Mindful of the fact that staying in is the new going out, I've chosen ten fabulous wines this month, rather than my usual eight. Seven of my picks are under £6 and the other three – special-occasion wines – sell for less than £8. All of these bottles are full of flavour, proving that it's possible to drink well and save a few precious pounds.
1 2007 Sicilian Red, Cantine Settesoli (£2.98, Asda)
It's almost impossible to find drinkable wines under £3, let alone a red as good as this one. It’s ripe and juicy, with flavours of fig and ripe plums.
2 2008 Sainsbury’s Hungarian Pinot Grigio (£3.99)
Miles better than most Italian Pinot Grigios at the same price, this has melon and passion fruit flavours, a hint of sweetness and just enough acidity to prevent it cloying on the tongue.
3 2007 Domaine de Planterieu, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne (£4.99, Waitrose)
A mouthwatering Gascon double act, made from Ugni Blanc with 30% Colombard, this is a crisp, crunchy springtime white with notes of melon and guava, and a grapefruity tang.
4 2006 Syrah, Vin de Pays de l’Ardèche, Cave Saint Desirat (£4.89, Booths)
Currently my favourite sub-£5 red in the country. The flavours are spicy yet refreshing, with notes of wild strawberry and black pepper, plus a hint of smoky bacon.
5 2006 Piedmont Barbera, Araldica (£5.49, Marks & Spencer)
A textbook example of Piedmont’s most planted red grape, this has the classic acidity of Italian reds, but more than enough truffle and black cherry flavours to fill out the wine.
6 2006 Tinto da Anfora (£5.99, Sainsbury's)
Making the most of five grape varieties grown in three Portuguese regions, this oaked, richly harmonious red is perfumed and packed with flavours of blackberry, liquorice and a hint of vanilla.
7 2008 Azure Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough (£5.99, The Co-op)
Such is the demand for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that £5.99 seems almost cheap for this most characterful of whites. Flinty and gooseberryish with a hint of passion fruit.
8 2006 Cantavida Single Vineyard Late Harvest, Limarí, Anakena (£7.99 for 50cl, Oddbins)
You only get 50cl for your money, but this exotic Chilean blend of Muscat of Alexandria, with a smidgeon of Viognier, is a delicious dessert wine.
9 2006 Morrisons The Best Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, Bellevue Estate (£7.20, Morrisons)
A rich, honeyed, yet not overpowerful Cape Chenin Blanc, made from low-yielding bush vines trained close to the earth to preserve moisture.
10 2007 Paul Mas La Forge Malbec, Vin de Pays d'Oc (£7.99, Tesco)
Winemakers in Cahors (where the Malbec grape originated) would quake in their boots if they drank a glass of this subtly oaked example from the Languedoc.
