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Mexican Wines

Wines form Mexico

Mexico, which forms the southern tip of North America, appears to be a non-wine region to most people.

But, the truth is that the country has involved in viticulture and viniculture for longer when compared to all the other nations in the American Continent.

This oldest wine region of the Americas is turning out to be the home of some exciting New World wines today.

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In simple terms, we could say that the country is going through a revolution in the wine industry. In this article, you will learn all about the Mexican wines…

History of Winemaking in Mexico

The history of winemaking in the nation can be dated back to the 1500’s when the Spanish conquered the country.

They were the people who brought vine plantings from the European Continent to Mexico.

It’s true that the country had several indigenous grape varieties even before the arrival of Spanish people, but they were the people to figure out that the European varieties are performing well here.

Since that time till the independence, the wines were produced in the country only on a smaller scale. The real golden period for the nation in the winemaking is after the independence.

There were no restrictions on wine production and hence, the production grew dramatically, particularly during the nineteenth and twentieth century. In tradition, Mexico was not a wine consuming country.

However, the wine consumption was found to have increased steadily in the recent past alongside beer, tequila, and mescal drinks. Despite all these, the wine industry of Mexico saw a massive downfall with the Mexican Revolution.

Mexico’s Modern Wine Industry

After the downfall, the country’s wine industry experienced a comeback only during the 1980’s.

Since this, the wine production in the country is found to be increasing steadily with the betterment of vineyards and the modern methods of winemaking.

The wine production in the country peaked during the later part of the 1980s at 4 million cases in a year. But, with the opening of its small wine market to the global competition, the native production was hurt.

At present, the total wine production in the country is standing at around 20 million liters per year only. This is in spite of having more than 100,000 acres under vine cultivation.

Most of the vineyards in the country are found to be dedicated to the brandy production.

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Wine Regions of Mexico

Today, the country is found to be having three major wine areas, with Baja California as the epicenter of the nation’s finest wine industry.

This is responsible for almost 90% of the country’s total wine production.

In the northern zone, there are also other wine regions apart from Baja California. They are Sonora and the Parras Valley.

In the central part, the major vine cultivating areas are:

  • Zacatecas
  • Aguascalientes
  • Querétaro

These three areas are found to be cultivating grapes, mostly for brandy, as well as sherry production, although they are also producing some sparkling wines.

In general, all the wine areas of Mexico are found to be experiencing a fairly warmer climate, which is giving the Mexican wines the spiciness, ripeness, and full-bodied textures.

But, the Baja California is found to be experiencing dry and warm summers. Here, the breezes from the sea waters are allowing the varietals of California to perform well.

Major Grape Varieties of Mexico

Inspired by world-famous Bordeaux region, the country’s major grape varieties are found to be:

  • Cabernet sauvignon
  • Shiraz
  • Merlot
  • Tempranillo

Other grape varieties that are primarily produced here are found to be:

  • Colombard
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Semillon
  • Chardonnay
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Carignan
  • Grenache
  • Malbec
  • Petit Verdot
  • Chasselas
  • Macabeo
  • Moscatel
  • Palomino
  • Riesling
  • Sauvignon Blanc

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Author

Tharani Rajamanickam

Tharani Rajamanickam

Winewriter

I am Tharani, I have Bachelors degree in Biotechnology. I am passionate about the wine industry and continue to explore, learn and share and I bring in a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you keep updated with best wines in the world. Stay tuned..

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