With the earliest signs of wine production discovered in the Southern Caucasus mountains and in ancient China, we have to ask, why the Northern Hemisphere was, and still is, the premier region for successful grape growth. And more importantly, with an ever-changing climate, is wine production in this region here to stay?
How Did Commercial Wine Production Start Here?
The consumption of wine appears to have been around for centuries. In the tomb of King Tutankhamun, 36 wine jugs were discovered, and in India, early writings show that the drink was consumed in the courts of emperors. Many say that the Phoenicians distributed wine around the Mediterranean region while on voyages. But it appears to be during the Roman Empire that things really began to take shape from a commercial standpoint.
Savvy Romans decided that to cut down on shipping, they should start to produce wine locally. This led to them planting grape vines all across Europe, in areas where they had taken control. When the empire fell into decline, the reins of wine production were handed to the churches and monasteries.
They became the main European wine producers, planting vineyards across north-eastern France and along the Rhine Valley in Germany. However, it wasn’t until around the 14th century onwards that the process became even more commercialised.
Which Grapes Grow Well in the Northern Hemisphere?
There’s a lot to take into consideration, but ultimately grape vines are resilient and tend to grow where there’s fertile land and sunlight. They require balanced temperatures, and this is why, with so many microclimates, Europe and the United States produce over half of the world’s wine.
Each regions’ success ratio depends on several factors, including how to choose the right grapes based on geography, weather, and terroir. This breaks down even further - to how far apart the vines are positioned, their elevation, and which way they are facing.
Italy and France are so successful in wine production because the temperatures vary so much from region to region, and pockets of microclimates ensure that producers can diversify their grape varieties. For example, in Liguria, northwest Italy, Bosco and Pollera Nera grapes grow really well, whereas a few hours east in Veneto, farmers would plant Rossignola and Negrara Veronese grapes.
The grape has to be compatible with the environment for it to grow, and the more varieties a country can grow, the better chance of a successful harvest.
What does DOC Mean?
DOC is the highest designation for Italian wines, it stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata. It’s basically a set of guidelines a producer has to follow before they can sell their wines commercially. This classification doesn’t just distinguish the type of grape and where they are grown but also yields, levels of alcohol and barrel usage.
DOCG is even stricter – the wines are aged for longer and they have to be submitted to a government committee prior to being sold. Italy has 20 major wine regions - Piedmont being one of the finest.
The picturesque Alpine region is known for producing the highest quality DOCG wines, which pair well with the area's meat/truffle gastronomical dishes.
Which DOC/DOCG Wines Are Good to Try?
The following red wines from the Piedmont region of Italy are favourites of collectors and connoisseurs. These include Barbera, Nebbiolo and Dolcetto. Most are fruity and rich with DOC and DOCG classifications. If you’re looking for white wines - try the Moscato Bianco with notes of melon, grape, mandarin, and pear, the crisp Cortese or oaky Chardonnay. Other rare wines are the Ruche or rose Chiaretto – perfect for a hot sunny day. In France look for AOC classification (the French equivalent to DOC). Many wines from the vineyards of Alsace, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley have this guarantee of excellence. In the USA, wines can carry an AVA accreditation. This means that a high percentage of the grapes (over 85pc) must come from the regional listed location.
Is Wine Production in the Northern Hemisphere Here to Stay?
Even with climate change, there are new and exciting grape varieties emerging all the time which are resilient to different temperatures. And with such a diverse range of wine producers spread all across the Northern Hemisphere, it’s fair to say that wine production in the region is set to continue for a very long time to come.
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