Wine with Leslie: Bollinger in short supply but these red wines will ensure a merry Christmas

Also, minimum alcohol pricing arrives on January 4, 2022 and my advice is to buy while you can

The disruption to global supply chains has meant there are problems getting wines from countries such as Chile, New Zealand and Australia

The rumours are true: there is no Bollinger Champagne this Christmas. So, if you spot a bottle, snap it up as their importer used up their 2021 allocation too early this year. Cristal is also in short supply but don’t despair as most other brands are available, especially Supermarket brands, Grower Champagne and solid houses like Charles Heidsieck, Veuve Clicquot and Pol Roger.

It is not just Bollinger, however, the disruption to global supply chains has meant there are problems getting wines from countries such as Chile, New Zealand and Australia. And Sauvignon Blanc is in short supply — you may need to switch allegiance from Chile to the Loire.