Let`s start with Sardinia. When it ruled Spain it got Garnacha as part of the deal, though it is called Cannonau on the Island and Vermentino is the local white. Most of the vineyards are towards the south, though there are some on the northern coast too. Sicily`s wines are a complex as its history and the array of grape varieties, both autochthonous and international (French) reflects the inward looking yet outward facing community as well as anything. Great, if somewhat courageous use is made of Etna as a cool climate zone, while there are warm areas aplenty too. Well woth exploring. Southern neighbour Pantelleria specialises in sweet wines, especially from the Zibibbo variety. Back on the mainland, Calabria in the toe of Italy is probably the least developed part of the country and its production is co-op dominated, and not in a good way. Puglia`s co-ops next door have embraced change and make vast quantities of good value wines for supermarkets in northern Europe and North America, often under the auspices of flying winemakers from the southern hemisphere. Basilicata and Campania both produce bulk wine but have amazing pockets of the highest quality wines, mostly made from Greek vines introduced when they ruled the southern part if Italy, calling it Enotria in tribute to its vinous potential. (CW 23/01/12)