Crisp, Neutral Whites

The wines are bone-dry, crisp and refreshing, and when chilled, are ideal with shellfish.

This style of wine is especially popular in Italy, where they enjoy its neutrality, preferring it to more aromatic or fruity wines. You will find many examples, such as Soave, Orvieto, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Frascati and Verdicchio.

France also produces a number of these crisp wines; with Muscadet from the Loire Valley being the most neutral. There is also unoaked Chablis from Burgundy - the Chardonnay grape in a dry, minerally style.

You won't find many New World producers offering this style, and even when they grow the same vines, they tend to make fuller, more flavoursome wines from them.

For less than £5, try:

• Orvieto Secco, Sergio Mottura (Central Italy): A fresh wine with aromas of wild mushrooms and crisp citrus fruits.

For around £5 to £10, try:

• Piccolo Demonio Pinot Grigio (Northern Italy): Crisp and clean with a lemony edge.
• Donatien Bahaud Le Master de Donatien Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie (Loire): Spritzy and crisp, with a hint of anise.

For around £10 to £20, try:

• Chablis 1er Cru 'Les Forêts', Vocoret (Burgundy): This wine offers complex mineral flavours and crisp, crunchy apple fruit.

To push the boat out (over £20), try:

• J Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos (Burgundy): Bone dry, minerally, with lemon and apple overtones.