‘All wine tastes better from a magnum’: delicious Christmas bottles, courtesy of Tanners of Shrewsbury

Tanners of Shrewsbury have one of the finest own-label ranges in the country and with dread Christmas in the offing and belts tight as ever, it seemed smart to look no further. With high quality, low prices and the chance to mix your own case, don’t miss this opportunity to fill your boots.

I’m no fan of cava, but Mrs Ray says I should stop being such a ghastly vinous snob and, having tasted the Tanners Cava Brut (1), I realise she might be right. Produced by the Heredad Seguras Viudas winery near Barcelona from Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, it’s fresh, creamy, toasty and, well, yes, rather tasty. Best of all, it’s a crazily low price for a champagne method sparkler and if it doesn’t float your boat as it is, you can slosh it in a Buck’s Fizz, Kir Royale or Black Velvet. £10 down from £11.60.

If, however, only the real thing will do, then the Tanners Extra Reserve Brut Champagne NV (2) in magnum should be right up your street. As any fule kno, all wine tastes better from a magnum, especially champagne, and the visual impact shouldn’t be underestimated either: one magnum on a table looks far more encouraging and exciting than two bottles. More is more. And this is an absolute beauty – both citrus-fresh and toasty – one of the very finest own-label champagnes and a fraction of the price of the Grandes Marques. £62 per magnum down from £68. 

The 2022 Tanners Chardonnay (3) from the excellent cooperative of Les Producteurs Réunis de Cébazan in the Languedoc, is simple, yes, but absolutely bang on. Crisp, clean and fruit-driven, it’s about as fine a house Chardonnay as you’ll find, ideal as an aperitif or for refreshing unexpected festive guests.