Researchers at the University of Adelaide in Australia have collected statistics from across 44 countries in order to develop a database of the world’s winegrape varieties and regions.
The new database is being funded by the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC).
The database is expected to provide an in-depth analysis of the world's wine varieties and winegrape growing nations that account for 99% of global wine production.
University of Adelaide School of Economics professor Kym Anderson said that a database of this nature has been highly sought by the wine industry.
"In the wake of wine's globalization, wine producers need to exploit their geographical and varietal distinctiveness in order to boost their competitiveness. This database, for the first time, offers transparency across the world's wine varieties and regions," added Anderson.
"The database reveals that 20 years ago Airen, a white winegrape variety from Spain, was the most widely grown globally, but now Cabernet Sauvignon is the world's most grown winegrape."
According to GWRDC, the database is an exciting new tool for wine producers in Australia.
