ITALY is renowned to have some of the best wines in the world. Drinkers often lean towards the Chiantis and the Barolos but mainly because they are the ones most commonly spoken about.

So let’s use the excuse of starting a New Year to try different grape varieties from regions that aren’t as well known, but are true hidden gems.

Here is a selection of affordable, tantalising Italian wines for you to enjoy this year. Salute!

Malvasia Carletti 2009, £6.49, Oddbins

Delicate nose of chamomile and mature peaches give way to a clean, mature palate with creamy yellow fruit and lively, lingering finish. Malvasia is an ancient Mediterranean grape variety that produces semi-aromatic white wines of great character. Carletti's offering is light and scented with lingering citrus acidity.

Consumano Nero D’Avola 2009, £6.49 Oddbins

Positively brimming with aromas of morello cherry, blackberry jam and juniper berries on the nose, the palate is hearty and vaguely spicy with soft, generous tannins and a powerful, bitter cherry finish. Italy currently produces some of the world’s most interesting and original wines, and Sicily is undoubtedly responsible for many of the most exciting. From the indigenous Nero d’Avola grape variety, this is a dramatically flavoured and hugely beguiling creation.

Primitivo Vini Del Sole 2009, £8.99 Oddbins

This Primitivo has a deliciously deep ruby red colour with violet highlights. With its intense fruity aroma and notes of prunes and spicy cherry, it leaves a rosemary-vanilla taste on the palate. Perfect with a medium-rare steak, or a game casserole.

Moscato d’Asti Gemma 2009, £7.49 Oddbins

Moscato d’Asti could well be one of the wine trade’s best-kept secrets.

A deliciously light and delicate wine made from that most grapey of grapes, Muscat. Sweet, clean and semi-sparkling, this delicious, aromatic, grapey fruit explodes on the palate, lingering in the mouth.

Perfect served with any sweet deserts such as bread and butter pudding made from panettone leftovers.