Exploring the wines of Northwestern Louisiana can be an exciting journey. From its historic origins to modern producers transforming the market, this region has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its namesake wine is known as the king of wine. With a sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, the area produces a variety of wines, from reds to whites to bubbles. Depending on your preferences, both styles can be great.
Garnacha wines offer deeper aromas of candied black fruits, such as blackberry jam and compote, as well as aromas derived from oak, like wood smoke and chocolate. These wines tend to be more full-bodied, with softer tannins. On the other hand, more affordable wines tend to predominate in the world of ripe red fruits and have more delicate red floral notes, such as hibiscus and rose. Vino Verde is a filigree wine with layers of fine tannins and complex aromas and flavors of gooseberries, tobacco and mahogany. Quality wines will focus on the fruit and the lees will age the wine with a particular and tasty dimension. Shiraz is synonymous with Australia in the wine world, and once you try a glass, you'll understand why it's considered the country's classic wine.
Canada is the world's leading producer of ice wine, although it does not originate there (Germany is famous for this). Thousands of years ago, when wine was first made in what is now Georgia, it was common practice to pour grapes (with skin and so on) into a clay urn (known as qvevri) buried underground to make wine. Grüner Veltliner is a white grape that represents a significant proportion of Austria's vineyards and has contributed greatly to its success in the wine industry. Chablis wines vary depending on the maturity of the fruit, fermentation, aging, and whether oak barrels are used or not; however, they are known for their vibrant acidity. Galicia in northwestern Spain has a cold climate zone due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Albariño wines from Rías Bajas are popular here.
A 2001 study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry found that white wines in contact with the skin had antioxidant levels similar to those of red wines. The average price of wines from Northwestern Louisiana varies depending on ratings, prices, and availability in the global market. However, you can find great options at different price points that will suit your taste.