Seasonal buys: Christmas 2022

This Californian blend of red Rhône varieties includes almost a third Cinsault for the first time, co-fermented with the 24% Syrah. They're a perfect match for each other – the Cinsault fresh and fruity, and the Syrah more powerful, tannic and spicy. This is deeply flavoured, with plump dark cherry berry fruit, spice and tobacco hints. Generous and open, but with elegance – one of the most exciting reds on the Tesco shelves. The white is also delicious.

A perfect gift for the golfer in your life, but also a cracking red fit for a festive rib of beef. Gorgeously silky, with perky blackcurrant, lifted tobacco, smoky oak char and dried herbs. Grainy tannins, bright acidity and a long finish, this will mature well over the next decade.

Power and price: it's a generalisation, but that's what first comes to mind when you think of Ribera del Duero's reds. So this lightly oaked roble is a real bargain. Made by Tinto Figuero, it has an enticing violet and sweet strawberry perfume that runs throughout the intense but medium-bodied palate, powdery talc-like tannins, crisp acidity and a lingering spiced red cherry finish. Super!

This wine shows an interesting, modern face of Priorat, untouched by wood, with the region's trademark robustness balanced by alluring spiciness, juicy fruit and a refreshing acid pull. Good mineral layer adds structure and poise.

Beautiful expression of high-altitude Malbec, with character and vibrancy, hailing from Finca El Alto de Ugarteche in southern Luján de Cuyo, at 1,050 metres above sea level. Deep red fruit flavours (strawberry, cranberry, strawberry) rest on poised tannins with a mineral quality to them. Very good length, with a refreshing assertive grip.

Tesco's Chilean range is really strong at the moment, exemplified by this cracking-value Pinot for under a tenner. Errazuriz is one of Chile's leading names, based in the cool-climate Aconcagua region. This entry-level Pinot is bursting with fleshy strawberry fruit flavours, and a hint of demerara sugar. It has a captivating New World exuberance to it, but manages to retain freshness at the same time. Half of the wine was aged for six months in French oak, after fermentation in stainless steel tanks.

This is incredible value for money, displaying great typicity and authenticity, fresh and fragrant. You'll find the bright dark cherry perfume and savoury toastiness that you'd expect in a Chianti Riserva, with some earthy notes and forest fruit ripeness. Drinking really beautifully, the perfect mid-week Italian red.

Few wines at this price give you a true taste of the grand vin, but this entry-level Cab (with Malbec and Petit Verdot) and its sister Chardonnay do. Bottle age has accentuated savoury spiced leather tones, but there's herbal, claret-like freshness in red and black currants and firm tarry tannins.

A serious yet affordable Haut-Medoc that has been aged for 12 months in oak. Smokey on the nose with vanilla spices, blackcurrant, dark cherry and cedar. A vinous, juicy palate of cassis and dark plums but does not lack elegance. Structured with a hint of game towards the long finish of dark fruits.

Good starting point to all those wanting to discover the Kadarka variety. Elegant, with freshness but also a good core of red fruit. Long finish with a touch of black pepper. Very juicy and fresh with fine, fresh tannins.

What says Christmas better than Amarone? This is a good-value buy offering dusty, earthy currants and red fruit aromas, with savoury, meaty and very spicy flavours. It’s big and bold – as you’d expect – but a wave of refreshing acidity and menthol brings it to life.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from four sites, with Merlot from two sites and Carmenere from one of Washington's warmest vineyards. Leafy dark fruit aromas introduce a grippy palate balanced by good acidity, with black and blue fruits and some spice from 20 months spent in oak.

This modern, fruit-driven style of Rioja is new to the Sainsbury's range for autumn 2022. Spicy red berries on the nose and palate, which is medium-bodied with enough tannic grip for food pairing. Try it with a whole range of dishes from bangers and mash to veggie pasta or teriyaki noodles.

Late bottled vintage (LBV) is a great-value alternative to full vintage Port, and perfect to match hard cheese or a chocolate dessert. Made by the famous British Port house Symington Family Estates, this has been aged for six years following the vintage in the Symington cellars, and is now drinking beautifully. Bags of sweet blackberry and currant fruit, rich and structured yet fresh. Long and lingering spicy finish. A lovely Christmas treat that won't bust your budget.

Raisin, mince pie, dried figs, dates, and prunes – a parade of festive vibes in a half-bottle. Richly luscious on the palate – essentially chocolate raisin in liquid form. It has great purity with only hints of sweet spices. A delightful treat to be savoured by the fireplace.