Around the World in 80 Wines: A Journey Through International Vineyards

Get ready to be taken on a journey that will lead you through the most famous and remote vineyards in the world. An enological odyssey that will take us to discover 80 extraordinary wines, each with a unique story to tell.

Imagine being able to navigate the waves of time and space, experiencing firsthand the oldest and most prestigious wine traditions, and then pushing beyond to unexplored horizons. This is the journey I invite you on: a tour de force through the most important international vineyards, a path rich in surprises and delights for the palate.

Our goal is to immerse you in the fascinating stories that lie behind each bottle, capturing the deepest aromas and flavors. It is not just a simple tasting, but a true journey into the soul of the wine itself. You will savor the unique notes of each cultivar, discovering how terroir and traditions shape the essence of every sip.

No region will be overlooked, from the majestic European vineyards to the exciting emerging realities. We will venture among the rows of the most renowned wineries, but also along unexplored paths, in search of hidden gems ready to reveal their secrets to us.

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to depart. Our world tour in 80 wines is about to begin, and I will be your guide on this unforgettable journey. I hope you are ready to be seduced by the intoxicating fragrances and enveloping flavors that only great wines can offer. All aboard, see you in the next chapter!

Europe: The Cradle of Wine

Europe is the undisputed cradle of world viticulture. Its wine landscapes, shaped over the centuries, are a kaleidoscope of natural beauty and ancient traditions. From the steep slopes of the Alps to the gentle hills of Tuscany, every corner of this continent is a unique expression of the incredible biodiversity that characterizes it.

France: From the Hills of Burgundy to the Valleys of Champagne

Burgundy Wines

Burgundy represents the beating heart of French winemaking. Here, the great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reach peaks of sublime excellence. The Corton Grand Cru 'Les Renardes' 2020 of Domaine Etienne Delarche and the NightsSaint-Georges 'Old Vines' 2021 of Louis Fleurot They embody the essence of the reds from this region, while the Chassagne-Montrachet 'Clos des Mouches' White 2017 of Chanson Father and Fils and the Pouilly-Fuissé 'Trilogy of Terroirs' 2022 of Closerie des Alisiers reveal the elegance of the white Burgundians.

Champagne and French Wines

In Champagne, every bubble is an explosion of joy. The Champagne Brut Nature 'Les Hautes Chevres' Premier Cru 2016 by Georges Laval and it Champagne 'Clos du Chateau' 6 Grape Varieties of Chateau de Bligny represent the excellence of this region. But France also offers other gems, such as the Sauternes 2018 of Chateau St. Hélène, The translation of "il" from Italian to English is "the." Crozes-Hermitage 'Les Varonniers' 2018 of M. Chapoutier and the Côtes de Provence Rosé Cru Classé 2022 of Chateau Galoupet.

Italy: From the Vineyard to the Bottle

Other European Treasures

Germany and Austria

In Germany, the Mosel Rieslings such as the... 'Wehlener Sonnenuhr' Spätlese 2019 by J.J. Prüm they represent the pinnacle of German whites. In Austria, The Eiswein Riesling Schneiderberg 2012 by Weinrieder and the Traminer 'In Haiden' 2018 by Herbert Zillinger reveal the excellence of sweet and aromatic wines.

Portugal and Spain

Portugal seduces with the Port '30 Years Old' Tawny by W. & J. Graham's, while Spain enchants with the power and elegance of its great reds like those from Ribera del Duero and Rioja.

Greece

Greece, with its millennia-old tradition, amazes with gems like the Santorini Assyrtiko 2020 of Argyros Estate, but also with wines of great character like the Naoussa Xinomavro 2017 by Thymiopoulos and the Samos Muscat 2019 by Argyrou, a sweet wine of great elegance. Additionally, it offers precious wines such as the Pinot Noir 'Crni' 2017 by Krauthaker and the Pinot Blanc 'White Label' 2018 by Tilia Estate, testimonies of a millennia-old viticulture that is flourishing anew.

New World: Wines from Distant Lands

Wines of California

California, the beating heart of American winemaking, is a world-renowned wine region. Here, iconic wines are born such as the Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 'Director's Cut' 2018 from the Francis Ford Coppola Cantina and the Napa Valley 'Overture' by Opus One, but also excellent whites like the Sauvignon Blanc 'Diamond Collection Yellow Label' 2019 of the Coppola. Napa Valley is renowned for its full-bodied and structured Cabernet Sauvignon, while Russian River Valley shines for its refined Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sonoma Valley offers elegant and balanced wines such as Zinfandel. 'Monte Rosso Vineyard' 2019 by Louis M. Martini.

Wines of Oregon and Washington

Further north, Oregon is one of the most appreciated regions for Pinot Noir. Here, gems like the... 'Mt. Jefferson Cuvée' 2021 of Cristom, a wine of great complexity and longevity. The State of Washington, on the other hand, seduces with the power of its Syrah, such as the "Gargantua" 2015 by Bergstrom, A full-bodied and enveloping wine produced in the Walla Walla Valley.

South America: Flavors from the Andean Vineyards

Wines of Argentina

In Argentina, Malbec is the principal grape variety, capable of producing wines with great structure and personality. The 'Grand Selection' 2019 of Terrazas de Los Andes and the 'Primus' Pinot Noir 2018 by Salentein They embody the excellence of this country. But Argentina also offers interesting interpretations of international grape varieties such as the Cabernet Sauvignon 'Finca Las Moras' 2018 from Bodega Norton and the Chardonnay 'Grand Reserva' 2021 from Santa Julia.

Wines of Chile

Chile boasts a long winemaking tradition and an ideal terroir for the cultivation of red and white grapes. Gems like the Pinot Noir 'Gran Reserva' 2018 by Calyptra and the Cabernet Sauvignon 'Almaviva' 2019, the result of a joint venture between Concha y Toro and Château Mouton. Rothschild, They are the perfect expression of the terroir of this nation. Not to mention the fine whites like the Sauvignon Blanc 'Leyda Vineyard' 2022 from Garces Silva.

Oceania: Grape Varieties from the Southern Paradise

Wines of New Zealand

New Zealand impresses with its fresh and aromatic Sauvignon Blancs such as the 'Little Beauty' 2022 by Vinultra, but also with refined Pinot Noir such as the 'Te Wahi' 2019 by Cloudy Bay, produced in the renowned region of Central Otago. Other excellences are the Chardonnay 'Reserve' 2020 by Kumeu River and the Syrah 'Gimblett Gravels' 2018 from Trinity Hill.

Wines of Australia

Australia confirms its status as a major producer with iconic wines such as the Cabernet Shiraz 'Bin 389' 2018. Penfolds and the surprising Chardonnay 2021 from Cloudy Bay, but also with lesser-known gems like the Riesling 'Polish Hill River' 2021 by Grosset and the Shiraz 'The Dead Arm' 2019 by Kaesler.

Africa: Wines from the Ancient Continent

The Wines of South Africa

South Africa offers some pleasant surprises, such as Pinotage wines.white, , rosé and red) of Aaldering and the Chardonnay 'Baroness Nadine' 2019 by Rupert & Rothschild Winemakers. But this country also offers excellent Cabernet Sauvignon such as the 'Poetry' 2016 from Boekenhoutskloof and high-quality Sauvignon Blanc like the 'Reserve' 2022 from Klein Constantia.

Asia: Antiche Traditions, New Horizons

Wines of Lebanon

Lebanon is emerging as a new significant wine-producing reality on the international scene, with wines such as the Altitudes Red and the White, both of Ixsir, but also with interesting interpretations of international grape varieties such as the Cabernet Sauvignon 'Hochar' 2017 from Chateau Musar and the Viognier 'Amphora' 2020 from Kefraya.

Tasting and Pairings

Tips for tasting wines

The tasting of a great wine is a multisensory experience that goes far beyond a simple sip. Each sip tells a story, revealing the secrets of the terroir and the traditions that have made it unique.

Let's start by carefully observing the color of the wine in the glass, appreciating its nuances and brilliance. Then, we immerse our nose to be enveloped by the intense and complex aromas, trying to capture every single aromatic note. A Pinot Noir like the 'Mt. Jefferson Cuvée' 2021 of... Cristom, For example, it will take us on an olfactory journey rich in ripe red fruits, sweet spices, and a slight hint of underbrush.

Let's savor the wine, swirling it slowly in our mouths to allow it to reveal all its nuances. A great red like the Brunello di Montalcino.Tenuta New '2018 of Casanova di Neri It will give us an enveloping tactile experience, with mature tannins and an imposing structure, before leaving us with a long and persistent finish.

For the whites, like the refined Chablis 1er Cru 'Vaillons' 2021 of Denis Race, Let's focus on freshness and minerality, allowing ourselves to be guided by citrus notes and the surprising saltiness.

Typical food pairings

But the tasting would not be complete without pairing the wines with the culinary excellences of their respective regions of origin. Imagine accompanying the powerful Malbec 'Grand Selection' 2019 from Terrazas de Los Andes with a succulent grilled bife de chorizo, or to enhance the delicate citrus notes of the Greco di Tufo 'Goleto' 2018 of Tenute Capaldo with a fried dish of anchovies and zucchini from the Campania tradition.

The great reds of Burgundy, such as the Vosne-Romanée 2020 of... Domaine Grivault will find their ideal companion in a noble filet of beef cooked to perfection, while a Sauternes 2018 from... Chateau St. Hélène will pair wonderfully with a refined foie gras.

The world of wine is an infinite universe of flavors and pairings to explore. Let your curiosity and palate guide you, and don't be afraid to try unusual combinations. The pleasure of discovery is an integral part of the journey we are embarking on together.

We have reached the end of this unforgettable odyssey among the most fascinating vineyards on the planet. We have traveled thousands of kilometers, crossed continents and oceans, yet the feeling is that we have only just touched the surface of a universe that will never cease to amaze and enchant us. Wine is an infinite world, a kaleidoscope of cultures, traditions, and flavors that is constantly renewing itself, giving us new emotions with every sip.

On this journey, we did not just limit ourselves to tasting simple drinks, but we savored the very essence of the territories that produced them. Each drop contained the soul of a place, a people, a millennia-old story made of passion, respect for nature, and tradition.

What have been your favorite gems on this journey? The lively bubbles of Champagne? The full-bodied reds of Bordeaux? Or perhaps the mineral whites from the German and Austrian vineyards? Or even the surprising revelations from the New Worlds, from the heights of Napa Valley to the valleys of New Zealand?

Don't hesitate to share with us your experiences, your memories, and suggestions. Wine is an experience to be shared, a perpetual adventure where one never tires of learning and discovering. And who knows, perhaps our next journey will take us to explore remote and uncharted corners, in search of new oenological treasures to unveil.

Max Caser