When it comes to terms like new world and old world wine, there is sure to be some confusion with those new to wine.
Namely, what is the difference between old world and new world? What worlds are we talking about here?
It turns out, this is a broad subject matter.
In this section, we will explore the differences between old world and new world wines.
In general, it comes down to where to winemaking traditions come from. Exploring the subject matter deeper, other factors such as taste, structure, and smell come into play.
Old World regions are winegrowing areas found in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. These include (but are not limited to) France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Portugal, Germany, Lebanon, Croatia, Israel, and beyond.
Old World wines tend to be lighter-bodied, lower in alcohol, have brighter acidity, and show more earth-driven flavors.
Another huge factor in the differences between old world and new world wines are the ways that they are produced. Old world regions tend to age their wines in neutral barrels, or barrels that do not impart a lot of flavor. Labeling wines in the old world also starkly contrast new world wines. Most old world regions reference their wines by the place they were made. In France and Italy especially, there are strict laws in place governing wine labeling.
New World regions are areas that have adopted winemaking practices from Old World regions to create their own industries. (In other words, basically everywhere else that isn’t Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East.) New World regions include all of North America, South America, Australia, South Africa, and more.
New World wines are usually fuller-bodied, higher in alcohol, have lower acidity, and are much riper on the palate.
Contrasting from the old world, new world wines more commonly are aged in new oak and other barrels that impart a lot of flavor to the wine. Think of a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon for example - you might expect flavors of vanilla and warming spices in the wine. These flavors come from the barrel they are aged in. Additionally, new world wines typically have less rules regarding labeling of the wine.