Anima Nega AN/2 Mallorca 2008, Expect to pay €20

For centuries, wine in Majorca was made for local consumption until Phylloxera, the vine disease, hit European vineyards in the 19th century and Majorca became a major trader. Then it kind of went into a slumber until Anima Negra and other producers put it back on the map. The blend in this red changes every year, but is dominated by local grapes, Callet, Mantonegre and Fogoneu. Big and rich with a nice silkiness.

With food? Beef stew, casseroles

Available from: Callan’s Dundalk, Cases Wine, Galway, Wines on the Green, Dublin, and leading independents

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2010, Expect to pay €9.99

According to French wine laws, Beaujolais Nouveau can only be released at one minute past midnight on the third Thursday of November. Georges Duboeuf is credited for marketing the tradition to the rest of the world and bringing ‘Beau Nou’ global. His nickname is ‘The Roi du Beaujolais’ for the recognition and attention he has brought to the region. Inky purple, bright, fresh as you’d expect with aromas of banana and bubblegum. Very easy drinking.

With food? Roast chicken, turkey

Available from: Most wine shops and supermarkets

LA Cetto Nebbiolo Private Reserve 2002, Mexico, Expect to pay €19

Mexico is one of those grey areas between old and new world distinctions. Wine has been made there since the 16th century, mainly for religious and ceremonial use. This one is named after the Cetto family, who emigrated to Mexico from Italy in the 1900s. The Nebbiolo grape is normally at home in Piedmont and while Mexico is not a place widely known for its wine, this will pleasantly surprise a lot of people.

With food? Hard cheeses, spicy meats

Available from: Mitchell & Son

Cono Sur pinot noir reserva 2008, Expect to pay €11

Cono Sur bucks the tradition of tradition and is proud of its ‘no family trees, no dusty bottles, just quality wine’ approach. Its focus is on what’s in the bottle and it shows. Many Chilean Pinot Noirs are too jammy and have too much oak treatment. This doesn’t. Grapes are from the Casablanca Valley, an area with cool nights and foggy mornings – ideal Pinot climate. This gives the wine a lovely elegance. You won’t get a better Pinot Noir from anywhere at this price.

With food? Lamb, chicken, salmon, tuna

Available from: Independent wine shops, Tesco, Superquinn