Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a wine rut – and quite frankly, after such a crazy year, it’s hardly surprising some of us have blindly lifted the same old bottle from the shelf, time and time again.

A shift in the seasons might be just what we need to shake things up a bit. Spring is winking at us from around the corner, and what we want now are crisp, fresh whites to lift our mood – and make us feel as pulled together as a classic white linen shirt for the next Zoom call.

So, as we count down to longer days and sipping white wine in the sunshine, we’ve rounded up some new releases and top drops you may not have tasted before…

1. The Hidden Sea Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Limestone Coast, South Australia, currently £7 (was £9), Sainsbury’s

A snappy sauvignon blanc that’s vivacious rather than herbaceous, think ripe, sun-kissed tropical fruit with a good balance of passion fruit, pineapple and lots of tangy green flavours overlaid with grassy notes, juicy lime and a zesty, citrusy finish.

An eco-friendly, good-time wine that also does good, Hidden Sea have partnered with ReSea Project, with the goal of removing plastic from the world’s oceans – for every wine bottle sold, 10 plastic bottles are removed and recycled from the sea. We’ll drink to that!

2. Les Jamelles Viognier 2019, Pays d’Oc, France, £7.35, Co-op stores

A silky, sensuous viognier that instantly feels luxurious (the shoulder of the bottle is embossed, channelling old-school cool) and a joy to drink. The most sought-after white grape from the Northern Rhone, viognier thrives in the south of France, and this one delivers ample peaches and apricot fruit with a honeyed edge, honeysuckle and lovely lavender character on the nose, good density and harmonious, moreish finish. A viognier with vivacity and very attractive for the price.

3. Specially Selected Freeman’s Bay New Zealand Riesling 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand, £7.99, Aldi

An impressive new release and favourite match with spicy food, this dry riesling illustrates how a little bit of ageing brings nuances of petrol (much nicer than it sounds!) to an aromatic nose of citrusy, blossomy fruit. With lovely concentration of white fruits laced with orange blossom and honey, a soft, fresh palate and balanced acidity on the lively finish, it’s bang on the money.

4. M&S Classics No 30 Grüner Veltliner 2019, Austria, £8.50, Marks & Spencer stores

An ace example of Austria’s signature white wine grape, grüner veltliner doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue – but with top drops like this, it doesn’t take much convincing to realise how these sprightly whites can perk up the palate. Opening with enticing notes of apple, pear and elderflower, it’s a vibrant and energetic style, with flavours of green apple and elderflower enlivened by subtle hints of ginger and pepper, with a crisp, fruity finish that keeps you coming back for more. A lovely surprise.

5. Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2020, South Australia, £9, Tesco

What winemakers love to call a modern chardonnay – the fruit and oak are in total harmony with attractive acidity – this is a fresh, fruity style from Australia’s top wine estate, famous for its cult reds. With floral aromas mingling with yellow fruits and a crisp, juicy palate of ripe citrus and hint of pineapple, it’s perfectly balanced and will turn the everyday into a delicious drop of sunshine.

6. Vergelegen Octagon Sauvignon Blanc Fairtrade 2020, Stellenbosch, South Africa, £10, Co-op stores

Co-op is the largest retailer of Fairtrade wine in the world, and it’s exciting to see this award-winning winery has hit the shelves with Fairtrade certification. Herbaceous with a classic sauvignon blanc bouquet of vibrant fruity aromas, fresh herbs and grassy notes, the sleek, textured palate’s punctuated with gooseberry, grapefruit and green figs, topped with herbs and green pepper, showing plenty of energy, refreshing acidity and racy finish. A distinctive savvy blanc.

7. Ancient Lakes ‘Eight Thousand Lakes’ Riesling 2019, Washington State, USA, £12.99, Majestic

Washington State has established a reputation for producing really good, dry riesling – and this is a delightful example that really hits the spot. The first thing that strikes is the fabulous purity that shines through, with wet stone-fruit aromas, citrus and florals, the palate is soft and pure, mixing lovely flavours of green apples and pears with touches of honey and bright, limey acidity on the mouth-watering finish. This would be perfect with fragrant Thai prawns.