Here we take you on a journey round the main wine-producing countries and highlight their most popular wine styles to help you make a more informed choice when choosing which wine to buy.
Origin is everything
The aroma and flavour of wine varies considerably according to the region of origin, the wine-making techniques used and the age of the wine. A wine's flavour is particularly affected by the climate and by the use of oak.
Italy
Italy is probably the most complex country when it comes to the number of grapes and regions, but one that is well worth exploring. The most popular wines are made from Pinot Grigio, mainly from the north. Other well-known wines are Chianti from Tuscany – lovely rich reds with firm structure; Barolo from the north – full of crunchy tannins; Soave and Valpolicella from the north – everyday wines ideal with Italian food; and Sicily, which produces some rich spicy whites and rich, bold reds.
France
Wine is produced in many regions of France, and each has its own particular grape varieties and styles. The main wine-producing regions are: Burgundy, which produces fantastic whites from Chardonnay, and delicious light complex reds from Pinot Noir; Bordeaux, with its crisp dry whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and complex, long-lived reds from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; the Loire, with crisp Sancerre and lively Muscadet; the Rhone, with complex reds from Syrah and Grenache; and not forgetting the South of France with its huge range of wines made from a single variety of grape, and wonderful generics such as Corbieres, Fitou and Minervois.
Spain
Spain is also a country with a long history of wine-making, and it offers a huge range of wines and styles. Some of the better-known wine-producing areas in Spain are: Rioja, with rich reds from the Tempranillo grape, aged in American oak; Valencia, with its wide range of dry whites and easy-to-drink reds; la Mancha, the enormous central plain which produces most of the everyday wines; and Penedes, which is famous for its sparkling wines, called Cava.
Argentina
This is definitely a country to watch as wine-making is improving, and more wines are available on the UK market. Look out for bold reds from the Malbec grape, and soft, aromatic whites from Torrontes.
Chile
The most important wine-producing country in South America, Chile has a wide diversity of styles due to the variation in climate from north to south, and the influence of the Andes and the sea. Look out for cool, crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Casablanca, and rich, spicy Shiraz from Curico and Colchagua. Pinot Noir is also looking good in Chile.
Australia
Chardonnay is by far the most popular variety of grape, but produces a large range of wines from cool climate Adelaide Hills to ripe, buttery wines from the Riverland. Regional variations suit most grape varieties, and produce a wide range of styles. Some of the best are Semillons from the Hunter, Shiraz from the Barossa, Riesling from Clare or Eden Valley, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra.
New Zealand
Mainly known for its wonderful Sauvignon Blancs, New Zealand's cool climate also suits Pinot Noir, especially from the South Island, and don’t forget the other reds such as Merlot and Cabernet from Hawkes Bay on the North Island.
South Africa
Popular grape varieties in South Africa are the Chenin Blanc for whites, and Pinotage and Shiraz for reds. With a long tradition of wine-making, the wines are hugely successful in the UK at the moment.
USA
The majority of wine is made in California, where vines are grown across a huge area and generally produce very juicy, fruity wines with lots of appeal. They dominate our rosé wine sales with low-alcohol, sweet wines such as White Zinfandel and White Grenache. Try the Chardonnays, Merlots and Cabernets as well.