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Category Archives: Wine regions of the world


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The Wine Regions of Eastern Spain

Here is a condensed  two page summary of the WSET Diploma D3 material on regions along the eastern Mediterranean coastal strip of Spain.

The regions are mostly Mediterranean in climate and include: Catalunya with sub-regions Penedes, Montsant, Priorat, and Costers Del Segre the last two of which further inland become more Continental than Mediterranean. Also further south Valencia, Alicante and Yeculla are close enough to the coast to be Mediterranean whilst Jumilla and Utiel-Requenia in the foot hills are more Continental.

Again the notes are organised into the key subject areas of: climate, topography, growing hazards, wine law, grape varieties, wine growing and wine making practices.

Spain East Coast Wine Producing Regions KCDownload

See the Spanish wine regions overview to put this in context.

Sources include: WSET Diploma Wines of the World.

Note this document is intended for personal use only not for commercial or promotional use. We accept no liability for any omissions or errors that may be contained in the document.


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The Wine Regions of Spain – Overview

Spain boasts the largest planted vineyard area of any country in the world. However much of this area on the arid Meseta plateau where un-irrigated bush vines can only squeeze out very low yields. It is also the largest exporter of wine but only receives the lowest average price for it.

The Meseta dominates the country, a large raised plateau from 600 to 1000m in altitude, framed by several mountain ranges. The Duero, Guadiana, Tajo and Guadalquivir rivers have carved large valleys through the plateau which drain westwards. The River Ebro flows east along the North-Eastern boundary of the Meseta, through Rioja and down past Priorat, to the Med.

Spain is a large country with a wide range of climatic and growing conditions, however they broadly split into three zones: The Atlantic coast where Moderate Maritime conditions prevail, the Meseta plateau which is Warm Continental and arid and the western and southern Mediterranean coastal strip where is Warm and Mediterranean. This neat summary is slightly undermined by the fact that there are several sub-regions on the slopes of the mountains, that rise up from the coastal strip to the central plateau, that become less Mediterranean and more Continental.  However I found the generalisation a helpful way to categorise and remember the wine regions of Spain. 

I have condensed the WSET Diploma D3 material on Spain into these three broad zones. The Maritime zone along with an overall summary is posted here. The Meseta (with major continental inland regions) and the regions along the Mediterranean coastal strip, will be posted separately.  Again the notes are organised into the key subject areas of: climate, topography, growing hazards, wine law, grape varieties, wine growing and wine making practices.

Spain Overall & Martime Wine Producing Regions KCDownload

To date (Oct 25) wines from Spain have come up fairly regularly in the country, region and mixed bag questions. For instance in both 2025 exams wines came up in the mixed bag; a Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja and a Verdejo from Rueda. Prior to that in October 2023 it was the Q2 country with an Albarino, a Rioja and a Priorat. In 2022 Rioja was the region with a Joven, Reserva and Gan Reserva and it has been in the Q4 mixed bag on 3 other occasions in the last 10 years. 

A Mencia from Bierzo, Godello from Valdeorras or even one of the modern perfumed Garnachas coming out of high altitude Calatayud (as part of a Q1 Grenache trio?) are yet to come up……

In the theory paper, a question on the white wines of Rias Biaxas, Rueda and Rioja just come up in October 2025 and before that one on Rias Biaxas and Priorat in October 2023.

Sources include: WSET Diploma Wines of the World.

Note this document is intended for personal use only not for commercial or promotional use. We accept no liability for any omissions or errors that may be contained in the document.


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The Wine Regions of Southern Italy

Here are the last summaries for Italy, condensing the WSET Diploma D3 material on the country’s  southern regions.

The regions all have a Warm Mediterranean climate with higher quality wines coming from DOC/G areas moderated by altitude or sea breezes. These regions are also the home of number of wonderful indigenous varietals that thrive in the heat.  Regions include: Campagnia on the west coast, Basilicata on the western side of the Apennines, Puglia the heel of Italy surrounded by sea on three sides and of course the islands of Sicily, Sardinia and tiny Pantelleria.

Again the notes are organised into the key subject areas of: climate, topography, growing hazards, wine law, grape varieties, wine growing and wine making practices.

See the Italy wine regions overview to put this in context.

Italy Southern Wine Producing Regions Part 1 KCDownload
Italy Southern Wine Producing Regions Part 2 KCDownload

Sources include: WSET Diploma Wines of the World.

Note this document is intended for personal use only not for commercial or promotional use. We accept no liability for any omissions or errors that may be contained in the document.


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The Wine Regions of Central Italy

Here is a condensed two page summary of the WSET Diploma D3 material on the central regions of Italy.

The regions include: Tuscany and Lazzio which sit on the western side of the Apennines and have largely Mediterranean climates. Umbria straddles the Apennines and is Mildly Continental. Marche and Abruzzo sit on the eastern side of the mountains bordering the Adriatic. These both have a largely Mediterranean climate except for inland parts of Marche which are mildly Contental.

Again the notes are organised into the key subject areas of: climate, topography, growing hazards, wine law, grape varieties, wine growing and wine making practices.

Italy Central Wine Producing Regions Part 1 KCDownload
Italy Central Wine Producing Regions Part 2 KCDownload

See the Italy wine regions overview to put this in context.

Sources include: WSET Diploma Wines of the World.

Note this document is intended for personal use only not for commercial or promotional use. We accept no liability for any omissions or errors that may be contained in the document.


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The Wine Regions of Northern Italy

Here is a condensed  two page summary of the WSET Diploma D3 material on the northern regions of Italy.

The regions include: Piemonte, Trentino, Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli. They sit below the Alp and Dolomite mountain ranges and have mostly a Continental climate except for parts of Veneto and Friuli which are Maritime. 

Again the notes are organised into the key subject areas of: climate, topography, growing hazards, wine law, grape varieties, wine growing and wine making practices.

Italy Northern Wine Producing Regions Part 1 KCDownload
Italy Northern Wine Producing Regions Part 2 KCDownload

See the Italy wine regions Overview post to put this all in context.

Sources include: WSET Diploma Wines of the World, Oxford Wine Companion by Julia Harding and Jancis Robinson.

Note this document is intended for personal use only not for commercial or promotional use. We accept no liability for any omissions or errors that may be contained in the document.


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The wine regions of Italy – Over view

Obviously a meaningful one page summary of Italy is just not possible, it vies with Spain as the largest producer of wine in the world by volume, boasts hundreds of indigenous grape varieties and each of its many regions makes their own distinct wines.

However I found it helpful to split the wine regions into three groups: The northern regions of Piemonte, Trentino, Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli which sit below the Alp and Dolomite mountain ranges and have mostly a Continental climate except for parts of Veneto and Friuli which are maritime. 

Next the band of regions either side of the Apennines across the middle of the country: Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Marche and Abruzzo. The Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas provide these regions with a warm Mediterranean climate except for the mountainous inland parts, such as Umbria, which are mildly continental.

Finaly the southern part of Italy: Campagnia, Puglia, Basilicata along with the islands of Etna, Sardenia and Pantelleria. These regions are also Mediterranean but with the heat turned up higher.

I have condensed the WSET Diploma D3 material into an overall summary map of Italy, posted here, and a pairs of sheets each summarising the above groupings which are posted separately.  Again the notes are organised into the key subject areas of: climate, topography, growing hazards, wine law, grape varieties, wine growing and wine making practices.

Italy Overview Wine Producing Regions KCDownload

To date (May 25) wines from Italy have come up for both the country and region questions. For instance in October 2024 the three wines were Gavi di Gavi, Barolo and Aglianico and in Oct 2020 the wines were Amarone, Marche Verdicchio and Chianti Rufina.  Recent regions were Veneto, again with Amarone, Valpolicella and a Soave and Piemonte again with Barolo and Gavi di Gavi with a Dolcetto. The Barolo and Amarone were the bankers here and then knowledge of the main regions and their key varieties along with some deduction would have been needed to identify the other generally high acid reds and whites.  Barolo has come up several times in the mixed bag but so has Nero d’Avola. Pinot Grigio has come up in the grape variety question along with an Alsatian and New Zealand Pinot Gris which should make sense as a group.

Sources include: WSET Diploma Wines of the World, Oxford Wine Companion by Julia Harding and Jancis Robinson.

Note this document is intended for personal use only not for commercial or promotional use. We accept no liability for any omissions or errors that may be contained in the document.


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Chinese Wine Production

Here is a one page summary of the: climate, topography, growing hazards, wine law, grape varieties, wine growing and making practices in China.

China has the third largest vineyard area in the world all be it that much of that is for table grapes. Even so it is a significant wine producer.

The map shows the main provinces where wine is grown there are some regions for example in Xinjiang province which are protected with Geographical Indications but these are not shown here and at the time of writing beyond the scope of the Diploma.

To date (May 25) wines from China have not featured as a country or in the mixed bag in the D3 tasting exam. As the most produced wines are international varieties made in an international style a Cabernet Sauvignon or Carménère would be hard to pick out as Chinese in origin in a mixed bag.  Also very little of the wine produced is exported but in the future perhaps Marselan and Petit Manseng, both gaining favour for their disease resistance, might become signature varietals?

China Wine producing provinces KC01Download

Sources include: WSET Diploma Wines of the World, Oxford Wine Companion by Julia Harding and Jancis Robinson, and Google aerial photographs.

Note this document is intended for personal use only not for commercial or promotional use. We accept no liability for any omissions or errors that may be contained in the document.


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Greek Wine Producing Regions

A one page summary of the: climate, topography, growing hazards, wine law, grape varieties, wine growing and making practices and the main wine producing regions.

Greece has at the time of writing not come up as a country in the D3 tasting exam. However key wines have come up in the mixed bag and if it did wines to look out for include:

  • Assyrtiko from Crete or Santorini
  • Xinomavro from Naoussa (or Amynteo)
  • Moschofilero from Mantinia
  • Agiorgitiko from Nemea

And don’t forget Retsina!

For a deeper dive, beyond the Diploma curriculum, into the many Greek PDOs and IGTs Wines of Greece website has plenty of information.

Greek WIne Producing Regions KCDownload

Sources include: WSET Diploma Wines of the World, Wines of Greece & various producer wine maps and aerial photography.

Note this document is intended for personal use only not for commercial or promotional use. We accept no liability for any omissions or errors that may be contained in the document.

© Kiran Curtis 2025. Personal use only not to be used for commercial or promotional purposes.


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Bulgarian wine producing regions

A recent masterclass organised by ThracianLowlands PGI and presented by Jamie Goode provided a great overview of Bulgarian wines produced from native grape varieties. Since the fall of communism which focused on mass produced wine, the return of land to winegrowing families and support for the industry upon joining the EU the industry has experienced something of a revival.  Indigenous grape varieties are being show cased but also wines from international grapes. Back in the 80s it was popular for its quaffable Merlot and now makes for instance some excellent value Pinot Noir too.

There are currently only two PGIs: the Danubian Plains and The Thracian Lowlands which between them cover pretty much all of the country. Its pointed out that Bulgaria is on similar latitude to Tuscany and Bordeaux but this just means it is in the zone and actually has its own unique climatic influences and these vary dramatically across these large regions.

The Thracian Low Lands PGI lies to the south below the line of the Balkan Mountains. The climate is continental and the summers are warm.  The region is large and varied and informally divided into the Struma Valley with mediterranean influences to the west, Thracian Valley to the south, the Rose valley between the Balkan and Sredna Gora mountains and the Black Sea Coast with maritime influences which spans both PGIs.

The Danubian Plains PGI to the north of the Balkan Mountains is continental in climate and cooler than the Thracian Lowlands.  Influences include the wide water body of the Danube and to the east the Black Sea. It is therefore informally subdivided into the Danube River Plains to the west and the Black Sea Coast.

Blugaria wine producing regions KCDownload

The Native Wine Grapes of Bulgaria:

Varieties include aromatic whites through to bold, structured reds.  Some are old and some the product of crossings produced during the communist era many with a terpenic Muscat quality.

White Varieties: Aromatic and Expressive

Red Misket, despite its name, is a white grape with a faint blush hue. It is also unrelated to the other Misket varieties. One of Bulgaria’s oldest varieties, it thrives in the Rose Valley, yielding floral, citrus-driven wines with crisp acidity. These wines are often vinified dry but retain an alluring perfume reminiscent of Muscat.

Dimyat is a sun-loving variety with Thracian origins, predominantly grown along the Black Sea coast. Known for its delicate body and bright acidity, it produces refreshing white wines typically with aromatic notes of roses. The sample we tasted ‘Why Not Red Misket’ by Milkov was actually more orchard fruity, with a nice wet stone and brine finish with light body and only 11% ABV.

Vrachanski Misket an old variety, hails from northern Bulgaria, offering intensely aromatic wines with citrus, herbal, and floral nuances. It shares a kinship with Muscat varieties, often resulting in vibrant, expressive wines. The example we tasted from Tipchenitza Winery was blended with Chardonnay and matured in French oak barrels and had an interesting mix of floral and peach notes and smoky wood.

Tamay Anka, is actually a clone of Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains so native but not autochthonous. It displays a characteristic exotic floral and spicy character.

Sandanski Misket, a rarity found in the Struma Valley, a crossing of Melnik and Tamayanka. It delivers aromatic, peach-tinged wines with a distinct herbal undertone, often crafted into fresh, dry styles.

Red Varieties: Both Power and Elegance.

Broadleaved Melnik, a signature variety of the southwest, produces complex, age-worthy wines with rich red fruit, spice, and tobacco notes. Named after the town of Melnik it flourishes in the Struma Valley, needing the warm Mediterranean influence to fully ripen.

Melnik 55, a modern crossing of Broadleaved Melnik, ripens earlier and delivers softer, fruit-driven reds with vibrant cherry and peppery spice. One example we tasted from Villa Melnik was ripe, full bodied with black fruits and spice and over 15% ABV, the other from biodynamic AYA estate elegant structured with slightly sour fruit notes and a little pleasant funk.

Mavrud, an ancient Thracian variety, is Bulgaria’s boldest red. It exudes dark berry, leather, and earthy tones, crafting robust wines with firm tannins and great aging potential. The example we tasted from Cheval de Katarzyna was indeed round and fleshy with tasty ripe fruits.

Rubin, a cross between Nebbiolo and Syrah, offers deep colour, ripe fruit, and velvety tannins, blending elegance with power. The results are surprisingly as attractive as the mix sounds. I tasted a couple of examples which had structure yet freshness and worked well oaked and unoaked.

Pamid, one of the country’s oldest grapes, is light-bodied and easy-drinking, producing fresh, fruit-forward reds best enjoyed young.

Gamza, known as Kadarka in Hungary, thrives in northern Bulgaria, yielding delicate, cherry-laden wines with lively acidity, often compared to Pinot Noir in finesse. We tasted two examples. The first Thomas Gamza single vineyard 2022 by Burgozone Collection which was light in colour, perfumed with red cherry, medium acidity and a nice savoury edge. Delicious. The second Koshava Gamza 2023 by Bononia Estate had 25% cabernet franc in the blend which gave it a slight herbal note and a little extra grip.  Still with soft red fruit and freshness a lovely excellent value wine.

There is a broad range of well-made wine styles here at attractive prices that will have wide appeal. I particularly liked some of the Gamza and Rubin wines which will appeal to lovers of Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo.


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Tuscan Sangiovese

Sangiovese is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy, known for its adaptability and quality potential. It is an early-budding, late-ripening vine that is vigorous and high-yielding, often requiring green harvesting to control crop load for better quality. It performs best on south to southeast-facing slopes at cooler higher elevations ( 200 + meters) which help extend the ripening period. It thrives in the classic Galestro found in Tuscany arguably the home of this grape variety.

It forms the backbone of Chianti, where it must make up at least 70% of the blend, and Chianti Classico, where the minimum is 80%. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano also relies heavily on Sangiovese but in Brunello di Montalcino the wines are 100% Sangiovese producing powerful, long-lived wines.

This contrast between 100% Sangiovese wines and blends was brought home to me recently when advising on the selection of northern Italian wines for a wedding. I was struck by how sensitive Sangiovese wines are to the addition of even quite small amounts of other varieties. Canaiolo and Colorino are the classic varieties added for florality and deeper colour in Chianti Classico. These obviously change the aromatics a bit and the colour.  However when international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are added that delicate sour cherry and chalky character of Sangiovese seems to disappear.

Given the quantity of the grape grown in Italy it is perhaps not a surprise, it can’t all be grown on these ideal sites and so blending is obviously a useful way of filling in gaps and completing a wine at a certain price point. And there really are some great reasonably priced wines from Tuscany.