Southamerican merlot

If the name of this picturesque corner of southwest France conjures up the rustic ‘black wines’ of tradition, then look again: times have been changing, and wine styles with them, in the homeland of Malbec

1 Clos d’Audhuy, La-O 2022 94 £27 Swig ...

Difficult to get hold of they may be, but Swiss reds and whites are distinctive, delicious, diverse and definitely worth tracking down

The very high scores here, from a small field, reflect the quality and general deliciousness to be expected from the high-standard Pinot Noirs grown across Germany’s regions

On the lighter side of Italian reds, freshness and value are the keywords to these pleasingly fruit-focused styles

The four northernmost regions of Italy share more than just a mountainous border with neighbouring countries. Meet some of the key winemakers in each region – some of whom own vines on both sides of the border – and discover the results of an ongoing exchange of ideas and wine heritage