Wine Regions
Explore North America
The New World remakes the classic European wines in its own image.
The U.S.A. is perhaps, at last, entering a golden age for wine. Since the first European settlers introduced vines from Europe (the native American vines they found produced wine with an unpleasant ‘foxy’ taste) the industry has been beset with difficulties including a great many vine diseases (especially Phylloxera, the pest the kills the vine species known in Europe) and Prohibition. Across this vast country, wine is produced in wildly different conditions. Most significant is California, but further north Oregon and Washington are becoming increasingly important, and on the west coast in New York and Virginia quality is soaring. In…
Regions
Explore Europe
Home to the world's benchmark wines in almost every style.
France exerts such a strong influence on the wine world that almost everybody making wine has a style of French wine in mind while they’re doing it (even if that’s only because they’re trying to produce something completely different). The classic French regions still provide the benchmarks for wines made from the most popular grape varieties (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir), and all the competition has done French wine a favour. There are now a host of small producers in lesser-known areas thinking much more carefully about what they do, and doing it better. There are some amazing bargains to be had if you (or your wine company) know where to find them. From Beaujolais to Bordeaux to Burgundy, we strive to capture the best range and value from top producers across all regions.
Among all the revolutions that have taken place in wine in the last few decades, the most startling is undoubtedly Spain’s. The Spanish wine industry has changed rapidly and comprehensively, moving away from the old emphasis on bulk production and over-oaked reds to embrace new approaches, forge new styles and…
While other countries are now scrambling around looking to rediscover (and replant) their native grape varieties as interest continues to increase in distinctive, characterful wines, Portugal can carry on as it has been all along. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Trincadeira, Jaen, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Baga, Arinto, Bical, Encruzado, the list…
Regions
Italy now offers one of the most interesting, varied and unique ranges of quality wine in the world. But it wasn’t always this way. Not long ago, Italian wine was best known for being mass produced and cheap, but the era of the Supertuscan in the 1990s and early 2000s…
German wine may be starting to emerge from years of neglect by British drinkers. At one time, the great wines of Germany were among the world’s most prized. Then quality nosedived, the fashion changed and sweet German wine was the opposite of where it was at. This was only ever…
Regions
There has been a wine revolution in Austria in the last few decades. Not long ago, its wines barely registered even for enthusiasts, but now, with modern winemaking techniques, great vineyard sites, an interesting range of grape varieties and a distinctive fine and focused style, it is enjoying an increasingly…
The wines of Hungary are unique, fascinating and have a history and sophistication unrivalled outside western Europe. Red wine is rare - Hungary is all about its whites, ranging from bone dry to the sweetest of the sweet. What most of the traditional styles have in common is a deep…
Regions
South America
Source of some great value wines packed with fruit flavour.
With the influence of European travelers in the 19th century, vine plantings along the Andes near Mendoza was the beginning of the Argentinian wine trade as we know it today. Today, Mendoza is still the most widely known region and…
Regions
Australasia
Source of some great value wines packed with fruit flavour.
Australia is home to many famous wine styles - Barossa Shiraz, Hunter Valley Semillon, Coonawarra Cabernet, Clare Valley Riesling, the Bordeaux-blends of Margaret River - that were revolutionary when they first appeared and are now firmly established classics. Their emergence rocked French winemaking, offering clean, well-made wine with plenty of…
Regions
Africa
The best of Old and New World styles from the world's most beautiful vineyards.
Asia
Ancient home of the vine and now some outstanding modern wineries.
