Have you ever tried an Australian Sangiovese or Tempranillo? If you haven’t then you really should because these classics from Tuscany and Rioja produce cracking alternative styles and this old guy is a big fan.

Along with a host of other Italian classics, including Nebbiolo, Barbera and Montepulciano which have been grown for many years in Australia, they are becoming more popular in the UK and offer a different but reassuringly familiar option when searching for New World wines.

In their more familiar settings of the Old World, all of these varieties are grown in what we in the UK would call warmer climates so when you grow them in the near perpetual sun of Australia it's almost as if the grapes have been put on steroids.

The flavours are accentuated on your palate and in the case of several of the Sangiovese styles I've tried, it almost explodes on your palate like the sudden rush when you chew down fast on summer fruits.

I've heard some people referring to them as if they were copies of Old World styles such as Chianti, Barolo or Rioja but that's not really fair on either party and the differences, although often subtle, are important. No, these are New World classics and are well worth your money.

Hancock & Hancock Tempranillo 2019, Mclaren Vale 14%

Dark and enticing in colour with intense black cherry fruits, hints of cigar boxes and peppers. This is simply divine.

The Good Spirits Co, Amps Wine Merchants, Latitude Wines rrp £16.50

Chalk Hill Barbera, McLaren Vale

Dark, almost opaque in the glass, the nose is pleasantly lively and enticing leading into a racy palate of spicy autumn fruits and fine tannins. Drinks well on its own but paired with hard cheeses it's a delight.

Fine Wine Co £17.41