Don’t dive headfirst into the Christmas Baileys before you’ve tried these late autumn and winter wines

This point in November should be known as the “betwixt” time of autumn. Ventoux Blanc, France, 2023 Lidl £6.49, 13.5% abv open image in gallery Ventoux Blanc, France, 2023 This is a great example of what a good autumn white is – made of a blend of three autumnally perfect grapes: viognier, roussanne and marsanne – it is all about the soft stone fruits. Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc, South Africa, 2023 Waitrose, £10.99, 13.5% abv open image in gallery Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc, South Africa, 2023 Chenin blanc is one of my all time favourite white grape varieties – it can range from being lean and austere through to decadent and sweet with every iteration in between. Ferdinand Mayr Exclusiv Blaufränkisch, Austria, 2022 The Wine Society, £8.95, 13.5% abv open image in gallery Ferdinand Mayr Exclusiv Blaufränkisch, Austria, 2022 A bright, fun wine made by a family producer using the indigenous Austrian grape, Blaufrankisch – it is a light bodied, simple and joyful drop with bursting ripe blackcurrants and cherry with a hint of peppery spice too and fresh acidity – oh, and it is great value for money. Invincible Vinho Tinto Douro, Portugal, 2022 Sainsbury’s, £12, 13.5% abv open image in gallery Invincible Vinho Tinto Douro, Portugal, 2022 This is a charming and enveloping wine packed full of ripe sweet dark cherries and plums and a savoury hint which reminds me of one of my favourite crisps – the humble bacon Frazzle.