Last year was remarkably difficult for those in the wine trade and those who are still around survived rather than thrived. Anecdotally, wines in the region of €15-€30 showed decent growth as eating in became the new going out. For the price of a merely average bottle in a restaurant, you can get a sublime bottle to drink at home. And why not? If you're putting the effort in with your cooking, the wine should do it some justice.

Mas de L'Ecriture L'Emotion, Terasses du Larzac, Languedoc 2007

Expect to pay €21

I mentioned a little-known area called Terrasses du Larzac in this column last year. It is one of nine areas in the Languedoc which is being proposed for Grands Crus du Languedoc classification. Bureaucracy and legal wrangling await this proposal, but regardless, this red is worthy of the Grand Cru moniker. It's a blend of Carignan, Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. Gorgeous black fruit and a hint of liquorice or aniseed give the wine a welcome freshness.

Available from: Red Nose Wine, Clonmel; Rednosewine.com

Stonier Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria 2005

Expect to pay €25

In previous years Riesling, Albarino and Gruner Veltliner were the contenders to usurp the throne of Sauvignon Blanc but it never really happened. If I am to make a prediction for this year, it's that Chardonnay will make a comeback. The good stuff, mind. The cool climate of the Mornington peninsula and judicious use of oak give this a juicy peach flavour, a luscious creamy texture.

Available from: Independent wine shops nationwide

Iona Sauvignon Blanc, Elgin, South Africa 2009

Expect to pay €15

Elgin is a name which popped up in last year's column. Elgin lies about 70km southeast of Capetown and its exposure to the cooling effect of winds from the Atlantic is ideal. Add to that a bit of altitude (420m) and you have the perfect conditions for greatness in a wine. Grassy, herbal notes, plenty of lime and a lovely elegance and crispness give it a distinctive mineral character which you'd normally associate with top Sancerre. For me, one of the best Sauvignon Blancs in the world.

Available from: Independent wine shops nationwide

Oddero Barolo, Piedmont, Italy 2005

Expect to pay €40

Oddero is a household name in Piedmont and has been for centuries. In what was always an industry run by men, the Oddero wine dynasty is now in the hands of two sisters, Mariacristina and Mariavittoria. Barolo is often viewed as an esoteric wine, requiring over 10 years to let the tannins soften. Not so anymore. There's a distinctive aroma of liquorice and dry tannins and an intense acidity to this.

Available from: The Corkscrew, Dublin, Mitchell & Son; Retrovino.com and leading wine shops nationwide