Wine regions and their specializations...

ack

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May 6, 2010
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Can anyone provide a concrete list of wine regions and the types of grapes and/or mixes they have mastered? Something like:

1) Argentina, Mendoza - Malbec
2) Bordeaux - Cabernet-based in the Left Bank of the Gironde, Merlot-based in the Right Bank. And how do the wines within each subregion differ?
3) Chateauneuf - Grenache
4) Burgundy - Pinot Noir
5) Northern Rhone - Syrah
6) Barolo, Barbaresco - Nebbiolo
7) Piedmont in general - ???
8) Other countries/regions?

etc. This also raises an interesting question: what exactly does California specialize in?
 

flez007

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Aug 31, 2010
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I would just add Spain and Mexico region since the rest is almost covered, assuming youbare only focusing on reds.

Rioja - Granage, Cabernet, Tempranillo, Mazuelo.
Toro - Granage
Penedes - Granage, Tempranillo
Priorat - Carinen, Granage
Ribera del Duero - tempranillo, Granage, some Cabernet
Mexico (valle de guadalupe) - Cabernet, Carmenere
 

flez007

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According to my references, California specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon for reds and Chardonnay for blancs (white wine).
 

rsbeck

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Apr 20, 2010
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Chateauneuf Du Pape -- 13 grapes varietals permitted in blend. Most feature Granache predominantly, but are usually blended with others such as Mourvedre, Connoise, Cinsault, Syrah and others. Also, white wine made from blends of Granache blanc, Picpoul, Marsanne, Bourboulenc and others.

Northern Rhone -- Syrah (red), Roussanne (white)

Bandol (South France) -- wines must contain at least 50% Mourvedre and can be blended with Syrah, Granache and others.

Loire Valley -- Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Muscadet, Chardonnay.

Sauternes, Barsac -- sweet white dessert wines.

Tuscany -- Chianti, Brunello (red), Trebbiano, Verdicchio (white)

"Super Tuscans" -- these can be Bordeaux as well as other Blends; Sangiovese blended with International varietals like Cabernet and Merlot or can be 100% Sangiovese (usually aged in small new French Oak barrels), depending on producer.

Liguria -- Rossese (red), Vermentino, Pigato, Cinque Terre (white)

Campania -- Aglianico, Piedirosso (red), Falanghina (white)

Umbria -- Sagrantino (red), Orvieto (white)

Oregon -- Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio

California -- Cabernet and Bordeaux blends, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Southern Rhone style blends, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, dry Riesling, Viognier....
 
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ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
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Great, now we have a nice list.
 

rsbeck

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Apr 20, 2010
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We're just scratching the surface, but that's a very good start. Exploring those wines could keep you busy for little while.
 

rblnr

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New Zealand -- Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc try Dog Point Pinot

Chile -- Carmenere (originally from France, now only in Chile), Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, etc. -- try Ritual Pinot, and Kingston makes interesting stuff

Canada -- Ice Wine! Usually from Reisling, most grown in Ontario. Inniskillin is always excellent

South Africa -- Pinotage is native to SA, many other varietals grown as well. De Trafford makes great reds, the Elevation especially.
 

flez007

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Aug 31, 2010
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Mexico City
New Zealand -- Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc try Dog Point Pinot

Chile -- Carmenere (originally from France, now only in Chile), Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, etc. -- try Ritual Pinot, and Kingston makes interesting stuff

Canada -- Ice Wine! Usually from Reisling, most grown in Ontario. Inniskillin is always excellent

South Africa -- Pinotage is native to SA, many other varietals grown as well. De Trafford makes great reds, the Elevation especially.

There is an interesting story around the Carmenere type and how France almost lost all their Chardonnay crop some years back - more info @ History Of Wine, Larrouse Press.
 

Thomas.Dennehy

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Jan 5, 2012
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Bloomfield Hills MI
Seems like we are degenerating into a comprehensive list of what varietals are grown in what regions. Maybe we can narrow the discussion to what one location you'd visit to score a particular varietal.

Personal preferences:
  • Pinot Noir: Williamette Valley OR
  • Zinfandel: Monte Bello CA (Ridge Vineyards :))
  • Bordeaux: St. Julien
  • Bordeaux-Style Blends: Walla Walla Valley WA
Thoughts?
 

rblnr

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 3, 2010
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Ridge makes great Zin. Turley too
 

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