Wine Box: Get out of the rut

Everyday wine: cheap, easy-drinking wines swamp our supermarket shelves but often the best value comes from Latin America. A bottle or two of Argentinian Sangiovese, Mendoza (Asda, £3.99) won't set your taste buds a-tingling, but alongside a spicy meat chilli, it will fulfil its destiny. Elegant, dry, with cherry and raspberry aromas, it will neatly match the protein punch and any searing spice. Likewise, Iambol Merlot/Gamza 1999, Bulgaria (Waitrose, £2.99 throughout February) is no wine-lover's nirvana but amazing for the price. This soft red is awash with fruit flavours, good drinking on its own, even better in front of the telly with a pizza.

The budget-aware might also risk a bottle of tongue-tingling Tesco Australian White (£2.99). It has lively apple-and-citrus aromas, hints of peach and a big whack of acidity. Top-hole glug for a curry.

Better bottles: Sainsbury's Australian Shiraz, 1999 (£4.99) is another own-label red that will surprise and delight. It's ridiculously easy drinking, with heaps of toffee and spice flavours. Match it with just about any meat or cheese. If perfumed smell and taste appeal, the lively succulence of Domaine du Cazal Viel Viognier, 1999 (Tesco, £5.99) will hit the mark. Ideal with oysters or foie gras. Beware, it slips down very easily.