The Most Popular Sources of Fine Wine across Europe
Europe always takes centre stage when it comes to elegance, exquisite foods, and of course, magnificent wines. Various wine sources are distributed throughout the continent, offering speciality wines that are crafted from the world’s freshest produce.
Read on and get to know some of these locations and other information about their specific wine varieties.
1. Bordeaux, France
A powerhouse of authentic French wine, Bordeaux has more than 13,000 producers and offers some of the best red wines in the world. This region also crafts small quantities of sparkling and sweet wines, such as Cremant and Sauternes.
- Red Varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot
- White Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
- Landscape: Coast
- Soil: Clay, gravel, limestone, sand
2. Burgundy, France
This region is known for traditional winemaking techniques that can be traced back to Ancient Rome.
- Red Varieties: Gamay, Pinot Noir
- White Varieties: Chardonnay
- Landscape: Hill
- Soil: Chalk, limestone
3. Champagne, France
Inspiring the name for champagne itself, this region is the first to produce sparkling wines from around 15,000 grape growers.
- Red Varieties: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir
- White Varieties: Chardonnay
- Landscape: Hills
- Soil: Chalk, limestone
4. Ahr, Germany
Because of this region’s warm climate, it is no surprise that Ahr is the most prominent red grape growing region in Germany. This wine source takes pride in producing the most delicious Riesling.
- Red Varieties: Frühburgunder, Pinot Noir, Portugieser
- White Varieties: Riesling
- Landscape: Riverbanks
- Soil: Rock, slate, volcanic
5. Rheinhessen, Germany
This region takes pride in being the country’s largest wine producer and having young producers starting to leave a mark on the wine industry. Rheinhessen is known for its Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.
- Red Varieties: Pinot Noir
- White Varieties: Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Silvaner
- Landscape: Hills
- Soil: Clay, gravel, limestone, loess-loam, sand
6. Piedmont, Italy
Recognised as the best Italian wine, Barbaresco is produced in this beautiful European region.
- Red Varieties: Barbera, Bonarda, Dolcetto, Freisa, Nebbiolo
- White Varieties: Arneis, Cortese, Erbaluce, Moscato, Timorasso
- Landscape: Coast, hills
- Soil: Gravel, limestone, marl
7. Tuscany, Italy
Also called Toscana by the locals, Tuscany is the most popular wine region in Italy and boasts the luxurious Chianti and Brunello Di Montalcino.
- Red Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese
- White Varieties: Malvasia, Trebbiano, Vermentino
- Landscape: Hills
- Soil: Clay, marl, sand
8. Alentejo, Portugal
This region has some of the oldest wine vines in Portugal, allowing producers to craft the most delicate yet decadent wines with exceptional aromas and flavours.
- Red Varieties: Alfrocheiro, Moreto, Periquita, Trincadeira
- White Varieties: Antão Vaz, Fernão Pires, Rabo de Ovelha, Roupeiro
- Landscape: Hills
- Soil: Clay, granite, schist
9. Douro, Portugal
Known for being one of the last regions in the world that still press most of their grapes by foot, Douro produces some of the best-tasting wines in Portugal and the world.
- Red Varieties: Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca
- White Varieties: Malvasia, Rabigato, Viosinho
- Landscape: Mountains
- Soil: Granite, metamorphic rock, schist
10. Castilla Y León, Spain
This Spanish region stretches across almost one-fifth of the entire country and has five individual regions in it. The most popular of these, the Ribera del Duero, produces top-notch wines that appeal to enthusiasts around the world.
- Red Varieties: Tempranillo, Tinta de Toro
- White Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo
- Landscape: Hills
- Soil: Alluvial, chalk, limestone
11. La Rioja, Spain
Recognised as the largest red wine region in Spain, La Rioja has more than 600 wineries and annually produces an estimate of more than 400 million bottles.
- Red Varieties: Carignan, Graciano, Grenache, Tempranillo
- White Varieties: Garnacha Blanco, Macabeo, Malvasia
- Landscape: Hills, riverbanks
- Soil: Chalk, clay, iron
The Best Source of Fine Wine
The differences in climate and traditions make it possible to experience a wide range of wine flavours from the sources mentioned above. To have the best possible wine tasting experience to complement any of your celebrations, choose a seller with an outstanding collection of varied types of wines.
Are you looking for the best fine wines from Europe? Check out Cru Wine. We make buying wine easy and simple with a more enriched experience for our clients across the globe. Shop at our website today!
