In case you were curious, Italy is the worlds largest producer of wine. #2 is France, #3 is Spain, #4 is the United States and Argentina rounds out the Top 5. The company producing the largest amount of wine however, can be found in Modesto California and it’s Gallo. Yes, that Gallo, Ernest and Julio Gallo, the two brothers that started a winery in California in 1933. In addition to wine under their own label, Gallo vineyards also makes, markets, and sells wine under 60 different brand names. I guarantee, if you are a wine drinker, you’ve had a Gallo wine.
Everything from Apothic Red
To the Gallo Family branded wine
It also includes some high-end brands like this beautiful Mac Murray Pinot Noir. Take a trip on their website, and check out the many brands that come under the Gallo distribution name.
It’s only been in the past few years that Argentina has made the top 5, and now Chili is #6. Argentina and Chile are making fantastic wines at affordable prices and deserve to be in the Top 10. I’ve recently had a great Malbec from Argentina.
Trapiche is one of the biggest vineyards in Argentina, and probably the biggest exporter of Argentinian wines. As you can see by the label on the left, they’ve been awarded one of the most admired brands. Wine critic James Suckling gave the 2015 vintage 91 points, but if you can find a 2016 vintage he gave that year 95 points. I would really be interested in trying that wine. This 2015 vintage was delicious, a great Argentinian Malbec with dark red berries, hints of chocolate and flavours of toasted coconut from the new French oak barrels it was aged in.
And now for my wine of the week….
I may have written about this Pinot noir in the past, but I’m featuring it as my wine of the week again, because of the newly discounted price. This wonderful MeIomi Pinot Noir is now under $25. It’s one of my favourite Pinot noir wines because this one is not light or medium bodied, it is full on body! Chuck Wagner makes this wine, also famously known for Caymus vineyards. This wine is made from grapes growing in three different counties, Monterey, Santa Barbara and world renown Sonoma County in the Napa Valley. It’s rich, flavorful, and a great full-bodied food friendly Pinot Noir.
Have a great weekend everyone
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 