THESE days, no wine list seems to be complete without the standard Australian Chardonnay, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and Italian Pinot Grigio. While all are enjoyable, it can sometimes be hard to know where to turn when you want to try a white that is a little different.

The following four wines provide some great alternatives to these wine menu mainstays.

Viognier is commonly associated with high quality whites from the Rhône, but many top New World producers are starting to see the appeal of this aromatic varietal. Anakena is one such producer. The Anakena 2007 Single Vineyard Viognier (£8.99 at Threshers or £5.99 when you buy three bottles for the price of two) is golden straw in colour, with intense aromas of apricot, roses and ginger. This crisp and well-balanced wine is delicious as an aperitif or with poultry, seafood, salmon and salads.

The south-western French region of Gascony is a great bet if you are looking for great value white wines made from unusual grape varieties. M&S St Mont, from leading co-operative Plaimont is one such example. M&S St Mont 2008 £6.99 is a dry unoaked white wine which is delightfully fresh and crisp with ripe tropical fruit flavours and subtle hints of nuts and peach kernel, and a ripe, long finish. This wine is delicious on its own or try it with exotic fish and seafood such as sea bass, sole or scallops, or with chicken in a creamy sauce or fresh asparagus.

Les Quatre Clochers Chardonnay Reserve 2006, Tesco £6.99, from the lesser know appellation of Limoux in the Languedoc region of France, is a medium dry white wine with complex aromas of citrus fruits and vanilla. It has a full-bodied flavour with a fresh finish and would be great with grilled chicken, or barbecued white fish with herbs and lemon.