As the largest importer of Australian wine, most of us are familiar with its biggest strengths – chardonnay, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and dry riesling.

If the closest thing you come to a catch of the day and king size prawns is a Chinese takeaway, try a fresh, crisp riesling which is perfect with Asian food. The Clare Valley is famous for its bone-dry riesling, and Tim Adams is one of the best producers in the area.

Try Tim Adams Protege Riesling 2008 (£6.75, or £40.50 from £54, online at Tesco Wine By The Case) which is fragrant and concentrated with lemon and lime citrus notes, and a zingy, mineral streak to complement the spiciness and sweetness of Oriental flavours.

Modern, Aussie chardonnay is far more restrained than the oaky, heady, tropical fruit baskets of the 80s, and Croftwood Estate Chardonnay 2010, SE Australia (£5.99, www.laithwaites.co.uk) is a good entry level chard for a mid-week drinker, and unbeatable value. With just a subtle hint of oak, it’s very fresh with peach and melon flavours, and a hint of lemon curd sweetness – ideal with any type of seafood.

The trend for unwooded chardonnay (fermented and aged in stainless steel) without the oak influence produces a leaner style, more akin to a sauvignon blanc, and can be disappointing if you’re used to a buttery creaminess.

However, the winemakers behind House Of Certain Views Unwooded Chardonnay 2010, Hunter Valley (£8.95, www.

tanners-wines.co.uk), Andrew and Lisa Margan, manage to produce a fresh, elegant chard with plenty of tropical fruit, good acidity and a pleasing finish that will appeal to drinkers on both sides of the fence.

But for lovers of an ‘in your face’ chardonnay, I highly recommend Heggies Eden Valley Chardonnay 2010, South Australia (£12.75, www.thewinesociety.com). Aged in French oak for 11 months, this sumptuous straw yellow white is rich and fleshy with complex pineapple and stone fruit flavours and a long, creamy finish. A respectable 12.8 per cent abv, you’ll be surprised how easily the bottle empties... bring on the salmon.

Famous for their bold and beautiful reds, Australian shiraz and cab savs are hard to beat if you’re looking for an intense glass to get your nose into.

Another pukka wine for shiraz/cab sav fans, try Finest Block 19 Shiraz Cabernet 2009 (£7.99, Tesco). A dark inky purple, the blend of grapes marries sweet, raspberry fruit flavours with good structure, fine tannins and a soft, succulent finish with a spicy edge. Renowned for its cabernet sauvignon, cool climate Coonawarra in southern Australia produces beauties like Sunnycliff Cabernet Sauvignon, Victoria 2008 (£7.95, www.

tanners-wines.co.uk).

Soft and ripe with blackberry aromas, juicy, fleshy fruit and a lovely warmth on the finish.