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Wine is produced all over the world. Today, the finest wines originate anywhere from the famous, established vineyards of France, to the newer wineries of Australia and South America. Each wine region has unique characteristics that influence the style and taste of its products. Wine makers pay careful attention to the cyclical weather trends in their region. A constant analysis of a vineyard's soil and microclimate is essential to develop the perfect wine. Vintners hope for particular weather conditions during certain months. For example, a September with too much rain can hinder the harvest; an early frost can destroy that year's vintage. Wine makers must take these factors into consideration and adapt their wine production to the area's weather trends. Many vineyards offer tours of their grounds for wine enthusiasts and tourists alike. These tours demonstrate the processes that contribute to the production and offer guests the opportunity to sample the vineyard's product and savor its quality. France Each wine producing region in France specializes in the production of different types of wines and flavors. Although New World regions such as California are recently presenting a challenge to the French wine industry, France is still considered the best region in the world to find excellent wines with great finesse and elegance. The records kept by Christian monks have enabled the French to continue to make the quality wine they perfected over centuries of work. The major wine areas in France are: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace, the Rhone Valley, Champagne and the Loire Valley. The chart below illustrates the major regions of France and the types of wines each produces. Germany Germany produces roughly 20% as much wine as that of France. Typically, Germans do not tend to drink much wine, this lack of interest is limiting to their wine industry. Generally, production focuses on white wines, although there are some quality reds. Rarely exported, there is little demand for German reds outside of Germany. When selecting a German wine it is helpful to remember that the German term for dry is "trocken" and "halbtroken" means half-dry. Germany's global recognition for production of the sweet Riesling wine is on the increase. Although, these wines have a reputation for being too sweet, Germany does make some very dry versions of Riesling for exportation. Because German vineyards are so far north, it is difficult to get the grapes to ripen to a point where they contain a large quantity of sugar, so that the sweet wines these grapes produce are highly sought after. The German government has a regulated system for ranking their wines.
Germany uses several different grapes in wine production. The most wide-spread varieties are:
The wines of the Balkans differ greatly. Many of these wines do not play a major role in the international wine market, yet they are worth noting. The Former Yugoslavia: The wines of this region seem to be an acquired taste to many. Many wine drinkers believe that their most famous wine, Zilvaka, tastes like bruised apples. The most well known wines of this area are very earthy, dark reds. Bulgaria: Bulgaria exports about 80% of its wines due to the heavy Moslem population there. Bulgarian red wines are usually pale and high in quality. Two of the more famous Bulgarian wines are Pamid and Gamza. Hungary: While many other nations attempt to follow the French method of wine production, Hungary holds onto her traditional methods. This country produces fiery red wines and strong white wines that can accompany spicy foods. Hungary also produces Tokay, the famous sweet wine produced from grapes with noble rot. Greece: Many individuals believe that the Ancient Greeks were the first to study wine production. The prototype for wine cultivation that the Greeks provided us with has been modified and improved over centuries. Today, the Greeks make excellent table wines of both the red and white varieties. Although Greece is not a major exporter of its wines, her large tourism industry helps promote them. Romania: Although Moldavian wines were greatly sought after in 19th century Paris, they do not have the same level of international fame today. The best export wines of Romania are the rich honeyed wines Traminer and Pinot Gris. Turkey: Even though Turkey's vineyard land is the fifth largest in the world, she produces little wine. When Phylloxera struck Europe, Turkey began to make wine for exportation. Today, however, these wines are not well known globally, since many do not appeal to western tastes. Spain The wine industry in Spain is as old and established as that of France. Despite this similarity, the wines produced by these two countries are vastly different. Spain produces a large amount of red wine, sparkling wines, and Sherry. Demanded throughout the world, Spain's products are very much a part of the international wine market. The Rioja: This is one of the best known wine regions of Spain. When the Phylloxera epidemic struck France many of its wine makers moved to northern Spain in order to continue their trade. The French taught the local Spaniards how to make wine from their local red Tempranillo grapes. The result was a series of red wines that are very flavourful and strong. Enjoyed globally today, many of the Rioja reds are aged for ten years in large wooden barrels. This process gives these wines a distinct woody taste that many people find appealing. Catalonia: Even though this region does not share the same world recognition as Rioja, it is where most Spanish wines are produced. Recently, more standard wines like Merlot and Cabernet are made in Catalonia, yet this region also has its own traditional wines. Catalonia also specializes in the production of Cavas, or sparkling wines. This sparkling wine presents a good alternative to French champagne and is very high quality. Currently consumers around the world are starting to drink more and more Cava, and it is becoming quite popular. Jerez: This city is one of the most famous of the Spanish wine regions. Its Sherry is perhaps what has made Spain's wine industry famous. However, it was the British who made Sherry known worldwide in the 19th century. In fact, the name "Sherry" comes from an English form of Jerez. Sherry is still shipped to different parts of the globe from this city and is found in markets everywhere. Portugal While Portuguese wines do very well in markets around the world, they have not achieved much notice in the United States. These wines are very strong and are more than likely not fruity enough for most Americans. Portugal has also made no attempt to Americanize its wines by producing varieties like Chardonnay and Merlot. The wine makers of Portugal use local grape varieties to add falvour and colour to their product. At least 18 different types of grapes are used to make certain varieties of Port. These grapes make Portuguese wines very distinct and worth trying by wine lovers anywhere. Major Wine Regions of Portugal Minho: The red wines form this region are very sharp, while the whites have a soft taste. Both varieties are exported throughout the world. Douro: This is one of the most famous areas in Portugal and exports a large amount of wine in today's market. Douro primarily produces Port, however, only about 40% of the grapes harvested from Douro are made into Port, while the remainder is sold as table wine. Dao: The reds from Dao are the most famous wines in Portugal. These reds are velvet, smooth, and very popular internationally. United States The west coast of the United States is a major producer of wine in today's market. Americans' interest in wine has helped her industry to grow during the past few decades, turning The United States into one of the largest producers of quality wines. California: California is perhaps the biggest producer of American wine. Many of the new technologies used in wine making were pioneered in this state, and California wines now rank among the highest quality wines in the world. The wines from the Napa Valley of California are very popular and are even competitive with French wines. Napa Valley uses about 80% of its workable land for the cultivation of grapes. The rich soil and balanced weather greatly benefit grape growing. Wines from this region possess a big taste and are extremely flavourful. For the most part, the vineyards of Napa attempt to emulate French wines and have been successful in these endeavours. Recently, California wine makers have begun to explore the Dry Creek and Russian River lands for the cultivation of grapes. Russian settlers were the first to plant grapevines in this area, and currently the wines from these regions have begun to rival those of Napa. The abundant fog of these areas produces the soft, fruity wines that the American public tends to favour. Californians also make wine in the Central Valley, and even as far south as Temecula. Generally, these wines are not as flavourful as those of Sonoma and Napa, yet the market for them is growing. The Pacific Northwest: Although much of the focus of American wine making is given to California, the Pacific Northwest region also produces some very fine wines. The cool climate allows its wine makers to copy the methods of their European counterparts with greater ease than California. Washington: The wine industry is currently expanding in Washington State. White wines have the most success, but some quality Merlots and Caberents are also produced here. Washington grapes are high in quality and vineyards from Oregon use them to boost the flavour of their own wines. Idaho: The vineyards of Idaho are at a very high altitude. The grapes of this region tend to have a high natural sugar count, which gives them a good body and taste. Although the reds of this region are very light, they have a delicate fruity flavour that many Americans find appealing. Chile Although Chilean wine does not taste quite like conventional wines, it is earning a reputation as a product high in quality that is worth investigating. South America's Chile produces some very high quality wines. Since Chile is not a country that is easily accessible to most individuals, it is sometimes difficult to find her wines. Recently, however, Chile has begun to export more wines to markets throughout the world. The Chilean climate is very beneficial to the wine industry. In fact, this climate acts as a deterrent to the Phylloxera epidemic, and Chile is the only wine producing region in the New World that does not have to graft its vines onto American roots. The chief wine region in Chile is the Maipo Valley. This valley produces good reds and recently has expanded its industry to produce quality whites. The Cabernets made in the Maipo Valley are world famous and have a smoky flavour that is unlike other Cabernets. Wineries such as Linderos, Conchay Toro and Undurraga produces some of the Maipo Valley's highest quality wines. The wines from these wineries are aged in large oak barrels and have a good flavour due to this aging process. Some of these wines are honeyed and appeal to buyers world-wide. The major grape varieties are as follows:
Australia has enjoyed many years of producing world famous wines, with the highest level of wine consumption of any English speaking nation. Even though Australia did not escape the Phylloxera outbreak, its wine industry eventually recovered to become one of the best in the world. Like California, Australia benefits from experimenting with new technologies and unconventional methods of producing wine. Many people feel that the wine makers of Australia contain a mixture of blind enthusiasm and technical knowledge, helping to make some the most individual and flavourful wines of the world. New South Wales is one of the most successful wine regions in Australia. The Hunter Valley in this area grows about sixty different varieties of grapes. Unfortunately, this region is very hot and many grapes rot before they are harvested. The wines of this valley are also said to have a distinct taste that some individuals refer to as the "sweaty saddle." Despite this strange description, the wines of the Hunter Valley are high quality and sought after throughout the world. During the 19th century, Victoria was the largest producer of wine in Australia. The Phylloxera outbreak devastated the vineyards of Victoria, which did not really begin to recover until fifteen years ago. Victoria has a very modern collection of grapes that are mixed with Bordeaux varieties, producing wines that are fragrant, full and minty. This wine industry is again growing and promises to be very important to the wine world in the next few years. About 60% of Australia's wine is produced in South Australia. The red soil in the Coonawara region has minerals that produces wines that are very rich in flavour and texture. A large number of Australia's most famous table wines come from this area and its wines are known throughout the world. Recently Tasmania has begun to develop vineyards. Although these vineyards are very new, they are expected to produce quality wines in the near future. Eastern Asia Although historically, Eastern Asia's wine production was limited to medicinal use, with the expansion of the West and cross-cultural relations, the area is developing into a major beverage industry. China: China has been producing wines since about 2140BC, when wine production was completely alien to the western world. These wines, however, were originally cultivated for medicinal purposes and not social enjoyment. Currently China is producing more and more wines through the use of western grape varieties such as the Pinot Noir and Merlot. The following is a list of the major types of wine made in China today.
Recently vineyards have spread throughout Japan, but are found mostly on the main island of Honshu. Japan's best wines come from the slopes of Mt. Fujiyama on Honshu. While most Japanese wines are not well known in western markets, Japan does produce for export a large amount of rice wine, or Sake, that is popular in the West. Canada Although the cool climate of Canada is not very suitable for the cultivation of grapes, with the current expansion of American wineries across the border, this country is beginning to produce some very nice wines. Recently, the creation of rootstocks that can cope with the harsh Canadian winters is causing Canada to become more well known in the world's wine industry. Vineyards in British Columbia and Ontario are some of the best in today's Canadian wine industry. Although wine has been cultivated in the Ontario region since 1811, it was mainly based on the strong Labrusca grapes and dull hybrids. This produced some very good Ports and Sherries, yet it did not make very good table wines. Canada has also started using a more varied array of grapes in its wine making procedures, using grapes such as Riesling, Chardonnay, and Gamay to boost the local flavours. The red wines of Canada possess a very pleasant flavour and are especially trendy in the American wine market. Many people feel that Canadian wines will become very good in the near future and that these wines should not be ignored. South Africa The fine mixture of soil and climate in South Africa makes it an ideal place to cultivate wine. Vineyards, producing very high quality wines, are distributed throughout the country. Although South Africa has been producing fine wines since the 17th century, there has been little interest in its industry until recently. Because of international politics and economic policies, South Africa did not really participate in the modern wine boom. As these policies change, however, South African wines are developing a following beyond its borders. The white wines of South Africa have a very good reputation in the international wine industry, being light and crisp, and even fruity in flavour. The Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, especially, seem to thrive in the South African climate. These grapes produce aromatic and spicy wines that compliment many different foods and tastes. Although the white wines of South Africa have a better image than the reds, there are a number of very high quality wines of the red variety. One of the most flavourful South African reds is a cross between the Pinot Noir and the Cinsault, a grape from southern Rhone. This wine is called Pinotage, and is exported to most parts of the world with great success. Shiraz is also made in South Africa with success.This wine is light and fruity and enjoyed globally. Italy The current international wine market contains a large amount of Italian wine. Despite being the world's biggest producer of wine, Italy only exports about a quarter of her wine. Much of this product is used to fortify the wines of other nations . However, these wines have very high quality standards, placing Italian wines among the best in the world. Well known wine regions in Italy include:
Over the last twenty years, the production of wine in England has undergone a quiet revolution. Winemaking in England has never been more professional or focused on achieving the highest levels of quality. However, the past view that all UK wines are made from concentrate shipped from abroad and result in cheap and low-quality wine (termed "British Wine") is still common. This misconception has given genuine "English Wine" bad press. With greater penetration of supermarket shelves and a loyal support from tourists, the truth about the quality of English wines is becoming more widely known. That the English climate is not the ideal one in which to grow wines has not stopped the vineyards in the southern regions (mainly Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and the South West) from achieving great successes in recent years. In fact, the climatic conditions and chalky soils in these southern regions are remarkably similar to the famed Champagne region of France. Like the Champagne region, it is not surprising that many successes of English vineyards have been in the production of sparkling wines. Visit EnglishBubbly for more information. Still wines are also produced in abundance, though the whites are typically more successful than the reds. Indeed, the cooler climate and grape varieties used in England are responsible for the delicate floral and grapefruit characters of the white wines. Despite the English weather, some vineyards have achieved success with both the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Many also grow some white Germanic varieties that are earlier ripening and more frost resistant, such as Muller-Thurgau (also known as Rivaner), Bacchus, Schonburger, and the Swiss hybrid, Seyval Blanc. To continue the transition from a fledgling industryto an internationally respected producer of high quality wines, the English Wine Industry has recently announced a quality Marque to help identify quality wines and vineyards. Set up in association with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the new Marque will focus attention on the high quality of English wines and in raising the profile of the industry among domestic wine-buyers. New Zealand New Zealand is a country of contrasts and the variety of the climates and soil types results in a diverse array of styles. The vineyards are grouped in ten main regions, mainly in the country's coastal areas. The maritime climate in these areas results in a long and slow ripening period yielding the best grapes possible. The North Island has about 240 wineries within the main regions, which include the Auckland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Martinborough areas. The South Island is less planted with about 160 wineries. However, it includes the heavily planted Marlborough region, as well as Nelson and Canterbury, two smaller growing regions. Recently, Otago, a large region in the cool, southern part of the South Island, has been a booming area for new vineyards, many among them planting the Pinot Noir grape variety. Now a major international supplier, New Zealand's exports have more than quadrupled over the last ten years to a record export volume of sixteen and a half million litres. The experimentation that has brought many other New World wine producers such fine results in recent times can also be linked to New Zealand's export successes. New Zealand became famous for the world-class wine from white grape varieties, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muller-Thurgau, and Riesling. Of these, the Sauvignon Blanc is the one most associated with the New Zealand wine industry. Though this famous grape is the main reason for New Zealand's rise in standing, it would be wrong to ignore some of the other varieties. In fact, at the moment Chardonnay, not Sauvignon Blanc, is the most planted white grape variety in New Zealand. The notion that New Zealand wines have little more to offer than its Sauvignon Blanc has been further challenged by the emergence of more quality red grape types. Particularly, the Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties have made great strides with the Pinot Noir hyped to be the new star of New Zealand's wines in the not too distant future. |