OK - hands up all those who thought that when these little weekly essays started a year ago, we’d be reading ‘Everyday Italian Wine - 50′ ? No. Me neither.

But the fact we have is evidence of the staggering diversity of the good, drinkable, affordable wine you’ll find in Italy and in wine stores, supermarkets and restaurants around the world.

That said, I think I’ve taken the current format as far as it’s possible to go. Time for a change…

(Click on the headline title above for more for info on the best wines of the series - with pictures !)

Terre di Franciacorta. Castel Faglia. 2006

It’s quite unusual to find an Italian wine that’s such a heady blend of different grapes as this given DOC status. Normally, the elephantine Italian rule’n'regulations that cover these matters would demote a wine like Terre di Franciacorta - however good - to the (theoretically less-good) IGT grade.

(Click on the headline title above for more about this exceptionally good ‘Everyday Italian Wine’ - with pictures)

Vermentino di Gallura ‘Funtanaliras’. Cantina del Vermentino-Monti. 2007

This is Sardinia’s best white wine. No if’s, but’s or arguments. Actually, if we’re speaking plainly, make that one of the best whites in all Italy. It’s a beauty.

(Click on the entry headline title above for the full story - with pictures)