Let's take a look at the very basic principles of wine. Firstly, wine is made from gapes. You will often see these grapes referred to as noble grapes. It is possible to find these grapes growing all over the world. However the most famous white grapes are undoubtedly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Grigio. The most famous red grapes are Merlot, Shiraz, Grenache, Pinot Noir and Cabernet 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.
When making wine you are not allowed to simply grow and whatever grapes you want wherever you want. Instead there is a system of rules and laws dictating how these grapes must be grown. Each country has a different body that enforces these rules. For instance, in France it is the job of the Appellation d'Origine Contrle (AOC) and Vin de Pays. A similar system applies in Germany and is controlled by the Prdikatswein and Qualittswein. The Spanish equivalent is known as the Denominacin de Origen and the Vino de la Tierra. And in Italy these laws are regulated by the Denominazione di Origine Controllata and the Indicazione Geografica Tipica.
France is known as the premier wine producing country. But there are many famous regions within France that are each haled for producing particular kinds of wine. For instance, Burgundy is the top region for making Chablis. Loire is celebrated for the first class Chablis. And Bordeaux is perhaps the most famous wine-making region of them all. This is due to their red wines. Red wine that has been produced in Bordeaux is known as Claret.
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.
Australia is perhaps best known for their famous wine brand "Jacob's Creek". But for quality Shiraz you should look no further than McLaren Vale. The Hunter Valley is located in New south Wales. This region is prized for its Semillon. However, Semillon is also produced in Margaret River.
New Zealand's popularity for winemaking is growing fast. Central Otago is gradually gaining a name for itself due to their production of Pinot Noir. But New Zealand is chiefly associated with Sauvignon Blanc. This comes from the region of Marlborough.
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.
The geography of Chile makes it ideal for producing wine. This is because it is long and thin and so has many valleys. You can find some amazing fine wines from regions such as Colchagua and the Casablanca Valley.
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.
When making wine you are not allowed to simply grow and whatever grapes you want wherever you want. Instead there is a system of rules and laws dictating how these grapes must be grown. Each country has a different body that enforces these rules. For instance, in France it is the job of the Appellation d'Origine Contrle (AOC) and Vin de Pays. A similar system applies in Germany and is controlled by the Prdikatswein and Qualittswein. The Spanish equivalent is known as the Denominacin de Origen and the Vino de la Tierra. And in Italy these laws are regulated by the Denominazione di Origine Controllata and the Indicazione Geografica Tipica.
France is known as the premier wine producing country. But there are many famous regions within France that are each haled for producing particular kinds of wine. For instance, Burgundy is the top region for making Chablis. Loire is celebrated for the first class Chablis. And Bordeaux is perhaps the most famous wine-making region of them all. This is due to their red wines. Red wine that has been produced in Bordeaux is known as Claret.
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.
Australia is perhaps best known for their famous wine brand "Jacob's Creek". But for quality Shiraz you should look no further than McLaren Vale. The Hunter Valley is located in New south Wales. This region is prized for its Semillon. However, Semillon is also produced in Margaret River.
New Zealand's popularity for winemaking is growing fast. Central Otago is gradually gaining a name for itself due to their production of Pinot Noir. But New Zealand is chiefly associated with Sauvignon Blanc. This comes from the region of Marlborough.
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.
The geography of Chile makes it ideal for producing wine. This is because it is long and thin and so has many valleys. You can find some amazing fine wines from regions such as Colchagua and the Casablanca Valley.
