Choosing the right wines to a meal is already half the battle. The taste of the food consumed becomes distinct and unique. Which wines are worth knowing in order to emphasise the special character of the meeting and to draw the best aromas from the dishes?
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Tuscan vineyards: discover the secrets of chianti and brunello
The Italians have some of the most distinctive wineries in the world. There is probably no person who cannot appreciate wines from Tuscany such as chianti, which has a distinctive ruby colour. A definite flavour in which one can detect a hint of vanilla and a predominance of red fruit, which is associated with evening social gatherings.
Chianti pairs perfectly with meat dishes and sauces. They can also be tried out for classic Polish dishes. It will taste great with roast meat, venison, sausage or pork.
Brunello is another wine that comes from the fields of Tuscany and is made from sangiovese grapes. It has an intense, spicy flavour. You can sense pepper, cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. A cherry and plum aroma is often perceptible.
Brunello pairs perfectly with heavier dishes. Red meat in sauces, cured meats, mushrooms or mature cheeses will taste delicious with brunello.
Great France: from Bordeaux to Burgundy
Bordeaux is the second region, after the Languedoc, where wine growing is at such a high level. The vineyards are located on the Atlantic ocean, on the south-west coast of France. The mild climate, the wind from the ocean and the right gradient of the slopes, as well as the rivers that stabilise both the temperature and the humidity, result in a unique taste for the grapes.
Bordeaux wine is most often made from the three varietals Cabernet Sauvignion, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. The distinctive flavour is created by blending these varietals, as well as barrel ageing.
It is worth remembering that while Italian Chianti is made exclusively as red wine, Bordeaux wine can be tasted in both red and white versions.
When talking about wines produced in France, one cannot forget Burgundy, which is another region famous for its wine production. "Burgundy" is most often dry red wines, which are made from pinot noir grapes and white chardonnay wines.
Burgundy wines are very diverse. You can find light wines, but we also encounter high-acid wines. The Burgundians have refined the winemaking process through barrel fermentation and malolactic fermentation, which white wines undergo.
Spanish flavours: Rioja, Ribera del Duero and more
Spain is another country that is of great importance on the wine map. It is impossible to forget Rioja wine, which is characterised by flavours of ripe cherries, cherries and plums. Very characteristic are notes of cranberry, coconut, coffee and herbs such as dill.
Rioja wines are characterised by their length of maturation. The shortest matured wines will be the most fruity. The longer matured ones will have hints of vanilla and spice.
While wines originating from Rioja begin their history as far back as Roman times, Ribera del Duero has a relatively short history.
It is worth knowing that it is a UNESCO-listed region. It owes its uniqueness to the Tempranillo grape and the specific climate of the region. The continental climate of the place means that after hot, sunny days, the temperature can drop even a few degrees below zero.
Characteristic in Ribera del Duero wines are aromas of vanilla, liquorice or cloves.
New World, new flavours: the vineyards of Chile and New Zealand
Chile also boasts vineyards that are world-famous. Some of the oldest vineyards are located in the Maipo Valley.
The wines they produce are based on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon varietals.
About 100 kilometres from Santiago, there is another area where the creation of exceptional wines. We are, of course, talking about Rapel Valey, which has a Mediterranean climate. It is worth knowing that, thanks to location of vineyardswhich are located closer to the ocean or in the mountains many distinctive wines can be found.
New Zealand is a country that started producing wines relatively recently. They appeared in the mid-1980s. It is worth knowing that this is a region that is considered primarily a producer of white wines.
They have an intense, fruity aroma, but you can also smell cut grass, citrus, passion fruit or mango.
Polish wines: discover indigenous flavours and new trends
History of Polish winemaking dates back to the Middle Ages. However, many people have already forgotten about it. After the war, when vineyards were nationalised, Polish wines did not enjoy a good reputation. Apples were mostly used in their production.
It is only recently that Polish wines have begun to revive. At the moment, Poland has around 320 vineyards scattered across the country.
For your business card polish wineries still considered is the solaris hybrid wine. When characterising Polish wines, one cannot overlook riesling, which has floral and citrus notes. Wines intensely scented with honey are equally common.
Another trend we notice on the Polish market is sparkling wines.