Old World vs New World Wine

Defining the terms

Old World wine refers to wine from the traditional winemaking countries of Europe and the Mediterranean, including France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Austria. New World wine describes the wine produced in regions where winemaking was introduced later through colonisation, such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and South Africa.

The terms describe history and tradition more than quality, and many producers do not fit neatly into either category.

Climate and style

Many Old World regions sit in cooler or more marginal climates, which tends to yield wines with higher acidity, lower alcohol and more restrained fruit. Many New World regions are warmer and sunnier, which often leads to riper fruit, fuller body and higher alcohol.

This is a tendency, not a rule. Burgundy-style Pinot Noir from cool coastal Oregon or New Zealand can be restrained and elegant, while Southern Italy and Spain produce rich, ripe wines.

Rules and labelling

• Old World regions typically operate strict appellation systems that define permitted grapes, yields and methods. Labels emphasise place.
• New World regions generally have fewer restrictions on grape choice and winemaking, giving producers more freedom to experiment. Labels typically highlight the grape variety.
• Both systems can produce outstanding wines and mediocre ones.

Philosophy: terroir versus technology

Old World winemaking has traditionally emphasised terroir, the idea that a wine should express the particular place it came from. New World winemaking has often emphasised the skill of the winemaker and the variety. In practice the two have converged: European producers have adopted modern equipment and hygiene, while many New World producers now focus on site-specific, lower-intervention wines.

How to explore both

A good way to learn is to compare the same grape from both sides: for example, a Chablis and a California Chardonnay, or a Rioja and a Mendoza Malbec-based red. Take notes on acidity, fruit ripeness, oak influence and finish, and you will quickly learn what you prefer.