The white wines of Mâcon have always been very popular here with good reason. Generally unoaked, fresh and fruity, they offer great value for money, something increasingly difficult to find in Burgundy.

Most Rioja is aged in oak barrels before being bottled, giving it a distinctive smooth spiciness. While I enjoy some of these, I am also big fan of the unoaked fruitier Riojas too. If you haven’t tried one before, the Ermita below is a good inexpensive version. I have featured previous vintages of this wine before. The 2023 vintage is a little more full-bodied, but the wine is as gluggable as ever.

[ Two wines from neighbouring French regions that offer good value for moneyOpens in new window ]

Mâcon-Villages 2022

12.5%, €13.99 from Lidl

Fresh and ripe with tangy crisp orchard fruits and a dry finish. This would go nicely with most white meats as well as salmon dishes. 12.5% €13.99 from Lidl.

Ermita Rioja Joven 2023

14%, €11.99 from Lidl

Rich in ripe, concentrated dark fruits and light tannins on the finish. Locally they would drink this with roast lamb or a hearty tomato and bean stew.