Where Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay can't reach, then the following three should. All three are from off the beaten track and from relatively unfamiliar grapes – all good news as they have very keen price tags.

1. Vigneti Radica, Pecorino Igt Terre di Chieti 2009 Around €13.95

Pecorino, isn't that a sheep's milk cheese? Yes, but Italians will tell you that this grape gets its name from the sheep which used to nibble on the leaves of the vines on their way to new pasture. Like many Italian grape varietals, Pecorino is rare and was only recently brought back from near extinction. Delicious fruit with floral notes backed up by great tropical and peach stone flavours and a lovely minerality.

With food? Grilled fish, fresh cheese or white meats.

Available from: Louis Albrouze, Leeson Street, Dublin and other leading independents.

2. Château Deresz, Tokaji, Hungary 2007 Around €13.50

This wine is made from the same grape constituents as the sweet wines of Tokaji, Furmint Harslevelu and Muskotaly. However, this is a bone dry style, with a nose of apricots, an intense acidity, flavours of bitter orange and apricots with a vein of minerality coursing through it. Long finish. Sublime. Under-appreciated and under-rated, but not for long.

With food? This could easily take on duck, lamb, pork as well as chicken and many fish dishes

Available from: Mitchell & Son and other leading independents

3. Domaine du Hauy Bourg Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu 2000 Around €15

The grape Muscadet is also known as Melon de Bourgogne. While it has its roots in Burgundy, it was ripped up centuries ago in favour of the more favourable Chardonnay. Its home is now in the Loire, near Nantes. What's unusual about this wine is that it has spent seven years 'sur lie' or on its sediment. This imparts a wonderful brioche and toffee richness adding to the crunchy Granny Smith flavours. Similar, cheaper alternative to the richer and more expensive long lost cousins from Burgundy.

With food? Seafood, chicken, turkey, ham

Available from: Louis Albrouze, Leeson Street, Dublin and other leading independents.

Best of the West - West restaurant in The Twelve Hotel, Bearna, Galway, has picked up another prestigious award from The Wine Spectator magazine in recognition of the breath and depth of its wine list. Definitely worth a visit.

Lar Veale runs Irish wine blog, sourgrapes.ie