#WineWednesday: Other Top Wine Regions
Last time, we explored some of the well-known wine regions in Europe. Today, let’s focus on some others from around the globe.
Argentina
Argentina is said to be the fifth-largest wine region and continues to grow each year. One of the best-known wine regions is Mendoza and is known for its Malbec. San Juan is considerably hotter and drier than Mendoza and is known for its Syrah and Douce noir. La Rioja was one of the earliest wine regions in the country, cultivated by Spanish missionaries.
Australia
Vineyard Kangaroo
Wine is produced in every state in Australia, though the more well-known regions can be found in the southern, cooler parts of the country. The country produces a wide range of varieties (due to the vast climatic and topographic differences) but is best known for Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Portugal
Portugal has 14 distinct wine regions which grow a wide array of grape varieties. The largest region is Alentejo, which is known for both its cork production and its dry red wines. The Douro Valley is a wine region that is protected by UNESCO, and is famous for its fortified Port wines, as well as non-fortified varieties known as “Duoro Reds”.
South Africa
South Africa is known for its excellent Chenin Blanc. (One of my favorites.) The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley also produces Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in its much cooler climate. As a side note, South Africa is also the largest producer of brandy in the world.
Chile
Chile is the seventh-largest producer of wines. The Atacama region in the north is famous for its brandy-like Pisco, while the Aconcagua and Casablanca valleys are known for producing red Carménère and Shiraz, as well as Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay. The Maipo Valley is known for its excellent Cabernet Sauvignon.
New Zealand
Wine-making in New Zealand dates back to the early 19th century. The largest region, Marlborough, is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, which make up almost three-quarters of the country’s entire wine production. (Trust me. I am addicted to this wine!) Another major region is Canterbury, known for its Pinot Noir.
Next time, I will be taking on the United States. (And there is so much more to the US wine-making than Napa and Sonoma!)
