This column has often discussed the importance of terroir or place when it comes to wine. This month, we’re taking that a step further as we examine the main differences between Old and New World wines.
Old World wines come from Europe and parts of the Middle East. New World wines include those from North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. They tend to be grown in warmer climates, resulting in riper, bolder, fruit-driven and higher alcohol drinking wines.
Old World wines are often grown in cooler, more moderate temperatures and are earthier, more herbal, floral, minerally, savory, complex, and structured. They are ideal for paring with food.
Old World wines are place and tradition driven. It’s less about the grape varietal and more about where the wine is from.
Think of French Burgundy vs. New World Pinot Noir. It’s the same grape, but the region takes priority. In general terms, Old World wine production is strictly regulated whereas there are looser rules and more innovation in New World wines.
Old World wines often use more subtle, older oak barrels for aging. With New World wines, you’ll find more frequent use of new oak resulting in pronounced vanilla/spice in the flavor profile.
Old World wines tend to be picked when they are less ripe to preserve acidity and freshness. The winemaking process avoids overpowering the fruit. Grape varieties are often blended to create balance and compensate for vintage variation.
Different grapes provide complimentary attributes (structure, aroma, color, body, acidity). For example, a Bordeaux blend can use Cabernet Sauvignon for structure, Merlot for roundness and Malbec for color.
Old World wines include France’s Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc) regions.
Classic New World wines include Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and Shiraz from Australia’s Barossa Valley. Because of the warmer climates, grapes ripen consistently reducing the need for blending.
Labelling by grape also makes wines more approachable for global audiences. So, broaden your horizons and experiment with different styles of wine from around the world. Cheers!
