Which Countries to Visit for the Best Value Wines
There are few things that are more enjoyable to do on holiday than go wine tasting, an event that not only brings you to some great landscapes but also allows you to taste some of the regions and world’s best and most exclusive wines. With so many regions producing their own varietals, however, it can be difficult to decide what destinations are the ones that best suit your tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned wine drinker or have recently discovered a favourite bottle through Tesco wine deals, here are a few tasty destinations that might interest you.
Argentina
Over the last decade Argentine wine has exploded onto the international scene, mainly due to the fine bottles of Malbec that are produced at high altitude in the Mendoza region. The popular varietal has a strong foothold in this province set in the foothills of the Andes, and the taste tends to be more fruit-forward and velvety than the savoury and tart French Malbec. Another fantastic grape that is a favourite in Spanish-speaking countries and highly successful in the northern Salta region is Torrontés. The white wine produced by this grape most closely resembles Muscat when it is produced to its highest quality.
United States
Long considered one of the up-and-coming wine countries of the world, the United States has now established itself as a premier producer of fine wines, especially on the west coast, where grapes have been grown for centuries, and notably the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. There are, however, also great wine regions located all through the northwest, including Oregon’s Rogue Valley and Walla Walla in Washington State. While Cabernet Sauvignon still remains the iconic wine of the USA, they are also becoming better known for their Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot.
France
No wine fan’s life would be considered truly fulfilled without a visit to France, the heart and soul of modern winemaking. France, in fact, is known to produce many of the best wines. One of the oldest varietals that is commonly consumed today, Syrah (known in Australia and elsewhere as Shiraz), has even been traced back to Côte Rôtie. Some believe that Pliny the Elder wrote about this grape in his Naturalis Historia back in 77 AD.
Italy
One of the great things about wine tasting in Italy is that each region not only has its own specific history and techniques for producing their grapes and wines, but they also serve up some of the finest wine and food pairings on earth. Whether you’re headed to drink some Chianti and eat bistecca fiorentina in Tuscany, or looking to enjoy a bottle of Barolo alongside some local game dishes or rich risottos in Piedmont, you will not be disappointed by the tastes you discover in Italy.
Wherever you decide to spend your holiday, if you pair it up with a fine wine and a good meal there is no doubt you will be more than satisfied. Just be sure you use the right glasses!
Text: Isabel Onabike
Images: Around the Vineyard by Phil Roeder, Wine Flight by Jing and Wine Cellar by Xlibber used under the Creative Commons License