Ever since it was unified in 1861, Italy has remained a country of two halves. The north: traditionally affluent and commerce-focused. Southern Italy: often seen as poor, lacking infrastructure and looked down on by their richer northern neighbours. Cliche or not, these stereotypes also pervade Italy’s wine. All of the country’s blue-chip regions – Amarone, Barolo, Barbaresco and Chianti to name the most prestigious – are north of Rome.

Times are changing though. Etna, the volcanic region in the north-eastern corner of Sicily, has become one of Italy’s most exciting and hyped wine regions. More will surely follow. From Abruzzo to Puglia and all points in between, fascinating indigenous grape varieties and characterful wines abound. Southern Italian wine is championed by the Radici del Sud (roots of the south) organisation, which organises a massive wine competition and tasting each June in Bari.