Is It Out with the Old World Wines and In with the New?
There is a common misconception about the differences that exist between Old World and New World wines. It is common for people to make broad statements about Old World versus New World or New World versus Old World without truly being knowledgeable of the differences between the two styles or what really makes a wine Old World or New World.
New wine bottles, wine glasses and earth globe
Most Old-World wines tend to be lighter in body, more restrained and have a lower alcohol content, although this is very much a generalization that isn’t always accurate. Winemaking in Old World wine countries is heavily regulated, with strict guidelines that all wineries must follow.
Quick Fact
Old World wine refers to wines produced in countries that are considered the to be origin of wine, namely Europe and the Middle East. Old World countries include Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Georgia, Lebanon, and Israel.
Many different kinds of wine are produced across the Old World, and current winemakers are often held accountable to old standards. People often claim that they prefer Old World wine because they appreciate the heritage and have an attachment to it. The fact that the wine in front of us has been made in the same manner as wine made centuries ago is romantic for us as wine drinkers.
In the New World, winemakers and wines embody the entrepreneurial spirit of their ancestors who migrated to find a new life. There is much experimentation ongoing in these regions, and winemaking practices vary greatly. A new world approach generally emphasizes the production of wine in a way that takes advantage of modern technology and advancements rather than making wine traditionally.
Quick fact
New World wines are made in countries, including the United States, that were colonial at one point and are located nearer the equator. As a result, these wines are generally more full-bodied and have bolder fruit flavors. Alcohol content is usually higher as well. The New World consists of the United States, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Australia.
Occasionally people use the word New World in a condescending way, elevating the romanticism of the Old World at the expense of New World wine which can be just as excellent. Old World wines are currently preferred over New World wines, but trends ebb and flow, and in the future, preferences will surely shift again, just as they did throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
The Revolution of Barolo From Traditional to Modernist Methods
A Day in Wine History
Andre Simon, a wine merchant and writer about wine, sadly passed away on 5th September 1970. His passing occurred during a shift in wine evolution, and his contributions to the wine industry will be missed.
Whenever you come into contact with a person who claims they only drink one style of wine or another, share your knowledge with them and remind them both styles are rewarding in their unique ways.
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References
- Says, Esther Ferguson. “Old World vs New World Wines: What You Need to Know.” Www.winebuyers.com, www.winebuyers.com/en/blog/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new. Accessed 7 Nov. 2022.
- Old World vs. New World, Explained.” Verve Wine, vervewine.com/blogs/the-blog/old-world-vs-new-world-everything-you-need-to-know.
- The Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th ed., “Old World.”
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