THE January sales may signal rich pickings for bargain hunters, but it's also the perfect opportunity for drinkers to take stock of their wine rack.

Even the best cellars can look a tad fruitless after the holiday season, with walls of dust-free spaces highlighting the spots where prized bottles once sat.

Although you may not be in the market for a couple of cases of premium labels, the stores and wine merchants are offering good mark-downs on big brands and established names.

Here are reasons to sip for less in 2012:

UNDER £6It's hard to resist the appeal of a pretty rose, and with Valentine's Day just around the corner, the lollipop pink Rockridge Shiraz Rose 2011, South Africa (£5.49 from £7.49, until Jan 29, Marks & Spencer) is as deliciously appealing as it looks.

For a light Italian white that's a good lunchtime wine, try Bidoli Sauvignon 2010, Italy (£5.98 from £8.20, until March 26, Asda). It's refreshingly good at 12.29% abv, with subtle grapefruit and passion fruit flavours and a crisp finish.

For a good value sister red and white for a rainy day, the Co-op has a couple of easy drinkers from Oz giant Rosemount. Try Rosemount Reserve Shiraz Grenache 2010, Australia (£4.49 from £8.99, until Jan 17) for a soft, juicy guzzler with plenty of appeal that's ideal with a Sunday roast.

And for seafood starters, Rosemount Reserve Semillon Verdelho Chardonnay 2010 (£4.49 from £8.99, also until Jan 17, The Co-op) is crisp with tropical fruit flavours and a hint of pear.

Argentina's famed for its excellent, affordable wines and you can't go wrong with this stellar red. Try Otra Vida Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina (£4.48 from £5.98, until March 26, Asda) for a smooth and velvety malbec with dense black fruits, and a dusting of dark chocolate on the lingering finish.

A charming Chianti equals Tuscany in a glass. Try Taste the Difference Tuscan Red 2009, Italy (two for £10, from £5.99 each, until Jan 24, Sainsbury's). Sangiovese dominant with sweet black cherries, mulberries and some spice, there's enough depth of flavour to complement a rich tomato sauce infused with a bouquet garni of Italian herbs.

UNDER £10

Well made, beautifully presented and reasonably priced, this Spanish gem looks like a top flight wine, and tastes pretty good too. Try Conde Galiana Gran Reserva 2004, Catalunya (£5.99 per bottle, six/12-bottle cases, until end of Jan, www.laithwaites.co.uk). A blend of cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo and garnacha, it spends 36 months in oak and the sun-drenched raspberry and blackberry flavours are ready to grace the table.

If you're thirsty for a Kiwi sauvignon blanc, Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, NZ (£6.66 from £9.99, until Jan 24, Waitrose) comes highly recommended. Bright, lively and concentrated with layers of citrus and grapefruit flavours, it works wonders with shellfish.