Easy . . .
Meaning easy to find and easy on the pocket:
Viognier du Domaine de Gourgazaud, Vin de Pays d'Oc, 1996 (Dunnes Stores, Vintry Rathgar, usually about £7.99). A smashing Viognier for the money, tinglingly fresh before the classic peach-and-apricot flavours fan out and linger impressively.
Tesco Hunter Valley Semillon 1997 (TescoQuinnsworth, £7.99). Hunter Semillon is a wonder to the few but ignored by the many. Full marks to Tesco for this terrifically fresh, citrussy example. Unlike most Christmas prezzies it will get even better if left unopened till next year.
Faustino V, Rioja Reserva, 1994 (widely available, £8.59-£8.99). Ireland's favourite midprice Rioja, and there's plenty to like about its extrovert nature. Big and spicy.
Masi Campofiorin Ripasso, 1993 (Molloys, TescoQuinnsworth, Superquinn and many other outlets, usually £8.99-£9.99). Rich, warming and distinctively Italian, this second cousin of Amarone comes as close as you'll get to a foolproof present for under £10.
Quirky. . .
For all adventurous drinkers - and the Chardonnay-fatigued.
Organistrum, Rias Baixas, Bodegas VilarinoCambados, 1995 (Wine Vault Waterford, £14.50; also Grapes of Mirth Rathmines, Geraghty's Fine Wines Carlow). A splendidly aromatic, full-bodied white made from the currently fashionable Spanish grape Albarino.
Chatsfield Cabernet Franc, Mount Barker, 1996 (Mitchells Kildare Street and Glasthule, £11.95; also Direct Wine Shipments Belfast). Australian Cabernet Franc? About as unlikely as Irish wallaby - but this one, from a wine estate owned by an Irish doctor, has luscious ripe, peppery appeal as well as rarity value.
Dominio de Valpedusa Syrah, Marques de Grinon, 1996 (McCabes Merrion, Vintry Rathgar, Carvills Camden Street, Sweeneys Dorset Street, Kellys Artane, Savages Swords, Pettitts in south-east, Greenacres Wexford, O'Donovans Cork and other outlets, £12.50-£13.50). Another weird original - Syrah from central Spain - and a very stylish number it is, too, with plenty of body and terrific acidity. Trust me.
Lawsons Dry Hills Martin borough Pinot Noir 1997 (McCabes Merrion, Redmonds Ranelagh, Greenacres Wexford, Vineyard Galway and some other outlets, £13.99-£14.99). New World Pinot Noir is still hanging on to its glamorous aura while we keep trying to find decent examples at a tolerable price. Hurray for this newcomer from New Zealand!
Swanky. . .
Classics you can't go wrong with:
Dr Burklin-Wolf Rupperts berger Riesling Trocken, Pfalz, 1996 (selected Super Valus, £9.99, also Karwigs Wine Warehouse Carrigaline). Quality German Riesling is so uplifting that it has never fallen out of favour with wine nuts. Here's one with lots of that classic poise - an invigorating treat.
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico, 1996 (Terroirs, £10.99). Doesn't everybody here love good Italian food, hence good Italian wine? This, quite simply, is one of the most attractive young Chiantis you're likely to encounter - from a superb estate of great renown.
Givry 1er Cru, Clos de la Servoisine, Domaine JeanMarc Joblot, 1996 (Burgundy Direct, 01-2896615, £13.95 if you buy a case which may be mixed). If it's Burgundy you're after, consider buying from an expert such as Conor Richardson who has talked some top growers (such as Joblot) into sparing a few bottles for Ireland. For Burgundy value and magic charm, this red's a winner.
Sito Moresco, Langhe, Gaja, 1994 (Best Cellars by the case, 01 494 6508; also Mitchells Kildare Street and Glasthule, Grapes of Mirth Rathmines, Nortons Ranelagh, Geraghty's Fine Wines Carlow, Castle Tralee, £2022). No Italian winemaker has as high a profile as Angelo Gaja - nor such heady prices (his Barolos and Barbarescos are well over £60). But here's a more affordable introduction to the master - silky, tangy, absorbing and indisputably classy.