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[W860]Wine Regions Of France

by Ian Love, Ian

Wine production is no longer a strictly European craft. Quality wines are springing forth in abundance from wineries across the globe. South American countries such as Chile are producing more than ever. Ukraine and Kazakhstan's productions are also on the rise. The real power players coming into focus are easier to spot than those nations however. Countries with European roots are using the knowledge of the old countries to grow grapes in equally if not superior climates and soil.
When considering prominent wine regions of the world, three words generally come to mind- Napa Valley, California. California accounts for 90%of the United States? wine production with sales totaling $15 billion in 2002. The United States ranks fourth in the world for wine production, and this number is drastically rising. This demonstrates the importance of California's role in the wine industry. Napa Valley California is home to some of the finest quality grapes/wines in the world. The climate and conditions are ideal for many types of grape. The beauty of Napa Valley is unquestioned, and wine tasters and regular tourists travel far to spend time soaking in the essence of these fantastic vineyards and wineries.
France is the number one wine producing country in the world, but this number is declining. With over 2 million acres of wine producing land, it's hard to believe. Wine production has actually been decreasing in this bastion country. Italy and Spain are not keeping up with the growth in production either. France and Italy's numbers are declining at a similar rate. While Spain's production is still increasing, it is increasing so slowly, than soon the United States will overtake it. The fertility of European soil and the quality of the wines are unquestioned, but nevertheless a new wave of wine nations is arising to take their places.
A booming wine country which will doubtless find itself in the forefront of production is Australia. Production nearly doubled between 1996 and 2005. In less than ten years, Australia flew past South Africa, Germany, and China to become sixth in the world for wine production. Such areas as the Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, and Clare Valley to name a few, will soon be taking the spotlight from the traditional Rhone Valley in France and Aosta Valley in Italy. New Zealand too, is growing by leaps and bounds in its production. In another twenty years or so, the United States and Australia will be at the forefront of global wine production in both quantity and quality. Australia has a climate highly suitable to many different wine varieties. Excellent Australian grown varieties include Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Soon the global face of wine will be changing- some would say for the better, others the worse. At any rate, the new wave of wine producers is on its way.

Do you know your wine regions? Many of us enjoy a glass of wine for dinner, as it can complement certain foods flavor. However, have you ever wondered about the regions from which the gapes for the wines grew? Such information is not only interesting, but will be helpful the next time you search for wines for your wall wine rack. Here are some of the best wine-producing regions in the world:

1. Andalucia

Yes, this is the same Andalucia from Tom Jones song A Boy from Nowhere. In fact, no other region in the world has more land dedicated to vineyards. Andalucia is located in the southwest region of Spain. The regions amber sherry is clearly the regions most famous wine. During the regions tours, you can learn about the winemaking process, and even tastes some of the fruits of the regions labor.

2. California

The Golden State has become the largest region in the US, for producing wine. In fact, wine-tasting tourism in California has experienced major growth during the past few years. The Cali regions are perfect for wineries. They are typically small, family businesses that are nestled within vineyards flowing with hills. Wines from California nicely complement any wall mounted wine rack.

3. Loire Valley

This is clearly one of the most gorgeous wine regions in the entire world. The area is famous for its white wines in particular, but also produces excellent red wines as well.

4. Niagara

Renowned for its falls, Niagara also is one of the top wine-producing regions on Earth. Its combination of modest temperatures and hearty soils are perfect for vineyards. Icewine is undoubtedly the regions most famous wine. Interesting, wineries harvest the grapes after the first frost during wintertime!

5. Oregon

Did you know that Oregon has the third highest number of wineries in any US state? In fact, the region produces over 40 types of wines. The hub of Oregon wineries is Willamette Valley. This slice of the state is home to roughly 100 picturesque miles between the cities of Eugene and Portland.

6. Porto

The most famous thing to originate from Porto, is the wine named after it. In fact, the area has produced Porto wines for centuries. In fact, the region allows visitors to share in the wine-producing experience, via tours and wine samplings. In Porto history seems to come to life, as you visit wineries and famous structures that have stood here for centuries. When selecting wines for your wall mounted wine rack, consider Porto wines!

7. Tuscany

Undoubtedly, this is Italy's most famous wine region. The autumn is the best season during which to visit Tuscany, when you can truly appreciate the process of wine-production. This is where grape-stomping continues as a timeless practice. The top region within the region is Chianti. It contains 10,000 acres of unending vineyards lying between towering mountains.

When selecting wines for your metal wall art wine rack, the choices seem endless. Nonetheless, consider selecting wines from the aforementioned regions. Their wine is fine!

Article Source : How To Install Wine

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Both Ian Love & Jessica Ackerman are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Ian Love has sinced written about articles on various topics from Wine and Spirits, Food And Drink and Wine and Spirits. Ian Love owns - Liquor Merchants and owns