7 December 2021

Wines for Christmas movie nights

By Lynne Coyle MW | O'Briens Wine Director

If you are looking forward to settling down and watching Christmas movies this December, add to your relaxation and enjoyment by trying these wine and movie matches.

Marquês de Borba Colheita

Alentejo, Portugal

Movie Match: Love Actually

There are a lot of Christmas movies but Love Actually seems to be a favourite. It’s a film that many watch at least once over the Christmas period. The film hones in on multiple romances over Christmas and we have a great red wine to match. A multi-layered wine for a multi-layered love story with a nod to the romantic Portuguese proposal in the film.

Marquês de Borba Colheita has six different grapes go into this masterclass in Portuguese blending. The result is a fresh, juicy wine that has structure, plenty of red-fruit flavours and a spicy acidity. Perfect to sit back and pair with this Christmas movie favourite.

Rizzardi Villa Amarone

Valpolicella, Italy

Movie Match: Die Hard

Die Hard divide's opinion around Christmas, however many believe it’s not quite Christmas without watching John McClane take back control of the gleaming Nakatomi tower. To pair this timeless movie we have a classic Amarone, a powerful muscle bound red with a hint of gentle sweetness to match an action-packed film.

This vintage sees the ideal balance between bright acidity and richness of fruit. Full-bodied and concentrated yet retaining Rizzardi's signature freshness and elegance. A stunning Amarone that will continue to develop complexity in the bottle.

Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay

California, USA

Movie Match: The Holiday

The Holiday is a beloved Christmas movie, following two lovelorn women from opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, who arrange a home exchange to escape heartbreak during the Christmas and holiday season. To match this movie a Californian Chardonnay, full flavored and intense like the characters in this movie that start and end in California.

The Chardonnay grapes come from four premium Californian locations to add distinct layers of complexity. Beautifully integrated tropical fruit flavours such as pineapple, mango and papaya are balanced by ripe citrus notes.

Rock Angel Rosé

Côtes-De-Provence, France

Movie Match: It's a Wonderful Life

It's a Wonderful Life is considered one of the greatest Christmas films of all time. George Bailey’s troubles on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel in this family and drama classic. Our guardian angel for watching this move, a special glass of rosé.Rock Angel is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Vermentino grapes. It is a delicate pale pink with red berry aromas and a hint of floral and spice. On the palate, it has a creamy texture, crisp acidity and a saline, mineral note.

Beaumont des Crayères Grande Réserve NV

Champagne, France

Movie Match: Four Christmases

Four Christmases is a feel good, comedy and romance Christmas movie. As vacation plans change for one couple they must spend Christmas day plodding around to a quartet of family get togethers. Enjoy this movie with bubbles as love, family and real life triumphs in the end.Beaumont des Crayères is a quality-focussed cooperative based in Champagne's Marne Valley. The balanced palate is lively with flavours of greengage, pear and citrus fruit flavours before a long, slightly spiced finish.

Lynne Coyle MW is O’Briens Wine Director and sources and selects our wine and Champagne range. One of only 418 Masters of Wine worldwide, she has dedicated her career to the food and drinks industry. Lynne also writes, judges at international wine competitions, is a Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified Educator and makes her own wines in Spain.