If you ever wanted to be a wine expert, you need to
know and master the basics first. Knowing grape varieties and wine
regions are the most basic that all wine beginners and wine lovers
should know. This is because both will help you be able to analyze
characteristics of wines and labels on wine bottles.
1. France
One thing that many of wine experts would think of when
it comes to a country that has the most famous wineries and their
techniques/styles become very well-known and use all over the
world. That’s right, It’s France!
France is one of the country that produces wine the
most on earth. The amount that is yearly made by this country is
approximately 5000-6000 million liter or
around 7-8 billion bottles. Not to mention
that classic brands like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shira, Merlot, Pinot
Noir, and Chardonnay are originated in France. Also, very famous
wineries such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne are reside in
France as well.
2. Italy
Italy is another country that produces old world wine
mainly. Italy wine production rate is around 4,500-5,000 million liter per year and considered to be
one of the biggest wine exporters in the world. Not only
that, Italy acutally has a very high rate of wine consumption as
well, approximately 42 liters per person!
Thus, 1 million acre of vineyard including
Veneto and Tuscany locate all over Italy are dedicate to maintain
all of italian wine lovers.
3. United States of America
The United States of America is ranked below France,
Italy, and Spain in wine production. Unexpectedly, 90% USA’s wine comes from California state that has
famous wineries such as Napa Valley and Sonoma county where
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most pick grape
varieties.
4. Australia
In Australia, wine isn’t just a beverage but it is
actually a massive industry that stimulates the country’s economy,
employment rate, and tourism. Australia produces approximately
750 million liter per year. Unfortunately,
only 40% of the population consumes wines.
The main grape varieties of Australia are Shiraz and
Chardonnay.
5. Chile
The last country that is considered to be the biggest
wine exporter is Chile. The charm of Chilean wines come from the
perfect mix of France and Pacific coast weather conditions.The must
try wines when you are in Chile are Cabernet Sauvignon red wine,
Merlot red wine, and especially Carmenere red wine from Carmenere
grape that is originated in Bordeaux, France but rarely can be
found nowadays.