When we think of famous wine regions, we immediately envisage picturesque vineyards in Bordeaux, Tuscany or Napa Valley. However, did you know that both Slovenia and England also produce high-quality wines which are fast becoming more respected in the wine industry? It’s important to discover new wine regions to enhance your wine vineyard knowledge and experience new flavours and grapes that you may not have otherwise tried. Become a pioneer in the wine world as our in-house wine experts bring you a list of undiscovered wines regions that will be popular in the future. So read on to be one of the first to find out about them!
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is home to the most elevated vineyards in Europe. And although we may not immediately realise it, Tenerife wines are also historically iconic. Most wines around the world are grafted, which means that the vine cutting of one grape variety is attached to the root of another type of grape. This is to prevent the spread of an insect called phylloxera that has been known to wipe out entire vineyards. However, this deadly louse fortunately never reached Tenerife. Therefore these vineyards are ungrafted and grow from their ancient root stocks, making them extremely unique. The rich volcanic soil adds depth to both the red and white wines produced here. The Listan Negra grape is one of the most famous in producing Tenerife’s red wine, helping create the wine’s deep mineral tones and slight salinity.
Tenerife is home to the most elevated vineyards in Europe
Brda, Slovenia
Brda, often described as a ‘The Slovenian Tuscany’, is unsurprisingly found on the Italian border of Slovenia. The country itself is not famous for producing wine, yet Brda’s handful of respected winemakers and stunning rolling hills of vineyards are beginning to put Slovenian wine on the map. Brda is hidden behind a mountain range, yet this secluded hilltop village promises a vibrant wine culture and incredible views. Brda produces award winning white wine, which is gentle, fresh and balanced. The altitude of the Alpine peaks allow for the perfect amount of acids to develop inside the grapes compared to other European regions. This makes Brda a wine region to watch in the future.
Brda produces award winning white wine, which is gentle, fresh and balanced
Douro Valley, Portugal
Douro Valley in Portugal is the birthplace of port and has since been strongly associated with it, despite also producing very fine wine. Douro Valley has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often considered one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. The vineyards are found alongside the banks of the river Douro in a steep mountainous region. What makes this region so special and individual is its huge selection of local grape variety, which can be mixed together to create unique tones and tastes. Some of the most famous grapes are Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão. This region promises to be a strong influence in the future, as people begin to realise that Portugal can produce a lot more than just port.
Some of the most famous grapes from Douro Valley in Portugal are Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão
South Downs, England
When thinking of the English countryside, high-quality vineyards may not necessarily spring to mind. However, in recent years, the South Downs in England has become home to some exquisite Champagne-style white sparkling wines. The chalky hills which are part of the same rock found across the channel in Champagne is what makes the South Downs’ sparkling wine so similar. England’s late summers provide the perfect conditions for the slow ripening of the grape and the breezes from the sea add acidity. English wines are becoming more respected in the wine industry, so keep your eye out next time you are sipping a glass of sparkling wine - it could be from the South Downs of England!
The South Downs in England has become home to some exquisite Champagne-style sparkling white wines
You don't have to travel around the world to enjoy the wine produced in these undiscovered regions. Instead you can have the most desirable and delicious wines delivered straight to your door! Our weekly Wine auctions always feature an exciting and appealing global selection of wines and are available to browse from the comfort of your own home. Register for a free account and enjoy all the benefits Catawiki has to offer. With just one account you can buy and sell special objects across Europe.
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