Wines

Spain has the world’s most extensive vineyards and is a global leader in the wine export sector. The best-known Spanish appellations are Rioja and Ribera del Duero, although others of similar quality include Bierzo, Rias Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, Toro, Navarra and Getariako Txakolina.

France has the second most extensive vineyards in the world, after Spain, and was a pioneer in establishing the protected designation of origin system. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire and Champagne are globally-recognised wine regions, although others include Rhône Valley, Alsace and Languedoc-Roussillon.

Portugal is most famous for its fortified wine, such as Port and Madeira, although its vinhos verdes are also highly sought-after. The country’s wineries have made a qualitative leap forward in recent years, with regions such as Douro, Dão and Alentejo nowadays producing excellent vintages.

Italy is the largest wine producer in the world and makes some of the finest reds, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Nobile de Montepulciano and Brunello de Montalcino. Its rich wine tradition is clearly reflected in the fact that it has over 540 different varieties of grape and 600 different appellations.