AAAAH it's barely the middle of November and, hark the herald, we're already gonna talk about Christmas.

We used to have strict rules about this in our winehold. No Christmas talk until December 24 at the earliest, prior to a mad scramble to get in the presents. Then we slackened off and said the start of December, just for practical reasons.

Now look at us. November 19. We've hardly got over Halloween, never mind Bonfire Night, and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. Not that we're American of course. (Then again, Halloween was never a big deal over here either before we bought it off the US of A, so you never know, we might end up giving thanks too. Not that many Americans have that much to give thanks for right now, bearing in mind recent events.)

Anyway. Our thoughts turned to Christmas after the Wine Society, getting in early with its gift guide, put forward some suggestions for festive tipples, for anyone here who's inclined to get prepared relatively early.

We couldn't really criticise the suggestions either, even if they were a slight shift from the usual Christmas classics.

First up is The Society's Exhibition Cote de Brouilly 2015, a new addition to the hallowed ranks of its Exhibition range - which takes its name, incidentally, from the International Exhibition held at the Albert Hall in 1874, where the Wine Society was founded.

It's a 13.5 per cent Cru Beaujolais, and an easy-drinking one at that, the kind you need when bottles tend to be open from early until late.

Rather ripe and richly fruity, yet with a light touch, this is a red wine which can go with your turkey, or even goose if you're that way inclined, especially when you have all the trimmings too. (No, stop; it's definitely too soon to start thinking pigs in blankets.) It's available at £8.95 a bottle.

Then there's the white suggestion - a 2015 Soave Classico Coffele Castel Cerino made from the underrated Garganega grape (and hailing from the Soave wine region which is so good that it, along with the more famous Chianti, was the first zone in Italy to be recognized by Royal Decree as being able to produce fine wines willy-nilly).

A 12.5 per cent dry white, it is one for all types of fish and seafood but would also blend with turkey and at the same time cut through the lashings of gravy.

It'd probably even make sprouts taste pleasant.

Coming in at £8.75 a bottle, it's another high-standard easy drinker, so can be enjoyed before and after the big dinner, as well as during.

For any Americans happening upon these musings, both of these wines would go well with your turkey too... I mean the Thanksgiving dinner, not the new president. B-dum tsch.