Discovery Series Explores Mediterranean Wines
Every country surrounding the Mediterranean produces wine, and each region has its own unique style. With so many options to choose from, which will you try today?
Explore the lands of Mediterranean wine.
France and Spain, wine powerhouses of the western Mediterranean.
In Spain, the regions of Valencia and Catalonia produce a variety of wines, most notably full-bodied reds from garnacha and monastrell, as well as the sparkling wine, cava. France’s Mediterranean coast continues cultivation of these same red grapes, here called grenache and mourvèdre, but with an increased use of syrah. For light-bodied white wine enthusiasts, there’s the delightful Picpoul de Pinet and a delicious array of white blends.
Explore the lands of Mediterranean wine.
Greece and Italy, the southern heartland of European wine.
Italy has an amazing wealth of variety, including the chameleon white grape vermentino (aka favorita, rolle or pigato) and other grapes grown in the nation’s volcanic soil, such as greco, fiano, falanghina and nero d’Avola. Like Italy, Greece has numerous native varieties, including the reds agiorgitiko and xinomavro, and a white called assyrtiko made from the primary wine grape of the island of Santorini. Another Greek grape all wine lovers should try is moschofilero, a perfumed white.
Explore the lands of Mediterranean wine.
Israel and Lebanon: modern wines from ancient lands.
In the eastern Mediterranean, Lebanon and Israel have sizeable wine industries. Lebanon produces mostly full-bodied wines from southern French grapes like carignan and cinsault, among a handful of others. Israel’s focus is on international varieties, such as cabernet and merlot, and also whites such as chardonnay and riesling.
Prominent wine-producing countries and wine styles of the Mediterranean.
