[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Eun-mo] As wine becomes more popular and consumer tastes diversify, wines from various regions, not just famous origins like Bordeaux in France or Napa Valley in the United States, are gaining new attention.
According to a survey conducted by Shinsegae L&B through Korea Research on the 4th, consumers with wine drinking experience responded that the most important factors when purchasing wine are taste, price, and wine type (red or white), in that order. Shinsegae L&B introduced distinctive wines produced in unique regions, reflecting the trend of prioritizing taste over origin.
The Loire is not well known to the general public but is one of the renowned regions loved especially by wine enthusiasts. It is a place lined with beautiful castles showcasing the splendor of French history and is also famous as the third largest wine-producing region in France. It is well known as a production area for the white wine grape variety Sauvignon Blanc. In particular, the "Prunier Sancerre Grand Cuv?e Chaudouyonne" is a wine produced in Sancerre, one of the most prestigious areas in the Loire. It offers sweet aromas of lemon and pear, along with subtle mineral notes of toast and butter, and has an appealing oily volume.
While California is often thought of as the famous wine region in the United States, Washington State should not be overlooked. Washington shares a similar latitude with Burgundy and the Rh?ne Valley in France and is called the "optimal wine belt" due to its abundant sunlight. Especially, the "Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon" is brewed in the traditional Bordeaux style of France, and although it is an American wine, it subtly conveys the charm of European wines. It features a unique rich fruit aroma combined with sweet and bittersweet notes like cherries coated in dark chocolate, along with complex scents of black tea and cedar.
Italy has a wide variety of grape varieties and many wines with strong regional characteristics. In particular, the Veneto region in northern Italy is home to Verona, famous for Romeo and Juliet, the water city Venice, and Lake Garda. It is also known as the birthplace of "Amarone," one of Italy's three great wines. Amarone wine is made from semi-dried grapes, resulting in a highly concentrated, rich, and high-alcohol premium wine. The "Brigaldara Amarone Classico" stands out with aromas of red cherry and berries, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and distinctive bittersweet yet rich tannins. Pairing it with Italian ham such as prosciutto and salami or cheese can create an exotic dining atmosphere.
La Mancha, the setting of Don Quixote's journey, is a plateau located in the heart of central Spain, known for producing wines with diverse aromas due to its distinct seasons and large temperature differences between day and night. The "El V?nculo Crianza" produced here was born in the winery of Alejandro Fern?ndez, a legend of Spanish wine. It uses the indigenous Spanish grape variety Tempranillo and undergoes 18 months of oak aging and 6 months of bottle aging, boasting deep flavors. You can experience intense aromas of ripe fruit, oak, and spicy notes, while the palate is enriched with refreshing acidity, well-structured tannins, and concentrated fruit flavors.
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