The cheeky glass of wine is a known and loved occurrence. When a friend suggested we have a ‘cheeky wine’ recently, I got to thinking, what is the true essence of the occasion and what wine best suits the moment?

Above all, a cheeky wine is unplanned. You don’t set out to have a glass of wine; you set out to do something else, such as attend a work dinner or head home to feed the children. This also makes cheeky wines quick, not because you don’t have much time, but because you have to sneak it in around the actual thing you should be doing. It must be so fleeting, ambiguous and unintentional that you could argue it was an accident. “Oh, you mean this wine?” you might say.

So what to drink? As far as cheeky white wines, I think they should be styles that are unoaked, young and fresh. Chablis, the distinct, minerally and typically unoaked chardonnay from France, is perfect, as is a glass of crisp Australian riesling or a cold and crunchy glass of pinot grigio from northern Italy.

As for red wines, there are many styles for this very occasion. Beaujolais, those perfumed, fruity, soft wines with low tannins from France, or the red variety mencia from northwest Spain – naturally soft with red berries and a little spice, especially when made in the vino joven or ‘young wine’ style. Similarly, the grape variety dolcetto from Piedmont in Italy is always made to be enjoyed young – ideal for a cheeky glass or two among friends.

None of these wines is designed to age or to develop complexity. They don’t need time, just someone to drink them – celebrating the essence of the occasion.

For more of our top wine picks be sure to check out our favourite red and white wines from around the world.