Discovery

Although home to propitious sites for growing wine, Spain’s main defining feature is its extensive range of native grape varieties. Whether used in blends or as single varietals, they reveal a unique character and substantiate a wine’s origin. International grape varieties like Merlot, Syrah and the Cabernets are admittedly widespread across the country, but indigenous grapes are now riding the crest of popularity.

When it comes to studying market patterns and tastes, Wine of Moldova is a past master and uses the research to craft wines that follow a true strategy. This explains why the producers featured in this report say they export 95% of their wines. Moldova is also increasingly focusing on terroir: the ONVV and Wine of Moldova are planning to expand existing PGIs by adding new designations. Few competitors in the Eastern European space have this ability to adapt to each market they aim to conquer.

Due to its variety of climates, the influence of its valleys and the proximity of the Pacific Ocean, Chile has the ability to grow a wide range of varietals. Not only has it been doing so for two centuries, but now climate change is opening up the possibility of exploring new soils for its wines.

Times have certainly changed since the Adega do Cartaxo co-operative winery, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary, was founded. From a business with 22 vine growers mainly selling its wines in bulk, it now boasts 168 partners with revenue in the millions and wines that sell across the globe. We take a look back over this Portuguese success story.

You can feel the tension in the Bordeaux wine world in the run-up to the 2025 update of the Crus Bourgeois classification. The five-year review, managed by the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois, raises questions among producers, consumers and market players. The significance of the classification, the benefits it offers and the recent controversies surrounding it are all topics that need to be explored to gain a better understanding of the issues involved in this wine industry tradition.

A small country with great pride, Hungary is home to 22 wine regions and more than 200 grape varieties. While domestic consumption has significantly dropped over the past two decades, producers are optimistic and seeking out new markets. Seasoned wine connoisseurs will undoubtedly find exciting wines by Hungarian winemakers, whether they are looking for indigenous rarities or outstanding examples of international varieties.