Christmas time is well and truly upon us. In Brisbane, this doesn’t mean we’ve got snow falling and we’re drinking hot chocolates. Instead, we’re in our shorts and swimmers, and we’re drinking whatever we can to keep cool. For me, this has been sparkling wine, prosecco and Rosé. There is so much to explore when it comes to 2018 holiday wines, it is hard to know where to start! All I know is that Christmas cheer in our family always goes better with a glass of wine in hand.

Christmas for me is a great time to spend with family and friends. We have organised a lot of events this year to keep us busy, but I’m so excited to spend some quality time with the ones I love. However, with this comes the need for some good wine! There are so many good deals going on that it can become overwhelming to know what to choose. Plus, there’s the added pressure of picking something that you know your family, friends or in-laws will like. You want to show up to that Christmas party with your impressive bottle of wine that everyone loves, right?

So this year I decided to share with you what I’ll be drinking this Christmas, based on some of my favourites from the year. Those wines that have gone well with friends and good times are the ones that match perfectly with the holidays. That, and the ones that are the most refreshing, crisp and delicious in their flavours! These wines were tested by yours truly and I can guarantee you will not be disappointed when you crack one of these open with your guests. So put on your Santa hat and Maria Carey Christmas carols on repeat, because it’s about to get Cheeky Vino festive here!

My top sparkling wine pick: The Primo Estate Primo Secco

My top pick when it comes to sparkling wine comes as no surprise, as it had to be a prosecco! You know how obsessed I am with this variety, and for good reason. The wines tend to be crisp and acidic, perfect for a hot summer day spent by the pool.

The Primo Estate Primo Secco is a great example of how Australian producers are really nailing Italian varieties. Some of the best proseccos that I’ve drunk this year have been from Australia, and it goes to show just how diverse the wine that comes from Adelaide and Victoria are. This particular one is from McLaren Vale, and I picked it because we did have plans to go here to celebrate New Years. I still wish we were going, and definitely, have to get to this great wine region sooner than later.

I chose this wine because it reminds me of family. My dad got me onto it, and I first tried it on my birthday when we went over for dinner to celebrate. Because of this, the wine reminds me of celebrating with family, so you know it’s going to go well with Christmas time! I’m actually hoping my dad might have a few bottles squirreled away for this year’s celebration.

The great thing about this wine is that is isn’t expensive, so you won’t break the bank to get a really decent prosecco. The flavours in it are great too: think light and vibrant tastes with a lot of crispness on the tongue. It isn’t too sweet or too dry, so is a perfect balance. It will go great with some cheese or another antipasti starter, or as a drink as guests arrive. A perfect start to a Christmas celebration!

Honourable mention: The Rivarose Sparkling Rosé

Of course, if you aren’t into prosecco, my second pick would be the Rivarose Sparkling Rosé. This wine is all the way from Provence, and is perfect for celebrations! If you want a sparkling but also want something different, this wine is perfect. It isn’t sweet like a Moscato but packs great crisp flavours. Definitely check it out!

My top Rosé pick: Gerard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé

This one was a bit of a no-brainer for me because this is probably the Rosé that I will be drinking this Christmas. I experienced this wine for the first time because of my partner’s family, and so I can imagine that this will be on the menu over the Christmas period. Everyone loves it so much! 

This is because of the flavour of the wine. It is so well-balanced between dryness and sweetness, which is perfect for summer weather. I find you don’t want anything too sweet as if it is overpowering it becomes too much. However, if it is too dry it doesn’t refresh you enough. This wine is so easy to drink and refreshing because it is so subtle. When it’s hot you need to polish off a glass before it heats up, so I think this wine is perfect for meeting this need!

I’ve often enjoyed this wine at the coast, and it reminds me of hot summer days that we experienced in Provence. The fact that it takes me back to my happy places makes it a perfect wine for Christmas. It’s the sort of wine that you don’t need to have food with to enjoy. Perfect for those lazy summer days!

My top red wine: Pizzini Nonna Gisella Sangiovese 2017

Even though it is hot at Christmas, I still find myself wanting to have a red wine or two with dinner. Something about the food makes this feel ok. But because of this, the wine should be light and easy drinking. Otherwise, I think it would be too much!

This is why my top red wine pick is the Pizzini Nonna Gisella Sangiovese. This is one of my favourite red wines. I’ve also written about Pizzini a couple of times because I am a little obsessed with all the wines they produce. But this one is a wine I’ve enjoyed a few times this year. I’ve even got a bottle at home ready to crack open for the holiday season!

The reason this Sangiovese is quite good for hot weather is that it is quite subtle in its flavour, making it very easy to drink. It doesn’t have many tannins and so it doesn’t have that tartness that Sangiovese can sometimes have, making it a little lighter than others in the variety. It goes perfectly with pasta, which means that unlike some other red wines it isn’t as heavy and enjoyed with lighter main meals.

I think the best thing about this wine is that it reminds me of family. My dad introduced me to Pizzini, and now when I have it I think of enjoying it around the family dinner table (you’re seeing a theme now I’m sure). So I know this wine would go so well with our Christmas dinner. It is unassuming, subtle and perfect for those summer red drinkers!

Honourable mention: Super Nanny Central Otago 2016 Pinot Noir

If you’re after a bit of a splurge and really want to impress your friends, family and in-laws, look no further than Super Nanny! Like Nanny Goat, it is an incredible wine that is full of beautiful and interesting flavours. Because it is a Pinot Noir, it also means that it is perfect for summer drinking. You can even chill it for an extra refreshing red!

This wine will set you back a little, but it is completely worth it if you’re in the market for something fancier for your celebration. This one won’t let you down!