Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and fiercely independent — it is after all an island between two continents — Africa and Europe

This week I am returning to Italy with a scattered selection of suggestions that range from north to south.

Italian wine is a reflection of the country’s politics, equally fascinating and frustrating.

I FIND myself drinking rich southern red wines at this time of year in the hope that they will bring a little warmth and sunshine into my life (if only metaphorically).