Thailand

Vineyards of Thailand: Regions and Their Wine Particularities

Though traditionally known for its tropical climate, Thailand is becoming a surprising new player in the global wine industry. Wine production in Thailand, often referred to as "New Latitude Wines," is challenging due to the humid, tropical environment, but innovative viticulture techniques have led to the production of quality wines. Below is a comprehensive guide to Thailand’s most important wine regions, their notable wines, terroir, and tasting notes.

Thailand Vineyard

Thailand / Khao Yai wine region / Courtesy of PB Valley Khao Yai Winery

1. Khao Yai

Notable Wines:

Shiraz: Rich and full-bodied with dark fruit, spice, and a smooth finish.
Chenin Blanc: Crisp with citrus and tropical fruit flavors, and a refreshing acidity.
Tempranillo: Medium-bodied with red berries, plum, and subtle oak.

Terroir Notes:

Khao Yai is located northeast of Bangkok and is one of the most prominent wine regions in Thailand. The region benefits from a **tropical monsoon climate** with cooler conditions at higher altitudes, allowing for successful grape cultivation. The **loamy soil** and **cool breezes** from the Khao Yai National Park help produce wines with good acidity and balance. Shiraz and Chenin Blanc are the most prominent varieties grown in this region.

General Tasting Notes:

Shiraz: Full-bodied with rich blackberry, black pepper, and subtle spices, supported by soft tannins and a smooth finish.
Chenin Blanc: Crisp and refreshing with flavors of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit, often with bright acidity.
Tempranillo: Medium-bodied with red berry fruit, plum, and a touch of oak, with a smooth texture.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

GranMonte Vineyard and Winery (Khao Yai): Known for **Shiraz** and **Chenin Blanc**. Tasting Note: Shiraz with rich black fruit, pepper, and a smooth, elegant finish.
PB Valley Khao Yai Winery (Khao Yai): Famous for **Shiraz** and **Tempranillo**. Tasting Note: Tempranillo with red berries, spice, and a hint of oak, with a medium-bodied structure.

2. Hua Hin Hills

Notable Wines:

Sauvignon Blanc: Fresh with citrus and tropical fruit flavors.
Colombard: Crisp with bright acidity and green apple notes.
Shiraz: Bold and spicy with dark fruit and pepper.

Terroir Notes:

Hua Hin Hills is located on the Gulf of Thailand, not far from the resort town of Hua Hin. The region enjoys a **dry climate** with plenty of sunshine, which helps the grapes to ripen fully. The soil is **sandy loam** with a mix of **shell fossils**, contributing to the minerality and freshness of the wines. Hua Hin is particularly known for producing **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Colombard**, and **Shiraz**.

General Tasting Notes:

Sauvignon Blanc: Fresh and zesty with citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit flavors, balanced by bright acidity.
Colombard: Crisp and light with flavors of green apple, lemon, and a clean finish.
Shiraz: Bold and spicy with dark berry fruit, pepper, and a smooth, round texture.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Monsoon Valley Vineyard (Hua Hin Hills): Known for **Sauvignon Blanc** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Sauvignon Blanc with crisp citrus, passion fruit, and a mineral finish.
Siam Winery (Hua Hin Hills): Specializes in **Colombard** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Colombard with bright acidity, green apple, and a crisp, clean finish.

3. Pattaya Region

Notable Wines:

Shiraz: Rich and smooth with dark berries and spice.
Chenin Blanc: Fresh with citrus and green apple flavors.
Sangiovese: Medium-bodied with red fruit and earthy notes.

Terroir Notes:

The Pattaya region, located along the Gulf of Thailand, benefits from a **tropical climate** with warm, sunny days and cooling sea breezes. The region's soils are primarily **sandy loam** with good drainage, making it ideal for growing **Shiraz**, **Chenin Blanc**, and **Sangiovese**. The wines from this region tend to be fresh, fruit-forward, and easy-drinking.

General Tasting Notes:

Shiraz: Rich and smooth with dark fruit, pepper, and a balanced, long finish.
Chenin Blanc: Crisp with flavors of citrus, green apple, and a refreshing acidity.
Sangiovese: Medium-bodied with flavors of red fruit, plum, and a hint of earth, with a smooth texture.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Silverlake Vineyard (Pattaya): Known for **Shiraz** and **Chenin Blanc**. Tasting Note: Shiraz with dark berries, spice, and a smooth, lingering finish.

4. Chiang Rai

Notable Wines:

Chenin Blanc: Bright and crisp with citrus and tropical fruit flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold with dark fruit and herbal notes.

Terroir Notes:

**Chiang Rai**, located in northern Thailand, enjoys cooler temperatures due to its higher altitude, making it suitable for growing **Chenin Blanc** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**. The soils are **clay loam**, providing good water retention, and the climate allows for balanced acidity in the wines.

General Tasting Notes:

Chenin Blanc: Fresh and crisp with citrus, tropical fruit, and a bright finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with dark fruit, blackcurrant, and herbal undertones, balanced by firm tannins.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Chateau de Loei (Chiang Rai): Known for **Chenin Blanc** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**. Tasting Note: Chenin Blanc with crisp citrus and tropical fruit, balanced by refreshing acidity.