I’M going to have to use the ‘C’ word. Although I don’t usually like to mention it until December, I have two good reasons to bring it up. The word I have in mind is Christmas.

Firstly, I’ve tasted a number of examples of New World pinot noir recently; good examples of which are a fine match with the traditional Crimbo dinner of roast turkey or goose.

Pinot noir, being a lighter style of red, isn’t too heavy for the meat and can cope with the rich gravy, the ‘pigs in blankets’ and the cranberry sauce.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir 2011, from Chile’s Central Valley, is good, reasonably priced and widely available. It is smooth and quite fresh, with flavours of cherry, brambles and a hint of smoke.

Usually priced at around £7.50, you will find it on offer in numerous outlets in the run up to the festive season.

Making a welcome return to form is Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2011, made with fruit from New Zealand’s Marlborough region.

This silky textured wine is juicy, suggesting cherry and strawberry, yet subtle and well made, with integrated oak notes. It has some lovely, seasonal, spicy notes of cinnamon and clove too.

Also from New Zealand but this time the Martinborough region is Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011. Concentrated, spicy and with a velvety mouth-feel, this is a well balanced wine with a floral character and long flavours of ripe cherries.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir 2011, widely available for around £7.50 18/20

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2011, £11.99 each when you buy two at Majestic, £15.99 at Sainsbury’s 18/20

Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011, £18 each when you buy two at Majestic 18/20

• My other reason for mentioning the ‘C’ word is that two local vintners are holding their Christmas tastings this month. Derventio Wines has its do at the Milton Rooms in Malton on Thursday, telephone (01653) 693196 for more details. Meanwhile, Field & Fawcett holds its tasting on Wednesday November 20 at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in York, telephone (01904) 489073 for more details.

Twitter: @TippingsTipples