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…

1. Terra Organica Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Chile, £9.40, Ocado

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.

2. Paul Mas Reserve Viognier 2024, France, £10, Tesco

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.

3. M&S Ken Forrester Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2025, South Africa, £13, Ocado

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.

4. Vasse Felix Classic Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Margaret River, Australia, £13, Tesco

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.

5. Robert Oatley Signature Series Chardonnay 2023, Margaret River, Australia, £15 (£13.50 Mix Six), Majestic

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.

6. Berry Bros & Rudd White Burgundy 2023, France, £17.50, Berry Bros & Rudd

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.