What to drink this Christmas

Champagne As chosen by Esme Johnston, director of www.fromvineyardsdirect.comPerrier Jouet Belle EpoqueCream and honey, brioche and lingering nutmeg notes make this special edition bubbly a delightful classic that’s wonderful with food or on its own. £86.95 at www.thedrinkshop.comSerge Mathieu Superb grower’s champagne, it’s nutty and golden with creamy richness and a light, punchy mousse. Great value and perfect for any Christmas occasion. £21.65, www.fromvineyards.direct.comLaurent Perrier Ultra Brut This zero sugar dosage Brut is bone dry with elegant aromas of honeysuckle, citrus and white fruits. It’s the ultimate cleanser for tired palates – and hangovers. £41 at John LewisSalonThe connoisseurs ultimate Champagne, those who want to really impress party guests had better get on the waiting list at the UK purveyor, Corney and Barrow, sharpish. £175 at Corney and BarrowWhite Wines As chosen by Ruth Turbull, expert at Westbury wine consultancyLeasingham Bin 7 Riesling 2008Bursting with citrus and lime aromas, with steely acidity and refreshing on the palate, pair this Aussie Riesling with prawn cocktail and canapes before  dinner. £9.99 at OcadoMeursault 2007 Jean BourguignonThis deliciously complex, hazelnutty wine is perfect with white meat and fish. It has a plump, full-bodied mouth with remarkable persistency and quince aromas. £17.99 from Majestic Anakena ONA 2008Combines the mineral notes of Riesling with the apricot and floral notes of Viognier, and the tropical aromas of Chardonnay. Will work well throughout your Christmas meal.  £7.99 at OddbinsRobert Mondavi  Fume Blanc 2006Sumptuous texture, youthful vitality and aromas of rich butter and citrus flavours make famous wine perfect for turkey, gammon or salmon. £19.99 at Wimbledon Wine CellarsSherry As chosen by Jason Bedford, owner of The Mercer restaurantOloroso Abocado AlamedaAn Oloroso such as this is dry but has an oily quality which works wonderfully with oily fish such as smoked salmon and mackerel. £12.09 from BibendumHarvey’s Bristol CreamServed chilled with vanilla ice cream (or most Christmassy type puddings), this is amazing and if you hide the bottle, your guests will never guess what they are having. £7.91 at TescoPedro Ximenez Bodegas Hidalgo Viejo TrianaLike drinking liquid dates soaked in black treacle – this sherry is just amazing and is absolutely perfect for Christmas puddings. £16.76 at Binendum Lustau East India Cream SherryWidely available and superb, this warming blend of  Palomino Fino and Pedro Ximenez goes wonderfully with blue cheese. £8.54 at WaitroseFortified Wines As chosen by Matthew Jukes, buyer at Quintessentially WinesDows Vintage PortAn incredible wine from an incredible vintage, this port is ideal for after dinner or as an accompaniment to your Christmas pudding – a real treat for you and your loved ones. £95 at www.snooth.comTaylor’s Quinta de Terra Feita 1999Vintage, single Quinta Port is a bit of a lottery, but this elderly wine is a winner, with spice, leather, orange peel and a hint of chocolate that’s asking for a night by the fire. £29.99 at OddbinsTaylor’s 20-year Old Tawny PortUltra-fashionable as a chilled aperitif, or with coffee after dinner. Buy a case because it is rare and people always want more. £354 per case, www. quintessentiallywine.comNV Skillogalee Liqueur MuscatA monstrously enjoyable fortified wine, with nutty, raisin and apricot flavours and a richness that makes it right for even the sweetest puddings. £21.75, www. quintessentiallywine.com2002 Taylors LBV Late-bottling makes a concentrated drink that is a cheaper and more accessible way of enjoying the best of a vintage and is great for cracking open all year round. £12.99 at MajesticRed Wines As chosen by Neleen Strauss, co-owner and sommelier at High Timber restaurantCorton-Bressandes  Burgundy 2005Pinot Noir as it is meant to be. Usual aromatic seduction: cedary spice, tobacco. The taste stays with you for ages. Made for lamb. £640 per case, www.millesima.co.uk Jordan Cobbler’s Hill 2003 This reminds me of home (South Africa) round this time of year – sunshine, blue skies, and barbeques. Fantastic with beef and lamb. £17.98 from www. whitebridgewines.co.ukThe Foundry Syrah 2005An elegant Rhone style, with blackberry, fig fruit and granite undertones. Great with hard cheddar, venison, biltong, dried meats. A real winter wine. £19 at www.winearray.co.ukVega Sicilia Unico Reserva NVSpanish Tempranillo/ Cabernet blend, this is just fantastic with lamb and worth it for Christmas just to have a bit of heaven in your mouth. £171.25 at Berry Bros & RuddBarolo 2004 Attilo GhisolfiLiquorice, mint and black cherry flavours make this warming wine lovely with game/venison and pheasant, wild boar and truffle truffle. £16 at www.marcfinewines.com