Ever wonder what makes a great wine?
Many times I often search for hours trying to find a nice bottle of wine to purchase as a gift only to be confused by the wide selection of varietals, types and regions.
I have also spent countless hours browsing through the many web pages from online stores that will ship wine.
There are so many wines that are considered Top Rated Wines. I think the first step in picking a great wine is to understand your palate and your preferences. Some people like Old World Wines while others may like New World Wines. For those of you who might be novices in wine, I will explain these terms to you.
Old World Wines are considered wines from regions that have been making wine for a very long time. These wines are usually made traditionally under strict government guidelines using particular varietals.
Italian wines are considered Old World because some of these wines can be dated back many generations and made in the same traditional way. These wines can also be described as a certain style or taste and or feeling that you experience when you drink this wine.
For example some may enjoy a nice traditional Rhone style wine which describes an Old World wine from France that possesses certain characteristics. Some of these Old World Wines come from France, Italy, Spain and European Regions.
New World Wine refers to wines that are fairly new from up and coming regions that use new techniques or new varietals. Some of these regions include:
- The United States
- South Africa
- Australia
- Chile
- And others.
These wines use different techniques and different blends that differ from traditional styles. There have been some instances where a New World region can produce an Old world Varietal and the term isn’t confined to a region but refers more to the traditional or non traditional way a wine is produced.
So once you find your style you can then explore the Top Rated wines from that region.
I will try to list these top rated wines according to region to simplify your decision for that perfect wine.
Old World Wines:
Italian Wines:
Some of the Top rated wines come from vineyards that have been making wine for a very long time. Some of these wines mastered their skills and it shows in their wines and although some vintages score better than others, all vintages are considered Top Rated.
These include: Antinori Tignanello 2006 94 Points, Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello 2004 95 Points, Tenuta Dell Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2007 99Points, Sassicaia Red 2007 95 Points, Oreno Red Wine 2008 96 Points, Gaja (all styles scored very high).
French Wines:
Some of these wines from France are among the best and all scored well above 94 Points. These are considered Classic and Traditional. Some of these wines are:
Clos des Brusquieres Chateauneuf Du Pape 2007 94 Points, Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2007 94 Points, Chateau Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 2005 96 Points, Domaine Du Grand Tinel Chateauneuf Du Pape 94 Points.
Wines from Spain:
Some of these wines include: Alvear Px Solera 1927 96 Points, Capcanes Montsant Mas Donis Barrica 2007 90 Points, Allende Red Rioja 2005 92 Points, Numanthia Toro 2007 94 Points, Baron De Ley Finca Rioja 2005 91 Points, Bodega El Nido Jumilla Murcia 2006 97 Points.
New World Wines:
California Wines:
Some of the California Vineyards and Wineries have developed some Old World Style wines and California is definitely one of the area’s that make some of the world’s best wines. Some of these Wines include: Joseph Phelps Insignia 2006 95 Points, Altamura Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 94 Points, Rubicon Estate 2006 94 Points, Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Kelham 2007 94 Points, Harlen Estate 2005 97 Points.
Australia
Australia’s wine industry is the fourth largest exporter according to Wikipedia and produces different varieties. The up and coming regions of Australia are really starting to produce some high quality wines which include: Elderton Command Shiraz Barossa 2005 97 Points, Mollydooker Enchanted 2007 95 Points, D’Arenberg, The Dead Arm Shiraz 2006 95 Points.
Here are some great suggestions of top quality wines. You can find these wines at almost any reputable store or online. Hopefully this article has inspired you to experiment and try different wines until you find one that tickles your fancy. You can find some of these highly rated wines at https://theliquorstore.com/. Please don’t forget to join the email list for special offers and discounts and if you enjoyed this article, please feel free to read our other fantastic articles at our blog. As always this is William Winehart wishing you good food, good friends, and good wine….
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