Chateau de Parenchere 2013, £11.10, peterosbornewine.co.uk

Two French wines only available from online retailers this week starting with a dry white from Bordeaux.

The main ingredient is Sauvignon Blanc but it’s much more subtle than the multitude of New World offerings thanks to 15% each of Semillon and Muscadelle grapes.

It’s lemony, with grapefruit, a refreshing taste ad just 13% alcohol.

Abbotts and Delaunay Cumulo Nimbus 2011, £16.99, averys.com

Averys of Bristol began selling wine in 1793 but thanks to the internet you no longer have to go West for their wares.

This cracking red is a mix of Syrah or Shiraz and Carignan from a maker based near Carcassonne in the far south of France and has just won an international silver medal.

It’s not cheap but is great for Christmas. Rich, spicy, black cherries and liquorice.