FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TABLE

5 top tips

1. Your guests are going to bring special wines that they really want to share with you – let them! No room for control ‘freakery’ here.

2. Choose relatively affordable wines you know and love: this isn’t the time to experiment.

3. The wine shouldn’t be the focus of your Christmas table – the people should. Let it take a back seat!

4. Resist the temptation to open a really special bottle when you’re already deep into the festivities: although it will seem like a really good idea at the time, it’s probably better to share your prized bottle with one or two friends in a more sober setting.

5. It’s summer! And it’s hot – don’t be afraid to chill your reds slightly.

Our suggestions

We’re not going to talk about bubblies (we’re saving the fizz for New Year’s Eve!), but here’s a selection of six easy-drinking, good-value blends to share with family and friends on the day.

Bosman Adama White 2016, and delicious R170: smooth with floral aromas Alvi’s Drift Reserve CVC 2016, R100: a lovely strawcoloured dry, elegant wine Vondeling Babiana 2017, R185: complex and slightly exotic, with a lovely green tinge Groote Post Salt of the Earth: a lovely blend of Shiraz and Cinsault De Toren Délicate,

R109: best served slightly chilled, this is smooth, juicy and very elegant Luddite Saboteur Red 2016, R255: vibrant, plummy, rich and beautifully balanced