Taiwan
Taiwan, a lush island nation situated in the Pacific Ocean, is increasingly recognized for its burgeoning wine industry. Taiwan's geographical diversity, with its flat western plains and mountainous eastern terrain, provides an array of microclimates conducive to viticulture. Interestingly, nearly three-quarters of the island is covered with mountains and tropical forests, and it is home to numerous fast-flowing rivers. The island's climate, which ranges from tropical in the south to subtropical in the north, encourages the growth of a variety of grape varietals. The island is also susceptible to typhoons and hurricanes, which can impact the vineyards. Despite being renowned for Kavalan, a world-class whiskey distilled locally, Taiwan is also gaining recognition for its wine production. Innovative winemaking techniques have led to the creation of unique wines, some of which are aged in the same American oak barrels used for whiskey production. The resultant wines often express flavors of vanilla, dark chocolate, licorice, and melon.
| Region | Taiwan |
|---|---|
| Country | Taiwan |
| Climate and soil | Taiwan's climate is predominantly hot and humid, influenced by its position on the Tropic of Cancer and the warm Curo Scivo ocean current. However, the varied topography of the island results in localized climatic differences. The western region, for example, experiences more significant temperature variations (15.5°C in January and 28°C in July in Taipei) than the eastern slope (22-27°C), which is more susceptible to rainfall. Annual precipitation ranges from 1500mm in some western areas to 2000-2500mm in general, and even exceeds 3000mm on the southeastern mountain slopes, which are often affected by summer typhoons. The soil composition in Taiwan's wine-growing regions is diverse, but it is generally rich and well-drained, providing a suitable environment for grape cultivation. |