Fred Sirieix’s essential M&S wines for Christmas and new year
Take the stress out of festive and party drinks planning with Fred Sirieix’s hand-picked selection of wines. He’s expertly chosen a selection that pairs with every stage of the big day, from welcoming guests right through to dessert and your post-dinner cheeseboard. Plus, he’s got the bubbly covered for New Year’s Eve.Fred’s here to solve your festive wine worries
With all the work that goes into planning Christmas dinner, the drinks can often end up as an afterthought. But fret not – M&S wine ambassador Fred Sirieix has taken care of all the hard work with this convenient case of six brilliant wines to pair with every stage of the big day, from canapés and starters to mains, puds and even the cheeseboard.
From starters and the main event...
Welcome guests with a glass of Found Asti Secco, a brilliant bubbly that’s ideal with savoury nibbles. Then for your starters, a good Chablis is a must and goes perfectly with smoked salmon. Fred has paired our delicious Expressions Ribolla Gialla from Italy with your turkey and trimmings. If you’re having beef (or want to save a bottle for a Boxing Day ham), look no further than our Collection Chateauneuf-du-Pape which has all your favourite festive flavours – berries, cloves, and cinnamon.
...to desserts and the cheeseboard
And who can forget pudding? Fred’s choice is a classic Sauternes – “liquid gold” – which is fabulous served chilled alongside fruity desserts or lighter creamy puddings. And if you’ve still got room, he’s picked our Classics Port to enjoy with your cheeseboard, with its fruity sweetness that matches an array of different cheeses.
Fred’s top picks for ringing in 2024
“We did it! We made it to the end of another year!” says Fred. “Wherever and however you’re ringing in the new year, you’ll want a bottle of this stunning Bellante Prosecco. It’s dry, elegant and comes in a stunning cut-glass bottle – guaranteed to impress family and friends – and has delicate notes of white peach and jasmine. It’s delicious on its own or served with all manner of party food.”
“Or, if you or any of your guests are not drinking, why not try a glass of Collection FrizzanTea Brut? Made with premium Darjeeling tea, this delicate, crisp fizz is perfect for the celebrations.”
Add a touch of Marks & Sparkle to your celebrations
Who doesn't love a bit of extra glitz and glamour at Christmas? No festive celebration is complete without a bottle or two of our Marks & Sparkle, available in both white and rosé. It's a vibrant and crisp alcoholic sparkling grape-based beverage with peach liqueur and extra fancy edible 22ct gold leaf. Ideal for serving alongside nibbles at all your parties and gatherings.
Treat yourself to Champagne
We're firm believers that every occasion deserves Champagne – and it doesn’t get much better than a bottle of our Delacourt, named after the opulent royal courts of 18th-century France. M&S winemaker Sue Daniels scoured the top producers in Reims to select our fabulous fizz. She describes it as, "my desert island Champagne". The house stood out thanks to its relationships with an array of grape growers, meaning Sue could create the perfect range of cuvées (blends). There are five to choose from, spanning crisp Delacourt brut to elegant pale pink rosé, so however you like to celebrate, we’ve got the perfect bottle.
