World of Wine - Part 4: Rest of the World

July 7, 2022

There's no question that some of the best Fine wines in the world come from regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne. But what about the lesser-known Fine wine-producing regions of the world? Did you know that there are some amazing wine-growing areas outside of Europe that are starting to get noticed by wine critics and collectors?

In this blog post, we’ll explore a few of these regions and take a look at some of their flagship Fine wines. We’ll also discuss what the critics are saying about them and whether or not they might be good investments. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore some of the finest Fine wines on the planet!

What are the lesser-known wine regions of the world?

While there are many amazing wine-producing regions all over the world, some of the lesser-known

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada

When people think wine, they rarely think of Canada. But the Okanagan Valley is actually a great place for wine production! The climate is similar to that of California’s Napa Valley, and the region produces both red and white wines. Some of the most popular grape varieties grown in the Okanagan Valley include:

Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc

A good example of the wine produced in the Okanagan Valley is the Quails’ Gate Estate Winery Old Vines Foch Reserve 2009, a red wine made from the Foch grape. This wine has received high praise from critics, with some calling it “a masterpiece.” The Quails’ Gate Estate Winery Old Vines Foch Reserve 2009 is currently available for around $60 per bottle.

ones include:

The Swartland region of South Africa

The Swartland region of South Africa is another great example of a lesser-known fine wine region. The Swartland is known for its red wines, and some of the most popular grape varieties grown in the region include:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah

The Swartland region has been gaining in popularity in recent years, and wines from the region are starting to receive more attention from critics.

One of the most highly rated wines from the Swartland is the Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines Syrah 2012, which received a score of 97 points from Wine Advocate. This wine is a great example of the potential of Swartland wines, and is definitely one to watch out for in the future.

With more and more attention being paid to the region, it is only a matter of time before Swartland becomes a major player in the world of fine wine.

Mendoza in Argentina

Argentina is a country that is often associated with cheap, mass-produced wines. However, the Mendoza region is home to some of the finest wines in the country. The region has a long history of viticulture, and today it is responsible for around 60% of Argentina’s wine production.

One of the most iconic wines from Mendoza is the Catena Zapata Malbec, which is made from grapes grown at high altitudes. The wine is full-bodied and rich, with aromas of blackberry and plum. It has been praised by critics, and was even named one of the best wines in the world by Wine Spectator magazine.

The Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia

The Hunter Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in Australia, and is home to some of the country’s most iconic wines. The region is best known for its Semillon wines, which are typically light and refreshing with subtle citrus flavours.

One of the most famous Hunter Valley wineries is Tyrrell’s, which was founded in 1858. The winery is best known for its Chardonnay and Semillon wines, which are some of the most highly rated in Australia.

Tyrrell’s wines are highly sought-after, and the company’s flagship wine, the Vat 47 Chardonnay, is considered one of Australia’s best white wines.

However, the Hunter Valley also produces excellent red wines made from varieties such as Shirazarning the nickname “the Champagne of Argentina”, Mendoza is the most important wine region in the country. The high altitude (it’s located at the base of the Andes) and low humidity make for a dry climate, which is ideal for grape-growing.

Each of these regions has something unique to offer the wine lover, whether it be interesting history, beautiful scenery, or excellent wines. So next time you’re looking for a bottle of Fine Wine, don’t forget to look beyond the usual suspects!

Investment potential of lesser-known wines produced around the world

One of the most interesting and potentially lucrative aspects of wine investing is venturing outside of the well-known regions to find up-and-coming areas that may be producing exceptional wines. While it can be a bit riskier, it can also lead to greater rewards, both in terms of enjoyment and investment potential.

For example, in recent years, wines from Croatia and Slovenia have been getting a lot of attention from the wine world. These countries are relatively new to the international wine scene but they are already producing some outstanding wines.

The same can be said for Portugal, which has long been overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Spain. But Portugal is home to some incredible wine regions, such as the Douro Valley and the island of Madeira, that are starting to get the recognition they deserve.

The Liv-ex investment index’s Rest of the World section has been the third-best performer, up 29.0%, only lagging behind the Champagne 50 (47.8%) and Burgundy 150 (36.8%) showing that there is still potential for growth in these regions and they make an excellent investment opportunity.

Thinking outside the (wine) box

So, if you’re looking for something new and exciting in the world of Fine Wine, why not explore some of these lesser-known regions? You might just be pleasantly surprised.

And remember, when it comes to fine wine, it is always worth seeking out the advice of a professional. Don’t be afraid to reach out to us, we’re always happy to help!