Brian Elliott on Wine

IN these challenging financial times we don't need to miss out on our favourite tipples and choose abstinence over the occasional indulgence. Simply by following my tips and associated Best Buys, we can ride out the worst of the credit crunch.

First, then, look for less fashionable regions. For example, only 25km separate Vacqueyras in the Rhone Valley from its illustrious neighbours Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape but the price difference can be substantial. Similarly with white wine, "peripheral" Loire villages are sometimes better options than Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. M&S has an excellent Quincy (2008 Quincy Domaine Bailly) while Majestic lists the acclaimed Domaine du Manay from Menetou-Salon. Using an even broader brush, seek out some of the first-rate wines from southern France. Other good-value choices would be shiraz from South Africa and the respectable Argentinian pinot noir Sainsbury's sells for around a fiver.

Second, the so-called discounters have some good wines. In addition to its Ile La Forge, Aldi's Valpolicella Ripasso is terrific, as can be the top-priced versions of the Bushlands Australian brands. At Lidl, I rate the Barcelino Catalunya Spanish red very highly and its fantastic value (at less than 3.50) Cimarosa Olifants River Chenin Blanc; it was commended at the 2010 International Wine Challenge.

Third, do not desert the independents as they can rival much bigger outlets on value for money – especially with bin ends. However, keep an eye out for "tired" vintages.

A similarly cautious approach is needed with offers generally. Some people believe spurious discounts lurk among genuine bargains. They insist artificially high initial prices are set for the minimum legal period, just to pave the way for an apparently sensational offer. Detecting any such black arts is not easy so I recommend ignoring any original price quoted and judging the wine purely on the offer price. Two that emerge well from that exercise are Trezanti Salento Negroamaro (4.99 at Morrisons until 11 July) and the dry and lemon-charged Kendermanns Special Edition Riesling (4.74 until 27 July at Waitrose).

Just as my parents swore by "Boots' own brand" anything, so some supermarkets' own-brand wines are worth a second look. At the basic level, Asda has a presentable Malbec from Argentina (about 4.50) and the Co-op Fairtrade range is pretty reliable, too (the Torrontes at under a fiver is a particular favourite). The new "gimmick-free" House range at Sainsbury's also has some good entry-point wine – especially the soave and the chianti.

Stepping up (usually to about 50 per cent above the average bottle price), the big four supermarkets have premium-range wines that seldom disappoint. Why not try Extra Special Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and The Best Claret among the reds and, for a white, how about sampling Finest Gavi and Taste the Difference Gruner Veltliner?

With luck, this will show that total abstinence or despair (never far apart in my book) are not the only options. The sure-footed can still find a decent bottle or two even when belt-tightening is forced upon us.

Best buys

Vieille Fontaine VdP du Gers Blanc 2009

South West France, 11.5 per cent

Gentle pear and honeysuckle flavours; attractive everyday drinking. 2.99, Tesco

Ile La Forge Merlot 2008

Languedoc, France, 13.5 per cent

Substantial cherry and plum fruit with a pepper finish. 4.99, Aldi

Dornfelder Ros 2009

Rheinhessen, Germany, 11.5 per cent

Dry with substance behind its raspberry flavours; good with food. 3.79, Lidl

• This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday July 4, 2010