The wine in Spain is never mainly on the plain side

AS ONE of the most diverse wine-growing climates on the planet, it's no wonder Spain is a super producer - the world's third largest by volume, in fact. And it's a perennial favourite for British drinkers. With growing conditions ranging from cool to arid, rainy to desert-dry, there's a type to suit every taste - many at great-value prices.

- by Matt Nixson

Funny then that fans tend to focus on Riojas and sherries. There really is so much more, with nearly 600 native grape varieties, although major production is based on around 100.