In this week’s Tipping’s Tipples, MIKE TIPPING picks some wines which are top of the class.

School’s out for summer soon. These days parents are often left scratching their head, as to what present to buy for their child’s teacher.

I’m not sure when the tradition started for buying Sir or Miss a gift at the end of the school year. But I do recall giving two ounces of pipe tobacco to my class teacher when I finished primary school.

The fact that said teacher would walk around the school smoking his pipe after lessons dates the story somewhat and I’m not convinced such a gift would be a good idea in 2011!

Listening to a primary school teacher, who was being interviewed on national radio this morning, it seems the most common presents are chocolate and mugs. So if you want to be a little different, I think a bottle of vino would be appreciated.

I’ve picked six of the best for teachers who tipple, I’m reliably informed that there are quite a number who do. This week’s half dozen have been recommended in Tipping’s Tipples, in the last six months or so.

For white drinkers, M&S Bordeaux Sauvignon 2010 (£6.99 at M&S), is bright and fresh with lemon zest, goosegogs and minerals. It isn’t too dry and would make a good aperitif.

For a little more outlay, the off-dry and perfumed Villa Maria Private Bin Gewürztraminer 2010 from New Zealand (£9.99 at Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Majestic and Wine Rack) has aromas of Turkish delight, giving way to lychee, pear and honey on the palate.

If rosé is the preference, Jacob’s Creek Shiraz Rosé 2010 (£7.49 at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose) is good at the price. Crunchy with up-front aromas and flavours of strawberry, cherry and raspberry. It has white pepper notes on the finish.

Or try the strawberry-scented Château Meaume Bordeaux Rosé 2009 (£6.99 at Majestic). Bone dry and full flavoured, it reveals raspberry and blackcurrant on the palate, with spicy notes and a sprinkling of herbs.

Whereas red drinkers will be kept happy with Casillero del Diablo Carmenère 2010 from Chile (£7.99 at Asda, The Cooperative and Sainsbury’s). It has a vivid purple hue and is quite concentrated with blackcurrant leaf aromas and flavours of bramble, plum, chocolate and spice.

Alternatively, Paul Mas La Forge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (£8.99 at Majestic) oozes southern French charm. Smooth, rich, balanced and elegant, it suggests cassis and raspberry fruit with notes of mint and vanilla.