New Zealand

Despite it’s global profile, New Zealand is only the 18th biggest wine-producing country. But its ours, we love it and with not without reason: New Zealand’s temperate, maritime Islands ripen grapes just slowly enough to make the most vibrantly fruity wines in the world. While our reds are superb you may note the cost of a wonderfully rich Kiwi Syrah versus Aussie Shiraz. But the upside of our cooler climate is that you pay next to nothing for delicious white and pink wines of almost any stripe. Sauvignon Blanc is the global star but now there’s Pinot Noir - a red that works here because it is naturally - yes - light-bodied, fresh and aromatic (i.e. rather like a white wine but with red colour). Sorry Shiraz lovers, try Australia...