Wine is almost universally loved by people all over the world, and at various points in human history it has played an important cultural and historical role. For example, wine has been used for thousands of years in Christian traditions to celebrate mass, and it is also vastly important to other Abrahamic religions such as Judaism. Aside from the cultural and spiritual importance that is often assigned to wine, most people will drink this alcoholic beverage because it is delicious and has intoxicating effects.
It is fair to say that wine making is a global phenomenon, though some regions are more famous than others. The introduction of the internet, paired with improved logistics and trade networks have opened the market to more unusual and little known wine making regions that are quickly gaining popularity and cultivating excellent reputations outside of Bordeaux and Piedmont.
While some of these regions, such as parts of the USA and New Zealand, were once not taken seriously as wine regions, they have become much more competitive in recent years. If you are looking for something a little more exotic than the biggest and most famous French, Italian and Spanish wine regions, or are simply interested in learning more about the diverse places that produce wine then read on!
Discover something different
First on our list of wine regions you’ve probably never heard of is Burgenland which is in southeast Austria. Austria is already a popular wine region and is well known for its delicious and characterful white wines, but Burgenland is quietly famous for its elegant and fresh reds. Reds from this region are approachable and pair beautifully with food. They have a richness that speaks of berry flavours and a hint of spice, which is a foil to the naturally sweet whites that hail from this region.
Slovenia might not be high on the list of well-known wine producing countries, but it can definitely be considered an up and coming region that is gaining popularity in the global market. Goriška Brda is a key area of interest for wine lovers from all over the world, though it remains relatively unknown.
This particular area is famous for its unique orange wines. Orange wines are distinct from other varieties because they are made using natural processes and are usually unyeasted. They ferment beautifully thanks to the inclusion of the skin and seeds of the grapes which are left in the fermenting mixture for a matter of days or months.
Everyone knows that France is one of the best and most iconic wine producing countries in the world, home to some of the most loved and famous wine regions such as Burgundy and Bordeaux. Lesser known is Pomerol which is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée within Bordeaux and most of the wines produced here use Merlot or Cabernet Franc. These wines are considered to be fairly rare and are made in small batches. Pomerols pair beautifully with roasted, braised and grilled meats such as chicken, venison, beef and dark tuna.
There are plenty of well known wine regions in Spain, but did you know that Lanzarote has a thriving wine culture? This is one of the most intriguing wine regions in the Mediterranean and is known for its high winds and arid climate. The earth here is dark with volcanic ash and the vines are grown in shallow, walled craters to protect them from the driving winds. This all makes Lanzarote a visually interesting wine region, and the wines produced here are lightly floral and bright in flavour.
It’s fairly safe to say that the most popular wine regions in the USA are relatively new to the global market, but despite this they have been able to connect with wine drinkers around the world. We’ve all heard of Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, but did you know that there is a thriving viticulture scene in the American Midwest? Missouri Wine Country. Wine producers here aimed to hybridise grapes from the German and French traditions to breathe new life into old favourites. The state wine grape is known as the Norton, and it is used at over 100 of the state’s most reputable wineries.
Resources:
Bordeaux Wine - Buy Me a Coffee
Riesling - Glitch
Chardonnay - Hashnode
Sauvignon Blanc - Journo Portfolio
Champagne - TechPlanet
Fine Wines - Zoho Writer