I haven't been sinking as many reds as the snooker players in the Travis Perkins UK Open Championship this week but here's a good pack to split open.

Always in the frame at Christmas are clarets, or Bordeaux wines as they should be better known. Good ones tend to be rather expensive. Dourthe No 1 Red 2002 is under £7 and really quite good. It's very dry with berry fruit and a nice bit of French oak.

Or if you've just cashed a cheque for making a televised 147 maximum break, you could afford the £20 price tag for the 2001 Chateau Belgrave from Dourthe's flagship property. An ethereal mix of ripe fruit, blackcurrant and tannins as smooth as the baize on those snooker tables.

Another claret, Mouton Cadet Rouge 2002, has been revamped with a new label design and claims to be more fruit-driven in style. There's plenty of tannin, flavours of red apples with waxed leather and some noticeable oak therein.

Or take a cue from me, opt for a Burgundy. They can be pricey also but these two will not leave you out of pocket. Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2002 is a light and dry, cherry 'n' berry easy drinker and on offer at Majestic.

As is Louis Latour Marsannay Rouge 2000. Spicy with redcurrant and raisins, it's light yet full. A good example of the grape but it needs food. Christmas turkey for instance.

The last three reds all came to my attention at a very convivial evening tasting held by Galtres Fine Wines. The Haxby-based vintners sell by the case, which can be mixed. For more details, or a wine list, ring 01904 763333.

Firstly a very tasty pinotage, Peaks View Pinotage 2001. This South African speciality has the trademark rubber aromas of the grape and forward raspberry flavours. Medium bodied and definitely one to quaff.

I also got a kick from a good tempranillo, produced in the Navarra region of Spain. Vina Sardasol Crianza 1999 has hints of coconut, oak and cherry. Mellow but peppery at the same time.

My favourite from the tasting, however, was a Chilean, William Cole Pinot Noir 2001. Another medium bodied quaffer with nettles, mint, herbs, cherry and oak.

I suppose you could argue, since there is a snooker theme running through Tipping's Tipples this week, that there should be a white and pink included. But I'm afraid that's end of break!

Dourthe No 1 Red 2002, £6.82 at Asda and £6.99 at Oddbins

HHH

Chateau Belgrave 2001, Grand Cru Classe

Haut-Medoc, £19.99 at Oddbins

HHHH

Mouton Cadet Rouge 2002, widely available at £6.99

HHH

Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2002, £6.99 at Majestic (buy 2 save £1)

HHH

Louis Latour Marsannay Rouge 2000, £7.99 at Majestic (buy two save £1)

HHH

Peaks View Pinotage 2001, £6.03 from Galtres Fine Wines

HHH

Vina Sardasol Crianza 1999, £6.85 from Galtres Fine Wines

HHHH

William Cole Pinot Noir 2001, £8.80 from Galtres Fine Wines

HHHH

Updated: 08:38 Saturday, November 27, 2004