The wine is richly oaky and youthful, while a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon adds class and complexity.France In the face of the New World’s Cabernet and Merlot assault, Bordeaux is licking its wounds. In the shadow of snow-capped Aconcagua, one of Chile’s top wineries, Errazuriz, has produced the 1997 Errazuriz Reserve Syrah, pounds 9.99, Safeway, Fuller’s, a sumptuously berry-fruity Syrah from its Don Maximiano vineyards. In the cool climate of Victoria’s hills, where it comes closest to expressing the aromatic character of its northern Rhone counterpart, Trevor Mast’s 1996 Mount Langhi Ghiran Shiraz, pounds 14.99, Fuller’s, is the epitome of Australian pepper and spice and all-things-nice.Chile It’s encouraging to see Chilean producers looking beyond Bordeaux to new styles of red wine. The resurgence of native grape varieties, many of which have long been derided or forgotten, has challenged the traditional dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. It would be nice, if perhaps a little optimistic, to think that the next decade will see a continuing proliferation of new wine styles.Argentina While the Malbec grape lives in relative obscurity in France, it flourishes as one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Argentina. Norton’s 1996 Malbec, pounds 4.99, Tesco, unfiltered and unoaked to retain as much natural fruit as possible, is beautifully perfumed with blackberry and damson and a peppery character reminiscent of a supercharged Cotes du Rhone.Australia It took a generation of neglect before Australia woke up to its valuable heritage and the realisation that the character of the Shiraz grape varies according to the region it’s grown in. Unfortunately, le Bon Dieu no longer bestows his blessing on French vineyards alone.

While redundant European vineyards are grubbed up because there’s no market for the rot- gut plonk produced there, the New World is busy discovering for itself not just which grapes to grow but the best places to plant the vines.The shift from white to red wines is one of the most significant trends of recent years, so on this whirlwind world wine tour, you’ll come across more reds than whites. The past 12 years have seen seismic changes, with the New World moving centre stage thanks to a focus on grape varieties and hard-nosed marketing.
The traditional French argument about the importance of a wine’s provenance remains true. For local branches, call 0500 425 425.Zanussi ZBF865 Oven Includes a Thermaflow fan and closed-door grilling Comes with a cook book pounds 500 For stockist information, contact Zanussi on 0990 140 140.. Wines Argentina to the USA

When the presses first started rolling at The Independent in 1986, the annual wine agenda was still dominated by the three Bs: Beaujolais Nouveau, Burgundy’s Hospices de Beaune auction in November and the new vintage in Bordeaux Not any more. For further information and stockists, contact Siemens on 01780 722123.Tefal Steamer Two-tier steamer which cooks vegetables the healthy way pounds 36.99 Available from Comet.

Available from Divertimenti, 45-47 Wigmore Street, W1, and mail order on 0171-935 0689.Ariston ERFV 402 Fridge Fun fridge that comes in a variety of patterns including strawberry, lemon and wave effect and the lime design shown here Capacity 13.4 cubic feet. Available from Buyers and Sellers, Ladbroke Grove, London W10, and mail order on 0171-229 1947.Siemens Harlequin Washing Machine Thirteen wash programmes, maximum 1200 spin, foam suppression cycle and a rainbow of colour pounds 550. For stockist information, call Philips on 0181-689 2166.Clockwise from right: Philips Cafe Gaia Coffee Machine Easy to use, it makes up to 10 cups of coffee pounds 30. For stockist information, call Philips, as before.Guzzini Juicer A motorized citrus press that will squeeze anything up to the size of a grapefruit pounds 39.95.