Though normally I'm partial to red wine, with the summer heat here I have to admit that more and more I find myself shopping for something a little less heavy. I'm still not a big fan of Chardonnay, but there are lots of other white wines out there to consider. For example, I recently discovered Viognier, and I really like it. It's not too dry, which is usually my beef with whites.

In this lifestyle article, the author also offers other white wine alternatives many of us may not have thought about before:

EDEN COLLECTION VIOGNIER: on offer at £3.99 at Sainsbury's until August 1. An organically grown wine from the Comte Cathare estates in the French Pyrenees. It is aromatic with a peachy, almost waxy, texture. Serve with pureed sweet potatoes, celeriac and green salads with eggs accompanied by tomatoes with basil in olive oil.

GRUNER VELTLINER: an interesting grape yielding weight and spiciness without floral or perfumed notes. Complex, dry and food friendly. Good with white meats chicken, weinerschnitzel and veal. The Ava in Bangor have one at £6.99 and a few branches of Marks & Spencers stock Kremstal Atrium at £7.99.

CHENIN BLANC: a mid Loire Valley and South African speciality. Underrated and under-priced this versatile grape can produce all styles - sparkling (Saumur and Vouvray crements) through to off dry opulent honeyed dessert wines. Chenins have flavours of pear and quince, a crisp acidity and lightness - which makes them ideal summer drinking.