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Sainsburys Xmas wine

www.j-sainsbury.co.uk

19 December 2011

New research released today from Sainsbury’s shows that 39%* of Brits are confused about whether they should drink red or white wine with their Christmas dinner. Having developed two ‘Christmas turkey wines’ to specifically match the flavours found in the typical Christmas dinner, Sainsbury’s is coming to the rescue this festive season. So whether you prefer red or white wine, everyone around the table will be happy with the wine this Christmas.

Developed over a period of three months in partnership with leading Rioja winery, Bodegas Muriel, Sainsbury's winemaking team tasted 40 different styles of wine with a traditional British Christmas dinner to find the optimum pairing. During the course of the tastings, the team ploughed their way through more than 20 roast turkeys with all the Christmas trimmings in order to ensure that the wine blends were just right.

After months of sampling, Sainsbury's winemakers have developed two wines - one white, one red - that balance the different flavours of white and dark meat perfectly. The idea is that customers can choose either wine because their flavour profiles have both been specifically designed to match the taste of Christmas.

The result for red wine fanatics is the Taste the Difference Viñedos Barrihuelo Rioja Crianza**, a smooth, soft, spicy red wine with blackberry fruit aromas. For those who prefer a chilled white, the Taste the Difference Viñedos Barrihuelo Rioja Blanco is the perfect choice - a fresh, elegant white wine with a hint of citrus fruit that will please even the most discerning white wine drinkers.

Sainsbury's winemaker Lucy Clements said: "Our research shows that people are confused about whether to drink red or white wine with their Christmas dinner, when in fact there is no right or wrong answer - it's all about personal preference. What does make a difference however is the flavour profile of the wine and this is more important to get right than the colour. That's why we have created two wines designed especially for Christmas dinner - all you have to do is decide whether you prefer red or white - or both!"

Notes to editors

* 39% of Brits get confused about which colour wine goes best with different types of food according to an independent survey of 500 people, commissioned by Sainsbury's with Toluna
54% of Brits think white wine matches best with roast turkey, 30% of people think red wine matches best with roast turkey and 16% of people don't know according to an independent survey of 500 people, commissioned by Sainsbury's with Toluna
** Taste the Difference Viñedos Barrihuelo Rioja Crianza 2007 and Viñedos Barrihuelo Rioja Blanco 2010 are available in stores nationwide. Currently on promotion from £8.99 down to £5.99 (until 3rd January 2012).