Inycon Nero D’Avola 2013, £5.99, Waitrose

Many of Italy’s most exciting wines come from the island of Sicily where there are centuries-old vineyards and producers with experience, modern skills and lots of initiative. This blend of little-known Frappato grapes and powerful Nero D’Avola is deep red in colour and full of damsons and black cherries. Alcohol is 13%.

Extra Special Falanghina 2012, £5, Asda

Here’s another Italian beauty this time from the heel in the boot, the southern region of Puglia. The white Falanghina grape has been grown since ancient times not far from Naples and this Asda own-label example is light, dryish and all peaches and nectarines. The wine is an award winner, 12.5% alcohol and this rollback price is a bargain.