Where Is Sauvignon Blanc On The Great Grape Census?
At any given moment, on any of the 365 days in a year, someone somewhere is working with noble anonymity in a vineyard. Patiently tending to the needs of the world’s vines, from sun rise to sunset there is always someone cultivating delicious grapes for the vino on our tables.
Where In The World Is Our Wine Grown?
Over the past two to three decades the world’s wine market has been dramatically globalised. Generating new wine consumers, this has led to lesser known countries and regions producing wines to rival the top five; France, Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. Increasing the competition in the market, globalisation has given us everything from Decanter Award Winning spicy Indian Sauvignon Blanc, to soft and velvety Peruvian Cabernet Sauvignon.
We all know that wine is grown all over the world, but do we actually know how many wine types are produced globally? According to the energetic Professor Kym Anderson, of the University of Adelaide’s Wine Economic Centre, there are no less than 2,019 grape varieties in the world. All produced in one of 521 regions, in one of 44 countries, this accumulates to a spectacular amount of choice for the budding oenophile.
In the new wine census, Professor Kym has charted exactly what varieties are grown in which regions around the world. Highlighting grape types that were previously thought of as rare, Professor Kym found that some varieties, for example Zinfandel, are genetically identical to Pimitivo in Puglia and Tribidrag in Croatia. Comparing data collected from 1990, 2000 and 2010, he was also able to compare the world’s top 35 varieties across the decades. Wine types which we now consider popular have fluctuated over the years. In 1990 Sauvignon Blanc was 25th on the world’s top varieties list whereas in 2010, Sauvignon Blanc placed 8th. This jump in popularity can be seen across many of the varieties including Syrah which went from 35th to 6th, and Tempranillo from 24th to 4th in 2010.
Whilst there was some very positive news for lesser known grape types, the census also highlighted how the world’s vineyard is shrinking. Down 6% in 2000, the planting of the top varieties are steadily becoming more dominant. Professor Kym found that in 2000, 21 varieties accounted for over half the world’s vineyards, in 2010 this dropped to only 15. Unsurprisingly, the world’s fastest expanding grape varieties from 2000 to 2010 were eight of the most well known grapes; Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Can You Still Get Delicious Sauvignon Blanc And Tasty Merlot?
Whilst the census may seem a little depressing for those looking to discover a bottle of something totally unique, this is not the case. The shrinkage in the world’s vineyards doesn’t mean that you will be subject to small and endlessly duplicated bottles with little varietal characteristics, but rather make greater use of a set of high quality tools. Giving different terroirs and wine cultures a voice, this in fact means that you will have a greater choice of independently produced great tasting wine. Soon we will be seeing deliciously different bottles of Sauvignon from Slovenia and Syrah from Uruguay.
If you would like to try something different this new year, head on over to www.rudewines.co.uk. With a cellar bursting with handpicked delights, it would be rude not to treat yourself. For more information email enquiries@rudewines.co.uk or call 0844 561 0543.
About the Author
Rude Wines Lynden House, New Mills, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2DJ Telephone: +44 (0) 844 561 0543 Web: http://www.rudewines.co.uk
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