As it’s Christmas, we obviously need some fizz, and I’ve plumped for the Rotari Cuvee 28 NV an Italian wine, and a traditional method one at that – ie made the same way as Champagne not Prosecco! Made in a dry style (Brut) this is a Blanc de Blanc as it’s made entirely from Chardonnay. With three years on the lees, it’s elegant with lots of creamy fruit and a lovely minerality.

For the whites we have something a little off-piste but thoroughly delightful: from Australia, the Protero Aromatico, a Gewürztraminer- dominant blend, which is exactly what the name suggests. Oodles of character and aroma (rose, lychee and lots more), round and voluptuous  – love this, it would be brilliant with a curry from the turkey leftovers!

Then for a more traditional Christmas wine – a Chablis from Jean-Marc Brocard one of the regions most well-regarded families. With a hands-off approach to winemaking, this is a pure, classical expression of Chablis, stony, minerally, with bright orchard fruit notes and zesty citrus.  Perfect with the seafood starter.

Onto the reds and two terrific wines from leading exponents of their regions: A full bodied, hugely aromatic and complex Primitivo from Italy think ripe fruits, chocolate, liquorice and sweet spice – this Tormaresca Primitivo was the first Apulian wine to make it into the Wine Spectator top 100 wines.

Then to Australia and a classy Cabernet Sauvignon from Langmeil, chock full of blackcurrant fruit, smoky, and savoury with olive notes and lots of sweet spice. Classy.

Finally something very different – a wine few are likely to have tasted before – a Brachetto d’Acqui from the highly regarded Contero family.  This frothy, sweet  and hugely aromatic red is perfect with chocolate based puddings, soft cheeses or a berry based desert.  Sweet but not cloying and hugely original.