JANUARY is a prime time for wine lovers to bag a bargain. Here are some of the best value pickings:

Everyday wines from Asda’s new mid-tier range, The Wine Selection, offer a refreshing drop of sunshine. Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon, Australia (£4.48 from £5.98, from January 3 until February 20, Asda) blends lemony fruit from the semillon grape with zesty sauvignon blanc.

Grapes grown on old vines signal concentrated wines with a rich mouthfeel and dense fruit. Try Finest Old Vines Tempranillo 2010, Spain (£5 from £7.99, from January 2 until February 19, Tesco).

South Africa has made chenin blanc its calling card, and Zebra View Chenin Blanc 2012, Perdeberg Winery, South Africa (£5.61 from £7.49, Marks & Spencer) is overflowing with apple, apricot and citrus flavours.

The Lodi region of California is famous for its first-rate zinfandel, but it also produces some jammy shiraz such as Blackburn & James Shiraz 2010, California, USA (£6.65 from £9.99, January 3 until January 22, Waitrose). It’s a warming red to sip and savour curled up on the sofa.

A versatile food wine, riesling is rising in popularity and St Hallett Eden Valley Riesling 2011, Australia (£6.99 from £8.99, The Co-Operative, until January 15) is a good introduction to this racy style from Down Under. With invigorating lime aromas and steely acidity, pair this dry white with Indian or Asian dishes.