Eastern Europe

Croatia--red

An ancient wine producing country with thousands of years of history, Croatia hasn't achieved worldwide fame mostly due to it's focus on local varieties that have names that are difficult for English speakers to pronounce! Despite this, the quality of wine is high and production is widespread, from inland Slavonia to the Dalmatian coast and Istria.

Grapes - Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also Grasevina & Posip (white) and Plavac Mali (red)

Romania--aromatic

A big player with a small reputation! Romania produces more wine than more famous countries like Austria, New Zealand or Greece. Wine has been made here for more than 6000 years, and is prominent across the country, however local tastes run to slightly sweeter reds, which may explain the lack of them in international markets. Things are slowly changing however, with regions such as Cotnari, Murfutlar and Dealu Mare all names to watch out for.

Grapes - Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, but also Feteasca Alba (white) & Feteasca Negra (red)

Georgia--racy

Probably the birthplace of wine as we know it - winemaking materials have been discovered in Georgia that date back over 8000 years! The country has over 400 native grape varieties, nearly all of them not found anywhere else in the world. These days Georgian wine is undergoing a small renaissance, thanks mostly to small organic producers utilising ancient methods of production, such as ageing wines in qvevri (giant clay amphora that are buried in the ground) that produce incredibly unique wines.

Grapes - Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane (white) and Saperavi (red)