Are you a wine lover looking to improve your expertise while learning fun facts? Then you’ll enjoy reading this article. Here we take you through the five most highly regarded wine regions in the world, as well as pointing out some of the most iconic vineyards and wines there available. You cannot call yourself a wine expert before you try at least one from each of the following regions, so we recommend you get started today.
Tuscany, Italy
Located in the heart of Italy, Tuscany is home to some of the most cherished white wines in the world, produced most notably using the Trebbiano caste as well as Vermentino and Malvasia castes. There are actually various wine regions here, such as Chanti, Vernaccia and Vino Nobile. One of its most iconic wines is the “holy wine” Vin Santo, an exciting dessert wine whose flagship product is the Chianti Classico. If you want to see the best Tuscany has to offer, look for “Super Tuscans”, a range of extremely high-quality wines which have nearly cult status among many enologists.
Burgundy, France
Even if you’re very new to the world of wine tasting, you have likely heard about the famous region of Burgundy in France. Even though it’s a relatively small area, Burgundy features some unique micro-climates that make possible some of the most exquisite wines in the world. Some of the regional highlights include the world-famous Chardonnay white wine and the legendary (and horridly expensive) Grand Cru wines, an exclusive designation of oenological “créme de la créme” produced by 33 elite wineries that amount to only 2% of the Burgundy wines.
Mendonza, Argentina
This region is nested on the foothills of the Andes, and it’s home to most of Argentina’s vineyards; in fact, over two thirds of all the wine in this country comes from Mendonza! The most significant wine castes grown in this area include the premium quality Malbec, that originated from Europe and found a highly suitable climate here, as well as the native Cereza and Criolla Grande which are typically used to make popular jug wines. Look for products from leading wineries like Zuccardi or Trapiche and you won’t be disappointed.
La Rioja, Spain
This is one of the few regions of Spain featuring the “Qualified Designation of Origin” seal of quality, which attests to the importance of its local wines. The region is split in three areas known as Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja, comprising various autonomous communities. Here, you’ll find dozens of prolific “Bodegas” (vineyards) – including Bodega Muga, Bodega Ysios and Bodegas Roda. Notable wines available here include the La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva, Barron the Chirel and Cirsion, all of which are deep flavoured red wines aged in traditional oak barrels.
Northern California, USA
The moderately sunny climate of the northern California coast makes for a suitable area to produce great wines, most notably those made using the well-known Pinot Noir grapes (which may be traduced as “black pine”). These are characteristically pine-shaped clusters of very dark coloured grapes, which are used to make some of the most popular wines in this region. Leading vineyards are Keefer Ranch, Rochioli and Bien Nacido, and iconic wines to look for include Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Saxum James Berry Red, and Sine Qua Non.
And so we wrap our quick journey across the most notable wine regions in the world. Have you already tried any of these products? If you want to find wines from any of the regions mentioned in this article, you may want to check Wines Direct as they have a comprehensive catalogue sorted by region.