5 little-known wine regions with exceptional wines

In the vast and fascinating world of wine there are wine regions that might not be hidden treasures, and don’t get the same attention as Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Tuscany and Rioja; but there are countless lesser-known denominations that produce exceptional wines, keeping secrets of unrivalled taste and quality.

Entering into these under-explored regions is like opening a door to a wine universe full of surprises and exciting discoveries.

We want to invite you to embark on an exciting journey through five wine denominations that aren’t very well known, but where they make authentic liquid treasures that deserve to be discovered and appreciated by wine lovers.

Come on, we’re off!

5 wine regions worth discovering

D.O. Montilla-Moriles (Spain)

Used to living in the shadow of the Marco de Jerez, Montilla-Moriles (Córdoba) is another Andalusian denomination where they make great wines that are very similar to the renowned fortified wines of Jerez. These two denominations of origin: the D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and the D.O. Montilla-Moriles, rather than being rivals, are sisters who share similarities and whose unique personality can be seen through certain differences. 

Both regions create biologically aged wines (the famous wines aged under a yeast cap), however, while the Palomino is the main grape in the Marco de Jerez, in the D.O. Montilla-Moriles they exclusively cultivate the Pedro Ximénez variety, which is used to produce dry wines with and without biological aging, as well as extraordinary sweet wines, whose quality has been recognised by being awarded the coveted 100 Parker points, wines like the Toro Albalá Don Px Convento Selección wine, for its 1946 vintage.

AOC Crémant de Bourgogne (France)

While champagne is the leading sparkling wine, we want to tell you about the charm and elegance of Crémant de Bourgogne. Made with the same meticulous attention to detail and tradition as its famous neighbour, Champagne, the sparkling wines made in the AOC Crémant de Bourgogne are gems that have always been overshadowed by the world’s most famous bubbles, but deserve to be discovered.

These sparkling wines are made following the traditional method (just like champagne), with a predominance of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes which, as is well known, express themselves with exquisite finesse in Burgundy, which is perfect for them.   

With their fine bubbles, vibrant freshness and elegant personality, AOC Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wines are an exceptional alternative that offer a Champagne-like experience at a more affordable price. So why not give them a try?

Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italy)

As well as having great food, landscapes and history, Italy also has a lot going for it when it comes to wine. From the toe of the boot to the Alps, passing through its islands, vineyards can be found in every corner of Italy. The red wines made in Piedmont and Tuscany are famous, but there are also little-known regions where you will find real treasures. 

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is considered the birthplace of Italy’s best white wines and is also a paradise for those who love natural wines and orange wines.

Lying between Austria, Slovenia and the Adriatic coast, they say that this is where the best white Pinot Gris wine in the country (and probably the world!) is made.

This Italian region is home to talented winemakers who are committed to tradition with Stanko Radikon as a mentor. This winegrower prioritised natural winemaking and vinification with prolonged contact of the grape skins with the wine (orange wines). Today these are true cult wines.

Oregon (United States)

When we talk about wine in the United States, it is California (mainly Sonoma and Napa) that gets all the attention; however, there is another region that seems to be a real gem for those who love smooth and elegant wines. We are talking about Oregon, known as the Burgundy of the New World.

Located on the country’s west coast, north of California and south of Washington State, Oregon has warmer summers than California and colder winters than Washington State, perfect conditions for growing and making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling wines.

If you love Burgundy-style wines, you will find true treasures here, because it is home to the freshest, most subtle and elegant wines in the entirety of North America.

D.O. Vinos de Madrid (Spain)

When we talk about Madrid, we immediately think of its many monuments, lively nightlife, gastronomy and tapas tours, or the lively soccer matches, but it hardly ever crosses our minds that the Madrid region also makes wine, and very good wine at that.

For some time now, the Garnacha revolution has had a particular name, the undisputed standard-bearer of this movement: Comando G. Young and enthusiastic winemakers who produce delicate, smooth and mineral Garnacha wines, with a finesse that has nothing to envy in the great Pinot Noir wines of Burgundy. 

As well as the good work of these winegrowers, much of the personality of these Garnacha wines comes from the characteristic granite soil where they grow, which is shared with other denominations of origin in provinces like Avila and Toledo, which border the D.O. Vinos de Madrid, and who are following the example of Comando G. A little area to look for high quality wines that will be very difficult to find later on.

So, wine adventurers, it’s time to get away from the usual wine destinations and open your palates to new experiences through these wine regions that are lesser-known but home to great wines to discover and enjoy. Are you brave enough to follow the journey?