Wine is one of the most celebrated beverages in the world, enjoyed by millions of people for centuries. The wine industry is a vital part of many regions’ economies and cultures, and each region produces unique wines that have their own distinct flavour and character.
We’ve researched the best wine regions across the world to share exclusively our recommendations with Portfolio readers. The regions we have chosen create wines that are widely recognized as some of the best in the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the wines these regions have to offer.
Bordeaux, in France, is one of the most famous wine regions in the world and is home to some of the most expensive and sought-after wines globally, such as Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Margaux. The moderate maritime climate and very gentle slopes provide an ideal location for vineyards. The region extends around the rivers Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne which create natural sub-regions where different grapes thrive in different soils.
Many of the regions have their own appellation and are governed by appellation d’origine contrôlée laws which dictate the permissible grape varieties, alcohol levels and further rules to ensure the Bordeaux wins are of the best quality.
Bordeaux produces primarily red wines, which are made from a blend of different grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. These wines are known for their complex flavours, including blackcurrant, plum, and tobacco, and their ability to age for decades.
Tuscany is another region known for producing some of the world’s most exquisite wines, such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Tuscany is home to several grape varieties, including Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, and produces primarily red wines.
The Chianti zone is Tuscany’s largest classified wine region, with a production rate of over eight million cases a year. The Ligurian coast stretches the length of the Tuscan wine region and has picturesque views to enjoy as you travel from between the vineyards. With optimal geological and climatic conditions, barren limestone soul and plenty of sun and rain, Tuscan wines are high-quality and delicious.
These wines are recognised by their bold, fruity notes, such as cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, and their robust tannins.
California’s Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine regions in the United States and is known for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Napa Valley’s climate, soil, and terrain are ideal for wine production, and its wines are known for their rich, fruity flavours and smooth finish.
Located in Northern California, 50 miles northeast of San Francisco, this area enjoys the benefits of Californian sunshine and but also the volcanic, maritime and alluvial soils as the region stretches from river and coastal areas to mountain vineyards at over 2000 feet.
Mendoza is the largest wine-producing region in Argentina and is known for its Malbec wines. Malbec is a red grape variety that originated in France but is now primarily grown in Argentina. Mendoza’s high altitude, dry climate, and irrigation system create ideal conditions for Malbec production, and its wines are known for their dark, fruity undertones, such as plum, blackberry, and black cherry, and their soft tannins.
At the foothills of the Andes, within central western Argentina, the Mendoza region has over 150,000 hectares of vineyards and over 800 wineries. Overlooked by the beautiful Mount Aconcagua, the vineyards of Mendoza are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world, with some as high as 36,000 feet above sea level.
Mosel is a wine region located in Germany, famous for producing some of the world’s most exquisite Riesling wines. Mosel’s steep, terraced vineyards, and cool climate create ideal conditions for Riesling production, and its wines are known for their vibrant acidity and fruity flavours, such as green apple, lemon, and peach.
Located along the Moselle river at Germany’s borders with Belgium and Luxembourg, its steep south-facing riverside vineyards receive the benefit of red and blue slate soils. The blue slate’s mineral notes add to the region’s fruity white wines. Production in the area is largely made up of Riesling producers, which makes up 60% of vineyard space. The world of wine is vast and diverse, with many regions producing excellent wines that are unique and distinctive. While the regions mentioned in this article are well-known for their wine production, there are many other regions worldwide producing excellent wines worth exploring, including Cornwall where the warm climates have produced stunning wines. With so many regions to choose from, there is something to suit every taste, and with wine regions all over the world, there is also much to explore.
