Mexico

**Mexico** is the oldest wine-producing country in the Americas, with vines planted by Spanish colonists in the 1500s, though for centuries the industry was overshadowed by beer, spirits and a colonial ban on new plantings. Today it is a small but ambitious producer whose modern quality revival has drawn real international attention. **Signature wines** — Bold reds are the calling card, from Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache and Tempranillo, often in warm, ripe, sun-driven styles, alongside a growing range of whites and rosés. **Key regions** — The Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California is the heart of quality wine, cooled by Pacific breezes; other pockets exist in Coahuila, Querétaro and Zacatecas at high altitude. **Good to know** — Mexico has no elaborate national appellation hierarchy in the European sense, and much of its output is concentrated in Baja. The country also grows enormous quantities of grapes for brandy, which historically defined its viticulture more than table wine.

Wines

• Artesanal — Unknown
• Ocho Mezcla Reserva — Bruma
• Sparkling Vino Blanco — Joie de Vivre