By sweet, I mean something that’s big, oaky and immediately appealing. Sweet wine has the promise of being a tempting teaser to tipplers who aren’t all that crazy about wine.

These wines usually come from the New World rather than Europe. They're not, as it happens, my favourite wines, but I do give them a lot of credit because they’ve done much good work in persuading non-wine-drinkers to enjoy wine.

Australia, with its big, easy-drinking Shiraz varieties (often from the Barossa Valley) has created a popular style, often imitated in other countries. Another endearing wine, Penfold’s Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz is particularly worthy - especially the 2002 vintage.

Once you’ve got the pub-ophile hooked on that one, try them on a classy Peter Lehmann Futures Shiraz 2003. Almost any Shiraz from this excellent producer is a safe bet.

Supplier selection
Peter Lehmann Futures Shiraz 2003
£11.99, Oddbins and independents

Penfold’s Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz
£9.99, widely available