Christmas means many things to many people: family, presents, tradition, the Queen’s speech and plenty of delicious food and drink. When preparing the latter, avoid stress by opting for classic food and wine pairings with one of the following mouth-watering Rioja wines.

Make sure you’re fully prepared for the hordes of visitors during the Christmas holidays by stocking up on some easy drinking wines, such as a fresh Rioja rosé. These light-bodied, fruity wines drink well on their own at Christmas parties and pair with many different types of food – perfect for keeping your guests happy!

If like most people you’re planning a three course Christmas lunch, you’ll probably opt for a light fish or seafood starter. Why not surprise your guests by serving a white Rioja? With a range of styles from fresh and fruity to complex oak-aged beauties, Rioja whites deserve to be as famous as their red cousins.

For the big Christmas lunch, Rioja reds come into their own. Try serving a Reserva with turkey – this much loved classic style of Rioja has gentle fruit and savoury oak aromas which are simply perfect with roasted meat. If you prefer to stick to Christmas traditions and serve goose, it has to be the intense savoury flavours of a Gran Reserva to balance the richness and creamy texture of the meat - a match made in heaven!

Finally, once everyone has left and the washing up is done, reward yourself with a relaxing glass of young red Rioja. Fruity, smooth and mellow, these young red wines will taste equally delicious on Boxing Day with cold meats.