Lots of different grapes from a couple of vintages have gone into this easy-drinking red blend from Italy that displays plenty of Italian rustic charm. Expect notes of red cherry, anise and a lick of cranberry. Simple, elegant and vibrant.

Origin: Nobody knows, the tradition of blending dates back millennia to when grape varieties were co-planted together. Mainly Grown In: All over the world! Key Facts: Blended wines are nothing new to many of us, they could be red, white, rosé or sparkling, the fact of the matter is, if you’ve drunk wine before, the chances are that you’ve had a blended wine. Simply put, this is a blend of more than one grape variety. Whilst this might not be a grape variety in its own right, it is important to highlight some of the world’s most famous blended wines and regions. We start with Bordeaux, an area in southwest France that relies almost exclusively on blended red and white wine utilising several grape varieties. Then we have Rhône in southern France, notably the southern part of the region, famous for blended red and white wines under the Côtes du Rhône banner. Or perhaps Champagne, the world’s most famous fizz is predicated on the use and blending of three core grape varieties. That said, perhaps the spiritual home of blended wine is France, but it is now almost impossible to find a wine-producing country anywhere in the world that doesn't blend. Fun Fact: Super Tuscan Rebellion: In the 1960s and 1970s, some Italian winemakers rebelled against traditional regulations and started producing "Super Tuscans." These blends often incorporate non-traditional grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon with local Italian grapes.