburguder 2022
Wagner-Stempel Grauburgunder Dry Organic—this is like a fruit bonanza with fully ripe yellow fruits showing off on the nose. It’s a freaking rollercoaster of complexity, striking the perfect balance and hitting you with voluminous, fruity vibes like a ripe pear and quince party. This sip is not just a pretty face; it’s superbly structured, playful, and soft, boasting beautiful freshness, precision, and clarity. The acidity is the secret sauce, giving it that perfect zing, and it all wraps up with a long, spicy mineral finish that’ll have you going back for more.
The Style: White
The Price: €22
The Shop: 64 Wines, Matin’s Off Licence, Drink Store
Pair With: The Main Event
36
Pierre Jaurant French Viognier
Viognier lovers, Aldi’s got your back! The Pierre Jaurant French Viognier is a sunny sip of the South of France that won’t break the bank. Boasting those classic floral and fruity notes that make Viognier so irresistible. It’s the kind of wine that’ll have you dreaming of lavender fields and seaside sunsets.
The Style: White
The Price: €8.99
The Shop: Aldi
Pair With: The main event
35
Guerra del Vino Chilean Viognier
If you’re feeling like taking a South American detour, the Guerra del Vino Chilean Viognier is your ticket to vinous adventure. This wine has a passport stamped with vibrant fruit flavours and a zesty personality that’s just begging to join your next hooley. It’s got that Chilean flair that pairs effortlessly with spicy cuisine or your favourite Christmas playlist.
The Style: White
The Price: €7.99
The Shop: Aldi
Pair With: The Main Event
This wine is all all about dark fruit flavours accompanied by a dash of savoury goodness and a sprinkle of spice. It’s like the holy trinity, creating a sip that’s got just enough zhuzh in it for Christmas week without being boring.
The Style: Natural Red
The Price: €22.95
The Shop: The Nude Wine Company, Martin’s Off Licence
Pair With: The Cheese Board of your dreams
33
Specially Selected Austrian Riesling
For the lovers of crisp, dry white wines, Aldi’s Austrian Riesling is the real deal. With its bright acidity and lively citrus notes, this bottle is like a zesty lemon drop that’ll wake up your taste buds in no time. Perfect for those lazy Christmas days when you’re in the mood for something refreshingly straightforward – just like a candid conversation with your bestie. And did I mention it’s a bargain?
The Style: White
The Price: €9.99
The Shop: Aldi
Pair With: A party and a plucky can-do attitude
32
Balaton by Dereszla Balatoni Olaszrizling
This is an Olaszrizling that’s as lively as your craziest friend. It’s the winery’s easygoing sidekick, boasting floral vibes and a lighter style. Get ready for a crisp, fresh dance on your palate with fruity kicks of grapefruit and a dash of quinine bitterness.
The Style: White
The Price: €12.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son
Pair With: This is one to give the wine snob in your extended family
31
Sipp Mack Riesling Tradition
This is a fresh, light Riesling that’s practically doing the cha-cha with vanilla and a dash of light pepper. It’s like a canvas painted with white flowers and citrus flavours—a masterpiece of pure delight. A hint of sultana joins the party, blending with ripe citrus notes for a nose that’s as vibrant as it gets. Imagine ripe oranges and Amalfi lemons creating a juicy freshness on a body that’s light but bursting with flavour. The finish is dry and long, like a good encore.
The Style: White
The Price: €19.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son, Sweeney’s
Pair With: This is the ultimate one white to rule them all and in the Christmas bind them. It fits all pallets and pairs with all aspects of both conventional and unconventional Christmas dinners. With the notable exception of roast beef. But sure, who’s beefing over Christmas anyway?
This benchmark wine is crafted from old vines, bringing intense aromas that’ll make your senses do a happy dance. Think juicy apples, subtle floral vibes, and a next-level nuanced richness. A seven-month lees aging? That’s the secret sauce, creating a palate that’s both voluminous and as creamy as it gets, yet still fresh as a daisy. It’s a long and balanced mic drop of a wine.
The Style: White
The Price: €18.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son
Pair With: This is a good one for cheese, it won’t get lost.
Sancerre, the Sauvignon Blanc sensation, is straight from the famous vineyards. This wine is a dry, crisp wonder with intense hits of citrus and tropical fruit.
The Style: White
The Price: €22
The Shop: Tesco
Pair With: A great match for goats cheese and salads.
28
Feuidi di San GrigorioGreco di Tuffo
Citrus and tropical fruits kick off the shindig, and then bam! Subtle flavours roll in—pear, apple, lemon, apricot, and peach—all mingling like Dublin Creatives at a music festival. Toasted almonds make an entrance, adding a dash of sophistication, and it all wraps up with a refreshing mineral finish that’s basically the encore you never knew you needed.
The Style: White
The Price: €18 – €23 depending on Clubcard
The Shop: Tesco
Pair With: perfect to go with the fuck load of crips you’ll inevitably end up eating
27
Pinot Blanc Jean Cornelius 2022, Alsace
Alsace Pinot Blanc, where ripe peaches are throwing down like a practically opulent challenge on Ru Paul’s Drag Race. It’s like a peachy paradise with a twist—refreshing acidity that’s like the unexpected burst of a water balloon. This sip is all about richness, freshness, and the kind of vibes that’ll make you say, “Peachy keen, baby!”
The Style: White
The Price: €12.99
The Shop: Lidl
Pair With: Enjoy by itself, with creamy potato gratin or turkey.
This young Bourgogne Chardonnay has got the swagger of a drag queen with zesty green apples and a touch of citrus, dancing a tango. The oak? It’s like the smooth operator in the background, adding a hint of vanilla and a touch of “I’m too cool for school.” This wine is the James Dean of Chardonnays—fresh, sassy, and here to shake up the classic game.
The Style: White
The Price: €10
The Shop: Lidl
Pair With: Pair it with shrimp, grilled fish, or throw in some fresh goat cheese for good measure.
25
Specially Selected Austrian Riesling
This value-packed Riesling that’s basically the cool kid on the block because it’s the one the Char girlies buy on the regular. It’s like a concentrated burst of green apple goodness, zippier than your friend on their third espresso shot. The citrus peel vibes? It’s like a zesty plot twist that keeps you on your toes. And let’s not forget the best part—it’s a steal!
The Style: White
The Price: €10
The Shop: Lidl
Pair With: Malteasers
24
Müller Grüner Veltliner Löss & Schotter trocken, Weißwein 2022
Basically, it’s a breath of fresh air in a bottle. Delicate white pepper and a touch of minerality that are characteristic of Riesling’s little sister grape. It’s a wonderland of refreshment, starring pear and crunchy green apple flavours that are so good they should come with a warning. It’s like a sip of sneaking into a members only club.
The Style: White
The Price: €12.00
The Shop: Lidl
Pair With: The main event
23
Château Dereszla, Amethyst Prémium Furmint, Tokaji, Hungary 2022
This was Jack Kerowack’s favourite style of wine, but don’t let that put you off Tokaj! This bottle is like the VIP pass to Christmas, with bright, pear-scented vibes that are practically doing a jig in your glass. It brings the freshness and acidity party, like a Riesling but with a chill vibe on the acid scale.
The Style: White
The Price: €15.00
The Shop: Lidl
Pair With: Think blue cheese
Red
22
Vinho Regional Lisboa Tinto, Evaristo
This red wine is like a juicy fruit bomb—ripe cherries, succulent blackberries, and blackcurrants all jam-packed into one sip. It’s the dark triad you never knew you needed, hitting with a burst of fruity goodness that’s anything but ordinary.
The Style: Red
The Price: €13 – €15
The Shop: Donnybrook Fair
Pair With: This is a heartier one and would hold court with a goose dinner pretty well
20
Colomba Bianca Vitese Nero d’Avola
Dive into a glass of ruby red ecstasy that’s so intense, it’s practically blushing. Imagine a mixtape of red berries cranking up the volume with cherry and blackberry jam with a hint of mineral vibes (think graphite) and a sprinkle of spice to keep you on your toes. It’s like the wine gods came together and said, “Let there be intensity, persistence, and finesse,” and voila!
The Style: Red
The Price: €17
The Shop: Baggot Street Wines, Green Man Wines
Pair With: Pairs well with aperitifs, mature cheese and Ragusano DOP, cold cuts, white and red meats.
Meet Ciello Rosso Nero d’Avola—crafted from organic grapes, this juice brings the party with vibrant freshness and a seductive dark red hue. The nose is a magic show of black plum, coffee, and chocolate, while the mouth is a spicy, smooth dark fruit fiesta. Rallo wines, since 2010, defy the norm with Western Sicily’s best, ditching overripe styles for a taste adventure. Night harvesting and modern fermentations? They’re the secret sauce for these wines that are bright, fresh, and downright modern. If it’s good enough to be Alta’s house red, it’s good enough for us all.
The Style: Red
The Price: €15
The Shop: Le Caveau, Blackrock Cellar, Green Man, Baggot Street Wines
Pair With: A box of quality street and a Christmas movie
18
Specially Selected Fleurie
Fancy a red that’s as graceful as a ballet dancer? The Specially Selected Fleurie is your perfect partner. Made from the Gamay grape, it’s light, fruity, and incredibly charming. It’s the kind of wine that makes you want to put on some Edith Piaf and dance around the kitchen while whipping up coq au vin. A bottle of this and a plate of charcuterie, and you’ve got yourself a French soirée to remember.
The Style: Red
The Price: €11.99
The Shop: Aldi
Pair With: tbh this goes with everything
17
Specially Selected Toscana Rosso
When it comes to Italian reds, the Toscana Rosso is a champion. It’s like a nonna’s hug in a bottle, with flavours of cherries and sun-soaked tomatoes. Simply savouring it by the fire will bring the taste of Tuscany right to your doorstep. Buonissimo!
The Style: Red
The Price: €10.99
The Shop: Aldi
Pair With: A roaring fire and a wedge of a sambo
16
Specially Selected Vinsobres
Looking for a red wine that’s more robust and intense? The Specially Selected Vinsobres is here to save the day. It’s like a deep, dark forest in a glass, with flavours of blackberries, spices, and a hint of smokiness.
The Style: Red
The Price: €8.99
The Shop: Aldi
Pair With: This wine means business, and it’s the ideal companion for a juicy hunk of salted meat or a night of stargazing.
15
Specially Selected Ribera del Duero
This Spanish gem is bold, rich, and unapologetic. It’s the wine equivalent of a leather jacket and a motorcycle. With notes of dark fruit and a hint of oak, it’s perfect for those moments when you need a little extra drama in your monotonous Christmas celebrations.
The Style: Red
The Price: €11.99
The Shop: Aldi
Pair With: Cheese, crackers and all the accoutrements that go with them.
14
Brusset Côtes du Rhône ‘Laurent B.’
This is the rockstar of value wines—the 2019 Cotes du Rhone Laurent B. Brace yourself for deep aromas of purple raspberries and liquorice, setting the stage for a solid value experience. Subtle hints of garrigue add a touch of complexity to keep things interesting. Take a sip, and you’re in for a medium to full-bodied joyride—round, satisfying, with supple tannins and a finish that throws in dark chocolate and a dusting of gentle tannins. This one’s not here for the ageing game, but it’s damn delicious right now.
The Style: Red
The Price: €14.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son, Sweeney’s
Pair With: Anything salty, but especially charcuterie
13
Ferdinand Mayr ‘Na Alsdann’ Blaufränkisch
This Blaufränkisch is like the James Bond of wines—smooth, mysterious, and oozing with quality. Mineral tones set the stage, with hints of blackberries and pepper adding a touch of intrigue. The tannins are smooth yet confidently noticeable. It’s the high-quality sip that defines typical Blaufränkisch brilliance.
The Style: Red Natural
The Price: €16.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son, Donnybrook Fair
Pair With: This is ideal for a start-to-finish dinner wine. Light enough for all the bits but with just enough funk to keep up with dessert.
12
Sipp Mack Pinot Noir Tradition
This wine is the all-purpose champ. A wine with a bright red robe and deep purple vibes that scream “Christmas time!” Dive into notes of prunes and kirsch cherries. Elegant and ample on the palate, it wraps up with a long, aromatic finish that’s pure magic.
The Style: Red
The Price: €23.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son, Sweeney’s
Pair With: Every Aspect of Christmas dinner, perfect for if you have ‘I only drink red wine’-ers in the family. Straddles the line between natural and conventional well enough to please most everyone I’ve ever made eat it.
11
Tesco Finest Ribera Del Duero
This wine is a Spanish Tempranillo adventure straight from the high plains! It’s modern gem, thanks to those extreme temperatures. It’s bursting with intense red fruit flavours. Maturation in oak barrels adds structure and a delicate sprinkle of spice. It’s like a fiesta, bringing the heat and the cool in one sip.
The Style: Red
The Price: €15
The Shop: Tesco
Pair With: A versatile food wine that pairs well with roast pork and wild mushrooms.
10
Tesco Finest Signargues Cotes Du Rhone Villages
This juice is from the southern tip of Côtes du Rhône Villages—Signargues, where the wines are as intense as a heated debate. This little ditty is a blend of mainly Grenache and Syrah and it’s like a flavour bomb exploding with opulent dark fruits—think blackcurrant and cherry. It finishes like a cosy hug of warm spice that’ll make you go, “Damn, that was good.”
The Style: Red
The Price: €10 – 15 depending on club card
The Shop: Tesco
Pair With: the next day sambo
09
Tesco Finest Chianti Classico
The ancient Chianti vibes are strong with this aged gem from the Classico area—the OG of Chianti vineyards. Crafted by the Melini crew, who’ve been Chianti maestros for centuries, this medium-bodied red is like a time-travelling flavour trip. Ripe cherries, plums, and spices take centre stage. It’s like the grand finale of a blockbuster movie—long, intense, and totally unforgettable.
The Style: Red
The Price: €10
The Shop: Tesco
Pair With: With ripe tannins, this food wine is made for red meats and tomato-based sauces.
08
Château Moulin de Taffard Médoc 2019
Pop the cork on this Haute-Médoc Chateau beauty—a Bordeaux wine practically begging to be your winter tipple. This wine is the triple threat, boasting notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and a dash of cedar, which is the fancy spice in your winter wine winter wonderland.
The Style: Red
The Price: €11.99
The Shop: Lidl
Pair With: Give it some time to open if you can stand it and eat it with a bit of brie and you won’t know yourself.
07
Delux Shiraz, Barossa Valley
Shiraz, the unsung hero of Christmas dinner for red wine enthusiasts, according to the wine whisperers at Lidl. This wine is basically the Batman to your ham’s Robin, swooping in with its bold flavours and ensuring your taste buds have a legendary Christmas.
The Style: Red
The Price: €8.99
The Shop: Lidl
Pair With: The dynamic duo of ham and Shiraz—because Christmas dinner deserves its own blockbuster pairing.
06
Fleurie Andre Goichot
The heavyweight champion of Beaujolais Villages—Fleurie, the rockstar sibling of classic Beaujolais. They’re both rocking the Gamay grape, but Fleurie is like the beefed-up, powerhouse version. It’s the same red berry fruits you know and love, but now with a twist—think darker fruits, a hint of pepper, and Christmas spices that turn this sip into an adventure. It’s like the easygoing friend who secretly bench-presses cars.
The Style: Red
The Price: €10
The Shop: SuperValu
Pair With: Great with hard and soft cheeses and classic roasts, be it red or white meat.
05
Aresti Trisquel Syrah
This rugged knight is throwing a blackberry and spice bonanza on the aroma stage. They brought the vanilla and caramel along, thanks to a 12-month oak barrel hangout. It’s like the creatives of the wine world decided to have a jam session.
The Style: Red
The Price: €10
The Shop: SuperValu
Pair With: An after-dinner rollie
Aduna is bringing the Rioja party. They’ve pulled out the classic moves of the Alavesa sub-region, resulting in a raspberry-red potion with violet vibes. Clean, bright, and practically winking at you. It’s like a red fruit and liquorice concert that’s about to begin. This wine is like a well-structured diva with a full-bodied attitude, showcasing the region’s warmth while keeping things light on the palate. Soft and easy, like a Christmas morning. This wine is basically the perfect plus one for any holiday party.
The Style: Red
The Price: €14.95
The Shop: Mitchell & Son
Pair With: Whatever is going
This is a wine that’s built with the precision of a ninja. It’s flaunting pure and precise aromas—think cherries, red berries, and a hint of thyme that’s basically the herb whisperer at the party. It’s like the Goldilocks of wines—medium-bodied, not too heavy, not too light. There’s a good amount of oomph, with a perfect balance between fresh acidity, concentrated fruit vibes, and tannins that are firm but oh-so-fine. It’s like the Jedi master of wine, bringing balance to the force.
The Style: Red
The Price: €19.50
The Shop: Martins, Drink Store, Sweeney’s
Pair With: A selection box all to yourself
02
Niepoort Sempar Portalegre 2019
The light and bright sip is as straightforward as a Christmas morning. The nose is like a herb-infused breeze, with a sprinkle of fresh strawberries for good measure. Now, the palate is where the craic is. It’s pleasantly round, bringing elegance and a touch of beautiful acidity to the table. It’s like a friend who keeps things simple but knows how to make an entrance.
The Style: Red
The Price: €20.99
The Shop: Martin’s,
Pair With: Sausage meat stuffing
The Wild Card
It’s a mix of flat Coca-Cola, a hint of caramel, and a distinctive note of gunmetal. Now, when you take a sip, brace yourself—it’s sweet like a candy store on steroids. Think cherry cola vibes with a cheeky twist of medicinal Benadryl lurking in the background.
The Style: Fermented
The Price: €16
The Shop: SuperValu
Pair With: a late night
Go Your Own Way
If you would rather shop by price, pairing or by shop click what you’re after.
Buy Style – Sparkling, Red, White, Orange, Rosé
Buy Price – Under a Tenner, Under €15, Under a Score, Under €25
Buy Pairing – Kick Off, Mains, Deserts, Couch Snacks, Universal Matches
Buy Shop – Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, SuperValu, Mitchell & Son, Baggot Street Wines, Martin’s, Sweeney’s, The Corkscrew, 64 Wines, Fallon & Byrne, Donnybrook Fair, Drink Store, Deveney’s, Green Man
