Winemakers of the New World have become a powerhouse for fruity, easy drinking wines that can spruce up the most simple of dishes and enrich our favourite comfort foods, especially at this time of the year.

There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to South African wines and the Cape Winelands produce seriously refreshing blends such as Curators Choice White 2014, South Africa (£7.99, The Co-Operative) at terrific prices. Chenin blanc dominant with chardonnay and a splash of semillion, aromas of stone fruits and citrus peel are complemented by a ripe palate.

Chardonnay has proven to be a real hero grape for Argentina when it’s grown at high altitude and Fincas del Sur Chardonnay 2013, Mendoza, Argentina (£12.99, virginwines.co.uk) is made from grapes sourced from the Uco Valley at the foothills of the Andes. The white tropical fruit, honeysuckle and vanilla notes are coupled with a rich, complex mouthfeel.

Try Matua Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand (£9.99, Majestic), which is crisp and refreshing with a delicate elderflower nose and zesty notes of citrus fruits and gooseberries on the finish.

It can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif.