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Whether you’re hosting a long, late dinner, turning up to a seasonal gathering with something decent under your arm or simply pouring a glass for a night on the sofa, there’s no denying this is the time of year for red wines with depth, warmth and structure.
Hearty food calls for wines that can hold their own. You want them to perfectly accompany slow-cooked meats, rich sauces and well-roasted joints, meaning you’ll need reds with tannin, body and spice. So I set about finding the best red wines that do exactly that.
I sampled a variety of options to suit every palette, pulling together bottles from across the world, from fine wines to budget buys – and even some natural options. Some of the bottles featured here might feel too bold when enjoyed independently, but paired with the right dish they come into their own, adding depth rather than overpowering the plate. In tasting, I looked for reds with a lasting finish where the flavours stay with you as well as considering balance, aroma and value for money.
While prices have undoubtedly crept up over the years, there’s still value to be found in 2025. Honourable budget wines mentions go to Aldi’s excellent Côtes du Rhône for less than £10 and Tblivino Saperavi for just £12, both of which punch well above their price point. But my top pick overall had to be the 2017 Les Fiefs de Lagrange (£34.99, Selfridges.com).
This December, there’s no shortage of generous, indulgent reds and I found a number of impressive bottles across a range of budgets. Scroll on to see which ones made the cut.
The best red wines for 2025 are: Best overall – Château Lagrange 2017 Les Fiefs de Lagrange: £34.99, Selfridges.comBest budget option – Chassaux Et Fils Côtes du Rhône: £5.29, Aldi.co.ukBest natural red wine – Pim Pam Pum Quinta do Montalto Pim Pam Pum ‘Lagar’: £20.50, Shrinetothevine.co.ukBest red wine for Christmas – Tbilvino Saperavi Georgia 2023: £14, Majestic.co.uk
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How I tested 
Each vino was in this review was tatse-tested at room temperature (Lily Thomas/The Independent)
Enjoyed over a two-week period, all the wines featured here were tasted a few minutes after opening and then again after the bottle had been open for about 45 minutes. All wines were tasted from the same glasses and at room temperature. You can find more about my testing criteria at the bottom of this article.
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Dining and Cooking