We explore terroirs that express the unique character of the land, climate and people who cultivate them.
Batroun
Lebanon
At 55 Km north of Beirut, Batroun is one of the world's earliest regions to grow vines, dating back to Phoenician times. Today, its vineyards are undergoing a renaissance, benefiting from an excellent coastal location and a favorable climate.
The Bekaa Valley is the birthplace of the modern Lebanese wine industry. The special geographic situation of the terroir provides the vines with optimal exposure, resulting in wines that are unique in textures, tastes and flavors.
Castile and León is one of Spain's most important wine regions, home to several Denominations of Origin (DOs) renowned for their quality. With a rich history, unique soils and character wines, the region represents the perfect combination of tradition and modernity.
Although vineyards are mainly concentrated in the provinces of Barcelona and Tarragona, which together account for 84% of the region's vineyards, the diversity of terroirs is illustrated by the fact that Catalonia boasts 12 denominations of origin (and 300 wine cellars open to tourists).
At the end of the 90s, state-owned land in Dalmatia began to be invested by private individuals. The size of the vineyards was reduced, but the land most suitable for viticulture was selected, and the emphasis was placed on the quality of grape varieties and improved winemaking techniques.
Vines grown on the slopes of the Mediterranean side of ancient Mount Bargylus. The temperate climate and fertile soil of the Latakia hinterland provide the ideal setting for grapes to blossom.
Winegrowing in Morocco dates back to the Phoenicians and to Roman colonization. In ancient times, the main center of wine production was around Volubilis, in the region of present-day Meknes, renowned for its fertile vineyards and ideal climate for viticulture.
The region of Murcia benefits from excellent weather conditions, soil and human resources for grape-growing and producing quality wines. The variety of different soils and climate conditions allows the production of an extensive range of red, rosé and white wines.
Homer called this region "Ampeloessa", meaning "full of vines". Around Nemea, the city of wine, vines have been grown for over 3,000 years. There are some 300 grape varieties, 200 of which are indigenous to the region, some of which are thought to date back to Ancient Greece.
Sardinia is home to one of Italy's oldest winemaking cultures, also one of the richest considering the range of grape varieties and the variety of wine styles found on the island. Sardinian wines tell their own story, often with a Spanish accent.
Sicilian vintages, notably those produced from the island's 85 indigenous grape varieties, have succeeded in establishing themselves at regional and international level, certainly blessed by the fires of Mount Etna.
Known as the "Golden Valley" under Roman rule, it has long been coveted for the fertility of its soil, irrigated by the Danube. The moderate continental climate of the valleys, whose slopes are planted with vines at altitudes ranging from 150 to 450 meters, allows for an extremely rich viticulture.
Winemaking in the Western Cape dates back to 1655, when the first vines were planted by Dutch settlers in the province. Later, French Huguenots forced to leave their homeland brought their extensive know-how, giving a major boost to viticulture in South Africa.