What would Charles Dickens have used to toast Christmas 1838?  We can only speculate, but had he purchased from the fledging merchants on Old Broad Street, London, it might well have been a delicious old world port, sherry or even gin.

This year the spirit of Christmas past can still be in the safe hands of Corney & Barrow, but now its cellar of mature vintages and exclusive producers, includes an outstanding Own Label selection.  Crafted in collaboration with some of the world's most sought after wine makers, each is a benchmark example of a wine style or region at gloriously everyday prices – making them ideal for drinks parties, impromptu visitors, celebratory meals and indulgent stocking fillers.

Take the headache out of this year's festive season by stocking up on the Corney & Barrow 12 Wines Of Christmas (available individually or as a mixed case):

C&B Blanc IGP Cotes de Gascogne 2016, £7.50

The essential fridge stand-by. Blended with mouthwatering freshness in mind, this staff and customer favourite is a light, zesty white blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc from Gascony.

C&B Rouge Vin de France 2015, £7.50

The versatile house red. From the sunny Languedoc, this blend of fruity Merlot, spicy old vine Carignan and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon works a treat either with food or on its own.

C&B White Burgundy Domaine Dominique Cornin 2016, £14.95

Stylish yet affordable white Burgundy. Yes, such wine still exists if you know where to look. Match festive fish with this moreish Maconnais mix of baked apple fruit and creamy palate.

C&B Company Reserve Claret Maison Sichel 2014, £12.95

The Sunday roast lamb solution. This rich, seriously structured claret from the reputed J-P Moueix blends grapes from small growers across special pockets of Bordeaux's Right Bank.

C&B Cotes-du-Rhone Vignobles Gonnet 2015, £9.95

The Christmas all rounder. Think of this as a baby Chateauneuf du Pape: made from old vines just outside the appellation, it blends winter warming richness with savoury elegance.

C&B Rioja Crianza Bodegas Zugober 2012, £9.95

Feliz Navidad. Treat the Rioja lover in your life with this deeply satisfying expression, whose limestone-rich Alavesa soil, old vine fruit and extra ageing add real finesse to a classic style.

C&B Margaux, Maison Sichel 2012, £21.95

For that someone special. A seductive proposition from the most feminine of Bordeaux's top appellations, this perfumed, satin-clad delight is the second wine of Chateau Angludet.

C&B Pomerol Ets J-P Moueix 2014, £19.95

A Christmas indulgence. The Moueix family have used their unrivalled Pomerol knowhow to create this richly complex Merlot blend; structured yet approachable in style and price.

C&B St-Emilion GFA Clemenceau 2012, £16.95

Terrific with turkey. Not to mention a mean match for cranberry sauce thanks to the succulence of this utterly drinkable Merlot-led blend with its herbal dash of Cabernet Franc.

C&B Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionnelle, Varichon et Clerc NV, £12.75

The ultimate party fizz. Ring in the New Year with this crowd pleasing, affordable 'vin mousseux', a Burgundian sparkler that has consistently delighted customers for 20 years.

C&B Sauternes, Maison Sichel 2012 Halves, £13.25

The sweet treat. Revive your weary palate with a glass of liquid gold, its luscious honeyed fruit perfectly poised alongside fresh acidity for an invigoratingly indulgent Christmas treat.

C&B Ruby Port, Cristiano Van Zeller, £12.95

The finishing touch. This deliciously sweet, slightly spicy port from the renowned Van Zeller family offers the perfect cheese match at the end of a meal – or try it chilled as an aperitif.

ENDS

For further information about this release of images please contact Vicky Major on 07506750318 or email vicky@majorpr.co.uk

Notes to editors:

Independent wine merchants since 1780, Corney & Barrow currently holds two Royal Warrants, as suppliers to HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Prince of Wales.

Every delicious bottle of wine from Corney & Barrow's Own Label range represents outstanding quality and value - the very best in easy-drinking at everyday, honest prices.

It is Corney & Barrow's mission to offer benchmark examples of every single wine in their portfolio and their Own Label wines are no exception. Each year, Corney & Barrow's experts carefully create their Own Label special blends: the blends they and their customers hold in high esteem and buy time and time again. Corney & Barrow works painstakingly with experienced winemakers, in pursuit of the most delicious wine they can make from the vineyard, that year and for the best possible price.

While Corney & Barrow represents some of the rarest and most expensive bottles in the wine world, the concept of best in class is as relevant as £8 as at £500. They want their customers to feel clever about finding such great wines at such affordable prices and be equally proud to serve it or give it as a gift.