Upcoming Wine Regions

Name-drop these wine-growing areas for maximum vinous cred.

Burgenland, Austria

While most folks associate Austria with white wines like Gruner Veltliner, its easternmost area is particularly adept at red varieties. Indigenous grape varieties like Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt have a range of expressions, from fresh, easy-drinking rose to structured heavyweights with oak ageing. As versatile as Pinot Noir, these grapes are to be taken seriously. Get them from: www. schmidtmarketing.com

Canelones, Uruguay

Just north of capital Montevideo is Canelones, which boasts 60 per cent of the country’s winemaking output. Its queen of grapes is Tannat, originally from south-west France but transplanted by Basque immigrants and adapting perfectly to the damp weather and clay-rich soils. Tannat wines from Uruguay are typically softer, with less tannin. Get them from: www.certaincellars.sg

Istria, Croatia

In the hillsides of Istria, you’ll find echoes of neighbouring Italy, especially in the local grape variety, Refosk (Terrano in Italy, and Teran in Slovenia). Grown on highly prized red clay soil (terra rossa), the grape has high acidity and grassy, spiced and peppery notes. Malvazija Istarska is the main white, with dry notes of quince, fennel and apricot. Contact: moritz@ampelia.com.sg

Yunnan, China

LVMH’s multimilliondollar venture into the wine trade here has turned attention to south-west China. Grapes for church wine were introduced in the 19th century by French missionaries, while more recent plantings of international varieties in the early 2000s have seen vines thrive at an altitude of 2,000m. Ao Yun 2014 retails at the US$300 (S$410) mark. Get it from: www.vinum.com.sg