FOOD NEWS
The Country That Makes The Most Wine Isn't Actually France
BY SIMONE GERBER
While France may be home to famous wines such as Chardonnay, Bordeaux, and Champagne, the country isn’t the world’s largest wine producer. Instead, that honor goes to Italy.
While you may think of wines like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon as solely French, these wines and the grapes used to make them are largely produced in Italy.
Along with a large quantity of French grapes, Italy is home to its own varietals such as Chianti and Sangiovese, and it pumps out roughly 50 million hectoliters of wine each year.
If you want a true French wine, look for specific terms and appellations. "Champagne," for example, can only be used on the label of sparkling wines produced in Champagne, France.
Other terms to look for include the American Viticulture Area label AVA and French acronyms like AOP, AOC, or IGP. For a high-quality Italian wine, look for terms like DOC or DOCG.
While these "purebred" wines are more exclusive than others, some of the best wines are a cross-cultural effort. Try seeking out French-Italian wines for the best of both worlds.