I recently introduced myself at a wine tasting as a '365 rosé girl'. Sipping the pink drink poolside or at a beach club with friends in warmer climates is what we dream of on these grey winter days.  But our darling rosé isn't just a summer fling – it's an effortless crowd-pleaser that will delight palates over the festive season just as it does in the sun. As the wine expert of the family, I've been steadily introducing new traditions in the vino department over the last few years.  The most controversial – now fully embraced by our multi-generational table of drinkers – is a magnum of rosé served with our beetroot and gin-cured salmon starter, perfected by my dad, on Christmas Day.  It's the perfect middle ground for those who don't enjoy an oaky white, squirm at an aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, brace themselves for the acidity of other crisp styles, or generally 'just drink red'. Rosé isn't just a summer fling, says wine expert Charlotte Kristensen  The British choice is typically a Provence-style pale pink: elegant, fresh, with just the right level of juiciness. However, don't shy away from rosé wines with a bit more colour at Christmas. Certain Spanish styles and deeper-hued French options (see my picks below) are dry and often have more bite than their pale counterparts. A deep colour doesn't necessarily mean sweetness (unless you're looking at bottom-shelf White Zinfandel à la Barefoot). If you're not sure what foods to pair rosé with, my advice would be to 'think pink': serve your blush wines with pink-tinged dishes. Below, I've listed five of my favourite festive pairings to try this season, with my rosé recommendations starting at just £5.59. Pick up a copy of Charlotte Kristensen's debut book, Wine: Taste Pair Pour, at Amazon, Waterstones and all major bookstores. The best food and rosé pairings to try this Christmas Salmon: Rosé wines cut through the rich, smoky, and oily textures of smoked salmon, while their silky texture and delicate flavours create a harmonious pairing with cured salmon. Cured meats: Prosciutto, Jamón Ibérico, salami, and similar cured meats are flavourful, salty, and fatty, making them a perfect match for the crispness of rosé, which provides a vibrant lift. Pomegranate salad: This pairing plays on the red fruit notes found in both rosé and pomegranate, creating a light, lively, and festive match. Lobster, prawn and crab: The succulent, subtly sweet, and salty-mineral flavours of shellfish are complemented by rosé wines, which echo and enhance these delicate attributes. Glazed ham: Rosé is a delightful match for the meaty, honeyed flavours of glazed ham, offering a bright, crisp counterpoint to this rich and satisfying Christmas favourite. The best rosé wines to drink this Christmas  Baron Amarillo Rioja Rosado (£5.59, Aldi) Baron Amarillo Rioja Rosado  A bargain, quaffable Spanish pick with cranberry crunch and a touch of saline freshness. La Vieille Ferme Rosé (£16, Sainsbury's)  La Vieille Ferme Rosé The much-loved viral ‘chicken wine' – an affordable favourite, now available in magnum for extra love. Domaine Maby Prima Donna Rosé (£14.50 at The Wine Society) Domaine Maby Prima Donna Rosé A characterful, deeper-hued, gastronomic rosé from Tavel, a renowned region known for its rosés with flair. Love by Leoube Organic Rosé (£17.50 at The Great Wine Co.) Love by Leoube Organic Rosé A classic Provence rosé, fresh and elegant, with notes of berry, peach, and delicate florals. Railway Hill Rosé (£20 at Simpsons Wine) Railway Hill Rosé An award-winning Kent rosé, brimming with red fruits, crisp acidity, and effortless elegance. Alkemi Xinomavro Rosé (£21.50 at Hedonism) Alkemi Xinomavro Rosé An intriguing Greek rosé, textured and generous, bursting with pink citrus, wild herb, and a mineral bite. Chateau d'Esclans Garrus Rosé (£120 at Jeroboams) Chateau d'Esclans Garrus Rosé A splurge-worthy gourmet rosé from the Whispering Angel family – unusually it is oaked, offering a structured, spiced sip with depth.