After drinking too much “big wine” with deep color, full-bodied and full-bodied, sometimes we want to find a touch of coolness that can wash away the taste buds, so wines from cold regions come into play.
These wines are often high in acidity and refreshing. They may not give you a “sense of rebirth” like enlightenment, but they will definitely refresh you. This is a magic weapon for wines in cold regions that never go out of style.
Learn about these 10 coldest wine regions and you’ll discover more styles of wine.
6. Otago, Central New Zealand 14.8℃
Central Otago is located at the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and is the most southerly wine region in the world. Central Otago vineyards have the highest elevations compared to vineyards in other New Zealand producing regions.
Central Otago is New Zealand’s only wine region with a continental climate, with short, hot, dry summers and cold winters. Central Otago is deep in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Pinot Noir is the most important grape variety in Central Otago. The planting area accounts for about 70% of the total vineyard area in this region. Affected by the continental climate, the Pinot Noir wine here is strong, full-bodied and fruity. Unrestrained, while displaying crisp acidity and delicate mineral, earthy and herbaceous flavors.
Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Riesling are also important grape varieties in Central Otago.
Although the Central Otago wine region is small in scale, it is a rapidly rising star in the New Zealand wine industry, and its Pinot Noir wine is famous far and wide.
7. Swiss GST 14.9°C
Switzerland, known as the “roof of Europe”, has a variety of climate types. Generally speaking, it is not hot in summer and cold in winter. Although Switzerland rarely shows itself as a wine-producing country, it does not mean that it is a “barren land” for wine production.
There are about 15,000 hectares of vineyards in Switzerland, and about 100 million liters of wine are produced every year. Because it is mainly for domestic consumption, it is not well-known internationally.
Most of the vineyards in Switzerland are located at an altitude of more than 300 meters. There are many mountains and lakes in the territory, and the climate is cool. Pinot Noir, Swiss native varieties Chassela and Gamay are mainly planted.
8. Okanagan Valley, Canada 15.1°C
Okanagan Valley (Okanagan Valley), located in the central part of British Columbia, Canada, is Canada’s second largest wine-producing region and has a continental climate.
The Okanagan Valley has approximately 4,000 hectares of vineyards planted with varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Oceba.
Because the winter here is very cold, the temperature will drop to minus 14°C to minus 8°C, so it is very suitable for brewing ice wine.
Few people know that the Okanagan Valley used to be a huge glacier with a complex soil and rock structure. Soils such as clayey silt, limestone and granite endow the wine with rich and concentrated aroma, mineral sense and soft tannin. Ice wine, the still red and white wine produced are also of good quality.
9. Rheingau, Germany 15.2°C
Rheingau is located on the gentle slope of the Rhine River. Because it has several noble manors and is connected with the famous Eberbach Abbey, Rheingau has always been regarded as the most noble wine-producing region in Germany.
The latitude of up to 50° makes the Rheingau have a cool climate, where Riesling and Pinot Noir find a paradise. Among them, Riesling wine is the representative of the top wines of the Rheingau. The rich and strong mineral flavor makes it very recognizable .
In addition to dry wines, Rheingau also produces sweet wines, including Germany’s most famous Grain-by-grain and Raisin-by-grain.
Wine-producing villages are a key part of the Rheingau production area. The villages are scattered in the lower reaches of the Rhine River. The famous wine villages include Hochheim and Geisenheim. Charming winemaking culture.
10. Marlborough, New Zealand 15.4°C
Marlborough is located in the northeastern part of New Zealand, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea on one side, with a cool climate.
There are more than 20,000 hectares of vineyards here, accounting for 2/3 of the total grape planting area in New Zealand, and it is the largest wine producing area in the country.
Sauvignon Blanc is the iconic variety of Marlborough. In the 1980s, with its excellent Sauvignon Blanc wine, Marlborough successfully pushed New Zealand onto the international wine stage. In addition, varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer are grown in Marlborough.
The three sub-regions of Marlborough have their own characteristics. The Wairau Valley mainly produces Pinot Noir, Riesling and Pinot Grigio with pure style and fresh taste.
The soil in the southern valley was formed in ancient times, and the wines produced are famous for their rich fruity taste and full body; Excellent Sauvignon Blanc.
Post time: Mar-28-2023