Best International Wines that you Need to Try
International wines are becoming increasingly popular across the globe. With the rise of global travel, more people have access to different kinds of regional drinks from all over the world.
Many winemakers now offer a wide range of styles, from light and easy-drinking white and rosé wines to full-bodied reds. They also offer a wide variety of sparkling, dessert and even fortified wines like port or sherry.
International winemakers also make use of different grape varieties when producing their bottles, which adds further variety to any collection.
Travelling around the world gives everyone the opportunity to taste new flavours that can’t be found anywhere else - making international wines an exciting way to try something new.
In this article, we will talk about wines from different countries that you definitely have to try.
Spanish Wines
Spanish wines are some of the most popular in the world, as Spain is one of the oldest-producing wine regions. With a variety of climates and soil types, they come in many different varieties and styles.
From complex and sophisticated reds to light delicate whites, there is something for everyone’s taste. Popular native grapes like Tempranillo can produce bold, full-bodied reds with age, while Verdejo, in the D.O. Rueda region, produces crisp fresh whites which make superb accompaniments to seafood.
Also, we can´t forget about the popular Albariño grape, grown in the north of Spain, in the D.O. Rias Baixas, that is ideal to pair with seafood and shellfish. When drinking a glass of Albariño, you will travel directly to the Spanish seacoast.
Sherry has been produced in Spain for centuries and today continues to be a popular choice all over the world.
We recommend trying the famous wine from D.O. Rioja, Ramón Bilbao. It is a red that has been awarded 91 points in la guía Peñín and is made of the Tempranillo grape.
For those who want to explore even more options, look out for bottles from smaller wineries or lesser-known areas - you never know what treasures you might find!
French Wines
France is one of the oldest and most renowned producers in the world. It has a long history of winemaking, stretching back to the Roman era. Over time, French bottles have become associated with sophistication, quality, and legacy.
For example, one of the most luxurious bottles is the ones that have the 1855 Grand Cru Classe designation, in the Bordeaux region. These include world-renowned wineries such as Château Lafite-Rothschild and Château Latour.
There are hundreds of indigenous grape varieties found in France but some of the most popular include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
The country’s amazing range of styles includes sparkling wines from the Champagne region as well as red Bordeaux blends from the southwest, as well as exclusive areas such as Châteauneuf du pape and Saint Emilion.
If you want to try classic French Champagne, you need to try Champagne Moet&Chandon, one of the oldest champagne wineries.
French wines can be enjoyed worldwide and are valued for their complexity and elegance.
Italian Wines
Italian wines are highly recognized and valued around the world. Grapes from all over Italy, from Northern Valpolicella to Southern Sicily, contribute to a vibrant range of wines that all boast character and flavour.
From luscious Chianti’s to bold Barolo, Italian wines pair perfectly with Italian cuisine as well as many other dishes. Popular grapes in Italy are Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, Sangiovese and Glera, the popular grape from which Prosecco is made.
There is an Italian wine for every occasion, superb for gifting or taking along to dinner parties to impress guests. A bottle of good Italian wine is truly sublime and set to delight any connoisseur.
If you want to try a festive Italian wine, we recommend Prosecco. Prosecco Extra-Dry “P” it is an excellent sparkling bottle produced by Santa Margherita winery. It is produced in eastern Veneto and is made of 100% Glera grapes.
American Wines
American wines are becoming increasingly popular on an international level, and for good reason. Winemakers in America take pride in what they create, crafting unique blends that combine traditional flavours with modern twists. From California to New York to Washington State, vineyards and wineries across the country are producing high-quality wines of all types.
American Sauvignon Blancs, Syrah, cabernet sauvignons, pinot noirs, and more offer robust aromas while still remaining light and easy to drink. Many of these bottles also have a fun backstory that speaks to the region’s culture or local history—making them great conversation starters! With so many delicious options available, it's no wonder why American wine is making waves around the world.
One American wine that you need to try is Syrah Columbia Valley 2017, made 100% of Syrah grapes. It is produced by Chateau Sainte Michelle, in the Washington state.
Portuguese Wines
Portuguese wines are among the most distinct and enjoyable in the world. Portugal has a rich history, culture, and heritage associated with winemaking that dates back centuries. Portuguese bottles typically feature an array of fruitiness and acidity, which makes them an ideal accompaniment to traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod) or suckling pig.
The diversity of grape varieties available in Portugal also means that they offer something for everyone. From reds like Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, and Alfrocheiro to lighter whites such as Trincadeira and Aragonez.
They can be enjoyed by many different types of wine lovers and enthusiasts - whether you're looking for something smooth and mellow or full-bodied and powerful - there is a Portuguese bottle for everyone!
We recommend trying an organic red wine, HDL Amphora Organic Red 2020, from D.O.C Alentejo. It is a blend of popular Portuguese grapes, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet and Syrah.
Chilean Wines
They are considered from the new world and they are truly unique. Known for their distinct taste, these wines are typically full-bodied and tangy, with citrus flavours and a hint of spice.
Popular varieties include Carménère, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
Recently, Chilean wineries have begun experimenting with new grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
With an ideal natural landscape that includes both mountain ranges and coastal estuaries, it’s no wonder why Chilean bottles are so popular around the world. They are also known for being affordable compared to other fine wines from other regions.
We recommend a red from the popular D.O. Valle de Leyda, Secret Reserve Pinot Noir. It is produced by Santa Rita winery, one of the biggest of the country. It is made 100% of Pinot noir grapes.
We hope you learned more about international wines, so that you won’t hesitate to try them when you see them in your winestore.
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See you later, wine lovers,
Dis&Dis Team
