Many celebratory rituals worldwide involve wine, whether popping the cork or twisting the corkscrew. Even intimate moments with loved ones are shared with a glass of sophisticated red wine. The drink has indeed become a global language for celebration and love.
This is one of the reasons the global wine market, and even wine tourism, is continuously growing. Instead of just popping the cork, enthusiasts and novices alike started to explore the best wines by country, and they wanted the full-blown experience, like visiting vineyards and appreciating the landscape.
Aside from the eye-satisfying views, consumers also tend to explore more wines from different countries because it feels like understanding their traditions, processes, and palates in one sip.
In this article, you will learn about the top countries that produce the best wines in the world to help you kick-start your exploration. Get a chance also to learn about each country’s popular wine varieties, winemaking processes, and more.
New Zealand Wines
Despite being relatively new in the industry and considered geographically small, New Zealand is one of the top-producing countries of world-class wines. The country underwent rapid development in the past decades, from only 400 hectares in the 60s to more than 40,000 hectares.
The rise to fame of New Zealand can be credited to its cool maritime climate and diverse landscape, which are ideal grape-growing conditions. The country comprises 75% white grape vines or varieties; hence, it’s known for its vibrant and zesty Sauvignon Blanc.
One region in New Zealand that will constantly be affiliated with Sauvignon is Marlborough, the country’s largest and most famous wine-producing region. It houses more than 60% of the vineyards in the country and has other wine varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other aromatic wines.
Besides Marlborough, Central Otago is another famous wine region in New Zealand, especially for its bold and fruit-forward Pinot Noir, which has the perfect mix of spice and earthiness. Meanwhile, the Hawke’s Bay region has Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah if you want some reds.
New Zealand is indeed famous for its crisp whites, but you can also find some complex, superb reds in this country. If you need some specific recommendations, you can try Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc or Ata Rangi Pinot Noir.
Australian Wines
From New Zealand, let’s head on to another country in Oceania, Australia, home to 65 wine regions with more than 2,460 wineries. This country has the most diverse and unique wine regions in the world, which is evident in the wine bottles and types the country produces. Let’s discuss some areas and the wine types they have.
First is the Barossa Valley, Australia’s most famous wine-producing region for Shiraz. This specific wine type from this region is widespread, especially among red wine enjoyers, due to its intense blackberry, pepper, and spice flavours.
Another renowned wine region in the country is Margaret Rivers, located on the west coast, where the climate is slightly colder than other places. This region produces some of the best Chardonnays globally. It has vibrant citrus notes, perfected by a creamy texture and the right amount of Oak.
Besides the two, there is also the Coonawarra wine region, which is famous for its cabernet Sauvignon and other vintage reds like the Penfolds Grange.
Meanwhile, what’s unique about Australian winemakers is their ability to adapt to the industry’s winemaking innovations while still maintaining and honouring the rich terroirs in their respective regions. This makes the country’s wines marketable to all kinds of demographics.
American Wines
U.S.A. has an interesting wine history, as European colonists first established and introduced winemaking in the country. However, some prohibitions caused production to be halted, and it was only until the 1960s that American winemakers could showcase the authentic style of American wines globally.
Through the years, American wines started to make a name for themselves globally, and credit goes to the largest wine-producing regions in the country: Napa Valley, Oregon, and Washington.
Napa Valley is the most dominating Californian wine region as it produces one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in the world. Fun fact: Napa Cabernet once won against the top reds of Bordeaux in a wine-tasting competition in France in the 1970s, which helped put the region on the map as one of the best.
On the other hand, Oregon is famous for its aromatic wines, specifically Pinot Noir, which is given as it has the climate for growing such grapes. Meanwhile, try Washington’s Merlot for a soft and creamy fruit-flavoured wine.
Despite being late in the wine game, American wines continuously innovate and raise their quality to compete with Europe’s finest bottles.
Wines from Spain
Spain is one of the largest European countries, and it is home to 70 wine-producing regions with tons of talented winemakers. That said, this country’s amount of grape varieties is unimaginable. So, let’s just focus on Spain’s leading wine regions and the most acclaimed Spanish wines globally.
Rioja will always be part of the discussion when you say Spanish wines. Rioja is the wine title of the country’s La Rioja region, and despite being one of the smallest regions in the country, it is considered the most prestigious area for wine lovers.
Many age-worthy red options are here in this region for you to find, including the infamous Tempranillo. This red wine’s charisma is rooted in its complex blend of fruit, spice, and earthy tones. Besides Rioja, another region that offers the same wine type is Ribera del Duero, which has a local term for Tempranillo named Tinto Fino.
In addition to these two regions, wines from the Priorat region are also worth exploring. This region has the country’s best Garnacha: intense, full-bodied, and earthy.
Spanish wines are just a few of Europe’s best, and they gained a substantial following internationally, thanks to labels like Vega Sicilia and La Rioja Alta.
Exploring Other Notable Wine Countries
After tackling some of the best wines by country, let’s discuss the two undisputed league leaders: France and Italy.
For instance, Tuscany and Piedmont in Italy have an excellent recall, even to the general public, as they produce iconic wines like Chianti and Barolo.
Besides these wines, Italy is just on another level when making wines that match diverse palates. Whether you like crisp, refreshing whites or bold, full-bodied reds, you can find them all in Italy.
On the other side, it’s needless to say that France has solidified its standing and reputation as the top wine-producing country in the world.
France’s timeless wine classics, like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir, and renowned wine regions, such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, significantly influence winemakers globally. They don’t just follow trends; instead, they make them.
With their reputation and contribution to the wine market, Italy and France have become the benchmark for quality. They did not stagnate and continuously improved their wines while maintaining their winemaking traditions and culture.
Top Wine Selections for Singapore
Capping off this list of best wines by country, you’ve discovered some of the world’s finest wines and regions. We’ve explored the Napa Cabernet, the elegant Tempranillos of Spain, and the two influential wine countries globally, France and Italy.
Indeed, each country offers unique flavours and styles, whether a refreshing white or the best red wine. They all depict the country’s characteristics, diversity, and richness.
Exploring all the wine regions and wines on this list will be expensive. Instead, you should find places to buy wines in Singapore, like Crystal Wines. We are a leading wine wholesaler in Singapore, trusted by over 70 wine agencies worldwide.
You also don’t need to shop in-store as we offer wine delivery within Singapore.