Top Ten Breathtaking Wine Regions

The only thing better than a glass of wine, is a glass of wine that comes with a view. And what better way to have it all than to travel to the most beautiful wine regions around the world. From magnificent sunrises to awe-inspiring sunsets, just about anything would taste good paired with the beautiful scenery of these regions. So here's a list of the best regions to visit for a breathtaking view, although not necessarily a breathtaking wine:

1. Sardinia, Italy

As a general rule, Italy is home to some of the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in the world. From the Valle d'Aoste sub-region in the northwest, to Cinque Terre in Liguria and most of Tuscany, Piedmont, and the Veneto, it's hard to find a region that could make this list. I chose Sardinia, spelled locally as Sardegna, not only because of its mind-blowing scenery, but also its climate, and health benefits of the local lifestyle.

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean behind Sicily. The region is heavily influenced by Spain, France, and of course Italy. Its Mediterranean climate makes the region ideal for growing the Grenache variety, known locally as Cannonau, which is the most widely planted grape on the island. Giro and Carignan, known on the island as Carignano, are other widely-planted red varietals. Most of the whites are made from the Vermentino grape and are commonly found in the northern regions of the island. Some producers are experimenting with international varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, both in blends and on their own.

The Sardinian diet has recently received quite a bit of attention. This is because National Geographic writer and Emmy award-winning documentarian Dan Buettner explains in his book, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest, that the Sardinian diet coupled with the regions "feel good" reds are like a fountain of youth. Supposedly they can add about six years to the average life expectancy. Not that I ever need a reason to drink, but hey, a little extra motivation doesn't hurt.

2. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson, in their fifth edition of The World Wine Atlas, stated, "The most dramatically beautiful wine country in the world is surely South Africa." I chose Stellenbosch both for its gorgeous scenery and for the fact that the region is regarded as the finest in South Africa. This is due to the growing conditions and the University of Stellenbosch, which is incredibly influential in South Africa's wine advancement.

Virtually all of South Africa's vineyards are found within 100 miles of Cape Town. And while vines first were planted in South Africa in the mid 17th century, it wasn't until apartheid ended in the early 90's that the country really began producing quality juice. Today some great values can be found from the country.

3. Okanagan Valley, Canada

The Okanagan Valley is the oldest and most important wine region in British Columbia. It's also one of the world's most northerly wine growing areas. Over 90% of British Columbia's vines are located in the Okanagan Valey. The region is Canada's best chance at producing world-class varietal wines from grapes like Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Starting at the Washington state border, the Okanagan Valley Vintner's Quality Alliance (VQA) stretches north 155 miles. It's home to the glacial Okanagan Lake which provides a moderating effect. The area is almost desert-like, receiving an annual rainfall of only six inches. While the region produces wines of good quality, you have to pay for them. Not the most value-packed, but certainly breathtaking scenery around the lake.

4. Mosel, Germany

George M. Taber explains in his book In Search of Bacchus: Wanderings in the Wonderful World of Wine Tourism, that "The Rhine and Mosel rivers and valleys are the birthplace of Germany's romantic heritage." The Mosel region, formerly the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, is Germany's third largest region in terms of production, but is the leading region in terms of international recognition.

The Mosel is often regarded as Riesling's spiritual home. Cool temperatures, the Mosel river, and slate soil come together to create a perfect environment for producing world-class Riesling. The steep river banks are where most of the grapes are grown, with vineyards being planted on inclines of up to 60 degrees. The banks of the river are both breathtaking and practical as they provide good drainage and allow the river to act as a mirror, reflecting the suns rays up under the leaves to the berries to help warm and ripen them. It's the beautiful Mosel river and its steep banks that solidify this region's place on this top ten list.

5. Douro Valley, Portugal

The Douro Valley, home to the Douro River, is best appreciated from atop the nearby mountains. Vines are planted to the sun-baked soil hillsides, which are very steep in some areas. While the Douro region is famous for its fortified dessert wines called Port, what many don't realize is the region makes as much still table wine as they do Port.

Ten years ago visitors to the country would choke down the table wines from the region to hurry up and get to the world famous Ports. Over the last decade however, the region has been producing not only palatable juice, but good-quality wines. Quality table wines from this region are beginning to show depth, structure and age-ability. The reds from the region, when done well, can prove to be remarkable values. It is this factor, along with the beautiful view, that lands the Douro on this week's top ten list.

6. Provence, France

Provence is this writer's all-time favorite wine region. It's not just the wine or the scenery, but the cuisine and the culture that entice me. Situated between the French Alps and the Mediterranean sea, this breathtakingly beautiful region has the best of both worlds - skiing in the mountains and swimming in the sea. Its perfect Mediterranean climate ensure a mild winter and spring while supplying locals and visitors with a warm summer and fall. A perfect recipe for enjoying the region's most notable wine style, rosé.

Provence has been producing wine for over 2500 years. While the region makes delicious red and white wines, it's best known for its pink wines. In fact, over half of the region's wine production is rosé, which pairs perfectly with the local fare. Cuisine includes olives, garlic, seafood (think sardines), rockfish, sea-urchin and octopus, lamb and goat, and chickpeas. Local fruits include grapes, peaches, apricots, strawberries, cherries, and the famous melons of Cavaillon. Who could resist?

7. Napa Valley, California

The view in Napa Valley is admired by over five million people each year. With more than 450 wineries, the Napa Valley is often regarded as the finest American Viticulture Area (AVA) in the United States. The valley floor is surrounded by mountains, with the Mayacamas Range on the western and northern sides and the Vaca Mountains on the eastern side. The floor of the valley gradually rises from sea level at the southern end to just over 350 feet above sea level at the northern end in Calistoga at the foot of Mount Saint Helena.

While commercial wine production began in the mid 1800's, it wasn't until the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, now called the Judgement of Paris, that this region was viewed world-wide as a quality wine producing region. As the acclaimed Chateau Montelena was stealing the first place spot from French Chardonnays of premier Burgundy producers, Warren Winiarski's 1973 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon was also besting the Frenchies, taking the first place title from first growths like Chateau Haut Brion and Chateau Mouton Rothschild. While it was a crying shame that the film Bottleshock completely skipped over this feat, it was this accomplishment that put Napa on the map. The region's stunning view and world-class wine production helped it make this week's top ten list.

8. Finger Lakes, New York

This one has a soft spot in my heart. With over 9,000 square miles of gorgeous rolling hills and 117 wineries, the Finger Lakes region is New York's largest AVA. Tom Stevenson, in the fifth edition of his book The Sotherby's Wine Encyclopedia, explains "The (Finger Lakes) name is derived from the 11 finger-shaped lakes in west-central New York. These inland water masses temper the climate, and the topography of the surrounding land creates "air temperature" in the winter and summer."

The Finger Lakes is the oldest and most prominent region in the Northeast. It's prized for soil with good drainage and extreme cold. Because of the cool growing season Riesling tends to do best, but international's like Pinot Noir and Cab are popping up in some vineyards. Also because of cold climate and harsh winters, they produce some exceptional Ice Wines. While it's difficult to find any wines from the Northeast outside of the area, this region is producing some delicious juice. Definitely worth hunting down. But like the wines of Okanagan Valley in Canada, you have to pay for them. The region's lack of Hollywood hype, as compared to the glitz and glamor of Napa, as well as its delicious wines and breathtaking view solidify its spot on this top ten list.

9. Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza is considered by many to be Argentina's most important wine region. At over 350,000 acres of land planted to vines, the region accounts for nearly two-thirds of the country's entire wine production. Located in the eastern foothills of the Andes, the elevation at which the grapes are planted is one of the only reasons the region is so successful. These vineyards are some of the highest in the world, with the average site located between 1,900 and 3,600 feet above sea level. It's this elevation that provides ideal conditions to slowly ripen thick-skinned grapes, because with elevation comes a decrease in temperature - one degree Fahrenheit for every 300 feet of elevation.

The mountains in Mendoza provide this region with the perfect climate, soil, and location. The diurnal variation, or range, is ideal for growing hearty varietals like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has an alluvial soil type, which is great for growing grapes, and the region receives the perfect amount of rainfall. And in dry years, the water from melting snow-capped moutnains makes up for any lack of rain. Very few vineyards need to irrigate, so water is virtually free - a major bonus when considering it's one of the largest costs at a winery. It is this region's delicious, value-packed wines and proximity to Mount Aconcagua that makes it one of the most breathtaking wine regions in the world.

10. Central Otago, New Zealand

Last but not least is one of the most southern wine producing regions in the world. With grapes growing at elevations up to 1,300 feet, Central Otago is home to New Zealand's highest vineyards. Its southern latitude and high vineyard elevation make this region prime for growing cool climate varietals. It's one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand, producing what some are calling world-class Pinot Noir. Critics have gone as far as to say the style of Pinot Noir produced is "Burgundian". However, the region, in my opinion, grew a tad too fast, resulting in a number of mediocre to below average wines being produced.

The reason this region is on this week's top ten is the view, oh what a view. Want to experience it in full but can't afford the ticket? Get the blu-ray version of Lord of the Rings, the film was shot in New Zealand. Central Otago is covered in mountains and beautiful green hills. Take this along with the fact that it's capable of producing world-class wine, and you have yourself a beautiful wine region worthy of a visit.

These ten regions showcase a variety of terrains with stunning views and delicious wines. There are so many gorgeous regions around the world, many producing quality juice, that it was tough to nail it down to ten; there are many more that could have made the list. I hope you have a chance to visit a few of these or any of the other fantastic wine destinations. In fact, if you have, I'd love to hear about it. Drop me a line via email, facebook, or leave a comment here on the blog.

For more information about me, more interesting wine information, and delicious food and wine pairings, check us out online at Cru Wine Online. You'll find daily Wine and Recipe pairings just for our users. We pair our chefs' recipes with delicious wines, and bring them to you in an entertaining video short, complete with a brief explanation of the wine, the dish, and the pairing.

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Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Examples of Chenin Blanc's Versatility

Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile white wine producing grapes in the world. From dry and austere to sweet and rich, the grape's high acidity makes it a prime candidate for producing a variety of styles. Virtually anywhere grapes grow in the world, you will find Chenin Blanc. While not all are good, many great values can be found. Here are the top ten examples or wine produced from Chenin Blanc.

1. Domaine des Aubuisieres - 'Cuvee de Silex' - 2008

For this first "top ten-er" we take the grape back to its home in the Loire region of France. From sparkling to dessert, the Chenin Blanc grapes is used to make all styles of wine in the Loire. One of my favorite value producers from the region is Domaine des Aubuisieres owned by Bernard Fouquet. Bernard has 55 acres in the Vouvray sub-region of Touraine in the Loire. He plants just one grape...you guessed it, Chenin Blanc. His world-class Chenins have been praised by wine critics across the globe with the Wine Spectator giving the 2008 Cuvee de Silex ($17) an 89-point rating (Very Good) out of 100.

The Cuvee de Silex is a dry style Chenin, showing stone fruit like peaches and tree fruit like pears with a refreshing minerality. The wine has depth, complexity and structure as a result of the soil and conditions (terroir) of the land where the grapes grow. Fouquet's Cuvee de Silex comes from vineyards made up of clay and silex (flint). The soil imparts a distinct flintyness (minerality) similar to Sauvignon Blanc produced in the Pouilly Fume and Sancerre sub-regions just east of Vouvray in the Loire. This wine may not cost $100 or be a top 100 wine in the world, but it is an incredible find for $17.

2. Nicholas Joly - 'Coulee de Serrant' - 2007

With this next wine we stay in the Loire, but head west to the Anjou sub-region. Within Anjou lies Savennieres, a white wine producing region that makes less than 30,000 cases a year. The Savennieres sub-region is home to Coulee de Serrant, a 17 acre monopole (winery and land is owned by one person). Coulee de Serrant is owned by biodynamic wine icon Nicholas (also spelled Nicolas) Joly. Joly is a pioneer in the eco-friendly biodynamic winemaking practice, producing distinctive, world-class wines from the Chenin Blanc grape.

The 2007 Coulee de Serrant received 92 points (outstanding) from the Wine Spectator. Year after year Joly gets international attention for his concentrated Chenins that display nerve and longevity. The 2007 showed beautifully with characteristics of peach, apricot and quince. The Savennieres sub-region produces wines high, high, high in acidity that are often described as austere in their youth. Because of this the Chenins from Savennieres can age for the better part of a decade, pretty remarkable for a dry white.

3. Domaine des Baumard - 'Carte Turquoise' - NV

With this next Chenin we're in the Loire one more time to showcase the remarkable versatility of this grape. The Domaine des Baumard Cremant de Loire is a sparkling wine made using Chenin Blanc with a dash of Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay blended in. Domaine des Baumard's Carte Turquoise, like the Coulee de Serrant, comes from the Anjou sub-region within the Loire. Just south of Coulee de Serrant in Anjou is another sub-region called Coteaux du Layon, where Baumard's vineyards lie.

Cremant de Loire is made using the traditional method - the same process used to make the sparkling wines from the infamous Champagne region of France. With the traditional method, the second fermentation is performed in the bottle, and the wine is left to rest with its sediment, a process known as sur lie in France. The end result is a wine that smells of fresh bread dough or biscuits. The Carte de Turquoise by Baumard is a style known as Brut (one of the driest). This wine displays the typical biscuity aroma followed by citrus fruit like limes and tree fruit like apples. This one's a great value-packed alternative to Champagne coming in at just under $20.

4. Mulderbosch - Chenin Blanc - 2007

For this next wine, we say goodbye to France and hello to South Africa. For years in South Africa Chenin Blanc went by the name Steen. However today most producers just use the Chenin name. Like in France, South African's use the grape to make a wide variety of styles, with many wineries having two or three in their portfolio. Mulderbosch is regarded as one of the highest quality wine producers in the area, and most of their wines retailing for under $20.

Stellenbosch is the highest quality wine producing region in the country, making wines from a variety of grapes. Stellenbosch's success can be linked to both its growing conditions and Stellenbosch University, which offers an accredited degree in oenology. The university is an incredible resource for winemakers and producers, and was the driving force behind the wine laws governing the country. The Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch is a still white wine showing flavors and aromas of green apple and quince with refreshing acidity. Mulderbosch frequently does well in trade mags, and the 2007 Chenin Blanc scored an 89 in Wine Spectator. A great find for $14.

5. Cave Extreme - South Extreme - NV

For years many South African wine producers used Chenin Blanc to make their sparkling wines. Today most producers use a combination of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for their bubblies (called Cap Classique). So to experience quality Chenin sparkling wines we must leave South Africa and head to South America, specifically Argentina. Chenin Blanc is used in the production of many Argentinian sparkling wines, and for under $10 there are few better than the South Extreme by Cave Extreme.

Argentina has been perfecting international grape varieties as of late. From France's Malbec to Italy's Bondarda, there's no shortage of cool wine being produced in Argentina, and many from lesser-known grape varieties. This wine is one of three sparkling wines Cave Extreme makes, the others consisting of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This wine is very refreshing showing beautifully with round, soft characteristics of tree fruit like pear and green apple. For only $9, this non-vintage extra brut (dry) bubbly is a real treat.

6. Pacific Rim - Chenin Blanc - 2007

Sticking with the new world wine producing countries theme, we head north to Washington state. Washington has been producing some amazing wine from grapes like Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah in the last decade. Chenin Blanc, however, has caught the attention of one wacky winemaker, Randall Grahm. Grahm started his illustrious career by opening Bonny Doon winery in central California. Known for his oddities and uniqueness, he has brought attention to grapes like Albarino and Chenin Blanc in the states.

Grahm's new adventure has been the Pacific Rim wine project located in Washington. With a heavy emphasis on Riesling, the winery also produces wines from Gewurztraminer, Sangiovese, Barbera, and of course Chenin Blanc. The Pacific Rim NV Chenin received high accolades from the press including an 88-point rating from the Wine Spectator. This rating secured the Pacific Rim winery a spot in the magazine's Best Value wines. Today the winery produces a vintage version that shows flavors and aromas of grapefruit, green apple and lush peaches. The winery preserves the grapes natural acidity by fermenting and aging in stainless steel and making sure the wine doesn't undergo Malolactic Fermentation (MLF). For $10 this screw topped, off dry Chenin is a steal.

7. Pine Ridge - Chenin Blanc/Viognier - 2008

Number 7 on this top ten list is Pine Ridge's Chenin/Viognier. Before you start thinking, "That's not Chenin" know that this wine is made from 80% Chenin Blanc. In the US a wine only needs to be made up of 75% of the grape stated on the bottle. Viognier is added to the label mainly for marketing purposes. This wine has always had a soft spot in my heart. High-acid Chenin compliments lush Viognier wonderfully.

This odd blend was was a product of experimentation. It was "discovered" in the early 1990's by Pine Ridge, and has become a staple in their portfolio. The main grape, Chenin Blanc, comes from the Clarksburg appellation in California. Year after year this wine has earned numerous accolades from Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate, who put the 2008 in his top 50 Super Domestic Value Wines. The wine displays green apple and pear, with a distinct honeydew melon compliments of Viognier. The wine has just a kiss of sweetness making it a perfect pairing to spicy seafood dishes. At $14, its a real find.

8. Paumanok - 'Dry' Chenin Blanc - 2009

In the past 5 years, New York wines have exploded. While they are sometimes hard to find, they are often crowd pleasers. The growing conditions in New York are ideal for grapes like Riesling and Gewurztraminer, but look out America, Chenin Blanc from the area is killer. Paumanok only makes about 500 cases of their North Fork of Long Island Chenin, so availability is tough. The wine recently received an 88-point rating from Wine Spectator, making it even more difficult to find.

This family-owned and operated winery produces less than 9,000 cases of wine each year. The vineyards are all estate-owned and operated, so production methods are monitored by the owners from bud break to bottling. This "dry" Chenin displays aromas and flavors of pineapple and melon with a nice racy acidity. Its light touch of sweetness is the wonderful cherry on top. This wine is a little more than some of the other domestic Chenins highlighted, but for $28 it's well worth it if you can find it.

9. Rudera - 'Noble Late Harvest' Chenin Blanc - 2005

For number 9, we head back to South Africa. We have showcased the grape as sparkling, still, blended, dry, and off-dry. But here we go all the way to sweet, even dessert-like. The grapes used in the production of this wine are sweet. They become sweet because they are affected by botrytis cinerea, aka the noble rot. This is the same fungus that grows on Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc in the famous Sauternes region of France. The fungus attacks the grapes and concentrates the sugars, making them ultra-sweet. This fungus does not occur everywhere or every year, which is why the Rudera Noble Late Harvest Chenin is made only in exceptional years - years where the sun can meet moisture at the perfect time to create the perfect type of mold.

Rudera is moderately expensive ($30 for a half bottle). It's made in very limited quantities (under 200 cases). And it's most commonly sold at auctions. This rich, sweet Chenin displays lush apricot and honey, a great pairing for dessert and rich foods like Foie Gras. If you find a bottle...BUY IT! Like the others, this wine has received its fair share of international attention, including a rating of 91 points by Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar for their 2005 vintage.

10. Domaine du Petit Metris - Quarts de Chaume - 2007

For last wine on the top ten list we go back to where it all began, the Loire in France. This particular Chenin Blanc showcases the variety of styles produced not just in France, but around the world. Quarts de Chaume, a sub region inside the greater Anjou region, sits inside the Coteaux du Layon sub-region just like Baumard's vineyard south of Coulee de Serrant. Wines from Quarts de Chaume are world-class, and the best from the region are made using botrytis-infected grapes, just like the Rudera.

Domaine du Petit Metris earned a 94-point rating from the Wine Spectator for their 2007 vintage, and you have to pay for it. A 500ml bottle of this wine, if you can find it, goes for about $60. Only 75 cases were imported into the US, most of it picked up by wine wholesalers, retailers and restaurateurs to share with their friends. This rich, sweet, succulent wine displays layers of creme, honey, marmalade, peach, pears, apricots, and so on, and so on, and so on. While not as accessible as some of the others, it's certainly a fantastic example of Chenin Blanc made sweet.

Well, there you have it, a list of the top ten examples of Chenin Blanc's versatility. I hope you got a feel for how diverse the grape truly is. With styles ranging from sweet to dry and still to sparkling the grape has become a bit of a traveler making its way to almost any place that grows grapes. While there are thousands I didn't mention, I wanted to highlight some of the cooler stuff out there, both accessible and...well...not. If you haven't had a Chenin lately, pick one up. They can be incredibly food-friendly, and often a great value find.

If there is a winery or style I missed or one you really like, please feel free to email me, send me a message on facebook, or leave a comment here on the blog. Also make sure to check out Cru Wine Online's hot new website for the latest in food and wine pairing.

Until next time, thanks for reading.

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online