Famous Old World wine varieties and their origins
Burgundy wines
Burgundy wine is made in the Burgundy region of eastern France, which is famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The region is divided into five sub-regions, each with its own unique soils and climate, which makes the wine from each region taste slightly different.
Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape in Burgundy, producing red wines that are light to medium-bodied with flavors of cherry, strawberry, and earth. Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape, producing wines that are dry, full-bodied, and have flavors of apple, pear, and vanilla.
- Some famous Burgundy wine regions include:
- Côte d'Or: the heart of Burgundy, produces some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world
- Chablis: known for its dry, crisp white wines
- Beaujolais: produces light-bodied, fruity red wines made from the Gamay grape
Bordeaux wines
Bordeaux is a region in southwest France that is known for its red blends made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes. The region has a maritime climate that is influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, which makes the wines from the region taste different depending on where they are located within the region.
Bordeaux wines are classified into three main categories: Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, and Bordeaux AOC, with Bordeaux AOC being the highest quality. The wines are known for their complex flavors and aromas, which can include black currant, leather, and black pepper.
- Some famous Bordeaux wine regions include:
- Médoc: produces some of the most prestigious wines in the world, including Château Margaux and Château Lafite Rothschild
- Graves: known for its dry white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes
- Saint-Émilion: produces full-bodied red wines made primarily from Merlot grapes
Rhone wines
The Rhone region in southeastern France is divided into two sub-regions: Northern Rhone and Southern Rhone. The Northern Rhone produces wines made primarily from Syrah grapes, which are known for their spicy, fruity flavors and high tannins. The Southern Rhone produces wines that are blends of several different grape varieties, including Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
Rhone wines are known for their rich, complex flavors and aromas, which can include blackberry, fig, and leather.
- Some famous Rhone wine regions include:
- Côte-Rôtie: produces some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world, made primarily from Syrah grapes
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: known for its rich, full-bodied red wines made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes
- Hermitage: produces full-bodied red wines made from Syrah grapes
Madeira wines
Madeira is a fortified wine that is produced on the island of Madeira, which is located off the coast of Portugal. The wine is made from several different grape varieties, including Tinta Negra Mole and Verdelho.
Madeira wine is known for its unique flavor profile, which is a result of the wine being heated during the production process. The wine can have flavors of caramel, nuts, and dried fruit.
Sherry wines
Sherry is a fortified wine that is produced in the region of Jerez in southern Spain. The wine is made from three different grapes: Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel.
Sherry wine is classified into several different categories, including Fino, Manzanilla, and Oloroso. Fino and Manzanilla are dry, light-bodied wines with flavors of green apple and almond. Oloroso is a full-bodied wine with flavors of raisins, figs, and nuts.
Conclusion
The old world wine regions of France, Portugal, and Spain produce some of the most famous and sought-after wines in the world. Each region has its own unique climate, soil, and grape varieties, which contribute to the flavors and aromas of the wines.
Whether you prefer light-bodied Pinot Noir from Burgundy or full-bodied Bordeaux blends, there is an old world wine variety to suit every palate.