THERE are three wines on my shirt, not Three Lions. Literally in the case of one of the reds this week, which I managed to jettison down the front of my favourite shirt at a tasting. I’m still trying to get the stain out and am tempted to invest in an apron to wear when I am dribbling.

Since it’s supposed to be a World Cup-themed Tipping’s Tipples this week, I’ve picked a trio of wines from the host country of South Africa. But I suspect that most football fans are more likely to be cracking open tins of beer while watching the match, so perhaps this vino would be best served with a juicy post-match steak.

The examples are made from syrah, or shiraz. Three bottles that suggest those South Africans can make some super reds, that are good value for money too.

Bellingham The Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah 2007, like the 2006 which got a rave review in this column, is charmingly smooth. With dark fruit flavours, spiced with black pepper, notes of wax polish, violets and vanilla, held together by supple tannins, it has to be one of the best supermarket reds below £10. Le Cap Maritime Shiraz 2008, out of the Boekenhoutskloof stable, is from the relatively cool, maritime climate region of Walker Bay, hence the name. As the ripening season there is slower, it makes for a rich, harmonious and juicy wine, touting blackberries, mocha coffee, violets and white pepper.

And if you like a blockbuster shiraz, almost in the classic Aussie style, then Thelema Shiraz 2005 really hits the spot. It is full of ripe berry fruit flavours, dark chocolate and black pepper spice but it is balanced too, the oak is nicely integrated. Do be aware that this wine is quite heady stuff however, although in taste terms it is big enough to carry the15 per cent alcohol.

• Bellingham The Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah 2007, £9.99 at larger branches of Sainsbury’s 18/20

• Le Cap Maritime Shiraz 2008, Walker Bay, £9.99 each when you buy two at Majestic 18/20

• Thelema Shiraz 2005, Stellenbosch, £13.99 from Waitrose Wine Direct (waitrosewine.com) 18/20