Partner Christmas dinner with shiraz wine, says expert

A New World shiraz makes a great partner for the Christmas turkey, according to one foodie.

Writing for the Irish Independent, Katherine Donnelly explained that people should avoid buying high-tannin wine for Christmas Day, since the tipple should be subtle.

In her opinion, shiraz can offer a great supporting flavour for the Christmas bird and all its trimmings.

Ms Donnelly claimed that more "serious" examples of the grape will also be able to stand up to the taste of a goose, allowing chefs more flexibility over what they serve on the day.

She remarked: "Red wines should be silky, sweet and spicy, but with enough structure to take on all the textures and flavours."

A great bottle to match with Christmas dinner would be the Beneficio Single Vineyard McLaren Vale Shiraz 2008, which is a really vibrant drink that boasts notes of blackberry and damson within its smashing bouquet, with a spicy finish to top it all off.