WINE MAKING REGIONS
INTERNATIONAL WINE
REGIONS
INTRODUCTION
This module will introduce you to the primary
wine regions around the world.
WINES FROM FRANCE
France is, and has long been, the most important wine
producing country in the world. Many of the world’s
benchmark wines and wine styles are made in France
and have been produced there
for centuries. Despite recent
troubles of over-production,
increasing competition from
other countries, and ossification
due to stringent wine legislation;
France remains and will long
remain the most important
wine entity in the world.
WINE REGIONS IN FRANCE:
BORDEAUX
Bordeaux is situated in the southwest corner of
the country, the Bordeaux region is the largest, and
arguably most important, wine producing region in France.
The wines are predominantly red, based on blends from
Cabernet-family grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petite Verdot.
Wines from producers such as Chateaux Latour, Lafite-Rothschild,
and Petrus are considered among the greatest red wines made
anywhere.
Dry and sweet white wines are also made from a blend of Semillon,
Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle de Bordelaise. It is important to note
that the botrytis-affected sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac are
considered the among the best of their style. Beringer’s Nightingale
is modeled after these wines.
Wines in Bordeaux are labeled by the producer, called the Chateau.
There are over 7,000 chateaux in Bordeaux, of varying sizes, making
wine of various quality.
WINE REGIONS IN FRANCE:
BURGUNDY
Burgundy is located in east-central France.
Dry white and red wines are made here from the
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay grapes.
The Burgundian vineyards are a complex scheme
of tiny, fragmented plots of land. The vineyards are ranked
by village, premier cru and grand cru status. It’s not
uncommon for a single vineyard to have multiple ownership.
The finest white Burgundies (made from Chardonnay) and
red Burgundies (from Pinot Noir) are among the greatest
wines in the world.
WINE REGIONS IN FRANCE:
CHAMPAGNE
The Champagne region is located in northeast France,
at the far northern limits where fine wine grapes can be
successfully cultivated.
Historically ripening grapes consistently has long been
an issue. However, it was found that the thin still wines of
Champagne made from the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and
Pinot Meunier grapes, were the perfect base to make brilliant
sparkling wines.
The Methode Champenoise, or Champagne method,
involves a secondary fermentation that takes place in the
bottle. This method is used throughout the world to make
fine sparkling wines.
Only sparkling wines made in the Champagne region of France
can legally be called Champagne; all others are simply
sparkling wine.
WINE REGIONS IN FRANCE:
ALSACE
Alsace lies in eastern France on the Border
of Germany. The region has been part of
Germany several times over the last 150 years
and elements of both cultures and languages
have been intermixed.
Alsace has a dry, warm, and sunny climate due to the
Vosges Mountains, that create a rain shadow effect on
the region.
Most Alsace wines are dry and white, produced from
grapes such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer,
and Muscat. Some excellent late-harvest dessert wines
are also made.
WINE REGIONS IN FRANCE:
THE RHONE
The Rhone Valley lies in southern France
and is subdivided into the Northern Rhone
and the Southern Rhone.
Dry white wines from Viognier and dry red
wines from Syrah are made in the Northern Rhone.
Dry white wines from Marssanne and Rousanne, dry
rosés from Grenache blends, and dry reds from Grenache
blends are made in the Southern Rhone.
Look for Viogniers from Condrieu, Syrahs from Côte
Rotie and Hermitage, and Grenache blends from
Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
WINE REGIONS IN FRANCE:
LOIRE VALLEY
At 625 miles, the Loire is France’s longest river.
Wines from the Loire Valley offer the greatest
diversity of grape varieties and wine styles from
any French wine region.
There are over 60 appellations, regions, in the Loire. Major
grape varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc,
Muscadet, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay.
Look for dry white wines from Savenierres, (Chenin Blanc)
dry and sweet white wines from Vouvray (Chenin Blanc),
and dry white wines from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
(Sauvignon Blanc). Also look for dry red wines from Chinon
and Bourgueil (Cabernet Franc).
WINES FROM GERMANY
Germany’s vineyards total less than
one-tenth that of France and the country’s
per-capita wine consumption is 2/3 less
than Italy’s. However, Germany’s best
dry and sweet Rieslings are considered
to be among the world’s great wines.
The far-northerly latitude has always
made cultivating wine grapes a challenge.
To meet that challenge, many of the
vineyards are planted on steep south
and southwest slopes to take advantage
of summer sunlight. Grape varieties such
as Riesling and Silvaner are selected because they can withstand
the cold temperatures of the spring and late fall. Some outstanding
Pinot Noir is also made in the warmer regions.
WINES FROM GERMANY
The best German wines are
designated by the grape sugar
content at harvest and residual
sugar content at bottling.
The sweetest wines, called
Trockenberrenausle, are
considered the best wines.
There has been an important
recent move to emphasize the
best dry wines from the great
vineyards.
WINES FROM SPAIN
Although Spain has over four million
acres of vineyards, the country’s arid
climate results in very low average
yields —and wine production is only
half that of France or Italy. The last
15 years have seen a dramatic
revolution of technology and quality
in Spanish wines.
The country has great regional
diversity in its wines. The most
important include the dry white
Albarinos of Rias Biaxas in the northwest corner, dry reds from
Rioja in central Spain, sparkling Cavas made in Penedes, and
the great fortified sherries of Jerez de la Frontera.
WINES FROM SOUTH AFRICA
The first vines in South Africa were
planted near modern-day Cape Town
in the mid-17th century. But it was not
until the Huegenots arrived in the
1680’s that viticulture and wine-making
began on a serious scale. By the
mid-18th century South African wines
were one of Britain’s major vinous
exports. The modern South African
wine industry dates only to the end of
Apartheid in 1994. From that time on,
the country has had access to foreign
markets and a great influx of foreign capital has produced an
explosion of small, boutique South African wineries. Between
1996 and 2001, a new winery opened its doors in South Africa
every 17 days.
WINES FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Most of the wine regions in South
Africa lie within 100 miles of the
coast. Further inland the climate
becomes far to hot to successfully
cultivate wine grapes.
South African wines are labeled
by the grape variety, and common
bottlings include Chenin Blanc,
Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay
for whites; and Cabernet Sauvignon
(and Cabernet blends), Merlot, and
Shiraz (synonymous with Syrah) for reds. Chenin Blanc is the
most widely planted grape. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot
Noir and Cinsault, is South Africa’s original grape and wine.
WINES FROM AUSTRALIA
Few countries have made their
mark on the wine world as
dramatically in the last 20 years
as Australia. Starting in the
mid-1980’s, finely crafted Aussie
varietal wines at low price points
made their way into virtually every
export market and quickly gained
enormous popularity. The Australian
philosophy of blending grapes and
wines from different regions (the
country geographically is almost as
large as the U.S.) has been a large part of this success, as well as
maximum use of marginal growing regions, and outstanding
winemakers and the best winemaking technology.
WINES FROM AUSTRALIA
Australian wines are labeled by the
grape variety. Common grapes are
Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling,
and Sauvignon Blanc for whites;
and Shiraz (the most widely planted
grape), Cabernet Sauvignon, and
Grenache for reds. Shiraz/Cabernet
and Shiraz/Merlot blends are common
and can be outstanding. Excellent late
harvest dessert wines from Semillon
and Muscat are also produced.
South Australia is the most important
wine producing state accounting for
over 50% of the country’s total output. The Barossa Valley is South
Australia’s most important region. Western Australia, Victoria, and
New South Wales are also important wine states.
WINES FROM NEW ZEALAND
Although vines were first planted in New
Zealand over 150 years ago, the industry did
not make its mark until the last 20 years. In that
time the crisp, appealing NZ Sauvignon Blancs
have become one of the major benchmarks for
the grape.
New Zealand is divided into north and south
islands with wine producing regions on both.
The cool southerly climate (remember, this
is the southern hemisphere) can make ripening
grapes a challenge, thus site selection is critical
for vineyards. Marlborough, on the south island,
is considered the finest appellation. Central
Otago, also on the south island, is considered
the best appellation for Pinot Noir.
Wines are labeled by grape variety. The most common grapes are
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling for white; and Pinot Noir, Merlot,
and Syrah/Shiraz for
WINES FROM ITALY
Italy produces and consumes more wine
than any other country — some 800 to
900 million cases a year. Italy is also
the largest exporter to the U.S. (though
Australia is threatening).
The country has a close proximity to
the ocean and over 80% of the land is
mountainous or hilly. The result is a
dramatic range of micro-climates. One
can see the Alps in the north and North
Africa in the south.
Italy is the most challenging wine country
in terms of scale. There are 20 major
wine regions, over 900,000 registered vineyards, and over 1,000 registered
grape varieties--including hundreds of indigenous varieties.
Italian wines are labeled by geography, grape variety, a combination of grape
and geography, and proprietary name.
WINE REGIONS IN ITALY:
PIEDMONT
Piedmont lies in the northwest corner of Italy.
The most important wines are made from the
Nebbiolo grape and named after the towns of
Barolo, Barbaresco and Gattinara.
The wines of Barolo, Barbaresco and Gattinara
tend to be made in very small quantities. These
are intensely flavored, tannic wines that usually require
long-term aging to soften.
Other Piedmontese wines are made from the Barbera and
Dolcetto grapes.
The well-known sparkling wines Asti and Moscato d’Asti are
made from the Muscat grape.
WINE REGIONS IN ITALY:
TUSCANY
Tuscany, in central Italy, is perhaps the
country’s greatest wine producing region.
Sangiovese is the predominant grape variety and
Chianti is Tuscany’s most well-known wine and
appellation. Castello di Gabbiano is textbook
Chianti and one of the more well-known estates.
There are dozens of other wine appellations within
Tuscany, with white wines made from the Vernaccia and
Trebbiano grapes, and red wines made predominantly from the
Sangiovese grape with Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah also used.
The estates and production of Tuscany are larger than the small
producers of Piedmont.
WINES FROM CHILE
The bulk of Chile's vineyards are located in the
Central Valley and its sub-regions (Maipo, Rapel,
Curicó and Maule). The Maipo Valley is, by far,
the most famous wine growing area of the Central
Valley region.
The Aconcagua region is to the north, which
includes the important Casablanca Valley (the
source of several of Chile’s finest white wines).
The Southern region includes the Itata and BioBio sub regions.
The most significant physical influences are the
mountains and rivers. In particular, the region’s
position, relative to the Andean and coastal
ranges, has a significant impact upon vine growth
and development.
REVIEW
You should now have a good introduction to:
The primary international wine regions around
the world
OVERVIEW OF
CALIFORNIA
INTRODUCTION
This overview of California will give you a
brief introduction to the winemaking history
and frequently asked questions for California
in general and Napa, Sonoma and the
Central Coast.
MODULE OBJECTIVES
In this module you will learn:
• What an AVA or appellation is and the
appropriate grape content in each
• An overview of the geography for Napa,
Sonoma and Central Coast
• Answers to some of the most frequently asked
questions pertaining to the wine industry in
these regions
CALIFORNIA
WINE REGIONS DEFINED
American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)
An AVA is simply a Place of Origin
•Defined boundaries
•Historical or common name
•Distinct growing conditions
Place of Origin — Mandatory Grape Content
US
100%
State or County
75%
(except California)
100%
Appellation
85%
Specific vineyard
95%
California has 89 of the 146 U.S. AVA’s
5 California Regional AVAs
1. North Coast
4. Sierra Foothills
2. Central Coast
5. San Francisco Bay
3. South Coast
CALIFORNIA FACTS
1841
California’s first winery-(in
Sonoma, General VallejoLachryma Montis “Tears of the
Mountain”)
1850
California statehood
1876
Beringer Vineyards established
1920–33 Prohibition – Winemaking stopped.
(Beringer made wine for the
churches during Prohibition)
Currently over 3,700 wineries
California produces more wine than all
other US states combined, which is more
than Australia
California: 90% of US production – US is
the 4th largest producer in the world
Most planted varieties: Chardonnay,
Cabernet Sauvignon
NAPA VALLEY GEOGRAPHY
Napa Valley is 30 miles (48km) long
and 3–5 miles (5–7km) wide. With the
Mayacamas Mountains west and the
Vaca Mountains east, 14 AVAs.
South: Carneros, Napa, Yountville
are Cool (like Coonawarra, North
Okanagon, Northern Burgundy).
Commonly planted varieties include;
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah.
North: St. Helena, Howell Mtn, Spring
Mtn are Warm (like Barossa Valley ,
Southern Rhone and Bordeaux).
Commonly planted varieties include;
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and
Sauvignon Blanc.
NAPA VALLEY
FACTS
Wappo Indians named Napa
“Land of Plenty”
1861 First winery: Charles Krug
(Jacob Beringer — cellar foreman)
1876 Beringer Vineyards: Longest
continuously operating winery, through
prohibition and beyond
373 wineries in Napa County
38,000 vineyard planted acres
(15,000 hectares)
4% of California’s wine production
SONOMA GEOGRAPHY
Sonoma County is 58 miles (93 KM) long and 24 miles (38 KM) wide
(double Napa's size)
Sonoma Mountains west and Mayacamas Mountains east
Sonoma has 14 AVAs
South and West are cool
which includes Carneros,
Sonoma Coast, Russian
River, (like Burgundy and
Eden Valley)
North and East are warm
which includes Sonoma Valley,
Knights Valley, Alexander Valley,
Dry Creek (like Hunter Valley,
Bordeaux and Tuscany)
SONOMA FACTS
Sonoma: Indian for “earth village”
(Jack London named it “Valley of the Moon”)
1841 Sonoma established California’s first winery (General Vallejo)
1858 Agonston Haraszthy —
”Father of California Wine”
Established Buena Vista
Winery (Charles Krug
apprentice)
1875 Pre-Phylloxera Sonoma
wines were more famous than
Napa
260 wineries in Sonoma
51,000 vineyard planted
acres (20,000 hectares)
CENTRAL COAST:
PASO ROBLES
The Central Coast wine region
spans from Monterey county in
the north to Santa Barbara county
to the south
Paso Robles, in the center of
the Central Coast, is situated
20 miles (12km) inland from the
Pacific Ocean, (literally halfway
between Los Angeles and
San Francisco)
Most Planted Varieties: Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel,
Shiraz and Chardonnay
CENTRAL COAST:
SANTA BARBARA
The Santa Ynez and San Rafael
mountains form a unique coastal
range, opening directly to the
Pacific Ocean. This region is one
of the coolest viticultural areas in
California (like the Yarra Valley)
3 AVAs Santa Maria Valley,
Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Rita Hills
100 wineries in Santa Barbara
County
21,000 vineyard planted acres
(8,500 hectares)
REVIEW
You should now have a good understanding of:
• What an AVA or appellation is and the appropriate
grape content in each
• An overview of the geography for Napa, Sonoma
and Central Coast
• Answers to some of the most frequently asked
questions pertaining to the wine industry in
these regions
OVERVIEW OF
AUSTRALIA
INTRODUCTION TO AUSTRALIA
This overview of Australia will teach you
about the Australian Geographical Indications.
There is a brief summary of the most prominent
wine regions of Australia and the grape varieties
grown there.
MODULE OBJECTIVES
In this module you will learn:
• How Australian wine regions are defined by the
Geographical Indications and how they relate to
California's AVA's.
• The primary growing regions of Austalia and the
grape varieties grown there.
ABOUT AUSTRALIA
• One of the world’s preeminent wine producing
countries
• An innovator in vineyard and winery management
• Size: roughly the equivalent of Western Europe or
the continental U.S.
• Climate: Sub-Tropics, Mediterranean and Desert
• Great diversity of soil types and micro-climates
• Fruit-dominated wines that enjoy global popularity
GEOGRAPHICAL
INDICATATIONS
Restructuring and redefining Australian wine appellations
Originated in 1994 with European Union agreement
allowing Australia access
to European markets
Resolving appellations
vs. blending issue and
the creation of the
South-Eastern Australia
appellation
A work in progress…
AUSTRALIA VERSUS USA
Product of Australia: Most
general designation. No vintage
or variety required on label
Product of Australia = USA
Multi-State/South-Eastern
Australia: Enormous appellation
covering most producing areas
South Eastern Australia =
Western US
State of Origin: Next most
specific category
Super Zone: Adelaide
Zone: Barossa Valley
State of Origin = California
Super zone = North Coast
Zone = Napa County
Sub-regions: Smaller
appellations within a region
High Eden Sub-regions =
Carneros
SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA
Only multi-state appellation
Crucial to the industry’s
philosophy of blending
Includes parts of
Queensland, New South
Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
and South Australia
Produces over 70% of
Australia’s wine — principal
wine producing companies
established in Barossa,
most subscribe to multiregional blending
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
White grapes: Riesling,
Chardonnay, Semillon
and Sauvignon Blanc
Red grapes: Shiraz,
Cabernet Sauvignon
and Grenache
BAROSSA VALLEY
Warm dry climate requiring drip
irrigation, established 1847
Low humidity, warm dry heat
Perfect for ripening cycles – “physiological”
Sand, loam, limestone based soils, low in
nutrients and vigour
Valley floor sites best for Shiraz, Cabernet
and Semillon
MCLAREN VALE
South-East of Adelaide
Maritime influenced and
diurnal shift
Ripe fruit with high natural
acidity and good structure
Known for big ‘mid-palate’
structured reds — Shiraz and Cabernet
ADELAIDE HILLS
The hills overlooking Adelaide
Vineyards planted at up to 1500 ft
Wide variety of soil types and
micro-climates
Together with the Yarra Valley
they are two of Australia’s definitive cool climate regions
Cool climate varieties – Chardonnay,
Riesling, Pinot Noir
COONAWARRA
Area: 5x1 miles / 7x1.5 km
Finest Australian Cabernet
Sauvignon but also
excellent Shiraz
Cool climate with an abundance
of underlying water (great artesian basin)
Terra Rossa soils
(red sandy loam over chalk)
REVIEW
You should now have a good understanding of:
• How Australian wine regions are defined by the
Geographical Indications and how they relate to
the American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).
• The primary growing regions of Australia and the
grape varieties grown there.