WHITES

2017 Kleine Zalze, Bush Vine Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa

(£7, reduced to £6 until January 2, Morrisons) THIS combination of flavours might seem odd, but I noted celery stick freshness and also a pineapple chunk note when I tasted this wine. These two diverse themes both point to a wine with incredible freshness and vitality. A superb aperitif style, this is a cultured wine for a competitive price.

2017 Indomita, Gran Reserva Viognier, Bio Bio Valley, Chile

(£7.99, Co-op) WITH an exotic, peachy nose and a ravishing dry palate, this wine is very much a game of two halves. At once perfumed and enticing, and then unoaked, crisp and cleansing, it is a charming temptress and it could easily step up to a vast range of canapes and pre-dinner treats.

2016 Tesco finest* Terre di Monteforte Pinot Grigio, Venezie, Italy

(£8.50, Tesco) MADE by Cantina di Monteforte, one of the best large wineries in the region, and possessing a stunning, creamy texture, this is a few steps up on your average pinot grigio — hence the slightly steeper price tag. You will notice the quality in a moment though, such is the impact of this wine. Spend more and see the difference.

2017 Jim Barry, The Lodge Hill, Riesling, Clare Valley, South Australia

(£14.99, reduced to £10.99 each on a Mix Six deal, Majestic) THIS is one of my 100 Best Australian Wines of the year. It is a bone-dry, lime juice-themed riesling from one of the most iconic wineries in the country. If you like dramatic, thirst-quenching, ultra-classy whites, then look no further.

2014 Tesco finest* Viré-Clessé, Burgundy, France

(£11, Tesco) MADE for Tesco by Bouchard Aîné & Fils, with a small amount of new oak barrels to broaden the midpalate flavour, this chardonnay is from the 2014 vintage. There are only a few decent wines from this year on the shelves, so track it down if you like fine white burgundy.

2014 Chablis, Domaine Pierre de Prehy, Burgundy, France

(£15, Marks & Spencer) ANOTHER 2014, this time made by the famous Domaine Brocard company. Like the Viré-Clessé, above, this is a wine with finesse, but unlike that wine it sees no oak whatsoever, so is leaner and more slender. Take your pick.