I wouldn't like to have been Guy Fawkes. His demise was somewhat drawn out, if you'll pardon the pun.

I think he's had a raw deal since his death too. Every year we gather to watch his effigy burn on the bonfire. But it's nice for the kids isn't it?

I've decided from now on, every November 5, to propose a toast to Guy and not to toast him. He was, after all, born and educated in York. The following single varietal Chilean reds would be ideal for bonfire parties, as well as for toasting Guy.

Errazuriz Estate Merlot 2004, has recently been named International Wine Challenge wine of the year in the Great Value Red category.

I assume 'Great Value' is a euphemism for cheap but at £6 we're talking trade cheap, not Jo Public cheap. Produced from fruit grown in Chile's Central Valley, it's an easy-going red with rich, textured layers of plum, blackberry and cocoa. There are hints of toasty oak and vanilla with some well-behaved tannins.

These days carmenere could be considered one of Chile's signature grapes but did you know most of the vines masqueraded as merlot until 1991, when they were correctly identified?

I can't help loving Concha Y Toro Winemaker's Lot Carmenere 2004, from the Los Morros Vineyard in the Maipo Valley. It has cream-soda appeal. Strictly speaking I think it's a little top heavy with sweet vanilla oak but don't let that put you off. Near black in colour, a characteristic of the grape, it is high in alcohol, smooth and rich with long flavours of damson, cassis, raspberry and enough subtle tannins to keep me happy all evening.

Fans of Chilean cabernet sauvignon, who have a spare tenner in their back pocket, should try Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, from the Colchagua Valley. It is a superb, pencil-lead textured, terrifically tannined example of the grape, which excites the palate with crushed mint leaves, hedgerow fruits, liquorice and vanilla.

That lot will put more bang in the bangers and make your sparklers sparkle. Some might say I'm losing the plot but that's just the kind of guy I am.

Mike Tipping suggests some perfect reds for a bonfire night.

Errazuriz Estate Merlot 2004, £5.99 at Oddbins, Thresher, Sainsbury's and Tesco 17/20

Concha Y Toro Winemaker's Lot Carmenere 2004, Oddbins £7.99 17/20

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, £9.99 at Morrisons, Oddbins and Majestic 17/20

Tippling term of the week

Delicate: Used in reference to well-balanced wines that have mild flavours and aromas.

Updated: 16:33 Friday, October 28, 2005