Climate, terroir, and wine: What matters most in producing a great wine? EARTH only uses professional science journalists and scientists to author our content?  In this era of fake news and click-bait, EARTH offers factual and researched journalism. But EARTH is a non-profit magazine, and at least 10 times more people read EARTH than pay for it. As advertising revenues across the media decline, we need your help to ensure that we can continue bringing you the reliable and well-written coverage of earth science you know and love. Our goal is not only to inform our readers, but to inform decision makers across the economic and political spectrum about the science of our planet. So, we need your help. By becoming a subscriber or making a tax-deductible contribution to support EARTH, you can fund our writers and help make sure the world knows about our planet.PARIS -- Floods, drought, frost and hail cut into world wine production this year across Europe and South America, but the quality of the 2016 vintage shouldn't unduly suffer.

Italy remained the world's top producer for the second straight year, with a volume of 48.8 million hectolitres, according to figures released Thursday by the International Organization of Vine and Wine. Next come France -- hit hard by spring floods and summer drought -- and Spain. Overall global production fell 5 per cent from 2015 levels to 259 million hectolitres, one of the weakest levels of the past 20 years. U.S. wine-making grew 2 per cent to 22.5 million hectolitres, while Argentina, Chile and South Africa saw big drops. Lower production could push up prices, but the bad weather may not have hurt the quality. The wine division of EU farm federation Copa & Cogeca said that while European wine production dropped this year, it's still at a "fair level" compared with 2015. "Overall, the 2016 harvest is on a par with previous harvests and the quality was good across the board," wine division chairman Thierry Coste said in a statement. Italian, French and Spanish exports surged this year, according to Copa & Cogeca.

The group also released figures this week that were in line with the trends by the International Organization for Vine and Wine, a group representing 46 wine-producing countries.best red wine of new zealand More news from Businesswhere to buy ice wine in the uk U.S. economy expanded at weakest pace in 3 years in first quarter of 2017best dry red wine for health Home Capital troubles may translate to higher interest rates for some borrowersbest white wine flavors Montreal landlord fined after tenants rent out condo illegallybest wine cooler australia

Swedish cows in a great moooo-d as summer pastures open Trump rails against 'fake news' and 'Washington's swamp' at 100-day rallybuy german wine ukEnjoying wine with dinner, with friends, or even with your favorite book is a time-honored tradition that never gets old. But with thousands of wines in the world to choose from, how do you make sense of them? Find out what makes different wines unique and how best to enjoy the six most popular wine types in the world. Here’s an easy way to understand any wine list: learn the most popular, key varieties. Since a handful of grapes are universal (and planted in most wine-producing countries), their basic characteristics remain the same, no matter where or how the wine is made. Understanding the top six wine types you’re bound to encounter, which includes three reds and three whites, will make any wine list instantly manageable. Check them out below.

Here are 3 of the most popular types of red wine: Widely known as a “cab,” this wine is a powerhouse, known for its full body, big tannins and notes of cherry, cedar and tobacco. Pair it with grilled steak or lamb. Cab is the most widely planted wine grape in the world. Less tannic than a cab, merlot has a plush, velvety mouthfeel and berry fruit flavors. This is a great match with BBQ or hearty stews. Merlot sales suffered for years after Paul Giamatti ridiculed it in the movie Pinot noir’s thin skin accounts for its light color and body. Fans of this elegant red value its complexity: berry, floral and earthy qualities all in one glass. Don’t hesitate to pair this versatile red with fish! : “Pinot” comes from the French word for “pine cone.” The grape was given its name due to the grape cluster’s cone shape. Below are 3 of the most well-known white wine varieties: A chameleon, chardonnays come in a variety of styles. Aged in oak, a chardonnay takes on a buttered, movie-popcorn quality.

Unoaked, its orchard and citrus fruit notes get to shine. Lobster, poultry and butter sauces are perfect mates with this medium-bodied white. Chardonnay is the most popular wine in the U.S. Often mistakenly assumed to always be “sweet,” riesling runs the gamut from bone-dry to dessert-worthy. Luscious apricot and tree fruit aromas balance the minerality in these high-acid wines, delectable with curries and similarly spicy dishes. Riesling’s signature slim bottle was invented for easy transportation down the Rhine River. Sauvignon Blanc lovers revere it for its tart citrus, bell pepper and herbaceous qualities. Shellfish and pork pair especially well with this fresh and lively wine. Some describe Sauv Blanc as having a “cat pee” aroma (in a good way!) Although not a grape variety, Champagne and bubblies are not just for special occasions. The best show aromas of pear and apple, along with toasty and nutty notes. To be labeled “Champagne,” the wine must not only come from the Champagne region of France, it has to meet strict production regulations.