If you’re visiting a foreign country sometime this year and you just can’t cross out wine in your dinner itinerary, there’s no reason for you to order wine from France, not when there’s perfectly good local wine from your Aussie restaurant. Below is a list of the best local wines which can satisfy every globetrotter’s lust for good wine. You’ll be saving a lot of money by skipping shipment fees, as well.
When in Australia and New Zealand
The best wines to have when you’re in the southern regions of New Zealand and Australia are homegrown (and aged) Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs from Marlborough. These are so well-received that they’re actually exported to other countries. If you order them from New Zealand, the price drops a mile.
Another popular (and probably more nuanced) choice are wines from Martinborough. In this line, you’ll see red and white wines produced by Te Kairanga and Palliser. These go for as cheap as $25 a bottle in most New Zealand restaurants.
Australia, on the other hand, gets its direct supply of Barozza Valley Shiraz. This is also made for export to other countries. If you’re looking for a more aromatic and balanced blend, though, perhaps the wines produced in the McLaren Vale will suit your taste buds more. Coriole specializes in feminine wines, while Two Hands is a brand known for its powerful, more masculine taste.
When in Germany
Do as the Germans do and order yourself the country’s best dessert wines. You might have to pay hundreds of dollars, though, for a bottle of Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslesse, or Auslesse.
The good news is that you can get the younger generation’s choice, the dry Rieslings, for a cheaper price. This wine variant is produced in the Rheinhessen and Rheingau regions, mostly by topnotch producers like Gunderloch and Schloss Johannisberg. They also have a considerably low alcohol content, so you can always order a glass for lunch without being drowsy.
According to food experts, this wine variant can even compliment the most experimental of dishes you’ll find in Berlin’s restaurants.
When in France
It’s silly not to order wine here, and there are a lot of local varieties which will surely please your palates. The best ones, though, are earthy wines from Grenache and southern Rhone. Despite the increasing demand for these wines, it’s good to know that they have remained affordable.
Brands you must try are Tardieu-Laurent, the more fruity blends of Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Les Becs Fins, and the more expensive variants produced by Gigondas, St.-Peray and Vacqueyras. The 2007 vintages are the best in the lot.
When in South America
If you’re looking for good wine, you should look for the best grape producers in the world, and most of them can be found in South America. The torrents grapes can grow as tall as 7,500 feet in this area, especially the Andes in Argentina. The region’s cold nights help produce the best white wines in the world. Most wine tasters describe the variants found in this region as tangy and definitely fresh.
The best part is that most of them are cheap. If you only have $15 to spend for a bottle of wine, you should go ahead and pick the Colome. This is a wine variant produced in the region of Salta. You will also find the Alamos (produced in Mendoza) almost anywhere in South America.
If you’re looking for some smoke and earth, your best bet is the Matetic. This one is produced in San Antonio, and vintage wines dating two years back can already give you that subtle but steady tang.
When in Spain
Buy as many bottles of wine as you can when you’re in Spain, especially if you just happen to be Barcelona. The best variants from this region are the Verdejos (produced in Rueda) and Martin Sancho (ubiquitous in Madrid). The Martinsancho is quite a versatile blend, pairing perfectly well with any dish.
A bottle of the Martinsancho is pretty affordable too. As long as you’re in Madrid and Barcelona, this wine should only cost you $20.
When in the USA
The best wines certainly don’t come too far away from home. Sometimes, they’re even right in your ownbackyard. If you happen to be in California, try the wines of Chateau St. Jean. Their Pinot Blanc and Malbec varieties are pretty impressive.
Washington also has its fair share of good wines. If you’re only too tired of the Merlot, try boutique wines from prime producers like Beresan, Barrage and Hightower. The raspberry-red Columbia Valley Merlot produced by Januik is also unique enough to get the vote of most people from stately Washington.
When in Italy
You should skip the touristy Super-Tuscans and Brunellos. While these wine variants are exported widely across the globe, you should find out what the locals are drinking. The Morellino di Scansano is a unique blend, made from grapes grown on sandy, coastline hills. These sell for not more than $20 and are kept fresh thanks to maritime breezes.
Typically sold in blueberry and black cherry flavors, the best vintages date back as recently as 2007 and 2008. The best producer for this variety is Fattoria Le Pupille.
Important notes on wine
When it comes to choosing the age of your wine, there are simple rules to follow. You can get the best out of Bordeaux wines when they date back to 2005, 2003 and 2000. For half the price, though, you might want to look for 2004, 2002, and 2001 vintages. As long as they’re from the best chateaus, your choice should be fine.
White wine variants are mostly all good, but the best ones are always the most recent vintages. When it comes to dessert wines, the youngest wines are your best bet. The older the wine is, the tangier it gets.
If you’re in doubt about your choice of wine, don’t be afraid to seek a sommelier’s recommendations. They would be more than happy to impart their expertise on you. Of course, a generous tip for a knowledgeable sommelier wouldn’t hurt a bit.
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