6 winter whites to perk up your palate

Bleak mid-winter, gloomy grey skies – it’s no wonder thoughts turn to sunny destinations and a fresh, bright white to spark a smile.

Something flavoursome and fruit-filled, beautifully balanced, and hits all the right notes with fish pie, seafood linguine, creamy risotto, salads or something spicy.

From herbaceous and zippy, to scented and sun-kissed, these food-friendly whites chime with feel-good vibes…

A firm favourite in the award-winning Terra Organica range – organic, vegan and planet friendly – this stylish savvy blanc offers a delicious combination of enticing citrusy aromas with hints of freshly cut grass and gooseberry; mouthwatering with lime-edged fruit, minerally note, crisp acidity and zesty finish. Fantastic with ceviche or spicy stir-fry.

The sunny Languedoc is a gateway to pleasure – and well-crafted wines which don’t come at a premium. This famous producer packs a lot of peachy, fleshy fruit into this fragrant white; with succulent stone fruit flavours, honeyed note and fine line of acidity, think grilled fish or chicken satay with peanut sauce.

South Africa’s signature white grape comes into its own this time of year, especially when you’re after a bright white flowing with ripe fruit – and bridges the gap between a sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Think vibrant tropical fruit supported by subtle hints of caramel, lively lift of fresh acidity and touch of tangy citrus note. One for pan-fried scallops or spicy Asian dishes.

A wonderful introduction to the region’s famed semillon/sauvignon blend, this trailblazer winery more than delivers with this dynamite white. Expressive with a wonderful purity, on-the-nose herbaceous notes mingle with kiwi fruit; on the palate, there’s a touch of gooseberry, along with tropical fruit flavours and hint of lemongrass. Ideal with shellfish and dishes with herbs.

Another Margaret River gem from a benchmark producer, this chardonnay sings from the glass. Rich and elegant, fruit forward yet restrained, look forward to toasty aromas with hints of vanilla, peach and lemon drops; an exotic fruit basket unfolds with sufficient acidity to keep everything fresh and lively. Divine on its own, and more so with a gourmet fish pie.

A top-notch Burgundy blonde, this generous, creamy white is perfectly balanced with ripe citrus and succulent white stone fruits; expressive with good weight on the palate, subtle hint of oaky spice, and long, discreet toasty finish, it’s the bee’s knees with poached salmon or goat’s cheese salad.