Wine has surprisingly different expressions depending on where it is produced.
Each has its own character, not only in taste, but also in aroma and appearance.
Choosing wine by region is one of the best parts of enjoying wine.
Although,
“I don’t understand the differences between production areas.”
“In the first place, I don’t know where the wine is produced.”
There are many people who say that.
In this article, we will explain in detail the differences in wine production areas and tastes.
After reading this article, you should be able to develop a stronger love for wine.
About the main production areas of wine and the differences in taste
As you know, France is the country that produces the most wine.
The humidity and temperature are known to be too ideal for wine production.
France is blessed with the best soil and sunshine hours, making it the perfect environment.
It has a long history of wine production, and its production technology is one of the best in the world.
The country is focusing on wine production, and quality control is thorough.
French wine holds a 20% market share worldwide.
First, we will explain the wine producing regions in France.
burgundy
One of the world's most famous wine-producing regions, located in central France.
Along with the Bordeaux region, it is recognized around the world as one of the "two major producing regions."
In the Burgundy region, the culture of producing wine using only a single variety of grapes is deeply rooted.
We use Pinot Noir for red wine and Chardonnay for white wine.
This produces wines with a simple yet profound flavor.
It has a taste that is easy to understand for beginners, but also has a depth that is preferred by advanced users.
Therefore, Burgundy wine is loved by wine lovers all over the world.
By the way, ``Romanée-Conti'' is also a type of Burgundy wine.
Other wines from Burgundy include ``Montrachet'' and ``Corton Charlemagne.''
Bordeaux region
It is a region in the southwest of France, bordering Spain.
Along with the Burgundy region, it is widely known as one of the two major producing regions.
Most of the wine produced is red wine.
Bordeaux wine is nicknamed the "Queen of Wines".
This means that you can enjoy the high quality and gorgeous taste.
It is characterized by a rich aroma, powerful taste, and intense fruit and flavor.
In a sense, it has the most wine-like taste.
In Bordeaux, the mainstream method is to blend black grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verte.
Basically, it is dry, with a taste that allows you to enjoy astringency and sourness.
Fine wines such as ``Lafite Rothschild'' and ``Château Haut-Brion'' are produced in Bordeaux.
In other words, Bordeaux has produced many wines that reign at the top of red wine.
``Drinking Bordeaux wine'' is also considered to be a status similar to ``wearing an Armani suit.''
Loire region
The Loire region is blessed with a peaceful atmosphere and mild climate.
Many winemakers are concentrated around the Loire River, which has a total length of 1,000 kilometers.
The region has a variety of soils suitable for wine, producing wines with a wide variety of characters.
It tends to be a little cheap for French wine, and has high cost performance.
With Loire wine, you can enjoy cheap and delicious wine.
Among the Loire wines, a white wine called Sancerre is famous.
Its citrus aroma and intense minerality cannot be achieved in other regions.
alsace region
This production area is located in the northernmost part of France, adjacent to Germany.
Alsace is known as a very special region.
In any case, the soil quality is diverse, and therefore wines of various characters are produced.
For this reason, Alsatian wine bottles list the grape varieties used.
Alsatian wines are selected based on grape varieties.
With plenty of sunlight, grapes in Alsace grow freely.
Due to the topography, humid winds do not reach the area, making it easy to maintain quality.
More than 90% of the wines produced in Alsace are white wines.
We produce a variety of white wines, from sweet to dry.
Contrary to the high quality, the low price is also a point that cannot be overlooked.
Alsatian wine is available for around 3,000 to 4,000 yen.
champagne region
The Champagne region is located in the northernmost part of France and is a major wine producing region.
As the name suggests, this region is known around the world as the region where ``champagne'' is produced.
With its cool temperature, appropriate humidity, and ideal soil, it is the perfect environment for a wine-producing region.
High-quality sparkling wine made in the Champagne region is called ``Champagne.''
The word "Champagne" has a very important meaning.
Wines outside of the Champagne region cannot bear the name "Champagne."
Champagne wine is said to be characterized by its moderate acidity, texture, and fresh aroma.
The refreshing feeling of carbonic acid is added to this, creating a unique character.
It captures the hearts of wine lovers around the world and never lets go.
By the way, various types of Dom Pery, which is famous in Japan, are also produced in the Champagne region.
Provence region
Provence is the area with the longest history in France.
Using manufacturing techniques cultivated over many years, we produce wine of excellent quality.
The climate is low humidity and warm throughout the year, making it a very favorable production area.
Provence wine is characterized by its cost performance.
Good quality Provence wine can be purchased for 2,000 to 3,000 yen.
There are currently no signs of any change in price trends, and this price range will likely continue for some time.
However, recently there seem to be some wineries that are working on producing high-quality wine.
The Provence region has always been known for being cheap and delicious, but it is now attracting attention to see what kind of wine it produces.
Rhone region
The Rhône is a region in eastern France.
The Rhône River runs through it, and the area around it is a production area.
In Kitagawa, red wine is actively produced using a black grape called Syrah.
Characterized by a strong and crisp flavor typical of Syrah.
In the south, it is common to produce wine that is a blend of multiple grape varieties.
Enjoy a well-balanced red wine with an exquisite combination.
The Rhone region has a perfect climate for growing black grapes.
Therefore, Rhône wines are usually red or rosé wines.
About production areas other than France
In addition to France, there are many other excellent wine producing countries around the world.
If you know the following wine producing countries, you will be able to enjoy wine even more.
Italy
Italy is said to be an ideal wine-producing region because it is blessed with sunshine and a good climate throughout the country.
Italy is a state country made up of 20 regions, all of which are active in wine production.
The central region in particular is famous for its wine production, rivaling that of France.
It produces famous Italian wines such as "Chianti Classico" and "Super Tuscan".
Germany
Germany is a very famous region for producing white wine.
Vineyards spread around the Rhine River, which runs through Germany, and many Vintners are scattered around.
Another feature is that a white grape called ``Riesling'' is particularly favored.
Approximately 60% of the world's Riesling is grown in Germany.
The appeal of German wine is its ``deep acidity'' and ``good texture,'' which are said to surpass even French wine.
Easy to drink, yet enjoys an elegant taste.
We have a rich lineup, from sweet to extremely dry.
- Mauser
- mittel line
- Franken etc...
united states of america
Chile
Chile, located in South America, is also famous for its wine production.
Natural topography and phenomena such as the Andes Mountains, the Humboldt Current, and the Atacama Desert create an environment suitable for grape cultivation.
It is particularly ideal for growing black grapes, and produces a large number of red wines.
The appeal of Chilean wine is its overwhelming cost performance.
Labor costs and land costs are low, making it possible to produce high-quality wine at low prices.
Chilean wine is famous for its red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is called "chirikabe" and is loved all over the world.
Many Chiricabe wines have been brought to Japan, so you may have seen them before.
By the way, Japan imports the most wine from Chile.
Japan as a wine producing region
Although it is small compared to the countries mentioned above, wine is also produced in Japan.
In the past, they didn't care about wine production, but it has become popular since around 2015.
In Japan, a white grape called ``Koshu'' and a grape called ``Muscat Berry A'' are used.
It is a grape that is not used much around the world, and it forms the characteristics of Japanese wine.
Koshu is characterized by its gentle aroma and pleasant acidity.
The result is a very drinkable white wine.
Muscat Berry A is characterized by its powerful fruit flavor.
The acidity and astringency are slightly suppressed, resulting in an easy-drinking red wine.
In the past, it was said that Japanese wine was clearly inferior to the rest of the world.
However, it is now said that Japan is on par with Europe.
summary
Wine has different characteristics depending on the region where it is produced.
Depending on the production area, the taste, aroma, color, and price range will also vary.
The most famous production area is France.
However, the wine industry is growing in other countries as well, producing wines that rival French wines.
Be sure to remember the region of production when choosing a wine. You will gain a deeper understanding of the fun and depth of wine.
