First is a 2010 Viognier from the Coteaux de l’Ardèche. It’s made by the local co-op, the Vignerons Ardéchois, and is standing in for nearby Condrieu. If you like the zesty, flowery style of Viognier, you’ll like this very much — and it costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a Condrieu: £8.75.

Sancerre is also being steadily priced out of most people’s range, but these days you can get a first-rate New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for two thirds the price. Or if you want that Loire finesse and steeliness, you can buy Quincy, which is just as good as most Sancerres, and better than many. The 2010 from Jérôme de la Chaise costs £11.35.   

Standing in for Pomerol we have the Château d’Abzac 2009 which is made from the same predominantly Merlot blend — with some Cabernet Sauvignon — and has that soft ripeness we associate with Pomerol. It isn’t Pétrus (which would cost 350 times as much) but it is a very nice claret indeed, and better than some Pomerols at two or three times the price. Which is £9.95.

Finally, a wine I implore you to buy: the 2008 Château Valcombe from the Côtes du Ventoux near Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is absolutely luscious — made from the same blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault that goes into many C-de-P wines and much, much better than many of those. It may not have such a posh monicker, but by golly, it tries harder. At £9.95, a snip.

There is a sample case with three of each wine, and delivery is free.