A wine region need not have been born yesterday to be considered up-and-coming. Across the world, ancient winemaking regions from Armenia to Italy have been in the midst of transformation due to changing political and environmental factors. Some fairly well-known, but underrated regions have been growing and evolving at a rapid pace, with expanding vineyards, changing winemaking techniques, increased exports or surges in tourism. Others have simply lived in the shadow of their more famous neighbors for too long, but have more recently been coming into their own, taking advantage of shifting consumer preferences where novelty and value outrank prestige or brand loyalty.
Whatever the case may be, many wine-producing parts of the world are worthy of far more recognition than they’ve been receiving. Whether you’re looking for your next great bottle, an unforgettable vacation destination or both, put these up-and-coming wine regions on your radar right now.
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Image Courtesy of Douloufakis Winery Crete, Greece
Crete’s winemaking history dates back to the Minoan period, but the area’s modern wine industry is effectively less than 50 years old, having dealt with phylloxera as late as 1977. Yet, in the last 25 years, Greece’s largest island has seen a true wine renaissance. Production has moved from bulk quantities of international varietals made by large cooperatives toward small-scale fermentation by a new crop of ambitious winemakers who are committed to the resurgence of Crete’s native varietals.
“Native grape varieties
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
