Wine

Fortification of wines originated to preserve wines in warm climates, or to stabilize them for long sea journeys. Learn more about fortified wines here.

A wild gypsy of a grape, Grenache can make everything from light, refreshing rosés to herby and long-lived reds. Learn more about Grenache grapes.

Malbec grapes present very different faces depending on which part of the world you're in. Learn more about Malbec grapes here.

Soft, plummy and yummy, like Cabernet Sauvignon without the pain. At least that's what Merlots are supposed to taste like. Learn more about Merlot grapes.

One of the friendliest grapes you'll find, the versatile Muscat makes lovely grapey whites wherever it's grown. Learn more about Muscat grapes.

Nebbiolo grapes are arguably the sulkiest of all grape varieties. Learn more about Nebbiolo grapes.

Fat and spicy, or crisp and light? Pinot Gris/Grigio can turn its hand to both styles with aplomb. Learn more about Pinot Gris/Grigio grapes.

Feral, fruity, earthy, velvety in texture — nothing else matches top-class Pinot Noir. Learn more about Pinot Noir grapes.

Sangiovese grapes are the grapes behind Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino and are grown throughout Italy. Learn more about Sangiovese grapes here.

Semillon, the often misunderstood grape, is behind some of the world's finest white wines. Learn more about Semillon grapes.

The classic grape for summer, Sauvignon Blanc is light in body yet full in flavor. Learn more about Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Capable of providing both intellectual and sensual satisfaction, Syrah (aka Shiraz) truly is a grape whose time has come. Learn more about Syrah grapes.

The first sparkling wine was probably made by accident, as a wine refermented in its container. Learn more about sparkling wine.

Tempranillo is Spain's main contribution to the world of grape varieties, and the force behind that famous wine Rioja. Learn more about Tempranillo grapes.

The grape that defines hedonism, Viognier produces richly flavored, voluptuously textured wines that are all about pleasure. Learn more about Viognier grapes.

Rugged, full-bodied and full-flavored, Zinfandel is about as big and honest as a grape can be. Learn more about Zinfandel grapes on the TLC Wine Guide.

Good as the wines from Chile and Argentina are now, they're going to get even better. Learn more about Chilean and Argentinian wine here.

G'day mate, welcome to the world's friendliest wine country - Australia. Learn more about Australian wine.

Fact - France remains the greatest wine nation in the world. Learn more about French wine in the TLC Wine Guide here.

Forget the insipid sweet pap that is Liebfraumilch; Germany is home to world-class wines. Learn more about German wines.

Vibrant, stylish, entertaining yet often frustrating … In Italy, that goes for the cars, the people and - guess what? - the wines. Explore Italian wines.

Not just the source of Sauvignon Blanc - the green land of New Zealand has other top-class whites, and impressive reds too. Explore New Zealand wine.

The quiet performer of Europe, Portugal now boasts red wines that can take their place alongside the finest in the world. Learn more about Portuguese wine.

New World fruit, Old World elegance - that's what South Africa offers at its best. Learn more about South African wine on the TLC Wine Guide.

Think Spain is just Rioja and sherry? Think again. The sleepy giant of European wine is finally on the move. Learn more about Spanish wine here.