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10. Rioja, Spain
The only Spanish wine region in the top 15, wines from Rioja have long been dominant in the UK. Singling out red wines present on London’s wine lists, Wine Picker found that Rioja accounts for 61% of them. However, when all wines are taken into account, it represents just 2% of London’s wine lists.
One of Spain’s two DOCas, Rioja is 100 km long and runs alongside the path of the River Ebro. Divided into three main regions – Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental – around 91% of plantings are devoted to red grapes including Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano. White varieties include Viura (Macabeo), Tempranillo Blanco, Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca.
9. Loire, France
The fifth most popular French wine region, according to Wine Picker’s list, the regions of the Loire Valley follow the course of France’s longest river. Producing a range of styles including dry, off-dry and sweet whites, traditional method sparkling wine and light to medium-bodied reds, there is plenty on offer for sommeliers.
The Loire accounts for 3% of wines on London wine lists, a figure that has remained stable, according to Wine Picker.
8. Veneto, Italy
The popularity of Veneto is in large part down to the two ‘Ps’: Prosecco and Pinot Grigio. The region, however, is also home to Valpolicella and Soave – two neighbouring districts, each with a ‘classico’ sub-region, producing fresh, pear-scented Garganegas and rich, concentrated Amarones.
Veneto also accounts for 3% of wines on lists, however this figure has fallen from earlier highs.
7. Mendoza, Argentina
By far the largest wine producing region in Argentina, Mendoza accounts for 75% of the country’s area under vine and two-thirds of its total wine production. Over 60% of plantings are Malbec. It is famous for its high altitude vineyards – rising over well over 1,500 metres in certain areas particularly in the Tupungato sub region of the Uco Valley.
The only Argentine region represented, wines from Mendoza account for 3% of lists, a percentage which has decreased.
6. Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany in central Italy is primarily known for its reds made from Sangiovese as well as international varieties (where permitted) such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Home of Chianti and its various DOCGS, as well as Brunello di Montalcino DOCG,Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Bolgheri DOC, the region has also spawned Super Tuscan labels Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Masseto and Tignanello.
Tuscan wines account for 4% of wines on London’s wine lists.
