Should we run out of Chablis, my other summer appetiser favourite is a French Sauvignon Blanc - particularly the Gerard Boulay Sancerre Tradition . Sancerre is a favourite at World Wine, and we have never tasted such vivid clarity and expressiveness in Sancerre, much less Sauvignon Blanc. Gerard Boulay's wine transcends what you think of Sauvignon Blanc. It is much more than a simple quaffer with its aromas of candied grapefruit, Mandarin orange, lime and wildflowers. But what really sets it apart is its mineral-infused personality. These are wines of the soil, wines that echo the land with precision and delineation found in only the greatest of white wines. The Sancerre grapes come from the Boulay's many small parcels around the hamlet of Chavignol - considered to be the finest spot in all of Sancerre.

Late 2011 sees a flood of new wine arrivals - many Australian 2011 vintage whites, and many earlier vintage wines from Europe. We'll focus this week on bargain white Burgundies - the greatest white wine grown anywhere in the world. Next week we'll focus on local whites and some other imports from Europe.

From this selection, these French white Burgundies, all under $35, are on our suggested summer white wine list:

Maitre Renard Burgundy Chardonnay $24 modern and vibrant, with lemon acidity and only a hint of oak. Balance is key ...

Domaine Taupenot-Merme Bourgogne Aligote $27 All farming is organic and the wine style here is one of elegance and purity, with a ...

Joseph Drouhin St Veran $27 A wine that is stylistically close to Pouilly-Fuisse, with its golden hue ...

Louis Jadot Macon Villages $29 Dry and easy to drink, lively and charming, this is a fruity wine with a floral scent ...

Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis $32 Produced on the flatter grounds of Chablis, the Petit Chablis is characterised by ...

As with all Chardonnay, best not to chill white Burgundy too much - otherwise their deep flavours, and the quite haunting aromas, can be inadvertently locked in.

In the ranks of the unique Australian wine style of sparkling reds, two affordable ones stand out for us: the Peter Rumball Sparkling Shiraz, and the Mitchell.

These wines are very versatile when it comes to matching with food. They can be used as an aperitif, in a similar way that we might use Champagne or other sparkling white wines. The extra flavour and body makes these wines excellent as accompaniments to roast meats, and the bubbles can add a festive touch to the Christmas turkey.

Sparkling red wines are robust enough to pair with slightly spicy Asian dishes especially the classic Peking Duck.

Peter Rumball Sparkling Shiraz NV $22 The SB17 is the 17th Cuvee of the non-vintage Sparkling Shiraz made by Peter Rumball ...

Mitchell Sparkling Peppertree Shiraz $28 A unique blend of multiple vintages of Peppertree Vineyard Shiraz (often up to twenty years of age) ...

These wines are for sipping (the spicy summer reds below are for drinking). The difference is context - these three are for pre-dinner drinks, the three below are to go with food.

GranRogo Rogo Garnacha $22 has the color of blackberry with blue tones, almost opaque. Intense and pleasant aromas of liquorice, wild red and black berries fill the nose, with mineral undertones.

Joseph Drouhin Beaujoulais Villages $20 A truly convivial wine. Owing to the careful blending of various terroirs, the result is a wine of great charm

Torbreck Juveniles $25 Bold and seductive, this youthful, unoaked blend encapsulates all that is great in natural, pure, unseasoned wine. Its fragrance, intensity and energy are all reminiscent of freshly fermenting must, with ripe juicy flavours of blackberry ...

Poggiotondo Chianti Superiore $22 Deep dark fruits, slightly earthy complex nose. The palate has velvety soft tannins, broad in dimension with a long complex finish.

Luna Beberide Mencia $25 This wine has a strong red cherry colour and mineral and fruity hints from blackberries and blueberries. In the mouth is complex, vigorous and very tasty.

Hastwell and Lightfoot Tempranillo $20 Intensely dark ruby red color with vivid violet hues. Lifted fresh fruity aromas of black cherry and spicy herbs. Spicy cherry fruit flavours with a very rich mid palate mouth feel and smooth long tannins.

World Wine has a vigorous, much-loved Wine Club - regular deliveries of wine. And, it is unique - you let us know your budget and your preferences, and every two months you'll receive a dozen wines reflecting your choice. And with your feedback, your selection will be finetuned over time.

Whether you are after wines for day to day consumption, or for longer-term cellaring, the Wine Club is an effortless way to buy wine and build your personal collection. And it is a great way to be exposed to new wines that often you won't find in your local stores.

In particular, we favour including many affordable imported wines - usually excellent with food, and many with cellaring potential.

To join, email us here or call 1300 288 115 - we'll ask about your budget, your wine preferences and your delivery and billing details - and that's it.

Your first delivery will be within a week, and you can advise us at any time of any changes you would like to make.