Three great chardonnays for under £13

WITH its sun-kissed highlights, delightfully fragrant aromatics and appealing flavours of vanilla, butter and exotic citrusy fruits, a glass of chardonnay can make summer feel like a step closer. Here’s three to try.

1. Taste The Difference Limoux Chardonnay 2016, France (£9, Sainsbury’s)

From Languedoc, Jean Claude Mas produces some of the region’s most compelling wines and there’s real value in this dependably delicious version, with white flower aromas, beam of ripe peach and layers of apricot and tropical fruits. Full and rounded with toasty spice and vanilla from oak ageing.

2. Westend Estate No 1 Chardonnay 2016, Riverina, Australia (£10.99, Laithwaites)

Cited as Laithwaites’ bestselling Aussie chard, it’s easy to see how this extremely flavoursome, fresh, zippy style more than delivers, with its aromas of melon, peach and honeysuckle and tiers of white peach, melon and lightly toasty oak, with a lick of vanilla and nutty creaminess on the mouth-watering finish.

3. Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2016, Casablanca Valley, Chile (£12.99, Majestic)

A bright, snappy style that reflects Chile’s reputation for fresh, balanced wines. Along with apricot and peachy notes, there’s a limey, citrusy element. Deliciously fruit forward, with tiers of tropical stone fruits, with tingly, juicy fruit and toasty characters.