XMAS EVE WHITES

2017 RAW Villanueva de Alcardete, Spain (£8, Co-op)

VEGANS have been in the papers of late and so here is a wine that not only ticks the vegan box, but tastes superb. Made from Airén, Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc, this Really Awesome Wine shows lovely freshness and balance, with hints of lemon, cucumber, green apple and blackcurrant leaf.

2017 Viognier Grès du Trias, Coteaux de l’Ardèche, France (£9.95, The Wine Society, 01438 741177 and thewinesociety.com)

I LOVE this wine: it is a rare example of the Viognier grape on top form. With a beguiling nose of peach and apricot, a creamy palate and a bright, crunchy finish, this is a sensual treat and would make a fascinating and involving aperitif wine.

2017 Terre Antiche Gavi, La Giustiniana, Piedmont, Italy (£13.75, Oddbins)

MY FAVOURITE Gavi producer of all makes this wonderful wine, which is electrifying in its purity and elegance. With the perfect flavour stance for aperitif duties, but more than enough depth to roll into starters, too, this is Italian chic in a glass and worth every penny.

2016 Domaines Schlumberger Pinot Blanc Les Princes Abbés, Alsace, France (£11, Co-op)

SCHLUMBERGER is one of the great Alsatian wine companies and I am thrilled that one of its wines has made it to the High Street. This is wonderful, with a depth and richness that set it apart. There is no oak, so this is a foodie tipple that underpins its allure on pear and apple-soaked fruit notes.

2017 Casa Santos Lima Serpentina Reserva, Douro, Portugal (£11, Oddbins)

NEVER before has Portugal made white wines like it does today. Modern, crisp and stunningly perfumed, this terrific wine is made from the rare Rabigato and Códega do Larinho grapes and offers a brand new flavour for wine lovers. Rich enough for main courses.

2018 Strout Road Vintners McLaren Vale White Blend, South Australia (£10.99, reduced to £8.99 until December 19, virginwines.co.uk)

THIS is an inspirational and delicious blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. While these grapes are rarely blended together, I love the rich palate and creamy, floral tones. It is layered with flavour and incredibly impressive.