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Whether you’re hosting a long, late dinner, heading to a seasonal gathering with something nice under your arm or simply pouring a glass of wine for a night on the couch, there’s no denying that this is the time of year for red. wine With depth, warmth and structure.
Hearty meals require wines that can hold their own. You want them to pair perfectly with slow-cooked meats, rich sauces and well-roasted joints, which means you’ll need a red with tannin, body and spice. So I set out to find the best red wine that does exactly the same thing.
I sampled a variety of options to suit every palette, collecting bottles from around the world, from fine wines to budget buys – and even some Natural Option. Some of the bottles featured here may seem too bold when enjoyed independently, but when paired with the right dish they come into their own, adding depth to the plate rather than dominating it. In tasting, I look for reds with a lasting finish, where the flavor stays with you while also considering balance, aroma and value for money.
Although prices have undoubtedly increased over the years, there is still value to be found in 2025. Honorable budget wine Mention Aldi’s excellent Côtes du Rhone for less than £10 and Tblivino Saperavi for just £12, both well above their price point. But overall my top choice is the 2017 Les Fifs de Lagrange (£34.99, Selfridges.com,
This December, there is no shortage of generous, indulgent reds and I found several impressive bottles at a variety of budgets. Scroll through to see who made the cut.
The best red wines for 2025 are:
- overall best – Chateau Lagrange 2017 Les Fifs de Lagrange: £34.99, Selfridges.com
- best budget option – Chassaux et fils Côtes du Rhone: £5.29, aldi.co.uk
- Best Natural Red Wine – Pim Pam Pum Quinta do Montalto Pim Pam Pum ‘Lagar’: £20.50, shrinetothevine.co.uk
- Best Red Wine for Christmas – Tbilvino Saperavi Georgia 2023: £14, majestic.co.uk
Read more: The Best Orange Wines, Tested by a Food & Drink Writer
how i tested

Enjoyed over a two-week period, all the wines featured here were tasted a few minutes after opening and then after leaving the bottle open for about 45 minutes. All wines were tasted from the same glass and at room temperature. You can find more information about my testing criteria at the bottom of this article.
Read more: The best supermarket wines, chosen by experts and sommeliers