Wine From Around The World
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Many would agree; there is nothing better than sinking into your couch with a good glass of wine at the end of a long day. Peppery and full bodied; light and crispy; there's a wine to suit every mood and every occasion. Unless you know what you're looking for, though, the variety can be overwhelming. The region where your wine was made is important when making your choice, as this affects the conditions it was made under and the type of grape that was used. The following is a quick guide to locating your perfect wine and knowing what you should be looking out for, for future dinner parties or gatherings of friends.
Shiraz/Syrah
Originally produced along the Rhone in France and known as Syrah, Shiraz wine is made using the same grape in many different regions. This crimson red wine blends like a dream with fruity Grenache and savoury Mourvedre grapes from warmer climates, to make a medium to full-bodied delight, which typically has a slightly peppery complexity. This wine is commonly produced in France, Spain, Argentina, South Africa and Australia, and may also be blended with the fragrant white grape Viognier. Dark wines go excellently with beef and lamb dishes.
Chardonnay
As the world's most popular white wine grape, Chardonnay is grown all over the world. Originally from Burgundy in France, this wine is also popularly produced in California, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina. Successful global production is due to the adaptability of the grape; it flourishes in warmer and cooler climates and ripens relatively early. Ranging from light and crispy to rich and weighty depending on the production process, the best Chardonnays are fermented and/or aged in oak barrels, which produces a richer flavour. If you're looking to buy wine for seafood or a chicken dish, Chardonnay will complement them perfectly.
Albarino
This white wine is already the drink of choice for many, and not an overly expensive accompaniment to your chicken or fish. Produced in the cooler climate of Galacia, Spain, this wine is an interesting one to discuss at a wine club because it is made under such difficult circumstances from the beginning; the dampness and coolness of Galacia means that it is not easy to get the grape to ripen. This medium-bodied pale white wine is often described as having a 'peachy' taste and creates a firm, fresh and acidic taste in the mouth. In Portugal, this wine is known as Alvarinho.
Riesling
The king of grapes for many a seasoned wine connoisseur, Riesling is primarily a product of Central Europe, with the majority of grapes originating from the Rhine region of Germany. An aromatic wine, flavours vary between floral, peachy, smokey and earthy, with some varieties even being likened to the taste of toast. With German Riesling bearing three central characteristics; it is rarely blended with other varieties, is scarcely exposed to commercial yeast and is almost never exposed to oak flavours, it is the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
Whatever the occasion, there will be a wine that suits your theme perfectly. Wines from warmer climates will be heavier and richer while typically, cooler climates produce crispier wines. Don't feel you have to go for the most expensive wine every time; try wines from all over the world and you might find your own favourite little gem.
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