I THOUGHT I would do the unthinkable and suggest some decent wines for under a tenner this week. Yes, I did say under a tenner rather than the old three-for-a-tenner deals but one must maintain some standards.

Actually, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of several of the wines available under a tenner but the closer I got to £7, the wines definitely became thinner and less satisfying. It's probably no surprise when I tell you that Australia came out on top for the quaffing wines with some real delights coming from South Eastern Australia. Beware though as some of their winemakers are producing Merlot and Shiraz wines for under a tenner that are literally just alcohol and rich fruit juice with no discernible tannins and, to be honest, if there's ever a zombie apocalypse, I can heartily recommend filling your stolen Range Rover up with them. Other easy drinkers from the land down under include the Tyrrell's Old Winery Series, the Normans Holbrook road range and Leasingham’s Jam shed Shiraz which is simply divine for the price.

Chile came a close second but mainly with two grapes, Merlot and Carmenere. Chile has long since mastered Merlot and they produce some of the plumiest styles you can find in the bargain bucket but Carmenere with its silky, alluring fruit has become my guilty pleasure. It remains a surprise to me that many of the bargain bucket wines consumed in the UK still come from France because everything I've tried in the recent past under £10 has been as rough as a badgers backside. Pip pip.

Tempus Two Silver Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia

I've long been a fan of Tempus Two and their premium Pewter range but this was my first foray into their bargain end and I was delighted with the find. Rich and exceptionally smooth brambly fruit with a long, soft finish.

Waitrose £7.99

Valley Way Barossa Shiraz, Australia

A rich, lively nose with heaps of soft black fruits on the palate. A really lovely quaffer for the price, just don't put it up against a steak.

Aldi £6.99