Lesson Principle Wine Regions of the World A unique gift from nature and the earth’s geology Lesson 4

Lesson Principle Wine Regions of the World A unique gift from nature and the earth’s geology Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World Lesson Overview                4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 Introduction Argentina Australia Austria Bulgaria Canada Chile China Czech Republic England and Wales France Germany Greece Hungary India            4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 Conclusions References Israel Italy Japan Macedonia New Zealand Portugal Romania South Africa Spain Switzerland United States of America Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World Aims and Learning Outcomes of the Lesson On completion of this lesson the learner will be expected to be able to;  Describe the major wine growing countries and regions, their individual classifications and their related wine laws  Outline the grape characteristics, geographical and geological factors, plus the viticultural and vinification techniques used to produce wines around the world Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.0 Introduction    the world of wine is constantly changing and evolving through investment, innovation, the application of new scientific techniques higher quality wines are being produced wine is a gift of nature and the earth’s geology but is mother nature who is the ultimate boss in the end, the countries explored in this lesson require so many factors to fall into place to produce good wines consistently Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.1 Argentina      Seventy percent of Argentina’s vineyards are located in the state of Mendoza, which lies under the Andes Mountains and is geographically located on the same latitude as Morocco A unique intricate system of irrigation, which is supplied from the melted snows of the Andes Mountains by a network of canals begun by the native Indians a thousand years ago (which included a legal framework for equitably dividing water rights, that subsequent generations have luckily inherited) coupled with balanced temperatures and little or no disease ensures that crops are huge The average crop produces an amazing 70 hectolitres the most widely planted grape variety is the Malbec once dominant in Bordeaux and flourishing as Auxerrois in Cahors, in Argentina it produces top rich red wine the best vineyards are located near the Andes due to the unique canal system and high altitudes between 600 to 950 metres phylloxera is controlled in Argentina by flooding the vineyards with water from big dams located in the Andes Mountains Torrontes: Argentina’s indigenous white variety, popular and very easy to drink, both for old-style brownish wines and fruiter modern ones Vineyards and grape varieties Vineyards: The vineyards of Argentina lie above 500 metres above sea level with the exception of Salta (in the sub tropical north), which is close to the town of Cafayate those vineyards reach a height to 2,000 metres The majority of the vineyards are planted in the parral, or pergola system because of the heat, this helps keep the grapes away from the scorching ground heat Grape varieties and regions grown: Malbec (Mendoza, Rio Negro) produces full-bodied, bramley red wines with the dark purple colour, rich tannins, peppery and spicy flavours  Torrontes (Cafayate) produces full-bodied, dry white wines with Muscat-like aromas  Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot (Cafayate, Mendoza) planted widely for red wines  Chardonnay and Viognier (Mendoza) for white wines  Criolla and Cereza used for basic, local market table wine or in some cases grape concentrates Major regions and wines of Argentina : Argentina was the first South American country to introduce a DOC system in 1992 Mendoza: only region with a hierarchy of appellations, divided into five regions and a larger number of departments and then subdivisions San Juan: warmer climates produces light wines, lots of vermouths and grape concentrate Famatina: far north, very hot contains co-operative cellars, the La Rioja province wines although popular are labelled Famatina Valley because of Spain Cafayate: the Torrontes (white) grape reins here in this Salta province High growing altitudes help develop aromas and flavours Cabernet Sauvignon also grows well here  Rio Negro: located in the far south, this cool region produces a lot of Malbec Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.2 Australia [ Wine map of Australia ] Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.2 Australia       (continued) The best vineyards are to the south and close to the sea Australia’s red and white wines display a delicate fruity softness, which is ideal for immediate consumption Climate and weather: Mediterranean, the cooler areas at found at altitude or close to the coast Drought can be the biggest problem Weather can also cause vintage variation Soils: Very mixed for separate regions, some special soils include the Terra Rossa of Connawarra Grape Varieties: Although there are about 90 different grape varieties planted commercially in Australia the main grape varieties grown are White: Semillion, Riesling, Chardonnay, Muscat Gordo Blanco, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Verdelho Black: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Ruby Cabernet, Grenache, Mataro (Mourvedre), Cabernet Franc Geographical Indications (GI): created in 1993 ‘to determine geographical indications for wine in relation to regions and localities in Australia’ The GI is part of Label Integrity Program to ensure the validity of the information on the bottle label Local labelling and legal requirements: If regions, varieties or vintages are stated, then 85 per cent of the wine in the bottle must come from those regions, varieties or vintages Major Australian Regions     New South Wales (Hunter Valley, Central Ranges Zone, Big Rivers Zone) Victoria (Western Victoria Zone, North-West Victoria Zone, North-East Victoria, Port Phillip Zone) South Australia (Limestone Coast Zone, Mount Lofty Ranges Zone, Lower Murray Zone, Barossa Zone, Eden Valley region, Fleurieu Peninsular Zone, Western Australia (Greater Perth Zone, South-West Australia Zone), Tasmania Major Wines Hunter Valley Semillon, Barossa Shiraz, Connawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare and Eden Valley Rieslings, Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River Chardonnay, Rutherglen Liqueur Muscat Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.3 Austria Much of the Austrian wine is consumed locally while Germany is it’s biggest export market Nno country in Europe has changed its attitudes and upgraded its standards so much in the past decade as Austria Austrian Wine Laws Completely revamped and introduced in 1993, the classification system for the Austrian wine is similar to that of Germany, for example chaptalisation is forbidden for quality wines and the wine label information is also similar for both countries Classification system for Austrian quality wines  Trockenbeernaulese (top level)  Eiswein  Ausbruch  Beerauslese  Auslese  Strohwein or Shilfwein Austrian Vineyards and Grape Varieties The vineyards are mainly concentrated to the east of Austria, 85% of the wines are white and dry made from the indigenous ‘Gruner Veltliner’ (broad variety of flavours) and other varieties, including the noble Riesling (grown for the quality wines giving dry full bodied wines with ripe peachy fruits), Welschriesling (susceptible to noble rot, produces excellent sweet wines in southern Austria), Major Austrian Regions and Wines  Austria is split into four regions, these regions are the most important for the international markets (listed below), which are called Weinbauregion, which in turn are split into Weinbaugebiete and districts Grosslage  Niederosterreich Lower Austria: Key wines: Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal using Gruner Veltliner or Riesling and Weinvieretel DAC using Gruner Vertliner  Burgenland: Key wines: BA, TBA, Eisewein using various GV and Burgenland reds using Blaufrankisch, cuvees Burgenland lies to the east of Austria on the Hungarian border and produces outstanding sweet wines Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.4 Bulgaria Bulgaria Large amount of money invested in recent years Bulgaria’s winemakers are now producing quality wines Wine Act of 1978 classified its wines as follows;  Standard wines: bottom level, light wines drank locally, Special wines: covers sparkling, liqueur and fruit wines  High quality wines geographical origin: wines from unspecified region sold under a brand name, the lowest export standard  High quality wines with declared geographical origin (DGO): states the grape variety and region for example ‘Russe Welschriesling’ Russe being the producing region Two varieties are blended to make an original taste  Controliran: similar to AC in France, limited mainly to single varieties, the word Controliran will appear on the label, label will state the specified region and specified grape variety, this wine will be tasted by a professional panel  Reserve: this word which only appears on the label on a DGO or Controliran wine and indicates that these wines have been aged in oak for 3-4 years Special Reserve: limited lots, these wines are the countries best Bulgarian major wines / grape varieties and wine regions For administrative reasons the country is split into five regions; Black Sea Region, Danube Plain Region, Thracian Valley Region (East and West) and the Struma Valley Region Of the international red varieties Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Bulgaria was always the major export favourite Merlot and local varieties Mavrud, Melnik, Pamid and Gamza The whites include Chardonnay, Aligote, Dimiat, Rkatsiteli and Muscat Ottonel Cabernet Sauvignon (Danube Plain, West and East Thracian Valley), Merlot (East Thracian Valley), Melnik (Struma Valley Region), Chardonnay (Black Sea Region) Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.5 Canada Canada: 7,821km from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, numerous microclimates produced by mountain ranges and bodies of water Wine Regions: Southern Ontario around the Great Lakes, most notably Niagara Peninsula and the Okanagen Valley of British Columbia Ontario in Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County British Columbia, Naramata Beach, Simikameen Valley, Vancouver Island and Kootenay’s Quebec, Monteregie, Eastern Townships wineries Les Contans de L’est, Lower Laurentials wineries – basses Laurential, Laurentials wineries and Quebec City Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley, Malaagash Peninsula, La Have River Valley and Bear river valley Grape varieties: (a) European vinifera – Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, (b) Amercian or labruscana – Concord and Niagara (not good grapes), (c ) Hybrids – Baco noir, Marechal Foch, l’Acadie, Leon Millot Ice wine: began in Germany, Canada now biggest producer, regions most famous are Niagara Peninsula of Ontario, Okangen Valley of British Columbia Grapes are picked at the coldest moment of a winter’s night, as the grape freezes new sensations of sweet juice are created Quality Control: VQA Ontario – designated wine authority for Ontario Originally primary Viticultural Areas or appellations of origin: Niagara Peninsula, lake Erie North Shore and Price Edward County Now they are Viticultural Areas (15,000 acres of vineyards) recognised located in southern Ontario and British Columbia they account for 98% of Canada’s premium wine Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.19 New Zealand  (continued) New Zealand (NZ) consists of two long narrow islands with the Pacific ocean to their right and the Tasman Sea to their left therefore the climate is maritime with the exception of the northern vineyards around Auckland which is subtropical The climate differs for the other regions as follows Marlborough - north-east of South Island (sunny), Central Otago most southernly vineyard area in world (dry and continental) Most vineyards in NZ are located on the eastern seaboard, heavy rainfall is the biggest challenge Grape varieties, regions NZ   Winemaking: NZ used their extensive experience of the dairy industry (temperature control stainless steel, hygiene) to deliver excellent varietal creations in their wines, most noteably their Sauvignon Blanc As pioneers in canopy management and trellising techniques helped them to deliver great flavours and sugars Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc (SB) is NZ best with Marlborough SB marked as the best Chardonnay is widely planted delivering pure, clean fruit and crisp acidity especially Gisborne (riper, exotic), Marlborough and Central Otago (lean) Pinot Noir in Martinborough (cherry and velvety), Central Otago (storng flavours and complex) Wine Regions of NZ South Island: Marlborough big SB area (north east corner around the town of Blenheim, sunny climate, excellent vineyards on the Wairau Valley (stony soils) Chardonnay and Pinot Noir also planted here used for sparkling wines  Nelson (north west corner of the island, fruit orchards), late harvest wines Canterbury is developing, Most of the vineyards around Waipara and outside Christchursh  Central Otago (south, continental climate warm days and cool nights) Irrigation is good, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling planted North Island: Auckland region: mainly red wines (heavy clay soils)  Poverty Bay – Gisborne (east coast) fertile soils good Chardonnay  Hawkes Bay (south on east coast) across towens of Hastings and Napier, Chardonnay and Cabernet Suavignon, Merlot (especially Gimblett Road)  Wairarapa (north Wellington) – Martinborough, good Pinot Noir and small good wineries Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.20 Portugal [ Wine map of Portugal ] Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.20 Portugal (continued) Location and size: south west Europe, As a land mass Portugal is 1/7 the size of the whole Iberian Peninsula Climate , weather and major rivers: south (Mediterranean), inland (continental), near the coast (maritime), because no place in Portugal is further than 150 km from the sea, rain can be a problem near this coast The major rivers Minho, Douro, Mondego, Tejo and the Guadiana help temper these various climatic conditions throughout the country Soils: Bairrada (limestone and clay), Douro Valley and Dao (granite and schist), the coast (sandy Colores soil) Grape varieties: Black (Baga, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Periquita), White (Loureiro, Alvarinho, Encruzado) Viticulture and vinification: the unqiue vine training used is called Ramisco (this involves bending the branch into the sandy soil where it grows up as a vine so there is no need for grafting and no phylloxera) Tradtional fermentation and use of old casks, modern fermentation with temperature control, use of stainless steel and new oak Portuguese Wine Laws Portugal revised its wine legislation in 1999 to upgrade a lot of IPR wines, these IPR and DOC wines are identified by a paper sela (Selo de Origem), which is usually placed on the back label of the bottle Overall there are four different quality levels of wines from Portugal;  Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC): this is the top level, similar to AC  Indicacao de Proveniencia Regulamentada (IPR): similar to VDQS  Vinho regional: regional wine, similar to Vin de Pays  Vinho de Mesa: bottom level, table wine Two further terms are used to indicate quality, Reserva when stated on the label, indicates that the wine has come from a single vintage and have passed a tasting panel plus if it a DOC grade, it must have a high percentage of natural alcohol than the minimum decreed by law for this DOC wine Garrafeira indicates the wines ageing which is traditionally two years in cask and one in bottle for reds and six months equally in cask and bottle for white wines Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.20 Portugal (continued) Major regions and wines of Portugal Northern Portugal’s major wines  Vinho Verde DOC (white: Loureiro, Paderna, Alvarinho): the vines here grow up trees and on pergolas around the little fields, this height keeps the grapes cool and helps to keep their fresh acidity  Douro DOC (reds: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Cao, Tinta Barroca) The white wines although based on Port varieties and Sauvignon, Gewurtztraminer which are planted at the labour intensive higher altitudes  Dao DOC (reds: Jean, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz): lying south of the Douro and 80 kilometres inland Dao has long been associated with solid reds, vineyards lie 200 to 400 metres above sea level on a plateau with granite soil  Bairrada DOC (red: Baga): This DOC in central Portugal the region’s white grape, Maria Gomes, is fairly neutral, but leavened and made aromatic by the highly acidic excellent Bical grape Most of this wine is made sparkling, these wines display fresh exotic flavours Southern Portugal’s major wines  Ribatejo DOC (white: Fernao Pires, reds: Castelao Frances plus international varieties): this new DO includes the majority of the vineyards in the alluvial Tagus river plains  Alemtejo DOC (reds: Trincadeira, Aragonez, white: Roupeiro and Antao Vaz, Arinto ): this area is the world’s most important source of cork, soils are loam, mixed with granite and schist Trincadeira the quality grape here makes dark plumy wines with hints of coffee which when aged in oak develop quite well Aragonez is useful for blending purposes The white wines made from Roupeiro and Antao Vaz are full-bodied and honeyed with low-acidity, the Arinto grape gives these wines some much needed aromatic flavours Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.21 Romania Romania This country is geographically spilt by the L shaped Carpathian Mountains, which occupy almost half of the country The most widely known wines come from the vineyards of Dealul Mare, which lie on the south-facing slopes of the Carpathian foothills, these red wines are made from Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and local varieties The area of Murfatlar with its limestone soils also produce quality white wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Gris and soft reds from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Most Romanian wines are sold as varietals The Romanian wine grading hierarchy is as follows in decreasing order;  Vinuri de Calitate Superioara cu Denumire de Origine Controlata (VDOC): top level, indicates superior quality wine from a controlled appellation of origin  Vinuri de Calitate Superioara (VS): indicates superior quality wine  Vin de Masa: table wine, bottom level Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.22 South Africa [ Wine map of South Africa ] Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.22    South Africa Winegrowing in South Africa is mainly cooperative-based Nearly 5,000 grape farmers farm over 250,000 acres (100,000 hectares) All the best grape varieties are grown near the sea, the inland is too hot the main areas for good wines are Constantia / Durbanville / Stellanbosch outside these areas its mainly sherry type wines South Africa was the first country to invent night harvesting, two thirds of the grape varieties planted here are Chenin Blanc called locally ‘Steen’ (tastes lively), the climate is Mediterranean in character, the cold Benguela ocean cool currents extents inland South Africa wine laws     Dating back to 1973, South African Government where eager for international acceptance, when they introduced and elaborate system of control for Wines of Origin A Certification of Seal on each bottle is awarded only after tasting by an independent panel; this guarantees the accuracy of the information on the label The other important label information includes; Vintage year display: this indicates that 75 per cent of the wine has come from the this year Cultivar (stated variety of grapes used): this indicates that 75 per cent of the total must comprise of this variety Stated variety EU difference: in the EU 85 per cent of the total must comprise of this variety with 100 per cent produced in the stated production area The South African wine legislation order is as follows     Region (5): these are large, the problem with the wine regions of South Africa lies in the fact that boundaries are not rigid enough Districts (16): such as Stellenbosch and Paarl Wards (almost 50): these are groups of estates such as Constantia and Franschock, they are grouped into the districts listed above Estate: these are the smallest production areas recognised in the wine laws they consists of co-operative cellars, estate wineries and small independent merchants South Africa Grape varieties and Principal regions        Cabernet Sauvignon: Stellenbosch Chardonnay: coastal area and Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc: Constantia, coastal areas Chenin Blanc (Steen): coastal areas Pinotage (Pinot Noir and Cinsault): coastal areas Merlot: mainly grown for varietal wines, creates very dark plumy wines Muscat of Alexandria (Hanepoot) Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.23 Spain [ Wine map of Spain ] Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.23      Spain (continued) Location and size: southwest Europe, the country is 650 miles across and 500 miles deep, a big land area Soils: North, granite, South, limestone Grape varieties: Black: local – Tempranillo (a class act, the best grape variety of Spain, the more Tempranillo used in the wine the better, its strawberry- scented wines are quite low in acidity, and its shows its best when blended with other varieties Grapes ripen early at the end of September approximately weeks earlier than Garnacha Garnacha is the Grenache of southern France (widely planted in Spain, not a great ager, capable of high alcohol), Monastrell is the Mourvedre of southern France, Bobal, Mazeula and Carinena is the French Carignan, international – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir White: local – Airen (Garnacha Blanca), Viura this is the main white grape of Rioja Wines are fresh and fruity, excellent acidity, and can resist oxidation, this is the Macabeo of southern France, Malvasia originated in Greece it makes full bodied heavy whites, Parallada suits the altitude of Pendes Used for fine wine, Xarel-Lo well suited to the sparkling wines, Albaria is light, crisp and aromatic, Moscatel International: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc Viticulture: Spain contains largest area under vine in the world but small yields make it the third in volume Vines trained on wires in better regions Low, bush-trained, widely spaced vines in arid areas Many smallholders selling grapes to merchants or co-operatives Vinification: traditional fermentation and use of old wood Modern fermentation with temperature control and use of stainless steel and new oak Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.23 Spain (continued) Consejo Regulator – ageing for Spanish wines  Vino Joven: young wine, may or not have spent time in cask before bottling in the year following vintage for immediate release  Crianza: red wines: minimum months in cask before release  Reserva: selected from vats of better vintages, the cask and bottle ageing duration periods here depend on the individual producers, red wines: minimum year in cask, years in bottle white and rose wines: minimum months in cask  Gran Reserva: produced only in exceptional vintages, red wines: years in cask and years in bottle years old white and rose wines: months in cask  Usually Reservas and Gran Reservas are aged for more than the legal minimum years  Overall white and rose Reservas and Gran reserves are quite rare Major Regions and DO wines of Spain The major DO regions of Spain are grouped together into six geographical regions, each containing similarities between their climates and grape varieties Upper Ebro (Navarra, Rioja, Somontano), Catalonia (Catalonia, Coasters del Segre, Penedes, Priorato, Tarragona), The Duero Valley (Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Toro), Levante (Valencia), Castilla-La Mancha (La Mancha, Valdepenas), Southern quarter of Spain – Andalusia (chapter – pp 137-141 detailed DOC explanations for discussion) Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.24 Switzerland The vineyards of Switzerland are all concentrated and divided into tiny holdings around the country’s lakes and rivers and are often steep and terraced – unfortunately the high cost of production makes them expensive in relation to their relative value Nearly half the wines produced are red, both reds and whites tend to be delicate and fresh Swiss Wine Classifications and Laws Swiss wines are known by regional names relating to grape varieties and qualities as well as to geographical origin any Swiss wine, which is not completely dry, must by law carry the words ‘legerement doux or ‘avec sucre residuel’ There are three significant quality categories as follows;  Appellation d’Origine Controlee (in locals areas winemakers use either canton or village appellation), others recognise Crus within the village, or district such as Chablais (Vaud), the AC also recognises the grape variety used generic indication of origin (roughly compared to Vins de Pays)  table wines (labelled basically red or white) Switzerland Wine Regions and Grape varieties   Major Swiss Wines: Valais (reds: Pinot Noir, Gamay, whites: Chasselas (Fendant), Vaud (white: Chasselas - Dorin), Geneva (whites: Aligote, Chasselas – Perlan, reds: Gamay), Ticino (Merlot) The areas of Vaud and Valais located around the Lake Gevena are the source for the majority of Swiss wines Neuchatel and Geneva also contribute substantially, while the Fribourg and Jura vineyards are among Switzerland smallest The white Chasselas (known as Fendant in Valais, Dorin in Vaud and Perlan in Geneva) is the main variety, making light, neutral fresh wines, reds come from Pinot Noir and Gamay; roses under the stylistic appellation of Oeil de perdrix (partridge eye) are also made from Pinot Noir The German-speaking districts of Basel, Bern, Aargau, Graubunden, St Gallen, Schaffhausen, Thurgau and Zurich make reds and whites from the same grapes (but sometimes under different names – Pinot Noir is also known as Blauburgunder and Clevner), plus MullerThurgau (Riesling x Sylvaner) and others, the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino makes good ripe Merlot Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.25 United States of America The American wine market is led by fashion and this unfortunately leads to instant demand problems for example Merlot’s links to health and well being and more recently the fascination with Rhone style wines United States classification for wines Wine laws are placed at two levels, the Federal Law and the State Law  Federal Law: In 1978 AVA (Approved Viticultural Areas) was introduced to supplement the existing appellation system This evolving system only guarantees the source but is not related to quality or production AVA when mentioned on the wine label also ensures that at least 85% of the wines grapes must be grown within the area  State Law: These laws vary considerably nationwide, for example in relation to varietal names mentioned on wine labels, they must contain (85% in Washington and California, 95% in Oregon, 75% for all the rest except in New York State, local wine here sometimes contains 35% sugar and water added and 25% grapes from other areas Major Regions and wines of North America California is about 1,100 kilometres long , California’s major wines – varietal: Chardonnay (Sonoma, Monterey and Carneros cool areas produces good Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, Sonoma): Merlot (Napa, Sonoma, Monterey), Pinot Noir (Carneros, Sonoma), Sauvignon Blanc (Napa), White Zinfandel (Central Valley) Zinfandel (Sonoma, Sierra Foothills, Santa Cruz) Mexico and the Southwest States of North America  Mexico: The majority of Mexico’s quality wines (90%) are produced in the northern Baja California, which consists of three valleys, the Guadelupe is the most important A wine bearing the words Hecho en Mexico on the label must be made entirely from Mexican grown grapes  Texas: Affectionately referred to as the botanical heart of America, contains more native grape species than any other area in the world New Mexico: The Rockies make it possible to grow wines here, elevation cools the climate Its three AVAs from north to south (Middle Rio Grande – the states biggest and best winery, Mimbres Valley and Mesilla Valley on the Mexican border) Southeast Arizona: Contains one AVA, Sonoita plantings of Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc are common Colorado: This trendy state produces Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Viognier and Shiraz in its nine wineries from its vineyards sheltered in the Grand Valley of the Colorado River at an elevation of 1,200 metres    Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4.25 (continued) United States of America The Pacific North-West  The vineyards here are located in the states of Washington, Oregon and the smaller Idaho Pacific North-West major wines varietal  Pinot Noir (Oregon): Good quality wines made from good clonal selection, shows fresh juiciness of some of the lighter burgundies Oregon is also known for its Pinot Gris and Chardonnay  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (Washington):  Chardonnay (Washington): Washington State: Divided into two by the high ever-snowy Cascade Range, the majority of vineyards are based around the infertile valleys of Columbia and its tributary, the Yakima and also at Walla Wallla to the east Oregon: All of Oregon has less than one third of Napa’s acreage, this area has concentrated on the Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, but if search hard you will find Oregon Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, plus the other smaller regions of Umpqua and Rogue valleys New York State: 120 wineries and 3,350 acres of vinifera vines in the seven New York State AVAs, these are divided between four distinct regions  Lake Erie AVA, Finger Lakes AVA,, Cayuga Lake AVA, Hudson River Region AVA, Long Island AVA, North Fork of Long Island AVA, The Hamptons, Long Island AVA Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World Conclusion       Wine is one of the oldest beverages known to mankind, so many people have a deep passionate love for this beverage around the world it means so much to so many people Wine can convey history, love and hospitality in a glass, its flavours can stimulate memories, you could compare it to life, when every single little decision made on its development has a direct impact on its outcome and personality No other beverage can uniquely reflect the land, people, soil and climate of its origin better than wine (the hillsides, flatlands, sunlight and rain), it’s the perfect artisan produced beverage Wine delivers so many sensory characteristics which include over a thousand aromas its flavours and aromas can transport us back to good times in our lives (special holiday, mother’s kitchen) Wine pairs so well with food they compliment each other perfectly Ultimately wine helps you to enjoy the world in your local bar or restaurant in a bottle and as you travel to these far flung destinations it also deliver some health benefits Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World References            Boulton, R.B Singleton, V.L, Bisson, L.F and Kunkee, R.E (1996) ‘Principles and Practices of Winemaking’, Thomson Publishing: UK Brown, S, C (1978) ‘ Wines and Beers of old New England’ UPNE [accessed 29/07/2011] Clarke, O (2003) Encyclopedia of Wine, Websters, Time Warner Books, UK Fielden, C (2004) Exploring the World of Wines and Spirits, Wine & Spirit Education Trust, London Johnson, H (2003) World Atlas of Wine, Chancellor Press, Octopus Publishing Ltd, London Murphy, J (2013) Principles and Practices of Bar and Beverage Management – The Drinks Handbook, Goodfellow Publishing Ltd, Oxford: England Robinson, J (1986) ‘Vines, Grapes and Wines’, Alfred A Knopf: New York Robinson, J.(2006) The Oxford Companion to Wine, rd ed, oxford University Press: Oxford Robinson J and Johnson, H (2007) The World Atlas of Wine, th ed, Mitchell Beazley: UK Sequin, G (1986) ‘Terroirs and pedology of vine growing’ Experientia 42, 861-873 Schreiner, J (2005) The Wines of Canada, Octopus Publishing Group Ltd: US Web Resources            www.winespectator.com www.eRobertParker.com www.bbr.com/wine-events/school www.winetelevision.com www.wineAtlas.net www.winesofbalkans.com www.wineofczechrepublic.cz www.englishwineproducers.com www.winesofcanada.com www.decanter.com www.masters-of-wine.org Wine resources 130,000 tasting notes, from the wine advocate Berry Brothers & Rudd wine school Wine TV Wine resource site Wines of the Balkans Wines of the Czech Republic English and Welsh Wine Producers Wines of Canada Decanter Magazine Institute of Masters of Wine .. .Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World Lesson Overview                4. 0 4. 1 4. 2 4. 3 4. 4 4. 5 4. 6 4. 7 4. 8 4. 9 4. 10 4. 11 4. 12 4. 13 4. 14 Introduction Argentina... climate of the region produces Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4. 16 Italy [ Wine map of Italy includes DOC, DOCG regions ] Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4. 16 Italy... because of the white wine strengths Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4. 10 France (continued) [ Loire Valley Region – Wine Map ] Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World 4. 10 France