Wine regions of the world

Wine regions of France

Wine regions of FranceAlsace -  Straddling the German border to the east of Champagne, Alsace has been claimed and reclaimed by both France and Germany throughout history, but remains a French region today. The most prominent grape varieties grown in Alsace are white, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat. Wines can be made in dry, off-dry, or sweet styles, and often display pronounced aromas and spicy flavors.Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling

Wine regions of FranceBordeaux - Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux is the home of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The “Left Bank” includes the famous appellations of Margaux and Pauillac, where prominent châteaus like Lafite-Rothschild produce age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon blends with premium prices. The “Right Bank” encompasses the Merlot-dominant appellations of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, whose finest wines can be cellared for many years. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot

Wine regions of FranceBurgundy - Located north of Rhône, Burgundy is known for two grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Burgundian winemakers believe that their wines express the plots of land from which they come, and the best examples command some of the most premium prices in the world. All wine appellations in Burgundy can be categorized within one of four levels: Regional, Village, Premier Cru, or Grand Cru.Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay

Wine regions of FranceChampagne - The greatest sparkling wines in the world come from the Champagne region of France. There are 3 main grapes used here: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Since the weather in Champagne can vary significantly from year to year, most producers make a Non-Vintage (NV) wine that consistently reflects their “house style,” by blending grapes from multiple years. However, Vintage Champagnes are also produced from the very best single years. Luxury bottlings like Dom Pérignon and Louis Roederer’s Cristal are vintage Champagnes.

Wine regions of FranceLoire - Beginning on the northwest Atlantic coast of France and traveling eastward, the Loire region is best known for white wines produced from Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The Chenin Blanc wines of the Vouvray appellation may come in a range of styles, from dry to richly sweet. White wines from the neighboring appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are made of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. They are usually crisp and bright in style, with fresh citrus, herbal, and mineral characteristics. Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Muscadet

Wine regions of FranceRhône - Syrah and Grenache are the two most prominent grapes found in France’s southeastern Rhône region. Domaines in northern Rhône produce red wines from Syrah, though a small portion of white grapes may be used in certain appellations. The southern part of the region utilizes Grenache, often in blends with other red grapes. This area is also contains the highly-regarded Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.Grenache, Syrah (shiraz) and Viognier

Wine regions of ItalyTuscany is perhaps the most famous region in Italy, due to the wine, history, culture, landscape, and art of its capital city: Florence. The first officially designated wine in Italy was Vernaccia di San Gimignano, which earned the distinction in 1966. The hills of Chianti produce earthy red wines made mainly from Sangiovese, the most widely planted grape in Italy. Not far from Chianti is the town of Montalcino - the home of Brunello made from a local clone of Sangiovese, called “Sangiovese Grosso.”

Wine regions of ItalyThe Piedmont Region in Northwest Italy is home to a wine called Barolo, which comes from a village of the same name. Barolo is made from a grape called Nebbiolo, and is known for full body, light color, high tannin, and flavors of sour cherry, rose petals, and tar. Dolcetto (literally, “little sweet” in Italian) which ironically, is not sweet, but a dry, medium-bodied red wine with dark fruit flavors and silky smooth texture. Barbara, among the most widely planted grapes in Italy, is a dark, dry, red wine that is easy to confuse with Cabernet Sauvignon in a blind tasting.

Wine regions of ItalyThe Veneto Region is the provence around Venice. Some of the best selling Pinot Grigios in the United States come from Veneto, including Santa Margarita. There are, however, a number of other wines to consider from the area. Soave, a dry and crisp wine made mainly from the Garganega grape, makes a nice alternative to Pinot Grigio. Prosecco is made from the Glera grape, and can be one of the best values for sparkling wine available. Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Ripasso, and Amarone della Valpolicella are all red wines made from a blend of indigenous grapes.

Wine regions of ItalySicily has an enormous variety of climates for grape growing, from subtropical to alpine, and a large number of native grape varieties. If you’ve never had wine from Sicily, try one from the following categories: Etna Rosso, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Moscato di Pantelleria, and Marsala. Etna Rosso is made from a blend of local red grapes, including Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, that are grown on the slopes of the active volcano, Mount Etna

Wine regions of Spain

Wine regions of SpainCatalonia is known for native Spanish wine varietals like Tempranillo, as well as international grapes like Cabernet and Chardonnay. Perhaps the most famous wine from Catalonia, however, is Cava. Cava is a sparkling wine made in the traditional Champagne method, primarily from three native grapes: Macabeo, Parellada, And Xarello. It can be made as a sparkling rosé, but the majority of Cava bottlings are white, inexpensive, crisp, dry, and refreshing.

Wine regions of SpainThe main grape of Rioja is Tempranillo, which is typically blended with small amounts of Garnacha, Graciano, Cabernet, Merlot, and several other indigenous varieties. White wine is also produced, but in more limited quantities. The wines of Rioja are classified according to how long they have been aged. Joven wines are young and released with minimal aging. Crianza and Reserva wines have been aged for a minimum of one year in barrel, and Gran Riserva wines for a minimum of two years.

Wine regions of SpainRibera del Duero has a high elevation and an extreme continental climate, with very cold winters and hot summers. The reward for facing such risky weather conditions is wine of exceptional quality. The best Ribera del Duero can be confused with top Cabernet Sauvignon in blind tastings, with its dark color, cassis, blackberry, dark cherry, full body, and hefty tannins.

Wine regions of SpainGalicia located in far northwestern Spain, has the greenest, wettest climate in the country. The subregion of Rias Baixas has a cool maritime climate, perfect for its aromatic indigenous white grape Albariño, which is comparable to Gruner Veltliner from Austria, or Pinot Gris from France’s Alsace. As in Catalonia, Galicians have a strong regional identity and their own language. Albariño has become fashionable in recent years, with enthusiasts who love its pure minerality, ripe peach flavors, and food friendly, acidic structure.