4 New Wine Regions to Watch

T+L’s resident expert Bruce Schoenfeld identifies four emerging destinations—and the best bottles in each.

Michigan

Riesling zealots are transforming the once-indistinct wines of the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas into some of America’s crispest whites.

T+L Pick: Left Foot Charley 2013 The Missing Spire Riesling is semisweet with enough spine to pair with Thai and Vietnamese dishes.

Where to Sip: The waterfront Boathouse Restaurant, in Traverse City, has a wide selection of wines from the state.

Moldova

Local producers are creating bold wines from international varieties (Merlot, Syrah) as well as indigenous grapes such as Fetească Neagră.

T+L Pick: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and regional grapes, the Purcari 2008 Negru de Purcari could pass as a pricey Napa red, with notes of anise and raspberry jam.

Where to Sip: Carpe Diem, a well-stocked shop and tasting room in the capital, Chişinău.

Swartland

A hour and a world away from South Africa’s manicured Cape Winelands, entrepreneurs are growing old-vine Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Cinsault.

T+L Pick: Sadie Family 2012 Old Vines Series Pofadder Cinsault looks like a rosé, tastes like tart cherries, and has the full-bodied punch of a great Syrah.

Where to Sip: On the shaded terrace of Bar Bar Black Sheep, a wine clubhouse and restaurant in the 17th-century town of Riebeek-Kasteel.

Tasmania

Fruity Pinot Noirs and full-throttle Rieslings are replacing sparkling wines as the Australian island’s most exciting exports.

T+L Pick: There’s a lingering, Burgundy-like finish to the plum-colored, cherry-scented Freycinet Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir.

Where to Sip: Ethos Eat Drink (pictured), one of Hobart’s most creative kitchens, has a relaxed wine and cocktail bar downstairs.

Bruce Schoenfeld is T+L’s wine and spirits editor.

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