A glass of wine while watching a game of rugby is a great combination. Some of the best wines of the world are made in places where they play the best rugby in the world. We are entering the final phases of the Rugby World Cup, taking place in Japan. The current rugby world ranking has New Zealand at no.1, followed by Wales, England, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Japan, France, Scotland and Argentina. By the way, two of the largest wine producers, Italy and Spain are ranged 12th and 16th respectively. Hopefully Spain will be in the next world cup. Can you name the top 10 wine producing countries by volume in 2018? (answer below).
Which wines should you choose from each country to watch the games?
New Zealand, a small island with a small population, that punches above its weight in terms of rugby and wine. Their wine strengths are based on their distinctively explosively Sauvignon Blancs, notably from Marlborough area, and their Pinot Noir’s, particularly from Central Otago, which are among the best in the world.
NZ is followed by three northern hemisphere countries. You may be surprised to read that there are wineries in Wales, around 10 in all, producing over 100,000 bottles a year. The best wines are the sparkling wines. I recently wrote about English Wines, and the ‘boom’ that is taking place in producing wine. Finally, my own homeland Ireland. Archeologists have found remnants of wine making activity dating by to the 5th century. The fledgling Irish wine industry has 5 very small wineries. I have never tasted an Irish wine but it is on my list!
Fifth ranked rugby team is South Africa, where they are making stunningly good wines. If you have never tried South African wines look out for the indigenous grape variety Pinotage, which is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, with its characteristic aromas of ripe plums with a hint of spice and smoke. Chenin Blanc is the white grape most closely associated with SA, notable for its fresh citrus flavours.
Australia is the sixth ranked rugby nation and one of the most important wine producers in the world. There is a wide range of styles of wines from the cool climate Mornington Crescent to the hotter, drier Barrosa Valley. If you are first time, try a Shiraz from the Barrosa and Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley or McLaren Vale.
The Japanese rugby team has been the surprise of the tournament and their world ranking reflects their progress. As a producer Japan is much better known for Sake and Whisky, however, wines made from the local grape Koshu have been winning fans also, notable for its crisp acidity, apple and citrus flavours.
Then we have the French. Tasting and learning about French wines will result in finding some of the most elegant wine in the world. Syrah from the Northern Rhone, Sauvignon Blanc from Pouilly Fume, for example.
After France you have Scotland. Surprisingly there are some small wine producers, however, many of the wines are made from summer berries rather than grapes. Probably best they stick to what they make best, Whisky.
Finally, Argentina, the Pumas, a country that has produced some very talented players also produces some very talented wine makers. There are many grapes and styles, depending on the region. However, to begin start with Malbec from Mendoza and a Torrontes from Salta.
To answer the question. The top 10 wines producing countries by volume in 2018 are: Italy, France, Spain, USA, Argentina, China, Australia, Germany, South Africa and Portugal. New Zealand are 15th.
