Let's go on a whirlwind tour of the most well-known wine producing countries in the world.
We're going to briefly cover the winemaking highlights of every country, because we could
write volumes on each one.
United States
The U.S. produces practically every type of wine you can think of with its varied climate and
relatively large size (as compared to the Old World European producers). Its most famous
winemaking state is California , with Napa and Sonoma renowned for producing world-class
Cabernet Sauvignon , Chardonnay and Pinot Noir . The U.S. also produces high quality
Sauvignon Blanc , Merlot and Syrah , while also being the only country to
make Zinfandel.
Oregon and Washington
are now making fantastic wines as well, with amazing Pinot Noirs coming out of the Willamette
Valley in Oregon. Washington, further north and cooler, is starting to make solid Rieslings.
There are plenty of other states that make wine, but it's really California, Oregon and
Washington that produce juice that measures up to the Old World's stuff.
France
The priciest wines in the world come out of France, and for good reason. Seriously, where do
we start? The reds of France are truly magnificent and unrivaled, from the sublime Pinot Noir
that's produced in Burgundy to the bank-busting blends of Bordeaux . Move to another part of
the country to find some of the best Syrahs in the world in the Northern Rhône Valley,
then travel south to sample intense red blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Then, there's Beaujolias,
where a simple, light ultra-drinkable red causes a sensation every November. If you haven't
figured it out already, France offers red wines for practically any taste and situation.
World-class white wines are also a product of France. In the East, the region of Alsace
creates amazing Rieslings and Gewürztraminers. In the Loire Valley , wickedly
herbaceous and lean Sauvignon Blancs come from Sancerre and Poilly-Fumé. Returning
to Burgundy, you'll find sleek, complex Chardonnay such as Chablis, while in Bordeaux
they prefer to produce Sauvignon Blancs blended with Semillon for a creamier wine. And
let's not forget Champagne , the most famous sparkling wine producing region in the world.
Italy
The best known wines produced in Italy are huge, tannic red monsters with intimidating names
such as Barolo, Barbaresco and Brunello. In addition, they produce the expensive Super Tuscans,
wines created with a New World approach in a very Old World winemaking region. And then
there's Chianti, known more for complimenting Hannibal Lecter's census taker meal, but actually
a nice, easy drinkable red. The two famous winemaking regions of Italy are Tuscany and
Piedmont, with their pride and joy grapes being Nebbiolo and Sangiovese.
Italy is definitely all about its reds, and although the country produces white wines such as
the pleasing Pinot Grigio, the quality and effort goes into its red powerhouses.
Spain
The most well known wine growing regions in Spain is Rioja, which produces a lighter bodied
red that is somewhat reminiscent of Pinot Noir and just as versatile with food. The primary
grape is Tempranillo, with Granacha also utilized. Another famous region of Ribera del
Duero, which makes brawnier, more intense reds.
On the white side, Spain offers up a delightful alternative to Chardonnay called
Albariño from the Rias Biaxas region. Big and creamy, the wine is medium to full
bodied and can be found at very reasonable prices.
Germany
Given its cooler climate, the wines that Germany can produce are limited, with world-class
Rieslings being its most famous export. German Rieslings range from dry to unbelievably
sweet dessert wines, and come primarily from the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Rheingau and Pfalz
regions. Sometimes, given the lack of sunshine in Germany can force the winemakers to
add sugar, a process called chaptalization. No matter what, these conditions make German
wines sleek, light-bodied, low in alcohol and high in acidity.
Australia
Down Under is the home of some of amazing wines, with the sun-drenched country produces
a tremendous variety of ripe, flavorful, berry-filled treats. Australia is probably best
known for Shiraz, the spicy red that makes up a quarter of the wine produced there.
In addition, the Aussies produce all of big six varietals,
with its Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays being top notch.
The Chardonnays of Australia differ from California even though they both get plenty of sun.
While California uses plenty of oak to create its buttery version of the wine, Australia
produces a much drier and more fruit forward interpretation.
New Zealand
New to the winemaking game but quickly showing that they've got a lot to offer, the Kiwis are
creating wine that's as good as their world famous national rugby team, the All Blacks. First
and foremost, New Zealand created waves with their steely, magnificent Sauvignon Blancs.
Inexpensive and readily available, these wines have definitely made an impression and then some.
But it doesn't end there for New Zealand, as now they are starting to produce superb Pinot Noir such
as this Ata Rangi
and Chardonnay.
Chile
Quickly becoming one of the hottest winemaking countries, Chile produces excellent wines
at great values. The reds that Chile produces are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, while its whites
are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat. If you've heard of any Chilean winemaker,
it would be Concha y Toro.
Argentina
It's really all about one wine from Argentina, the red stunner Malbec from the Mendoza region.
Rich and full of flavor, the Malbecs from Argentina sing with notes of chocolate, cherry
and blackberry, similar to Merlot but with a hint of Cabernet.
Argentina also produces excellent Chardonnay, as well as Cab, Merlot and Syrah.
Austria
The world's top producer of Grüner Veltliner, a peppery, vegetal white wine that
can offer up a variety of fruit flavors and is quickly becoming popular among those
looking for an alternative to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
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