Anyone out there fancy a drink?

RIGHT, folks, help is at hand if you’re struggling to fill your cupboard because of the hoarders. Claret isn’t a natural pair for baked beans and vintage port is going to overpower Tunnock’s Teacakes but after many punishing hours of tasting, I have found the perfect wine for these isolating times.

Australian Shiraz is my wine of the moment with lashings of soft, spicy fruits, plenty of thoughtnumbing alcohol and a remarkable ability to make a packet of crisps taste like a Michelin dish.

Shiraz, or Syrah as it’s also known, is one of the classic grapes of the Rhone valley but it’s also one of the original varieties taken to Australia in the 19th century. As a result of the phylloxera outbreak in Europe in the latter half of the 19th century, most of the original vines in Europe were destroyed so Australia now has some of the largest plantings of pre-phylloxera vines.

Shiraz took to Australia like a duck to water and the warm climate transformed our understanding of the grape. In France, it was largely blended in wines such as Chateauneuf du Pape or Gigondas and the occasional single varietals in the south were ugly ducklings. The Aussies turned Shiraz into sexy, fruity supermodels with the naughtiest ones being produced in the Barossa Valley. The style varies from soft, silky berry dominated wines to big ripe cassis dominated wines with furry tannins.

Some of them should say ‘dilute to taste’ on the label but mark my words, these wines should be in everyone’s self-isolation goody box.

The Society’s Australian Shiraz

This is divine, with juicy ripe blackberries, a hint of spice and a fresh finish.

The Wine Society ,£7.50 per bottle, or £90 a dozen

Berry Bros & Rudd Australian Shiraz

I couldn’t agree more with Berry Bros: this is a quintessential example of Barossa Shiraz with dark brambly fruits on the nose, ripe soft tannins and hints of vanilla and chocolate on the finish. Lush.

Berry Bros. & Rudd £12.95