You know the terms ‘Old World’ and ‘New World’ when it comes to wine, but what do they really mean? Basically, these two terms refer to the region where the wine was produced.
The Old World refers to Europe, the Mediterranean, and some countries in the Middle East. These include France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, Croatia, Georgia, Romania, Hungary, and Switzerland.
The New World refers to the regions where viticulture was introduced from Europe during colonization, including the US, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and South Africa.
Differences between Old World and New World wines
In addition to originating from different regions, there are a few key things that distinguish Old and new world wine dates:
What are their names?
Old World wines are often named after wine-producing regions. Some famous examples include Bordeaux in France, Rioja in Spain, and Chianti in Italy. However, new world wine timeline are generally made from the original grape, as the name suggests. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon is made from the grape variety of the same name. You can find great cultivars of Cabernet Sauvignon in California and New Zealand. Similarly, Chardonnay is made from the most widely used white wine grape that is grown in California, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Chile.
How are they made?
Winemaking originated in the Old World, where the traditions and rules surrounding production were firmly established. Standards were established to control the quality and type of wine that could be grown in certain regions, harvesting methods, minimum alcohol content, and winemaking methods.
As a general rule, the New World does not strictly adhere to rules or traditions. In contrast, New World winemaking is more experimental and technically oriented. That’s because there are fewer laws governing winemaking, which means New World winemakers are free to plan their vintages, adapt winemaking methods, and modernize technology as they please.
Flavor
Due to differences in climate, soil abundance, and other environmental factors between the Old and New Worlds, wine tasting tastes are affected accordingly.
Old World regions, especially Europe, are cooler than New World regions. This means the grapes don’t ripen as much, resulting in a lighter-bodied wine with higher acidity and lower alcohol content.
In contrast, New World regions have warmer climates, whi,ch means that ripe grapes contain more sugar. It provides a wine with body, fruity, low acidity and high alcohol content. Despite all this, it is difficult to make a clear judgment on which world produces the best wine; It is a matter of personal taste! Both the Old and New World regions produce truly unique wines, so give them a try and pick your favourites. And don’t forget to choose the perfect wine glass to enhance the flavor! Health!