An Overview of the Different Wine-Producing Regions in the World
Wine is produced across a variety of different regions in the world. These regions range from Mid-latitude to equatorial and from Mediterranean to Arctic climates. The climate of the region determines the kinds of grapes that can be grown there and the wines that can be made.
One of the most well-known wine-producing regions is France. Its reputation for quality is second only to Italy. This country has more vineyards than any other country in the world. In addition, it is one of the largest wine producers in the world.
Spain is another top producer of wine. It also is one of the largest exporters of wine. Several of its top wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere. But there are many other varieties, too. For example, the renowned Spanish grape varietal, Pinotage, is a white wine made from a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut.
There are a number of other countries with high quality wine production. Chile is the ninth largest wine producer in the world. It has six distinct regions. Each has its own distinctive wine. However, they are all considered to be quality-wine regions.
In the United States, California is the leading producer of wine. They produce five times as much as Washington State. Another leading state is Virginia. Both have a diverse set of climates and growing seasons. Despite their diverse climates, they produce quality and quantity.
Although some regions have become a hot commodity in the global wine market, other regions have yet to become a hot commodity. For example, the Willamette Valley in Oregon is synonymous with Pinot Noir. Still, newer wine producing regions are catching the eye of Americans, with names like South Coast, Antelope Valley and San Pasqual Valley popping up on the radar.
Many of the key players agree that the visibility of a wine region is important. In Old World countries, terroir is discussed in terms of production, marketing and “protectionism”. In New World countries, terroir is discussed more in terms of “experimentation.”
While most countries are not known for a single varietal, there are some that are. For instance, Italy has a diverse array of noble red and white wines. Other notable examples include the famous Barbera grape from Piedmont, which is used to make its renowned Roero wine. Also, there are the famous Sauvignon blanc and Gewurztraminer from Alto Adige.
Some of the more well-known wines from Brazil are sparkling whites. These are usually made in the style of Champagne. They are often referred to as sweet ice wines. Those of Uruguay are made in a similar way.
The United States has a diverse set of wine-producing regions. It has four major regions and a number of smaller ones. Overall, it produces more than half the world’s wine. And its wines are famous for their distinct flavor.
Another area of note is the country of Argentina, which produces some of the best wines in the world. Among its other regions are the Maipo Valley and the Cachagua Valley, which are some of the world’s most popular. Nevertheless, it has multiple sub-regions, each with its own unique climate and terroir.
