10 Stunning Wines From Around The World
If you don’t have a fat travel budget right now, you can still get a taste of the world by sampling wines from different countries around the world. Here are 10 of the world’s most delicious, decadent wines that you can taste without leaving your city. Try them all with a well-paired meal, so you can explore without getting on a plane.
1. Argentina: Malbec
Mendoza is Argentina’s largest wine region, delivering full-bodied, red Malbec wines that offer richness in every sip. We love these bold reds alongside hearty dishes like steak — something with enough muscle to match this spicy, full-bodied wine.
If you’re craving something rich and layered, this is your match — intense, enveloping, and as cathartic as a hot summer day that leaves you breathless.
2. Italy: Chianti
Chianti is the wine we order at dinner when we want to feel fancy at dinner. Unlike Malbecs and Bordeaux, it has a brighter flavor while still being refined. It has a sweet edge and fruity flavor, with hints of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. But it also has edgy notes, such as balsamic, herbs, and even smoke. She’s a complex Italian wine that refuses to play by the rules, which is what makes her so sophisticated.
3. France: Bordeaux
There are plenty of wines from France we could talk about, but we’re going with the always classy, French Bordeaux. Known for their layered flavors, which can take you from tart cherries to earthy tobacco in one sip, they have a rustic flavor profile that pairs beautifully with veggies or sunset views, whatever you’re in the mood for.
4. Spain: Rioja
Rioja shares some characteristics with Chianti, such as the complex, layered flavors that swing from sweet berries to rustic wood. These flavors reveal themselves upfront, unfolding gracefully rather than lingering solely in the finish.
The result is a harmonious wine that balances acidity and earthiness with fruitiness. It’s one of our faves for picnic-sipping with a charcuterie board by our side.
5. United States: Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The sheer size of America’s West Coast opens up endless wine possibilities, but Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon is the most coveted. Like all the best Cabs, the ones from Napa are bold and luscious, delivering a full mouthfeel and deep, acidic taste. There’s nothing watery about this wine, so every sip feels firm and robust. Again, this is a prime option for a fat piece of steak, or better yet, a chocolate cake a la Matilda.
6. Germany: Riesling
Okay, but what about white wines? We’re here! German Rieslings stand among the most refined and prestigious white wines in the world. Typically sweet and crisp, with a lush, honeyed flavor. While it’s not a sparkling wine, it often feels like it wants to hang with that gang. The high acidity pairs wonderfully with punchy foods, like sour apples or spicy shrimp.
7. Chile: Carmenère
Carmenère has a striking flavor profile, with juicy notes of raspberry jam, sour cherries, and edgy notes of pepper. Each sip starts off sweet and rich and ends with a robust earthiness that demands you investigate with another sip. This supple wine pairs delightfully with simple but bold foods, such as American BBQ (yum), spicy chicken wings, hot chili, and roasted pork. While it pairs well with daring dishes, it needs no elaborate match to make an impression.
8. Australia: Shiraz
Shiraz is one of the richest red wines in the world, hailing from the legendary Outback. It’s famous for its full-bodied and fruity taste, with undertones of berries, stonefruits, and spices that mingle in a dazzling waltz. It’s important to note this wine often has a higher alcohol percentage, so sip low and slow, or you could get tipsier than expected. It pairs well with yummy charcuterie boards at picnics, but it’s terrific with a naughty slice of dark chocolate cake.
9. New Zealand: Sauvignon Blanc
The Outback’s nearby cousin also has a wine to be proud of, the mature and refined Sauvignon Blanc. This white wine is aromatic, it works with a wide array of cuisines and situations. The herbaceous notes can be grassy or peppery, so there’s a Sauv Blanc out there for everyone vino lover. Try it with everything from sushi to salad and oysters.
10. Greece: Assyrtiko
Bring this wine to your next get-together and you’ll impress everyone with your vino know-how. Assyrtiko comes from Santorini and is loved for its high acidity and mineral taste that bolsters its citrus-forward profile. It often has notes of lime, grapefruit, and lemon, so it’s a uniquely bright and slightly salty wine that tastes best when served with Greek foods (of course). That’s fried seafood, grilled poultry, or honeyed desserts.
