Mexico’s Growing Wine Industry: The Valle de Guadalupe Phenomenon
Wine, most of the time, is associated with countries such as France, Italy, or Spain. But in the last couple of years, Mexico has taken a rather unprecedented position in the marketplace. Today, types from Baja California and the zone known as Valle de Guadalupe are considered the pride of their industry.
Because more people learn about the type and quality being produced there, the popularity of the country’s brand is also increasing rapidly. This post unravels the history of Valle de Guadalupe’s growth, and what distinguishes it from others. If you’ve ever felt the thrill of a dose of adrenaline, you’ll know that Bizzo Casino is the gaming platform to go to! It long has a grip on the competitive online gaming market.
A Brief History
Mexico has been producing wine for quite some time now, even before it was an independent nation. Grapevines arrived there with the Spanish colonization in the 16th century. They started to cultivate vines and produce locally for religious and personal consumption.
But, later in the 17th century, the Spanish government banned this in its colonies to safeguard its own interests. This stopped their advancement in the sector for many years.
Production only kicked off again in the 20th century, being slowly made on larger and larger scales. Many local producers based in Baja California were experimenting with various types of grapes in the 80s to 90s. Luckily, they learned that the climate in that region and the soil were perfect for growing high-quality crops.
Valle de Guadalupe: The Heart of Mexican Wine
Valle de Guadalupe is now described as similar to California’s Napa Valley. Lying just north of the city of Ensenada, it has now emerged as the wine county of Mexico. Altogether, about 90% of the wine originates from Baja California, of which the majority is made in Valle de Guadalupe.
It has suitable climatic conditions for growing grapes and other related crops. It has a lot of sunny days and cool nights which allows for slow ripening. The area also has a large variation of soil, with clay, sand, and volcanic earth. These conditions facilitated the development of new varieties and styles that people could taste there.
Currently, foodies from across the globe visit the place, all while being enthralled by the beautiful landscapes. Today, they have over one hundred production spots there, from small family-operated places to several industrial-scale operations.
One of the biggest hurdles the scene faces though, is a lack of recognition. Many people around the world are still unaware of their strength and notoriety. This inevitably makes it more difficult for Mexican wineries to compete in the global market. They are largely still a fairly contained industry compared to some of the other internationally known nations.
The Unique Flavors
As for the main types of wines produced there, the following are among the most popular: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Tempranillo. Reds are usually richer with a dark fruity taste, a hint of spice- and some earthy undertones. Whites are usually cleaner, more vibrant, and with citrus and tropical notes.
Honorable Mentions
To top things off, here are a few well-known brands that are gaining recognition for their quality standards:
- Casa Madero: Dating back to 1597, this is one of the oldest facilities in the Americas. Situated in the Parras Valley, they make reds, whites and rosés.
- Monte Xanic: One of the leading names in Valle de Guadalupe, they are known for their premium red and whites. They focus on modern techniques and producing high-quality vintages.
- A. Cetto: This is one of the largest names on the list as they are famous for their affordable yet high-quality options.
- Bodegas de Santo Tomás: Founded in 1888, they are another of the oldest names as well. Favorites from their range are the deep red wines and clear, crisp whites.
- Vena Cava: Known for its unique architecture (constructed from old fishing boats), it is a boutique that specializes in innovation and sustainability.
- Adobe Guadalupe: This spot is known for its excellent red blends and rosés. It also doubles as a luxury bed and breakfast, offering visitors a full wine-country experience.