£10.99, Co-op
If you’re looking for a heartwarming, generous red for the festive feast this Châteauneuf-du-Pape is just the wine, whether you’re eating turkey, beef or goose. It could also be brought into service with a glazed ham joint and/or leftovers on Boxing Day: try popping it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes first – the rich, dark fruit, nutty, sweet earth and smoked paprika spice are just as appetising when served a little cooler than usual. The people behind it are the Perrin family of the acclaimed Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate Château de Beaucastel, which goes a long way to explaining the quality, and the tempting £5-off price continues until January 3 (when it reverts to a still reasonable £15.99). Better still it’s in almost all Co-op stores. I’ve been checking locally (any excuse to stock up).
Co-op Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2014, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France
£10.99 until January 3, 2017, then 15.99, Co-op