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Washington State focuses its efforts on red blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot even though the region also makes terrific dry Riesling. Fortunately, the Champenoise saw this as an opportunity with the invention of sparkling wine that they simply called “Champagne.” The best sparkling wines of the region are from warmer vintages that age for around 7 years prior to release! Aged Champagne are loved for their nutty biscuity aromas. Some of the walled plots are the most valuable wine estates in the world!Ĭhampagne is a frigid area that wouldn’t normally be suited for wine growing. They specialized in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir! Burgundy is sliced into 5 unique wine growing areas with unique wine styles. The region is known for its elegant and savory red wines that age for decades.īurgundy was developed by Cistercian Monks who walled their estates and plots of land for disease protection. Cabernet is the life blood of this famous California wine region.īordeaux is the original home of many of our favorite wine varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The single most planted grape in Napa Valley is Cabernet Sauvignon. There is Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines that will blow your mind. Still, the country does much more than just that. New Zealand is most known for Sauvignon Blanc. It makes Portugal one exciting place for quality and value. They are delicious, but many are completely unknown-about outside of the country. There are more than 250 unique wine varieties found in Portugal. Riesling is the focus here, but there are many other amazing finds including German Sekt (ie sparkling wine!).
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The country boasts around 100,000 acres of grapes, many of which are at extreme slopes, making it one of the steepest wine countries in the world. The country has prehistoric soils which add a unique rustic flavor to their fruity wines. In just the last ten years, South Africa has become more well known for their red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
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The South African region built their industry on wines and brandies made with the Chenin Blanc grape. The entire country of South Africa started as a pit-stop for the Dutch East India Company en route to India.
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The region is most known for bold, fruit-forward red and white wines. Today, Australia is diversifying its grape varieties and wine styles and there are also an increasing number of small producers.Ĭalifornia produces the vast majority of US wine. Shiraz is often made in a way that’s richer and darker than most Syrah so the new name changed people’s perception of the wine. Today you’ll find excellent Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Torrontés in Argentina.Īs a new world wine region, with 2,700 miles of coastline along the frigid Pacific Ocean, Chile produces wines that are both fruit-forward and herbaceous.Īustralia renamed Syrah to Shiraz in the 1980’s in order to differentiate themselves from the US and France. Spain produces a diverse range of wine styles from the refreshing sparkling Cava that come from around Barcelona to the nutty and sweet dessert wines from Andalucía in the South.ĭespite the fact that South America is considered a New World wine region, winemaking has been happening in South America since the 1500’s. It is perhaps most famous for its red wines of Rioja using the countries champion Tempranillo grape. Spain is the third largest wine producing nation in the world. Buy Nowįrance inspired a world of wine with their popular grape varieties like Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.
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