If you're burning the midnight oil with friends, you really don't want to be drinking anything that’s too powerful. After a few glasses of a full-bodied Australian Shiraz with 14.5 per cent alcohol, chances are that no one will be making much sense after a few hours. Instead, I’d choose a selection of low-alcohol wines, preferably from Germany. At around 8-11 per cent alcohol content, they’ll keep everyone happy – and each mouthful will be a pleasure.

Good German wine is still a minority interest, but the better supermarkets offer at least a few choices. Dr Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2004 is a star buy at just 7.5 per cent alcohol. The wine, although a little on the sweet side, has compensating high acidity levels, which means you’ll never feel like you’re getting a mouthful of sugar.

If you’re looking for wines in addition to German selections, remember that French wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Loire, typically have lower alcohol levels to keep you bright and alert through the long nights of serious discussions…

Supplier stockist
Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2004
£10.99, Waitrose