
| Wine (Region/Area) | Colour | Grape Varieties | Climatic & Soil influences | Grapegrowing & Wine making influences | Style | Price | Notes (Similarities, specificities) |
| Bordeaux AC Bordeaux Supérieur AC | Red | Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot | Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel | Mostly no oak | Dry Medium body Blackberry + cedar notes | ** | Bordeaux Supérieur = +0.5% min alcohol + mainly red |
| Bordeaux AC Bordeaux Supérieur AC | White | Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc | Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel | No MLF Can be fermented and matured in new oak | Grassy elderflower Toasty if oak aged | ** | |
| Bordeaux/Haut Médoc AC | Red | Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot | Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel | Top quality aged in new oak barriques | Very structured Hi tannins Hi acidity Concentrated blackcurrant Toasted oak Can age for decades | *** | 1855 classification with 5 rank system + cru bourgeois |
| Bordeaux/ Pauillac AC | Red | Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot | Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel | Top quality aged in new oak barriques | Very structured Hi tannins Hi acidity Concentrated blackcurrant Toasted oak Can age for decades | ****+ | Most powerful and structured of the Haud Medoc AC |
| St Julien AC | Red | Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot | Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel | Top quality aged in new oak barriques | ****+ | Mid way between Pauillac and Margaux | |
| Margaux AC | Red | Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot | Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel | Top quality aged in new oak barriques | ****+ | More elegant | |
| Pessac Léognan AC | Red | Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot | Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravelly soils well suited for Cab Sauv. | Lighter body vs. Haut Medoc More fragrant | ****+ | 1987 Cru Classé chateaux list | |
| Graves AC | Red | Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot | Gravel | Less complex vs. Pessac | *** | 1959 Cru Classé list of Châteaux | |
| Saint Emilion AC Saint Emilion Grand Cru AC | Red | Merlot, Cabernet Franc | 1) well drained plateau with limestone and gravel (Grand Cru) 2) escarpments with clay limestone soils (Grand Cru) 3) sandy soils at foot of escarpment (lighter wines) | Lo yielding Aged in new French oak | Mod to hi tannins Soft and rich mouthfeel Complex red berry fruit and plum aromas Can age for decades | **** ****+ | 1955 Grand Cru system from Grd Cru Classé to 1er Grand Cru classé A & B |
| Bordeaux/Entre 2 mers AC | White | Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc | Sandier soil | Best unoaked | Dry | ** | |
| Pessac Léognan AC | White | Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc | Dry | **** | |||
| Sauternes AC Barsac | White | Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc | Cooling influences of Garonne + Ciron Misty autumn conditions | Noble rot+ Passerillage (drying grape on the vine) Late harvest with several tries Lo yields Grape selection Fermented and aged in new oak barrels | Sweet Hi alcohol Lusciously sweet vs. hi acidity Rich texture Orange marmalade aromas Notes of apricot, honey and vanilla | **** | Barsac can use Sauternes or Barsac Others: 1eres cotes de Bordeaux AC, Loupiac AC |
| Cahors AC | Red | Malbec, Merlot, Tannat | Maritime climate but no cooling influences | Aged in oak for the best | Deep colour Hi tannins Intense dark berry fruits Can age -> cedar, earth | *** | Malbec min 70% |
| Madiran AC | Red | Tannat | Maritime climate but no cooling influences | Deep colour Hi tannins Concentrated black fruit | *** | ||
| Bergerac AC | Red | Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc , Merlot | Maritime climate but no cooling influences | Bordeaux-style | ** | Also whites and rosés | |
| Monbazillac AC | White | Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc | Maritime climate but no cooling influences | Sweet | ** | ||
| Jurancon AC | White | Petit Manseng | Maritime climate but no cooling influences | Sweet Hi acidity | *** | Also dry white | |
| Cotes de Gascogne IGP | White | Ugni Blanc and others | Maritime climate but no cooling influences | Dry; Aromatic; Crisp ;Light Green apples | * | ||
| Chablis AC 1er cru Grand Cru | White | Chardonnay | Northern continental climate Limestone+kimmeridgian clay Portlandian clay (usually Petit Chablis) 1er cru: well exposed slopes Grand cru: hillside across the river | Hi acidity Stony or smoky minerality Basic: Austere with green plum fruit 1er cru: riper fruit (lemon) Grd Cru: some oak flavours Can age -> complex smoky flavours | ** *** ****+ | 1er cru (40): Montée de Tonnerre, Vaillons & Fourchaume Grand crus (7): Les Clos, Grenouilles, La Moutonne |
| Cote de Nuits Villages AC | Red | Pinot Noir | Northern continental climate Mostly on slopes facing south east or east maximising sun exposure Limestone+marl Guyot pruning | Traditional fermentation with sensitive use of oak maturation | Red fruit flavours: cherry, raspberry, strawberry) Usually full bodied Med to hi tannins Med to hi acidity | *** | Also whites (Chardonnay) |
| Cote de Nuits 1er crus Grands Crus | Red | Pinot Noir | Northern continental climate Mostly on slopes facing south east or east maximising sun exposure Limestone+marl Guyot pruning | Traditional fermentation with sensitive use of oak maturation | Fullest bodied Pinot Noir in Burgundy Most longed-lived | ****+ | Most famous villages: Gevrey Chambertin AC Vougeot AC Vosne Romanée AC Nuits St Georges AC Only 1 red grand crus in Cote de Beaune (Aloxe Corton) Also in white (chardonnay) |
| Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuit | Red | Pinot Noir | Northern continental climate Mostly on slopes facing south east or east maximising sun exposure Limestone+marl // Guyot pruning | Traditional fermentation with sensitive use of oak maturation | Lighter body less concentration vs. village | ** | |
| Cotes de Beaune Villages AC | Red | Pinot Noir | Northern continental climate Mostly on slopes facing south east or east maximising sun exposure Limestone+marl // Guyot pruning | Traditional fermentation with sensitive use of oak maturation | Red fruit flavours: cherry, raspberry, strawberry) Usually full bodied Med to hi tannins & acidity | *** | Only red. Blend from any villages except Volnay, Pommard, Aloxe, Beaune. |
| Cotes de Beaune 1er Crus Grands Crus | White | Chardonnay | Northern continental climate Beaune | Traditional fermentation with sensitive use of oak maturation Lo yields | ****+ | Most famous villages: Meursault AC Puligny Montrachet AC Chassagne Montrachet AC Beaune AC Pommard AC Volnay AC Aloxe Corton AC whites | |
| Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune | Reds | Pinot Noir | Northern continental climate Mostly on slopes facing south east or east maximising sun exposure Limestone+marl Guyot pruning | Lighter body less concentration vs. village | ** | Also in whites (Chardonnay) | |
| Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise AC | Reds/Whites | Pinot Noir Chardonnay | Northern continental climate Mostly on slopes facing south east or east maximising sun exposure Limestone+marl Guyot pruning | Traditional fermentation with sensitive use of oak maturation | Mature more quickly | ** | Less prestigious Rully AC - W Givry AC - R Mercurey AC -R Montagny AC –W |
| Macon AC | White | Chardonnay | MLF | Good balance of fresh apple +citrus Crisp acidity Med to full body | * | Macon Superieur AC = higher level of ripeness vs. Macon AC Also reds (Pinot Noir or Gamay) | |
| Macon villages AC Macon +village name AC | White | Chardonnay | Soft Chardonnay More ripeness, body & character vs. Macon AC | ** | Can be a blend | ||
| Maconnais/Pouilly Fuissé AC | White | Chardonnay | Northern continental climate Mostly on slopes facing south east or east maximising sun exposure Limestone+marl Guyot pruning Amphiteatre like slopes (natural suntrap) | Barrel ageing (new oak) | Rich Hi alcohol 14% Full bodied Ripe peach & melon Savoury nutty flavours from new oak | *** | Communal appellation |
| Beaujolais AC | Red | Gamay | Warm dry climate Granite soils | Wire training Spur pruned and shoots tied together to hold vertically Mainly Carbonic maceration | Lo tannins Light body Fruit-driven Kirsch, bananas, bubblegum and cinnamon | * | |
| Beaujolais Villages AC 10 Crus | Red | Gamay | Warm dry climate Rolling hills Granite soils | Free standing vines Gobelet training Some oak ageing (large VATs) | Lo to Med tannins Light body Red fruit | ** *** | 10 Crus Chénas AC Juliénas AC Morgon AC Fleurie AC Chiroubles AC Régnié AC Moulin a vent AC Saint Amour AC Cote de Brouilly AC Brouilly AC |
| Alsace AC | White Reds | Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurtzraminer Muscat Sylvaner Pinot Blanc Pinot Noir Edelzwicker | Cool, sunny dry climate with long dry autumns Vosges protection from winds & rain East facing slopes = best sites | Slopes -> low training + orientation to maximise sun exposure + hand harvesting Plain -> high training to minimise spring frost Double Guyot Minimal wine alteration/treatment Stainless steel or very old oak cask for fermentation No MLF | Dry to off dry Aromatic Med alcohol Pinot Blanc: Dry, full bodied, spicy Sylvaner: Best drunk young Pinot Noir: Light fruity red Far less concentration and weight of Burgundy Pinot Noir | *** | |
| Alsace Grand Cru AC | White | Riesling, GewurtzraminerPinot Gris Muscat | Cool, sunny dry climate with long dry autumns Vosges protection from winds & rain East facing slopes = best sites | Slopes -> low training + orientation to maximise sun exposure + hand harvesting Plain -> high training to minimise spring frost Double Guyot Minimal wine alteration/treatment Stainless steel or very old oak cask for fermentation No MLF Use of passerillage for VT and SGN | Riesling: Full bodied, dry, med alcohol, hi acidity, mineral character Gewurtzraminer: Golden colour Aromatic spicy nose of lychees, roses, baking spices Full bodied with oily texture Med to Lo acidity Hi alcohol Good with smoked fish, strong cheese+Asian dishes Pinot Gris: Rich, full bodied, hi alcohol but less aromatic and colourful Muscat: Grapey Muscat flavour, dry | **** | Also in: VT: 14% (Riesling/Musct) 15.5% (Gewurtz/PGris) Selection Grains Nobles: 16.4% (Riesling/Musct) 18.2% (Gewurtz/PGris) Cousins: Auslese for VT BeerenAuslese for SGN |
| Muscadet AC Muscadet de Sevre et Maine AC Muscadet de Sevre et Maine sur Lie AC | White | Melon Blanc | Maritime climate with Atlantic ocean giving short mild winters and evenly rainfall. Warm summers Muscadet region on rolling slopes surrounding Nantes Muscadet de Sevre -> Lac de Grandlieu Mostly schist & gneiss Good retention and drainage | Wire training growing to allow machine harvesting Spring debudding Fermentation in large old casks No ageing Sur lie ageing for 3 months | Dry/Austere Fresh Fine bubbles beading the rim of the glass Med- alcohol Sur lie -> more yeasty character Drink young with shellfish | * ** ** | |
| Anjou-Saumur/ Coteaux du Layon AC | White | Chenin Blanc | Sheltered valley by river layon | Passerillage | Sweet Fresh fruit Hi acidity Med+ alcohol Botrytised (orange marmalade & honey) | *** | Quart de Chaume AC Bonnezeaux AC |
| Anjou-Saumur/Savennieres AC | White | Chenin Blanc | North bank of Loire Air circulation + well exposed vineyards | Dry austere young due to hi acidity Full bodied Can age -> honey + smokey mineral flavours | *** | Close to Vouvray in style | |
| Touraine/Vouvray AC | White | Chenin Blanc | Northeast of Tours Tuffeau chalky soil allows large root development + good drainage + hi acidity driven by hi calcium content for ripenin | Passerillage | Fresh apple to exotic fruit Richer + rounder with age Botrytis for sweet wines | *** | Still, sparkling Dry, medium dry or sweet |
| Central vineyards/Sancerre AC | White | Sauvignon Blanc | Cool continental (close to Burgundy) East side / West of Loire Chalky well drained stony soils Low south-east south-west facings hills | Fermented slowly in large wooden casks Pneumatic presses + temp controlled stainless steel VATs | Hi acidity Drink young (generally) | ** | Much more restrained vs. NZ Also reds (Pinot Noir) |
| Central Vineyards/Pouilly-Fumé AC | White | Sauvignon Blanc | Cool continental (close to Burgundy) East side / East side of Loire Chalky well drained stony soils | Dry Hi acidity | ** | Close to Sancerre |
| N-Rhone/Cote Rotie AC | Red | Syrah | Continental: warm summers Granitic soil Winds prevent fungal diseases Best: steep south-facing slopes Strong sun exposure | Stakes/tepee growing Hand harvest Co-fermentation with Viognier to stabilise colour and tannins+aromatic intensity and viscosity | Deep colour Full bodied Hi tannins Black fruit, black pepper, floral aromas Spicy, floral freshness and textural elegance | ****+ | If Viognier added, max. 20% allowed |
| N-Rhone/Condrieu AC | White | Viognier | Continental: warm summers Granitic soil Winds prevent fungal diseases Steep well exposed terrace vineyards | Best: lo yielding Needs careful handling Use of new oak increasing | Dry Lo acidity Hi alcohol Rich Exotic apricot, spice and floral aromas | ****+ | Chateau Grillet AC: single property |
| N-Rhone/Hermitage AC | Red | Syrah | Continental: warm summers Granitic soil Winds prevent fungal diseases Well exposed steep slopes behind the town of Tain and along the Rhone | Possible to add Roussanne + Marsanne up to 15% for co fermentation | Deep colour Fullest bodied Rhone wine Hi tannins Black fruit, black pepper, floral aromas Can age very well | ****+ | |
| N-Rhone/Crozes-Hermitage AC | Red | Syrah | Continental: warm summers Granitic soil Winds prevent fungal diseases North-> slopes South -> Flat plain | > Possible to add Roussanne + Marsanne up to 15% for co fermentation > Carbonic maceration for less expensive light wines > Oak-ageing for expensive wines | Lighter machine harvested with carbonic maceration to full bodied complex concentrated wines | ** | Less prestigious higher volume region |
| S-Rhone/Cotes du Rhone Cotes du Rhone village AC | Red | Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, others | Mediterranean Flatter terrain vs. N-Rhone Hi winds | > Grenache bush trained low to the ground to protect from wind & warmth from soil > Carbonic maceration frequent Storage in stainless steel > More stringent yields and minimum alcohol to reach for | Medium bodied Fruity Simple & soft More body, structure and spiced red fruit flavours vs. generic | * | 18 Villages: greater percentage of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre Can be found in Northern rhone as well |
| S-Rhone/Chateauneuf du Pape AC | Red | Grenache Syrah, Mourvedre | Mediterranean East bank of the Rhone Reasonably flat Wide range of soils Galets soil that reflect and absorb heat during the day and redistribute it at night | Full bodied Hi alcohol Concentrated spiced red fruit flavours | **** | 1st area to get AC Rosé not permitted Part of the 7 crus: Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Lirac, Tavel, Beaume de Venise, Vinsobres | |
| S-Rhone/Lirac / Tavel | Rosé | Cinsault, Grenache | Mediterranean West bank of Rhone | Full bodied Intense flavour | ** | Tavel: only rosé Lirac: reds & whites too | |
| Southern/Cotes du Roussillon | Reds | Syrah, Grenach, Mourvedre, Carignan | Mediterranean Rugged and mountainous Long sunlight hours, low rainfall + strong winds | Concentrated | * | Also rosé & whites | |
| Rheingau/Rudesheim, Geisenheim, Johannesberg | White | Riesling | Cool continental with potentially wet summers Northern bank of Rhein + Main river Modestly steep hills south facing + protection of Taunus hills to the North Rudesheim: steeper hills | Vineyards planted in rows up the slope or terraced Handwork Stakes with canes tied at the top to maximise sun exposure Minimal adjustments to the wine Stainless steel VATs or large oak vessels | Medium to full body Hi acidity Ripe peach flavour | ** to ****+ | Geisenheim: world famous wine research centre |
| Mosel/Bernkastel, Piesport | White | Riesling | Cool continental with potentially wet summers Bernkastel/Piesport in middle Mosel along the Mosel river before it joins the Rhine up north Steep slopes with a south facing aspect and stony soil to maximise sun exposure and warmth
| Vineyards planted in rows up the slope or terraced Handwork Stakes with canes tied at the top to maximise sun exposure Minimal adjustments to the wine Stainless steel VATs or large oak vessels | Light body Lo alcohol Hi acidity Medium sweetness Floral green fruit character | ** to ****+ | Michelsberg – Grosslage from the flat area of Mosel |
| NiederOsterreich /Wachau | White | Gruner Veltliner | Moderate Cool continental with hi continentality and diurnal range Cooling Northerly winds Northern bank of the Danube river | Traditionally no oak ageing | Green grapes, salad, white pepper + mineral notes | *** | Other reknowned areas: Kamptal, Kremstal Riesling too |
| Hun/Tokaji | White | Furmint Harslevelu Sarga Muscotaly (Muscat Blanc a petits grains | Continental climate with short, cold winters and long warm summers Foothills of the Carpathian mountains Slopes + southerly exposures+long dry autumns+humidity from Bodrog and Tisza rivers | Grape selection while picking between aszu and szamorodni Tokaji: berries macerated with base wine during/after fermentation for 36hours Press+maturation for min 3 years with 2 in oak barrels | Deep amber Hi acidity Intense aromas of orange marmalade, apricot & honey | **** | Puttonyos system to express level of sweetness 0 to 5 |
| Piemonte/Barolo DOCG + Barbaresco DOCG | Red | Nebbiolo | Mediterranean climate with cooling effect from altitude 2 distinct soils: 1)Blue tortonian soils -> softer fruitier early maturing (Barolo) 2)Beiger Helvetian soil -> more structured and longer to mature (Monforte) Best south facing sites | Vineyard: key to prevent disease + lo yielding grape Hail risks Winery: keep to manage ripeness and tannins. Tradi: long maceration Modern: use of rotary fermenters new oak barriques Min 3 years ageing with 18mths in oak Riservas 5 years with 18mths in oak | Pale colour Hi alcohol Hi acidity Hi tannins Structural rigidity Red fruit, rose, liquorice, hay | **** | Barbaresco DOCG = very similar, less structure, same price Langhe DOC = best value Nebbiolo ** |
| Veneto/Valpolicella DOC | Red | Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara | Limestone+granite slopes | Light Fruity Sour cherry character Herbal notes with black fruit Drink young with duck, ham or salami | * | Most red DOC after Chianti Bardolino similar style but from Lake garda area Valpolicella Classico zone: Illesi hills ~ Good Beaujolais | |
| Veneto/Valpolicella Amarone | Red | Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, | Limestone+granite slopes | Passito: grapes dried after picking in special lodges | Full bodied Hi alcohol Rich Hi acidity Nose of chocolate, dark rum and leather | **** | |
| Veneto/Valpolicella Recioto | White | Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara | Limestone+granite slopes | Passito: grapes dried after picking in special lodges | Sweet wine Full body; Rich Lighter in alcohol vs. amarone | **** | |
| Veneto/Soave DOC | White | Garganega | East of Valpolicella area Volcanic hills with basalt subsoil | Hi acidity Pronounced floral notes of camomile and iris | * | #1 wine in volume Classico zone -> Soave Classico Superiore | |
| Tuscany/ Chianti DOCG/ Chianti Classico DOCG | Red | Sangiovese | Mediterranean Altitude 500m + Hi diurnal range => firm acidity Rolling hills with clay over limestone | Min 80% Sangiovese Use of oak botte or French barriques | Hi acidity Sour cherry fruit Earthy dusty aromas | ** | |
| Tuscany/Brunello di Montalcino DOCG | Red | Sangiovese (brunello) | Warmer drier climates vs. other Chianti zones + cool maritime breeze from south west for cool evenings/nights Clay over limestone Rolling hills | Barrique becoming standard Min 5 years ageing | Full body Rich Hi alcohol | **** | |
| Tuscany/Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG | Red | Sangiovese (prugnolo) | Clay over limestone with % of sand => lack of finesse East to south east slopes Warmer evenings Best sites: lower vineyards | Min 2 years ageing 3 years for Riserva Botte replaced by new oak barriques | Full bodied > Chianti Hi alcohol > Chianti Less finesse vs. Chianti/Brunello | *** |
| Rioja/Rioja DOCa | Red | Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo Graciano | Northern spain Along the Ebro river Sheltered by Cantabrian mountains 3 sub-regions: 1. Alavesa – 800m altitude+chalky soils+Atlantic influences lightest Riojas+finesse 2. Alta – 500-800m+limestone-based clay+Atlantic influences 3. Baja – warmer continental climate+heavy+lo rainfall great for Garnacha Tinta+Graciano | Low bush vines with gobelet system Wire training now allowed and growing Tempranillo dominant for fruit (ripe strawberry/plum) Garnacha for body+alcohol Graciano to add powerful black fruit+ acidity+tannins+structure Barrel maturation = key Tradi: long American oak barriques ageing Now: longer maceration+ French new oak shorter ageing | Deep colour Hi tannins Lo acidity Full body Fruit+obvious oak characteristics | ** to ***+ | Mazuelo = Carignan = Carinena Specific ageing reqs: Joven -> None Crianza -> 24 mths with 12mths in cask Reserva -> 36 with 12 mths in cask Gran Reserva -> 60mths with 24mths in cask |
| Rioja/Rioja DOCa | White | Viura, Malvasia, Garnacha Blanca | Northern spain Along the Ebro river Sheltered by Cantabrian mountains 3 sub-regions: 1. Alavesa – 800m altitude+chalky soils+Atlantic influences 2. Alta – 500-800m+limestone-based clay+Atlantic influences 3. Baja – warmer continental climate+heavy+lo rainfall Viura main grape | Tradi: long American oak ageing golden colour, savoury flavours Now: low temp fermentation, stainless steel for maximum fruit | *** | Specific ageing reqs: Joven -> none Crianza -> 18mths Reserva -> 18 with 6 mths in oak Gran Reserva -> 48 mths with 12mths in oak | |
| Catalunya/Priorat DOC | Red | Grenache Carinena, Cab Sauvignon, others | Steeply terraced vineyards Good sun exposure+warmth from Llicorella soil (red slate+mica sparkling in the sun) Cooling effect of altitude especially at night Soil poor in nutrients but good water retention | Lo yields Handwork Ageing in new French oak | Deep colour Full bodied HI tannins Hi alcohol (min 13.5%) Fresh black fruit+toasty oak flavours | **** | Also White and Rosé |
| Ribera del Duero DOC | Red | Tempranillo | Continental climate mitigated by hi altitude Hi sunlight+Hi diurnal range perfect for Tempranillo | Long maceration Short ageing in new oak barrels (growingly French) | Dark colour > Rioja Powerful > Rioja Anstrigent tannins > Rioja Dar fruit and plum character | **** | Rosé as well No whites |
| Galicia/Rias Baixas DO | White | Albarino | Maritime climate -> humid conditions Northwest of Spain | Pergola system to protect grapes from fungal diseases Gentle handling and temperature control | Dry Delicate, fragrant, fruity Med alcohol Hi acidity Drink now | ** | |
| Douro | Red | Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz | Warm maritime (west) to hot continental (east) Steep hillsides terraces at 200 to 850m Schistose soil for good drainage/retention+reflecting heat during cool nights | Ripe fruit Lively acidity Spicy + tannic Finesse + structure | ** | Tinta Roriz = Tempranillo Barca Velha – most famous Portuguese red from Douro | |
| Napa/Napa valley AVA | Red | Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot | California North Coast: btw Macamayas and the Vaca mountains Mediterranean climate Hot and dry with cooling from fog from mountains (Davis II + III) Lo rainfall // Spring frosts: big issue | Irrigation needed (esp. In north) Long hang time of the fruit + hi tech winemaking Use new French oak | Extremely expressive Cab Sauvignon Opulent complex ripe flavours Powerful toasty | ** to ****+ | |
| Napa/Rutherford AVA + Oakville AVA | Red | Cabernet Sauvignon | California North Coast (Napa county) Volcanic soil, relatively fertile but free draining Between the Macamayas and the Vaca mountains Hot and dry with cooling from fog from mountains (Davis II) Rutherford: gravelly clay soil Spring frosts: big issue | Long hang time of the fruit + hi tech winemaking Oil stoves + wind turbines vs. spring frost Use new French oak | Med to hi alcohol Soft tannins Ripe dark cherry fruit Powerful | *** to ****+ | Both part of Napa valley floor Opus I -> Oakville AVA |
| Napa/Mount Veeder AVA | Red | Cabernet Sauvignon | California North Coast (Napa county) No cooling effect from fog but 800m Volcanic soils Mediterranean climate | Long hang time of the fruit + hi tech winemaking Lo yields Oil stoves + wind turbines vs. spring frost Use new French oak | Hi alcohol Firm tannins Spicy Well structured Ripe, dark fruit > Oakville/Rutherford | *** to ****+ | |
| Napa/Los Carneros AVA | Red | Pinot Noir | North Coast of California Cooling effect from ocean (Davis I) San Pablo bay’s fog in the morning blocking part of the sun | Oil stoves + wind turbines vs. spring frost | Ripe red fruit flavour (red cherry, strawberry) | *** to ****+ | Also Chardonnay |
| Sonoma/Russian river valley | Red | Pinot Noir | North Coast of California Cool conditions; often foggy Sandy+gravelly Along Russian River | Oil stoves + wind turbines vs. spring frost | Elegant Ripe red fruit flavour (red cherry, strawberry) | *** to ****+ | Also Chardonnay |
| Sonoma/Alexander Valley | Red | Cabernet Sauvignon | North Coast of California Proximity to oceanic fog+wind ingress through coastal gaps Significantly warmer Fertile valley | Long hang time of the fruit + hi tech winemaking Oil stoves + wind turbines vs. spring frost Use new French oak | Soft textured Full bodied | *** to ****+ | |
| Sonoma/Dry Creek Valley | Red | Zinfandel | North Coast of California Proximity to oceanic fog+wind ingress through coastal gaps Clayey, gravelly soils (stony hillsides) | Old vine Zinfandel Oil stoves + wind turbines vs. spring frost | Vigorous reds | ** to ****+ | Zinfandel = Primitivo Also Sauvignon |
| US/Central valley/Lodi | Red | Zinfandel / Cabernet Sauvignon | Central Valley of California Cooler vs. rest of Central valley (Davis III-IV) and similar to Napa thanks to cooling breezes from San Francisco bay | Hi yields Old vines | Full body Hi alcohol Concentrated red berries | ** to ****+ | Reputation for Zinfandel |
| Chile/Aconcagua region/Casablanca sub region | White | Chardonnay / Sauvignon Blanc | North of Chile (north of Santiago) Chile: warm Mediterranean climate Cooling influences from Andes (east) and Pacific Ocean (west). Morning mists and afternoon winds from the ocean | Irrigation | ** *** | Also Pinot Noir ~San Antonio neighbouring subregion | |
| Chile/Central Valley/Rapel/Colchagua zone + Cachapoal zone | Red | Carmenere/Cab Sauvignon/Syrah | Just South of Santiago Chile: warm Mediterranean Cachapoal: no ocean breezes -> warm Colchagua: large and more varied, influence of Rapel river | Irrigation | Full bodied reds | ** * to ****+ | |
| Arg/Mendoza/Uco Valley | Red | Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon Bonarda | Arg: continental climate with cooling effect from altitude + large diurnal range Mendoza: True desert conditions Altitude + snow-melt from Andes (west) Altitude key to cool temp and to increase diurnal range Uco Valley: highest in Mendoza 1400m Summer hail: regular hazard | Drip+flood irrigation Organic possible thanks to dry conditions | Hi acidity Fresh Can age | *to*** ** | Mendoza: 70% of ARG wine production Bonarda: |
| Arg/Mendoza/Lujan de Cuyo | Red | Malbec | Arg: continental climate with cooling effect from altitude + large diurnal range Mendoza: True desert conditions Altitude + snow-melt from Andes (west) Altitude key to cool temp and to increase diurnal range Lujan de cuyo: 1000m | Drip+flood irrigation Organic possible thanks to dry conditions | Soft, round, sweet spice from old Malbec vines | ** | Mendoza: 70% of ARG wine production |
| Arg/Mendoza/Maipu | Red | Malbec/ Syrah/ Cabernet sauvignon | Arg: continental climate with cooling effect from altitude + large diurnal range Mendoza: True desert conditions Altitude + snow-melt from Andes (west) Altitude key to cool temp and to increase diurnal range Maipu: 700m hi | Drip+flood irrigation Organic possible thanks to dry conditions Large wineries + bulk wine | Elegant Fresh floral aromas | * | Mendoza: 70% of ARG wine production Also Bonarda |
| SA/Coastal/Stellenbosch district | Red | Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz | Just inland from False bay and by mountains Good sufficient rainfall in winter and Variety of soil, aspect and altitude -> terroir Best terroir: hillside wtih acid soils | Bordeaux style blends Cab+merlot | Dark, plummy | * to**** * to *** |
| AUS/South-eastern Australia | Red | Shiraz+Cabernet | Aus: predominantly mediterranean Mainly from Murray-Darling and Riverina Dry and Hot | Irrigation from Murrumbidgee River Blends rather than co fermentation | Bulk wine | * | Also Semilllon sweet wines from long autumn (Botrytised) + Cheap Chardonnay-Sémillon blends |
| AUS/South Australia/Barossa Valley | Red | Shiraz | AUS: Mediterranean climate Barossa: Hot dry climate Ironstone+limestone soils | Old bush vines American oak | Full bodied Soft earthy spicy Dark ripe fruit Can age -> leather, spice caramel notes | * to**** | |
| AUS/South Australia/Eden Valley | White | Riesling | AUS: Mediterranean climate Eden valley: Moderate to warm climate with varying altitude. Cooler sites for Riesling | Unoaked | Medium body Slightly off dry Hi acidity Intense lime citrus | ** | Also reds from Shiraz Also Chardonnay |
| AUS/South Australia/Adelaide Hills | White | Chardonnay | AUS: Mediterranean climate Adelaide Hills: Moderate climate+400m altitude+sandy loam with poor water retention+dry summers | Irrigation often necessary during growing season | Complex elegant Hi acidity Distinct citrus + stone fruit | ** to **** | Also Pinot Noir and sparkling Also Sauvignon Blanc |
| AUS/South Australia/Clare valley | White | Riesling | AUS: Mediterranean climate Clare: hot but cooled by afternoon breezes + cool nights. Up to 500m high Various soils including terra rossa | Unoaked | Dry Citrus+Lime HI acidity Can age -> petrol, honey, toast | *** | Also Shiraz |
| AUS/South Australia/McLaren Vale | Red | Shiraz | AUS: Mediterranean climate McLaren Vale: Just south of Adelaide Sea afternoon breezes tempering climate | Dark fruit aromas Soft ripe tannins | * to **** | ||
| AUS/Limestone Coast/Coonawarra | Red | Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz | Part of South Australia/Limestone coast Cold currents from the Antarctic -> cool to moderate maritime climate +Terra rossa soil | Cab: intense structured with cassis+eucalyptus/mint Can age | *** | ||
| AUS/Yarra valley | Red | Pinot Noir | Victoria/Port Phillip zone By Melbourne Moderate maritime climate Hi rainfall Various soils | Rich in fruit (strawberries, raspberries, plums and dark cherries) Ripe and soft tannins Some oak flavours | Also Chardonnay (melon fig and white peach) + Sparkling wines | ||
| AUS/Hunter valley | Red | Shiraz | High cloud cover + ocen breezes reduce heat in summer Hi rainfall in growing season Well draining soils | Canopy management to prevent rot | Red fruit flavours (raspberries and cherries) Soft tannins Earthy undertone | *** | Also dry Sémillon (lo sugar/hi acidity) |
| AUS/Margaret River | Red | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot | Warm maritime climate ~Bordeaux Hi rainfall but mainly winter | Elegant restrained to fruity Powerful Tannins slightly earthy Structure and complexity | |||
| AUS/Margaret River | White | Chardonnay | Warm maritime climate ~Bordeaux Hi rainfall but mainly winter | Barrel ageing and MLF to add complexity | Concentrated stone fruit aromas Hi acidity | Also Sauvignon Blanc | |
| NZ/Marlborough | White | Sauvignon Blanc | NZ: cool to moderate maritime climate 1. Wairau: cool climate with hi diurnal range 2. Awatere: drier, cooler and windier higher acidity wines with tomato character | Hi tech hygiene, temperature control, anaerobic winemaking and screwcaps purity of fruit Risk of frost Most wines blended | Intense aromas of capsicum, gooseberry but also herbal notes, passion fruit, tomato, Hi fruit concentration Hi acidity Can age -> asparagus | ** | Marlborough plantings: ¾ of Sauvignon BLc Also Chardonnay *** and Pinot Noir *** |
| NZ/Hawke’s Bay | Red | Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot | NZ: cool to moderate maritime climate Warmest area with longest sunshine hours Varied soils, aspect & altitudes | Bordeaux type blends | *** | ||
| NZ/Central Otago | Red | Pinot Noir | Moderate to cool continental due to influence of Southern Alps foothills Long periods of sunshine Hot summers Hi diurnal range in growing season | Hi alcohol | *** |
