As we all know, wine-making involves grapes. There are in excess of 1000 grapes varieties this can involve. However there are a core set of "noble grapes" that wine-makers rely on again and again. You will recognise many of the names of these grapes. For instance, the most prevalent white grapes include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Red grapes include Shiraz, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabarnet Sauvignon.
You will often hear the terms "New World" and "Old World" applied to wine. This refers to the wine-making country that the wine originates from. Old World wine is from countries that have been making wine for hundreds if not thousands of years. This includes France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Romania, Hungary, and Greece. On the opposite end of the spectrum are New Wold Wines. Even though new World refers to countries that have only been making wine in recent years, this can still mean a hundred years or more. New World wine comes from countries such as Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
Wine-making has a strict set of laws that must be obeyed in order to sell your produce. In Europe these laws establish where and how different grape varieties may be grown. The main European framework of these laws is regulated by the Protected Designation of Origin and the Protected Geographical Indication. However, each country in Europe has their own governing body that enforces such laws. For example, the Appellation d'Origine Contrle and Vin de Pays make sure these laws are adhered to in France. But in Spain it is the job of the Denominacin de Origen (DO) and the Vino de la Tierra.
In France there are many regions that are famed for their wine. Bordeaux is arguably the most celebrated of these. It is largely famed for its red wines. These are referred to as Claret. Bordeaux has a classification system that separates the top Chateau into five stages. Other famous regions include Burgundy and Loire. Burgundy is known for its highly favoured Chablis. Loire is closely associated with producing quality Sancerre. In addition, the Alsace region is also highly celebrated for its specialised wines.
Now let's have a look at New World wines. California stands out as one of the leaders of producing New World wines. In particular, both Napa and the Sonoma Valley in California stand out for their popular take on Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. E&J Gallo and Mondavi are also popular American wines.
If you like new world wines than you probably enjoy Australian wines. The Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are particularly famed for their Shiraz. The Margaret River in Western Australia grows top quality Semillon. This is also grown in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
There is some truly inspired wine coming out of New Zealand right now. This is primarily Sauvignon Blanc. The distinctive fresh taste of this wine comes from grapes grown in the Marlborough region. However, Pinot Noir is now getting a name for itself too. This is being produced in Central Otago.
Argentina is another popular country for new world wine. They mainly produce red wines from the Malbec grape. It is said that the high altitude that the grape is grown in gives the wine its distinctive flavour.
Chile is now developing some very fine wines. It has many valleys that run parallel to the Andes. This lends itself to growing grapes for wine-making. Some famous regions include the Casablanca Valley and Maipo.
You will often hear the terms "New World" and "Old World" applied to wine. This refers to the wine-making country that the wine originates from. Old World wine is from countries that have been making wine for hundreds if not thousands of years. This includes France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Romania, Hungary, and Greece. On the opposite end of the spectrum are New Wold Wines. Even though new World refers to countries that have only been making wine in recent years, this can still mean a hundred years or more. New World wine comes from countries such as Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
Wine-making has a strict set of laws that must be obeyed in order to sell your produce. In Europe these laws establish where and how different grape varieties may be grown. The main European framework of these laws is regulated by the Protected Designation of Origin and the Protected Geographical Indication. However, each country in Europe has their own governing body that enforces such laws. For example, the Appellation d'Origine Contrle and Vin de Pays make sure these laws are adhered to in France. But in Spain it is the job of the Denominacin de Origen (DO) and the Vino de la Tierra.
In France there are many regions that are famed for their wine. Bordeaux is arguably the most celebrated of these. It is largely famed for its red wines. These are referred to as Claret. Bordeaux has a classification system that separates the top Chateau into five stages. Other famous regions include Burgundy and Loire. Burgundy is known for its highly favoured Chablis. Loire is closely associated with producing quality Sancerre. In addition, the Alsace region is also highly celebrated for its specialised wines.
Now let's have a look at New World wines. California stands out as one of the leaders of producing New World wines. In particular, both Napa and the Sonoma Valley in California stand out for their popular take on Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. E&J Gallo and Mondavi are also popular American wines.
If you like new world wines than you probably enjoy Australian wines. The Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are particularly famed for their Shiraz. The Margaret River in Western Australia grows top quality Semillon. This is also grown in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
There is some truly inspired wine coming out of New Zealand right now. This is primarily Sauvignon Blanc. The distinctive fresh taste of this wine comes from grapes grown in the Marlborough region. However, Pinot Noir is now getting a name for itself too. This is being produced in Central Otago.
Argentina is another popular country for new world wine. They mainly produce red wines from the Malbec grape. It is said that the high altitude that the grape is grown in gives the wine its distinctive flavour.
Chile is now developing some very fine wines. It has many valleys that run parallel to the Andes. This lends itself to growing grapes for wine-making. Some famous regions include the Casablanca Valley and Maipo.