Make a resolution this New Year to experiment with unfamiliar grapes

January is a time of resolutions: do less of the things we think are bad for us and more of the things we do not do enough of. One I make each year, with varying degrees of success, is to be more inquisitive. I am surrounded daily by bottles from every corner of the winemaking planet and yet find myself drinking far too much of the same grapes or regions.

Experimenting comes with risk. You will inevitably buy bottles that do not bring as much pleasure as the tried and tested ones do. The obvious upside to branching out is finding something new that thrills you, although just as important is having a break from your preferred tipple. You will appreciate it even more on returning and will also avoid falling out of love through overfamiliarity. Not only that, but the likes of New Zealand sauvignon blanc, chablis or Argentinean malbec generally attract the highest margins, so by venturing further, you are likely to get better value. It pays to stick to your resolutions.

2015 Cestino, Terre di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy £5.99, Co-op There has been a resurgence in the pecorino grape over the last decade. This is great value and its savoury, herbal core will satisfy the most ardent pinot grigio drinkers. 2015 Paul Mas ‘Vinus’, Clairette du Languedoc, France £8, Morrisons Paul Mas is an ever-reliable producer to look out for in southern France. Clairette is the grape and here it is textured with ripe pear and fresh herbs. 2015 Grauburgunder, Louis Guntrum, Rheinhessen, Germany £11.50, The Wine Society Grauburgunder is a variety we have all drunk – it is the German name for Italy’s pinot grigio. This version is far removed from the typical Italian: it is opulent with Turkish delight and exotic spices. Brilliant value, I would have it with a roast chicken.