ITALY

The ancient Greeks called Italy "Oenotria" meaning wine land and its inhabitants are as passionate about their wines today as they've ever been. Hand in hand with this passion goes an intense commitment to local styles and local grape varieties, of which there are said to be more than 500. Yes, 500 different varieties! As a result, Italy produces a wider, more fascinating range of individual, characterful wines than anywhere else in the world. And over the last two decades in particular, Italy's very finest wines have improved out of sight and their star is still on the rise. If anyone is going to truly challenge the famous names of France for supremacy in the battle for the hearts and minds of wine collectors the world over, it's the Italians. Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rhône look out. Here comes Tuscany, Piedmont and Sicily!