what's in your glass - New World vs. Old World

Let's break down what it means when a wine is described as Old World or New World? In short it comes down to place, history/traditions, and whether vitis vinifera originated/was imported. The Old World is Europe and Eastern Europe. These are countries where vitis vinifera originated and winemaking traditions were started. Whereas the New World is everything else, the Americas, Australasia, and South Africa. These countries are usually warmer, vitis vinifera was imported, and traditional winemaking techniques are borrowed then influenced by technology/science.

These general statements obviously influence what end ups in the bottle. All making significant differences with the key notes, structure, new oak usage, and labelling.

Old World (Europe)

Lighter Body

Lower Alcohol

Higher Acid

Earth, Mineral, Herb, Floral Driven

Terroir Made

Regional Labelling (ex. Chianti)

New World (Everywhere Else)

Fuller Body

Higher Alcohol

Lower Acid

Fruit Driven

Higher New Oak Usage

Higher Extracted

Winemaker Made

Variety Labelling (ex. Cabernet Sauvignon)

Remember there are always exceptions to the rule. For example, the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario is a significantly cooler growing region than Napa Valley in California, and therefore can be considered more old world in style. However, it's a great place to start when picking out a bottle at a Bottle Shop/LCBO or pairing it with food.

*Image from freeworldmaps.net*

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