Christmas Day Made Easy Case

Toasty and lemony on the nose, with fine bubbles and a deceptive lightness of touch, this is a Champagne that never fails to hit the spot. A delicious blend of 55% pinot meunier, 30% pinot noir and 15% chardonnay and a perennial hit with members and the perfect fizz for all kinds of celebrations.

From a sunny, south-west-facing Burgundy vineyard at about 400m, a time-honoured match for classic turkey or capon with all the trimmings. 75% is fermented in barrels with 25% in tank to maintain freshness.

From a property owned by the respected Bourotte family, this is a fine, merlot-driven claret with lovely dark-fruit character that will lift a whole salmon on a bed of Puy lentls suffused with red wine sauce.

Benchmark Pouilly-Fumé from Philippe Seguin. This flint-edged sauvignon has the brisk acidity and long mineral finish to make it perfectly poised for salmon, smoked, poached or in buttery rillettes.

A vibrant full-bodied California zinfandel packed with pomegranate, damson and raspberry fruit, with a touch of vanilla on the juicy rounded and well-balanced palate. A good zin like this is the perfect antidote for the bleak midwinter. Pour with comforting meat or vegetable daubes and embrace contentment.

A stylish, exotic Rioja, full of dark fruits with a hint of tobacco and balanced by velvety tannins. If a leg of lamb is your choice, this Rioja would undoubtedly be its choice but try it too with piquillo or Romano peppers stuffed with paprika-spiced cream. Decant before serving.