While you don’t need to be a wine industry professional to enjoy a wine tour or tasting, we think it’s helpful if you study a bit about the regions you’ll be visiting and the wines you’ll be tasting. Knowing even a little of the basics will enhance your travel experience. 

We have some books that we own with well-worn dog-eared pages that we recommend for travelers to help them get a little more wine knowledge before their trip. 

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Get Inspired for Your European Wine Tour

For The Wine Lovers

If you know you love drinking wine and that’s about as far as your wine knowledge goes, then Wine Folly by Madeline Puckette, or Wine for Normal People by Elizabeth Schneider are great starts. Also, check out Elizabeth’s podcast by the same name, ‘Wine for Normal People’.

For The Experienced Enthusiasts

If you’re familiar with the most popular grape varietals and wine regions but want to go a little deeper and build on your base of knowledge, Kevin Zraly will help you take it to the next level. His book, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, is in-depth and packed with information.

For the Pros or Those Who Want To Be

If you want to learn as much as you can about wine and its history and regions, then The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil is an incredibly comprehensive guide. And if you really want to really dig in, then you need The World Atlas of Wine by Jancis Robinson and Hugh Johnson, which is regarded as the most authoritative wine reference — seriously, this book is THE encyclopedia of wine.

Just For Fun:

Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker is a fun, entertaining read. Bianca tells us about her 18-month journey going from novice to certified sommelier and her deep dive into the wine world. It’s both witty and informative and the perfect book to take with you on your trip.

Go Beyond The Books

If you prefer a classroom setting to learn more about wine, we highly recommend WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) courses. With in-person classes around the world, you’ll likely find one close to you. But, even better, their online, self-study classes are perfect for learning more about wine in the comfort of your home, which means you can open and taste loads of wine without driving.

An added bonus to studying with WSET is the certification after you pass the exam. And who doesn’t want a neat little lapel pin that shows you take your wine seriously?

Welcome to Piedmont, a delightful region in the northwest of Italy, with breathtaking landscapes of vine-covered hills and historic medieval towns. It’s a destination that offers travelers a blend of culture, cuisine, and world-class wines.

The Piedmont region is home to 41 Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) and 18 Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) wine appellations. It boasts more DOCG (Italy’s top wine designation) wine than any other region and produces top-quality, age-worthy wines.

The region has a long history of winemaking that dates back centuries, making it one of the oldest wine regions in Europe. Piedmont is home to some of the world’s most renowned and sought-after wines, like Barolo and Barbaresco, that pair beautifully with the regions hearty cuisine of meat and truffles.

The wine regions of Piedmont are known for their distinct terroir and climate that give each wine its own unique character.

Let’s take a look at the top wines in Piedmont, Italy.

Barolo

Barolo is the most prestigious wine region in Piedmont, producing some of the most famous wines in the world. The region is located in the Langhe Hills, with their rolling hills, steep vineyards, and stunning views. The wines produced here are made from the Nebbiolo grape, which is known for its high tannins, acidity, and complexity. The wines are aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels, which give them their distinct flavor and aroma. Barolo pairs well with hearty meat dishes, game, and mature cheeses.

With its roots deep in Italian tradition, the Barolo wine region is a unique spot that has been producing superior-quality wines for centuries. It was first mentioned in records dating back to the Middle Ages, and it has been home to some of Italy’s finest winemakers for hundreds of years.

Today it continues to give us some of the world’s best wines, thanks to the combination of ideal soil conditions and centuries-old winemaking techniques. In recognition of its outstanding quality, Barolo was declared one of Italy’s first DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) regions in 1980.

Traditional -vs- Modern

While Barolo is still one of Italy’s most famous and highly-regarded wines, two distinct styles of winemaking have developed in the region: traditional and modern. The differences are not only in the wine-making techniques but also in the flavors of the wine.

Traditional Barolo is made with a long maceration (soaking) on the grape skins (some go as long as a month) which leads to high tannins and requires longer aging, think 10 years or more. Whereas in the 1980s a modern style developed that requires less aging, is fruitier, and can be enjoyed at a much younger age.

Ultimately, the best way to find out which style you prefer is to taste a variety of Barolos from different producers.

Some traditional Barolo producers include Giacomo Conterno, Giuseppe Mascarello, Fontanafredda, Bruno Giacosa, and Oddero.

Some modern-syle producers are Angelo Gaja, Scavino, Elio Altare

Barbaresco

Barbaresco is another famous Piedmont wine that, like Barolo, is made from the Nebbiolo grape variety. It’s renowned for its elegant and complex flavors, high acidity, and firm tannins, but when compared to its Barolo cousin, Barbaresco wines tend to be more approachable and softer with a slightly shorter aging period. They pair incredibly well with lighter meat dishes, pasta, and risotto.

Barbaresco is produced in a small area of just four villages: Barbaresco, Treiso, Neive, and Alba. The vineyards in these villages are located on the Langhe hills, which have a unique microclimate that is ideal for growing Nebbiolo grapes.

Barbaresco wines are typically aged for a minimum of two years, with at least one year in oak barrels. This aging process gives the wine its characteristic flavors of dried violets, herbs, and spices. While Barbaresco wines have long aging potential, with some vintages continuing to improve for up to 20 years or more, you can enjoy these wines at a young age to enjoy their fresh fruit flavors.

Langhe Nebbiolo

A favorite here at Europe Wine Guides, Langhe Nebbiolo is a red wine produced in the Langhe region of Piedmont made from the Nebbiolo grape variety. Langhe Nebbiolo, sometimes referred to as “Baby Barolo”, is often considered a more accessible and affordable alternative to the prestigious and expensive Barolo and Barbaresco wines, also from the Nebbiolo grape.

Langhe Nebbiolo is typically produced from younger Nebbiolo vines or grapes sourced from vineyards located on the lower slopes of the Langhe hills, as opposed to the higher altitude vineyards that are used for Barolo and Barbaresco wines. As a result, Langhe Nebbiolo wines tend to be lighter and less tannic than Barolo and Barbaresco wines, with a more fruity and youthful character.

Langhe Nebbiolo wines are usually aged for a shorter period, typically around one year in oak barrels, which helps to soften the tannins. The wine is typically characterized by its bright red fruit flavors, floral aromas, and soft tannins, with a refreshing acidity that makes it a great match for a variety of foods. They are particularly well-suited to rich and hearty dishes, such as roasted meats, game, and pasta with tomato-based sauces. They also pair well with aged cheeses and cured meats.

Langhe Nebbiolo is a great choice for folks who are looking for a wine with a more easy-drinking character than Barolo and Barbaresco but still want to experience the unique flavors and aromas of the Nebbiolo grape variety.

Barbera

Barbera is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Italy; It is the third most-planted grape variety in the country. Barbera produces wines that are high in acidity, low in tannins, and have a bright red color.

Barbera wines are versatile and pair well with a wide range of foods, and an incredible complement to tomato-based dishes, including pasta sauces and pizza. In addition to versatility and delicious flavors, Barbera wines are also valued for their affordability. They are often a great value for the quality and complexity they offer, making them a great option for wine lovers looking for a high-quality wine without breaking the bank.

Barbera d’Asti is perhaps the most famous Barbera wine and is often considered the benchmark for the grape. It is produced in the Asti province of Piedmont and is known for its bright acidity and intense fruit flavors. Barbera d’Alba, on the other hand, is produced in the Alba province of Piedmont and is typically more tannic and full-bodied than its Asti counterpart.

Gavi

The most well-known white wine of the Piedmont region is Gavi, produced from the Cortese grape variety and produces wine with crisp acidity, delicate fruit flavors, and mineral notes.

The Gavi DOCG appellation is in the southern part of Piedmont near the Ligurian coast, and the vineyards in this area are located at an altitude of around 300 meters, with a mix of soils that include limestone and clay.

To help preserve the delicate fruit flavors and aromas of the wine, Gavi wines are typically fermented in stainless steel tanks with no oak influence. With its refreshing acidity, it’s a great match for a wide range of foods, but it pairs particularly well with seafood dishes and fresh pesto.

With its stunning scenery of rolling hills and vineyards and its world-class wine and food, Piedmont is an excellent region to add to your Italy wine tour.

A Guide to the Best Wines from Spain

Spain is a country known for its rich history and culture, but it is also home to some of the world’s best wines. Wine enthusiasts and foodies alike will be delighted to know that there are plenty of opportunities to explore the country’s diverse wine regions and sample some of the finest wines in the world.

From Rioja in the north to Jerez in the south, from crisp whites to robust reds, you’ll be sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds! So grab a glass and join us as we explore Spain’s best wine regions and discover some truly unique wines.

Here are our top picks for wine lovers looking for an unforgettable experience in Spain.

Spain has a diverse range of red wines to offer, with each region producing its own unique style.

Here are the top 5 red wines in Spain, based on their popularity and reputation among wine enthusiasts:

Rioja:

Rioja is the most well-known and popular wine region in Spain, producing medium to full-bodied red wines made primarily from the Tempranillo grape. Rioja wines are aged in oak barrels, which gives them a distinct vanilla and spicy flavor, and pair well with hearty, meaty dishes such as roasted lamb, grilled steak, and aged cheeses.
The region is known for producing some of the best red wines in Spain, with notable wineries including Marqués de Riscal, Bodegas Muga, and La Rioja Alta.

Ribera del Duero:

Ribera del Duero is another prominent wine region in Spain, located in the Castilla y León region. This region produces full-bodied red wines made from the Tempranillo grape, with a rich, smoky flavor and notes of black cherry and plum. Ribera del Duero wines pair well with grilled meats, stews, and aged cheeses.
Some of the top wineries in Ribera del Duero include Vega Sicilia, Pingus, and Dominio de Pingus.

Priorat:

Located in Catalonia, Priorat is a small but prestigious wine region that produces bold, complex red wines made primarily from the Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) grapes grown in soil with a high content of mica, called ‘Lllicorella’, which reflects the sun.Priorat wines, with their deep, dark color, high alcohol content, and rich, jammy fruit flavors, pair well with rich, hearty dishes such as beef stew, roasted game meats, and grilled lamb.
Notable wineries in Priorat include Clos Mogador, Alvaro Palacios, and Mas Doix.

Bierzo:

Bierzo is a wine region located in northwest Spain, known for its elegant, medium-bodied red wines made from the Mencía grape. These wines have a bright, fruity flavor with a hint of spice and minerality. Pair Bierzo Mencia with hard cheeses and cured meats, grilled chicken and vegetables.
Some of the top wineries in Bierzo include Descendientes de J. Palacios, Dominio de Tares, and Pittacum.

Toro:

Toro is a wine region located in the Castilla y León region of Spain, known for its full-bodied red wines made from the Tinta de Toro grape (a local clone of Tempranillo). These wines have a rich, concentrated flavor with notes of black fruit and a firm tannic structure.
Like most Tempranillo wines, pair Toro with red meat, lamb, or grilled pork.
Top wineries in Toro include Numanthia, San Roman, and Maurodos.

Overall, Spain has a lot to offer when it comes to red wines, with each region producing its own unique style and flavor profile. Whether you prefer a full-bodied, oak-aged Rioja or a complex, juicy Priorat, there’s a red wine in Spain that is sure to suit your taste.

Spain isn’t just red wines but is also known for its delicious and diverse white wines, ranging from crisp and refreshing to rich and complex. 

Here are the top 5 white wines in Spain that are worth trying:

Cava:

Our motto: You can never go wrong starting with a sparkling.

Cava is a type of sparkling wine that is produced primarily in the Catalonia region of Spain and can be made from several grape varieties, including Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The exact blend of grapes used in cava production can vary depending on the producer and the region.

It is made using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle, which is the same method used to produce Champagne in France. The production of cava is strictly regulated by the Consejo Regulador del Cava, which is the governing body that oversees the production of the wine. To be labeled as cava, the wine must be aged on the lees for a minimum of nine months, although many producers choose to age their wines for much longer periods.

Cava wines can be produced in a range of styles, from bone dry to sweet, and are typically labeled according to their sugar content. The driest styles are known as “Brut Nature,” while the sweetest styles are labeled as “Dulce.”

Cava is a popular and affordable alternative to Champagne and is widely enjoyed both in Spain and around the world. It is often served as an aperitif or paired with a variety of foods, including seafood, cured meats, and Spanish-style tapas.

Albariño:

Albariño is a white grape variety that is mainly grown in the Rías Baixas region of Galicia, located in the northwest of Spain. The wine produced from this grape is dry, aromatic, and has refreshing acidity. It has a characteristic peach, apricot, and citrus flavor with a mineral finish that pairs wonderfully with fish and shellfish, lighter meats, and salads.
Some of the top Albariño producers in Spain are Pazo de Señorans, Martin Codax, and Fillaboa.

Verdejo:

Verdejo is a white grape variety that is grown in the Rueda region of central Spain. Verdejo wines are known for their light and fresh taste, with citrus and stone fruit flavors and a slightly herbaceous, fennel aroma. Food pairings that work well might be on the lighter side with shellfish, chicken, and fresh cheeses.
Notable producers of Verdejo include José Pariente, Belondrade y Lurton, and Naia.

Viura:

Viura is a white grape variety that is widely grown in Rioja and other wine regions across Spain. The wine made from Viura grapes is crisp and refreshing with a fruity flavor and a hint of acidity, but can also be aged on oak for a more full-bodied wine. Becuase the wine can vary from light and crisp to richer on the palate, it can also pair well with several types of foods. Consider paella as a terrific food pairing for Viura.
Some of the top Viura producers in Spain include Bodegas Bilbainas, Marqués de Murrieta, and Remelluri.

Godello:

Godello is a rare white grape variety that is mainly grown in the Valdeorras region of Galicia. Godello wines are rich and full-bodied with a floral aroma and flavors of apricot, peach, and apple. Pair with hearty seafood dishes and chicken.
Some of the top Godello producers in Spain are Rafael Palacios, Godeval, and Valdesil.

So, the next time you’re browsing the wine aisle, don’t forget about Spain and be sure to give one of these top white wines a try.

Jerez – Sherry: 

Of course, we can’t talk about Spanish wines without including Sherry. Located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, Jerez is a wine region known for its sherry wines. Made from the Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel grapes, this fortified wine has a history that dates back to the 16th century. The winemaking process is unique and complicated, but fascinating. Read more about the process of making sherry using a solera system. 

We’re such big fans of Spanish red wines for their complexity, age-worthiness, and value, and the white wines of Spain are delicious, food-friendly, and a staple in our wine fridge.

If you’re ready to learn more and experience Spanish wines first-hand, get in touch with one of our wine tours and start planning your trip to Spain. 

Bordeaux is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world and known for producing some of the finest, most age-worthy wines. The region is divided into several wine appellations or “appellations d’origine contrôlée” (AOC), each with its own distinct terroir and style. Bordeaux’s wine-growing region has 65 AOCs, so it could take a lifetime to really understand the wine of the Bordeaux, but let’s cover some of the more important appellations to start.

You may have heard the terms “Left Bank” and “Right Bank” when talking about Bordeaux wines. So, what does that mean?

In the southwest of France, the Dordogne River joins the Garonne River and forms the Gironde estuary that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. If you were standing in the city of Bordeaux and facing north, on the left side (west) of the Gironde is the Left Bank, and this region is known for red wine blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, usually with a higher percentage of Cabernet. On the right side (east) of the Gironde, and along the banks of the Dordogne River, you’ll find the Right Bank with red wine blends known for their higher percentage of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. 

Where the Garonne and Dordogne spit, south of the city of Bordeaux, the land between the rivers is called Entre-Deux-Mers, “between two seas”, and is known for white wines made with Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Médoc:

Things can get a little confusing when discussing the Bordeaux wine region because Médoc includes all of the Left Bank from Bordeaux city, north, and includes Haut Médoc and the sub-regions, or communes, within the Haut Médoc. But Médoc also refers to the most northern AOC on the Left Bank. Up until around the 1940s, this AOC was known as ‘Bas-Médoc’ but is now known simply as Médoc. Is that clear as mud? This diagram might help: 

Haut-Médoc AOC:

Haut-Médoc is a wine region located within the Médoc AOC, just north of the city of Bordeaux. The region is known for producing high-quality red wines that are a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. The region’s soil is characterized by gravel, sand, and clay, which allows for excellent drainage and provides the ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Examples of producers in Haut-Médoc AOC: Château La Lagune, Château Cantemerle, Château Sociando-Mallet, Château Belgrave, and Château La Tour Carnet.

Saint-Estèph AOC: 

The most northerly of the premier appellations, Saint-Esteph produces refined and elegant wines. Its deep layers of clay mixed with marine limestone soils, along with influence from the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, give us rich, fruity wines highlighted with spice aromas. 

Notable producers in Saint-Esteph: Château Cos d’Estournel, Château Montrose, Château Calon-Ségur, Château Lafon-Rochet, and Château Cos Labory.

Pauillac AOC:

Pauillac is a small but mighty wine region, known for producing some of the most powerful and structured red wines in Bordeaux, thanks to its gravelly soil and ideal location close to the Gironde estuary. The region’s red wines are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and are known for their deep color, full body, and complex aromas.

Examples of producers in Pauillac AOC: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, and Château Pontet-Canet.

Saint-Julien AOC:

Saint-Julien produces wines characterized by their balance, structure, and elegance, and are considered some of the most consistent and age-worthy wines in Bordeaux.

Examples of producers in Saint-Julien AOC: Château Léoville Las Cases, Château Léoville Barton, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Château Gruaud-Larose, and Château Talbot.

Margaux AOC:

Margaux is a wine region known for producing powerful and elegant wines with floral notes of violets and lilacs. The region’s wines are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and are characterized by their perfume-like aromas, silky tannins, and long, lingering finish.

Examples of producers in Margaux AOC: Château Margaux, Château Palmer, Château Rauzan-Ségla, Château Brane-Cantenac, and Château Durfort-Vivens.

Pessac-Léognan AOC:

Pessac-Léognan is located in the Graves region, just south of the city of Bordeaux. The region is known for producing both red and white wines, and it is considered one of the most diverse and dynamic wine regions in Bordeaux. The red wines are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, while the white wines are made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. The region’s wines are known for their elegance, freshness, and minerality.

Examples of producers in Pessac-Léognan AOC: Château Haut-Brion, Château Pape Clément, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, and Château Carbonnieux.

Sauternes AOC:

Sauternes is a small wine region located in the Graves region, known for producing some of the world’s most sought-after sweet wines. The region’s unique microclimate, which includes morning mists and warm afternoon sun, allows for the growth of a fungus called Botrytis cinerea, or “noble rot,” which concentrates the sugar in the grapes and gives the wines their distinct flavors and aromas. The region’s sweet wines are made primarily from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes.

Examples of producers in Sauternes AOC: Château d’Yquem, Château Suduiraut, Château Rieussec, Château Coutet, and Château Climens.

Saint-Émilion AOC:

Saint-Émilion is located on the Right Bank of the Gironde estuary and is known for producing rich, powerful, and complex red wines. The region’s soil is made up of limestone and clay, which is ideal for growing Merlot grapes, the dominant grape variety in Saint-Émilion. The region is also home to some of the oldest and most famous chateaux in Bordeaux.

Examples of producers in Saint-Émilion AOC: Château Cheval Blanc, Château Ausone, Château Angélus, Château Figeac, and Château Pavie.

Pomerol AOC:

Pomerol is located on the Right Bank of the Gironde estuary, just east of Saint-Émilion. The region is well-respected and known for producing rich, full-bodied red wines that are made primarily from Merlot grapes. Pomerol’s soil is characterized by a mixture of clay and gravel, which allows for excellent water retention and provides the ideal growing conditions for Merlot.

Examples of producers in Pomerol AOC: Château Pétrus, Château Le Pin, Château Lafleur, Château Trotanoy, and Château Clinet.