Wines of Week: Oldenburg Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon; Domaine De Brau 2010 Pays D'Oc IGP; Valle Vento Barolo 2008

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Sunday lunch

Oldenburg Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Seeking a really big, elegant red for the Christmas table but don't want to pay silly prices for unreliable claret? Be different with an oak-aged Cabernet Sauvignon from a boutique South African winery: intense, tannic and concentrated, with black fruits and hints of mint on the palate, yet still juicy on the finish. Game, rare roast beef or Stilton are in order here. If you put some aside, it will be even better next year. £21.50, slurp.co.uk; £22.60, bbr.com

Midweek meal

Domaine De Brau 2010 Pays D'Oc IGP

Looking for an interesting alternative to sometimes predictable white Burgundy to accompany fish or shellfish over Christmas? Try this brilliant white from a highly rated organic producer in the Languedoc – considerable elegance, with restrained pineapple and banana flavours and a lovely refreshing zing on the palate. £9.75, vintageroots.co.uk

Bargain basement

Valle Vento Barolo 2008

Of course the festive season is a time to put those classic names on the table to impress your guests, but it doesn't always have to be at a substantial cost. Here is a top-notch but favourably discounted Barolo for turkey, goose or hard cheeses: rich, savoury and complex, with red stone-fruit flavours, a touch of oak and well structured tannins. Decant well in advance. £10 (normally £14.99; until 13 January), Spar stores