South West Europe

With its lofty sedimentary, calcareous and volcanic soils, noble autochthonous grapes bringing individual terroir to life, a peerless gastronomic culture and a rich viticultural heritage, Italy is at long last emerging from the shadow of neighbouring France to showcase its ancient and classic fine wines. The current crop of producers are placing a greater onus on authenticity to gently exalt the quality of the fruit and terroir.

Long regarded as a source of inexpensive reds with only Rioja standing above the parapet, Spain now produces a plethora of exciting wines encompassing myriad different styles. Fresh whites, especially from the Albariño in the Rías Baixas and Verdejo in Rueda, have extended the choice. There have also been interesting developments in Jerez in developing small-scale bottlings of the highest quality Sherry at remarkably affordable prices.

In the mere 20 years since it joined the EU, Portugal has been transformed into one of the most exciting and innovative wine regions in the world. Europe's fourth largest producer, it boasts incredible diversity, from the spritzy whites of Vinho Verde to the full-bodied reds and, of course, the powerful, fortified Port wines of the Douro. Excellent sweet Moscatels can also be found in the south.

Rich, saccharine, intensely-flavoured and, at their best, wonderfully majestic and harmonious, these are wines to be savoured on their own, or with a fine chunk of cheese after a meal. Port comes from the stunning Douro region of Portugal, about 50 miles east of Oporto, and is made in two different styles: bottle-aged and cask-aged.