Wines from the southern hemisphere have such global reach, you can enjoy these top drops at any level.

Whether it's a world-class label or an affordable fruity bomb, South America, South Africa, South Australia and New Zealand's South Island can produce all our classic favourites, surprise us with other varieties, and satisfy our expectations in spades...

ARISE ARGENTINA

:: Caleidoscopio Pinot Grigio Fiano Albarino 2014, Mendoza, Argentina (£8.00, Marks & Spencer)

We may have grown accustomed to the fragrant charms of torrontes, Argentina's flagship white grape, but why stop there when you can enjoy the vibrant taste of this terrific trilogy? A fusion of the most popular Italian and Spanish grapes, this is a fine example of how high-altitude whites can exude crisp and tangy lemony flavours with no oak influence.

CHILE CHIMES

:: With near-perfect growing conditions and a Mediterranean climate, French grape varieties such as roussanne and marsanne have found a niche in blends such as Alto Los Romeros Gran Reserva Colchagua 2014, Chile (£9.95, www.tanners-wines.co.uk). With creamy, blossomy aromas, a restrained, silky richness and well-ripened pear and citrus fruits, there's a delightful honeyed note with refreshing acidity in the background.

:: A plush cab sav that's extremely smooth and fruity, Vina Ventisquero Grey Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Maipo Valley, Chile (£13.49, www.slurp.co.uk) opens up with jammy aromas and blackcurrant and wild berry flavours coat the palate with hints of chocolate, sage and vanilla spice adding interest. Cited by the winemaker as "elegant, balanced and food friendly", decant 30 minutes before serving.

BEST BODEGA

:: Tannat (a spicy red grape that's native to Madiran in south west France) thrives in South America's smallest country and this award winning Garzon Tannat 2012, Uruguay (£15.99, www.selfridges.com) could leave you dreaming of a wine tasting holiday in Punta del Este - the bodega is 11 miles from the trendy beach resort. With a New World opulence but a youthful freshness, the soft and succulent black fruits are laced with spice and complemented by violet aromas and a long, luxurious velvety finish.

CUE THE CAPE

:: South Africa produces all our international favourites, but if you feel like branching out, its signature variety can reward with lovely damson fruits and toasty character. Try Pinotage Reserve 2015, Western Cape, South Africa (£5.99, Spar), which has generous plum and blackberry flavours, spice, cocoa and coffee notes with a distinctive smoky element that cloaks the berry fruit.

DAZZLE DOWN UNDER

:: A leading light on the Australian wine scene, McGuigan Wines (one of the world's most awarded wineries) have launched their new Family Release range, which includes a reliably fresh and fruity chardonnay, McGuigan Family Release Chardonnay 2015, South East Australia (£8.99, Waitrose). An easy drinking style that keeps you coming back for more, there's a subtle oak influence to the juicy pineapple, peach and tropical fruits.

:: If you like to be bowled over by a smooth shiraz that punches above its weight, Berton Vineyard The Black Shiraz 2014, South Eastern Australia (£6.49 from £7.49, now until April 26, The Co-operative) will send the skittles flying. Complex and spicy with richness and length, expect blackberry and plum flavours in leaps and bounds with peppery spice and a flick of vanilla on the finish.

PRIME KIWI

:: New Zealand's other white, pure, textured and pear scented pinot gris, such as Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2015, Marlborough, New Zealand (£12.95, www.greatwesternwine.co.uk) will leave you weighing up the options of choosing this over a flavoursome sauvignon blanc. Utterly delicious, there are apple and spiced pear flavours aplenty with enough acidity to balance the lush, honeyed fruit.

:: BEST BUY

Homage to the Queen... To commemorate Her Majesty the Queen's 90th Birthday, the Symington family have produced a limited edition 500 bottles of Graham's 90 Port. The fine old tawny port is a blend of rare port wines from 1935, 1924 and 1912 that have been maturing in seasoned oak casks since the early years of the 20th century. Graham's 90, Very Old Tawny Port, Portugal (£700, 75cl, www.bbr.com)

:: LIQUID NEWS

Come wine with me... Actors Matthew Goode and Matthew Rhys have teamed up with wine experts Joe Fattorini and Amelia Singer to present a new ITV series, The Wine Show, which takes viewers on a fresh, informative and entertaining journey into wine.

The pair take up residence at an Italian villa and, as enthusiastic novices, look at the kinds of wine we all enjoy every day with our dinner, as well as some of the world's most famous labels.

The Wine Show travels to 12 different countries on six continents to bring us back great stories and great wine, and Gizzi Erskine also joins in as the show's food expert in the US.

"I feel extremely excited and privileged to be part of a production that is creating authentic, stimulating and entertaining television," says Amelia Singer. "The Wine Show revolutionises the way wines can be discovered and enjoyed - for people of all ages and all stages of wine knowledge."

In addition, this visually spectacular series hosts 12 of the world's leading chefs, tasked with cooking the perfect meal to accompany their favourite wine. As they prepare and cook, viewers learn about these Masters of Cuisine, why they love their chosen bottle, and the tastes that drive their dish.

"Being part of The Wine Show is a dream come true," adds Joe Fattorini. "Wine is about so much more than what's in your glass. It's about the people who make it and the beautiful places it's grown. It's magical to meet passionate winemakers and grape growers and visit places you normally only read about in books or magazine articles."

:: The Wine Show airs on ITV4 on Sunday, April 10, and on ITV on Saturday, April 16