We love facts! And you probably do too, otherwise you wouldn't have ended up on this blog! In this series we take you on a journey through the extremes of the wine world. From the smallest wine regions to the most expensive, and from the craziest wine methods to the coldest places where wine is made. In just a few minutes of reading, you will be saturated with fun wine facts, and you will never run out of things to talk about at a birthday party or at your tasting club!
This time five of the smallest wine regions in the world. We know those large areas, but which are the smallest? Read on quick! It may not surprise you that our little Netherlands is also represented!
Pico, Azores: wines from UNESCO area
Pico is one of the islands of the Azores in Portugal. It is known for the unique way they grow vineyards here, namely the "currais". These are stone walls that protect the grape vines from the strong winds of the Atlantic Ocean. You will mainly find Verdelho, a white grape variety that produces fresh wine.
On Pico you will find approximately 150 hectares spread across the island. The wine landscape is so unique that it is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Furano Valley: Japan's Exclusive Viticulture in Hokkaido
We move on to Japan, to Hokkaido to be precise. Viticulture is already a lot scarcer here; Currently there are approximately 15-20 hectares of vineyards planted in Furano Valley, mainly Chardonnay and Müller-Thurgau.
Viticulture in Hokkaido has grown considerably in recent years; the wines are very popular. But you guessed it, they are also quite pricey due to their scarcity. They start from around €40 in Japan. You will hardly find them on the Dutch market.
Lebanon, Ohio: America's hidden gem
Wines from America are hip and happening! You can find wine from California in almost every wine store. Yet you will hardly find wines from Ohio, and certainly not from Lebanon. Not surprising, because there are less than 10 hectares of vineyards in Lebanon! In any case, wine growing in Ohio is much smaller than in the well-known wine regions of the United States, such as California or Washington.
Den Hoorn, Texel: Dutch wine at its best
Dutch Glory at number 2! Because wine is also made on Texel. But not very much, you will already understand. It's only about 6 hectares. There are several small vineyards spread across the island.
Texel offers excellent conditions for wine growing, especially for grape varieties that thrive in cool and humid climates. Think of Johaniter, Regent, but also Cabernet Sauvignon.
Engadin Valley: Swiss wine growing at high altitude
The absolute number 1 can be found in the Alps, in the Engadin Valley. The valley where St. Moritz is also located. A very special microclimate in Switzerland. And small is really small: about 1 hectare! Yet it has built a reputation for making quality wines from, among others, Müller-Thurgau and Chardonnay.
Viticulture in the Engadine Valley is a major challenge due to the weather conditions at high altitude. The vineyards are often terraced and are worked manually because machines cannot reach them. You must also be a determined winemaker to want to make wine in such a unique place!
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