OLD WORLD vs. NEW WORLD
FALL 2019
The most basic difference between Old World and New World wines is geographic: “Old World” wines are those produced in the traditional winegrowing regions of Europe, while “New World” wines are those produced everywhere else.
NEW WORLD WINES
New World wines often have riper fruit, higher alcohol, lower acidity, and more fruit-driven flavors.
OLD WORLD WINES
Old World wines often have less-ripe fruit, lower alcohol, higher acidity, and less fruit-driven flavors.
There are many exceptions to these rules - local climates, geological factors, vineyard practices, and winemaker preferences, can all affect the style of a given wine.
NEW WORLD WINES
New World wines often have riper fruit, higher alcohol, lower acidity, and more fruit-driven flavors.
OLD WORLD WINES
Old World wines often have less-ripe fruit, lower alcohol, higher acidity, and less fruit-driven flavors.
There are many exceptions to these rules - local climates, geological factors, vineyard practices, and winemaker preferences, can all affect the style of a given wine.
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GRAPE ORIGINS
Most of the world’s best-known grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.) belong to a vine species called Vitus Vinifera, which originated in the Old World!
LABEL LOGIC
Usually, New World wine labels will state the name of a grape variety (Merlot), whereas Old World wine labels will display the name of the place where the grapes were grown (Bordeaux). Why? In the Old World, regulations dictate which grapes a region can grow, and the importance of region is usually emphasized over grape variety, all of which deemphasizes the importance of putting a grape variety on wine labels in the Old World.
A SENSE OF PLACE
The French term ‘terroir’ (‘a sense of place’) is often used in reference to Old World wines. The concept assumes that the characteristics of a wine are the result of the natural environment in which the wine and its grapes were produced. Factors such as soil, topography, climate, and even winemaking tradition, are all considered.
Most of the world’s best-known grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.) belong to a vine species called Vitus Vinifera, which originated in the Old World!
LABEL LOGIC
Usually, New World wine labels will state the name of a grape variety (Merlot), whereas Old World wine labels will display the name of the place where the grapes were grown (Bordeaux). Why? In the Old World, regulations dictate which grapes a region can grow, and the importance of region is usually emphasized over grape variety, all of which deemphasizes the importance of putting a grape variety on wine labels in the Old World.
A SENSE OF PLACE
The French term ‘terroir’ (‘a sense of place’) is often used in reference to Old World wines. The concept assumes that the characteristics of a wine are the result of the natural environment in which the wine and its grapes were produced. Factors such as soil, topography, climate, and even winemaking tradition, are all considered.
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FOCUS WINES
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NEW WORLD
Frank Family 2014 Blanc de Blancs Boya 2018 Rosé Raymond 2017 Napa Valley Chardonnay Burn Cottage 2016 'Cashburn' Pinot Noir Peter Franus 2016 Merlot |
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OLD WORLD
Pierre Peters Réserve Cuvée NV La Bastide Blanche 2018 Bandol Rosé Albert Bichot 2017 Long Depaquit Chablis Bernard Moreau 2017 Chas. Mont. Rouge VV Chateau d’Aiguilhe 2015 Bordeaux |
Andrew Rich 2015 Late Harvest Gewurtztraminer