Flanders, Belgium

Flanders, the northern region of Belgium, has a small but growing wine industry, specializing in cool-climate wines with a focus on white and sparkling wines.

Regional History & Terroir: Flanders has a relatively recent history of winemaking, experiencing a revival in the past few decades. The region's climate is maritime-influenced, with mild summers and cool winters. The terroir is characterized by a variety of soils, including loam, clay, and sandy soils, which contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines.

Typical Grape Varietals: In Flanders, the grape varietals cultivated are adapted to the cool-climate conditions. For white wines, popular varietals include Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Müller-Thurgau. These varietals can express vibrant acidity, crispness, and fruity flavors. For sparkling wines, traditional Champagne grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier are also grown.

Regional Wine Styles: Flanders is known for its production of white and sparkling wines. The white wines are often aromatic, displaying fresh citrus, green apple, and stone fruit flavors, with a crisp and lively acidity. The sparkling wines are produced using the traditional method and exhibit fine bubbles, delicate mousse, and complex flavors. Flanders also produces a smaller quantity of red wines, typically made from Pinot Noir, with lighter body and fruity characteristics.

The wines of Flanders showcase the region's cool-climate influence, offering refreshing and elegant options that pair well with local cuisine. While the wine industry in Flanders is still relatively small, it continues to gain recognition for its quality and unique expression of the region's terroir.