Use our region glossary to trace terroir, climate, and quintessential styles across the wine world.
Cava is Spain’s principal traditional-method sparkling wine, rooted in Catalonia around Sant Sadurní d'Anoia in the Penedès, where producers began making sparkling wines in the late 19th century (notably Josep Raventós in 1872). Recognized as a DO (Denominación de Origen) since 1972, Cava spans seve… Read more
The Central Coast of California stretches roughly from the San Francisco Bay south through Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties to Ventura — a broad, diverse viticultural corridor rather than a single appellation. The region combines cool maritime influences with warmer inland pocket… Read more
Central Greece, a region steeped in history, stretches from the slopes of Mount Olympus to the outskirts of Athens, encompassing diverse terroirs and wine styles. This area, home to ancient viticultural traditions, is experiencing a renaissance, with producers blending indigenous grapes with interna… Read more
Central Otago, on New Zealand’s South Island, is the country’s most southerly and one of its youngest wine regions, emerging strongly for quality wine since the 1980s. The region is best known for intensely flavoured, elegant Pinot Noir that reflects clear fruit, bright acidity and often brisk miner… Read more
Chile's Central Valley (Valle Central) is the country's principal wine-producing corridor, stretching from Santiago south through Maipo, Rapel, Curicó and Maule. Long-established vineyards on broad valley floors and lower foothills deliver high-volume, consistent wines that range from everyday table… Read more
Cerasuolo di Vittoria is Sicily's only DOCG, centered around Vittoria in the island's southeastern corner. Officially promoted to DOCG in 2005, the wines are distinctive blends built around Nero d'Avola and Frappato. Cerasuolo — literally "cherry-colored" — typically delivers vibrant ruby hues, live… Read more
Cesanese del Piglio is a small, characterful DOCG in the hills southeast of Rome, centered on the town of Piglio in Lazio. The zone is best known for age-worthy red wines built around the indigenous Cesanese grape, which produces fragrant, dark-fruited wines with a rustic, savory edge and good acidi… Read more
Chablis, nestled in the Yonne department of Burgundy, France, is globally renowned for its distinctive white wines crafted exclusively from Chardonnay. This cool-climate region, located closer to Champagne than the Côte d'Or, produces wines known for their steely minerality, crisp acidity, and subtl… Read more
Chambave is a small, picturesque wine commune in the Aosta Valley of northwestern Italy, perched along the Dora Baltea river and framed by steep, sun-drenched terraces. The area is best known for its aromatic Moscato passito wines and for elegant, often medium-bodied reds that reflect centuries of m… Read more
Champagne, in northeastern France, is the world’s benchmark for sparkling wine made by the méthode traditionnelle. Centered on Reims and Épernay with dozens of villages classified as Grand and Premier Cru, the region blends local varieties to achieve freshness, finesse and complexity. Historic house… Read more
Château-Chalon, nestled in the Jura mountains of eastern France, is renowned for its distinctive Vin Jaune, a wine aged under a veil of yeast, resulting in its unique nutty and oxidative character. This tiny appellation, perched high on a limestone cliff, overlooks the surrounding vineyards and vill… Read more
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, located in the southern Rhône near Avignon, is one of France’s most storied appellations, formally protected since 1936. Best known for powerful, full-bodied red blends, the wines combine ripe Grenache-driven fruit with structure and spice from Mourvèdre and Syrah. The area’s hi… Read more
