German wines have been said to cover a range of tastes, despite a popular misconception.

Writing for the Ottowa Citizen, Rod Phillips observed that big changes are happening in the world of the hamper beverage, including improvements in German varieties.

He noted the region has suffered from bad press, saying: "Mention 'German wine' to many older people and they clench their teeth and grimace, as if they have something cloyingly sweet and tooth-torturing in their mouths."

However, Mr Phillips remarked that while many of the country's batches are indeed "bone-dry", some are perfectly deserving of a place on the table.

With a tendency to be fruity, they also have a balanced acidity preventing them from being sickly, the expert added.

Hamper fans planning to try some German wines may want to take the advice of Simon Hoggart, who in a piece for the Spectator earlier this month suggested the taste of whites should be retained by not over-chilling them.