Wine production from grapes has been known to humanity for centuries, and this field has witnessed an evolution in approach and processing technology. How has wine-making evolved in the Old and New World, and what can wines from Mexico offer to consumers?
The origin of vines likely traces back to the Middle East, where renowned geneticist José Vouillamoz explores and seeks the genetic foundation of ancient vine varieties. Today, vines are cultivated on every continent except Antarctica, thriving in regions between the 40th and 50th parallels on both hemispheres. However, global climate change has begun to challenge this norm, with successful vine plantations now even in the southern parts of England and even in Sweden.
Old World vs. New World
In the world of viticulture, wines are categorized geographically into two main groups: wines from the Old and New Worlds. The Old World comprises wine-producing countries in Europe, while the New World encompasses all other regions. Initially, this division had a different perspective. Noble grape varieties like Riesling, Cabernet, Chardonnay, among others, belong to the so-called noble grape varieties in the Old World. On the other hand, the Americas harbored grape varieties not known for the same quality for centuries. The phylloxera crisis, devastating European vineyards, revealed the necessity of grafting noble varieties onto American rootstocks to rescue and continue the production of these grapes. The subtle rivalry between the Old and New Worlds still persists today. While consumers might perceive less difference, there remains a distinction between the straightforwardness of New World wines upon first sip and the restrained complexity of Old World wines. Globalization, however, has blurred this line, as many New World winemakers trained extensively in European regions, leading to a melding of styles.
Mexican Wines
These events affirm that under suitable conditions, unique wines with refinement and regional distinctiveness can be produced worldwide. Thanks to globalization, regions once considered non-wine-producing are now accessible. One such instance is Mexico. Though vines were planted during the Spanish colonization, modern viticulture in Mexico was significantly influenced by neighboring California. Vineyards exist across Mexico, yet the southern part’s higher average temperatures are more suitable for table grapes rather than noble grape varieties for winemaking. In the northern regions bordering California, excellent examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier are found, benefitting from elevations up to 1,500 meters. The northern part contributes to about 90% of Mexico’s current wine production.
Once again, the unwritten rule prevails: in the right conditions, vines bear quality fruit capable of producing exceptional wines. Vines know no political borders, recognizing only the climate and soil conditions conducive to their growth. Exploring wines irrespective of their origin is a testament to expanding one’s taste experience with wines from regions capable of producing high-quality vintages.
