Drink: A selection of wines from Romania, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey and Morocco

Lesser-known wine-growing nations offer interest and value, as this sensational selection proves

Far-flung wine regions are fun to explore, but you never know quite what to expect. I have handpicked a selection of diverse characterful whites and reds from countries which may make a comeback. While some offer better value than others, they all give us something new and exciting when it comes to taste.

ROMANIA

A much-neglected Eastern European wine country, Romania was popular in the 1980s thanks to its pinot noirs, but was unable to keep up with competition in the New World. While many of Romania’s best wines are drunk in the country itself, we are seeing a few gems in the UK, such as Prince Stirbey’s white and red duo.

White: PRINCE STIRBEY TAMAIOASA ROMANEASCA SEC 2010

(£9.50, The Wine Society, 01438 740222; part of the society’s Beyond Horizons case offer until tomorrow)

I loved the delicacy, floral aromas and fresh minerally palate; this would make a delicious springtime aperitif. An 18th-century winery in the Translyvanian Alps near Dragasani has been revived by Stirbey’s descendant, Baroness Ileana Kripp. Ancient native variety tamaioasa makes remarkably characterful vibrant wines. Also try Prince Stirbey’s novac red. 13 per cent alcohol. STAR BUY WHITE

SLOVENIA

I have long been a fan of Slovenia (pictured). Not only is it a beautiful wine country to visit (a cross between Tuscany and Switzerland), it is a source of zippy, minerally whites which would suit Kiwi wine lovers. Slovenia has so much potential if it can keep yields in check, with its cool microclimates and fascinating melting pot of cultures and grapes. With a focus on quality in wineries such as Versus and Dveri Pax, this is a country to watch.

White: SIPON FURMINT 2010 Dveri Pax

(£9.95, The Wine Society)

Piercing, taut, high acid with minerally undertones, this white has delicious appley fruits and a vibrant dry finish. Dveri Pax winery’s take on Hungary’s furmint grape would suit sauvignon blanc lovers too. Try with seafood or as an aperitif. 12 per cent alcohol.

HUNGARY

Many of Hungary’s best white and red wines are never exported. Generally we find modestly priced Hungarian whites in the UK, but they can offer exceptional value for those who love aromatic grapes.

White: HILLTOP ESTATE SINGLE VINEYARD GEWURZTRAMINER 2010

(£7.99, Waitrose)

From one of Hungary’s most consistent wine estates, this is a gentle introduction to the world’s spiciest grape at a fraction of the price of many alsace gewurztraminers. A rosewater, orange and jasmine flower nose blends with light lychee flavours. 11.5 per cent alcohol.

BULGARIA

Once the darling of the 1980s for their rough and ready bargain buys, poor Bulgaria fell from fame to be overtaken by the rise of better value and slicker wines from Australia and South America. Now Bulgaria is making a comeback with much improved quality.

Red: ZAGREUS MAVRUD 2008

(£12.49, Luvians)

An extraordinary wine made from the indigenous mavrud grape. It’s slightly pricey, but full of character and fun. Like an iron fist in a smooth velvet glove, this big, hunky, chunky Bulgarian has a heady finish. 14.5 per cent alcohol. STAR BUY RED

TURKEY

Turkey has great potential with its treasure trove of indigenous grapes and Mediterranean climate. If yields can be contained and winery investments used effectively, Turkey could be a country to watch.

Red: KALECIK KARASI 2009 Vinkara

(£8.50, The Wine Society)

From the native kalecik karasi grape (known as KK), this cherry redcurrant fruit bomb shows the potential of Anatolia. Quite pinot noir-like, but with a raw edge and heady finish. Good price. 13.5 per cent alcohol.

MOROCCO

With its Mediterranean climate and viticultural history, Frenchman Alain Graillot reckons Morocco has great potential. This Rhone grower grows Rhone grape syrah.

Red: SYRAH TANDEM 2009 Alain Graillot

(£11.50, The Wine Society)

This is very northern Rhone-like, as you would expect, but with a gutsier, more forward fruit appeal. If you enjoy drinking Crozes Hermitage, try heading across the Med for this vibrant red made from the same grape. 13 per cent alcohol.

• For beginners’ wine courses

in Edinburgh and Glasgow, or to join Rose’s Leading Languedoc Masterclass on Wednesday 21 March in Edinburgh

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