Wine is made from grapes, primarily the Vitis Vinifera. The main
grape varieties, often called noble, are grown all around the world.
They are widely recognised as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and
Pinot Grigio (Gris) for white grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
(Shiraz), Merlot, Pinot Noir and Grenache for red.
There are over one thousand (1000) grape varieties, as recently listed in the new book by wine expert Jancis Robinson. Wine
is made all around the world, but is commonly divided into traditional
wine producing countries (Old World) and countries where grapes have
only been recently cultivated (New World). Old World wines come from
countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Greece,
Hungary, Romania and England. New World wines come from countries like
the USA, Chile, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
Old World
Countries have complex laws that define how and where grape varieties
may be grown. These exist under the European framework of the Protected
Designation of Origin (PDO) and the Protected Geographical Indication
(PGI). In France the system is the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC)
and Vin de Pays. In Spain it is the Denominación de Origen (DO) and the
Vino de la Tierra (VDLT). In Italy Denominazione di Origine Controllata
(e Garantita) (DOC/DOCG) and the Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT).
In Germany there is the Prädikatswein and Qualitätswein.
Famous
wine producing regions include Bordeaux in France, where the red wine is
often called Claret. The famous classification system here dates back
to 1855 when the top Chateau were classified into five stages. This only
applies to the wines produced on the left bank of the Dordogne river.
Other famous French wine regions include Burgundy, home to Chablis, Loire where Sancerre is made and the famous wines of Alsace. The most famous wine region in Spain is undoubtedly Rioja and the name Chianti and Chianti Classico is synonymous with Italy.
The
New World Wine regions include the Napa and Sonoma Valley in
California, USA where Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are famous
grapes. Wines such as Mondavi and E&J Gallo are well known and
popular. Jacob's Creek is the best known Australian brand,
although quality wine regions include the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale
in South Australia where quality Shiraz is grown, Semillon from the
Hunter Valley in New South Wales and Margaret River in Western
Australia.
In New Zealand the Marlborough region produces fresh
Sauvignon Blanc, although Central Otago is becoming a classic Pinot Noir
region. The Malbec grape produces fantastic red wines in Argentina, mainly from the high altitude region of Mendoza.
Chile
is home to a wide variety of grapes, their long thin country having
several valleys that run parallel to the Andes, such as the Casablanca
Valley, Maipo and Colchagua.
