What wines to look for?

Australia, Chile and Spain are the first countries I would recommend for exploring value for money, as I am continually impressed by the quality, character and flavour of these wines. Most of Australia's wine regions are located in the south-east but also some major growing regions in the west. Good examples are from reliable producers such as Lindemans, Wolf Blass, Penfolds and Peter Lehmann, to name but a few. They produce wines that are immediately appealing due to their easygoing charm and upfront fruit flavours.

The ranges of wine styles of red wines are wide. For example, a Peter Lehmann Grenache that is medium bodied and offers plenty of cherry fruit flavours with a twist of spice will cost £5. On the other hand a Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon for £8 will offer smooth and juicy blackcurrant fruit complete with eucalyptus aromas balanced by vanilla.

For a light and crisp white wine try a Peter Lehmann Semillon that displays hints of lemon and lime for £7 or a Penfolds chardonnay that offers lime and peach flavours balanced by a creamy texture for £7.

Chile also hits the mark in a similar fruit driven way with their cabernet, chardonnay and merlot. Most of the wines are made in the Central, Rapel or Maipo valley areas. For good producers look for Concha Y Toro, Cono Sur and Errazuriz.

Try a reasonably full and blackcurranty red such as Concha Y Toro's Cabernet Sauvignon or a Cono Sur Pinot Noir that offers ripe cherry and raspberry fruit flavours. Or a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc again from Concha Y Toro that exhibits peaches, gooseberries and tropical fruit. All these wines sell for around £5.

Spain offers two distinct styles for red wine. The traditional style that is sweet and oaky and the modern style that is without oak influence. The main wine regions to look out for are Rioja, Penedes and Ribera del Duero. For good producers look for Campo Viejo, Faustino, Miguel Torres and Berberana.

Red wines from above producers are soft, spicy and fruity and all exhibit sweet oak and cherry flavours. All these wines sell for around £5-7.

For a white wine try the Miguel Torres Vina Sol that is refreshingly crisp with a tangy bite.

Bottle of the month

Alta Mira Shiraz 2004 Marks & Spencer £3.99

The talented Chilean winemaker Irene Parva has made this wine from a grape (shiraz) that you would not normally associate with Chile.

A medium bodied wine with a glowing purple colour. Bags of black cherry fruit interlaced with a twist of spice and plenty of wild grapefruit on the nose.

Although the wine is undeniably rustic it nevertheless displays character and evidence of quality winemaking.

One of the best Shiraz I have tasted for under £4.

Drink now or keep for up to a year.

Read more from Alex at his website: www.redwinereview.me.uk