by Michael Nicks

Created on: July 18, 2009   Last Updated: July 22, 2009

The Greeks have been credited with being one of the first civilizations to crush grapes for the creation of the king of all beverages. While Greece has been making wine for thousands of years, it has lagged behind other top producers such as Italy, France, Spain and even the United States. Greece is now an emerging wine-producing country along with the following listed.

(1) Greece has become more productive because of new regulations set forth in its government after years of foreign occupation. Retsina has been the popular wine of choice in the tavernas in Greece. The cheap and popular drink is made from pine resin. A popular retsina sold wordwide today is Kourtaki. Some wine varieties are Asyrtiko, a white grape that produces a wine that is dry , sweet and full of aroma. Mavrodaphne, a red grape that produces a very sweet wine.

(2) Switzerland is another emerging wine producer, and this is the result of modernizing its wine-production industry and adoption of an appelation control system. The most important wine-growing regions are in the south and western parts of the country. The most important region is Valaris, and the most widely produced grape is the Chasselas, which produces a white wine. Also popular is the Pinot Noir, a full-bodied dry red wine.

(3) Ukraine's wine production has been suppressed by the Soviets over the years. The changing times and new leadership in the Soviet Union have created a new market for Ukrainians, supplying Russia with a special Soviet champagne. Ukraines produce other sparkling wines made from Pinot blanc, Aligote and Riesling. Grape varietals include Aligote, which produces an original white wine golden in color and pleasant in taste. Other whites include Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, which produce golden shades. Red wines include more familiar names like Cabernet Saugvignon, which taste like black currants, and Merlots, which have a taste of cherry.

(4) Romania located in southeastern Europe, is close to the Black Sea and has some of the same climatic conditions as France, Italy and Spain. Romania is becoming one of the largest producers of wine and also some of the most affordable. One of the most popular regions is the Cotnari region, known for its Grasa de Cotnari, which is made from shriveled grapes containing a high sugar content. The traditional varietals like Pinot Noir and Merlot are also cultivated here, having a history of being transported from other nearby countries.

(5) Brazil is another relatively new leader in wine production, having had help from foreign companies like Chandon, Cinzano, Martini and others who have invested large amounts of money in restoration of the vineyards. The main region is the Serra Gaucha, varietals include white wines - Riesling Italico, Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. Red wines include Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. The government mandates labeling requirements for all wines.

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