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If you read something about wine, attended some tastings or just talked to knowledgeable people, then you have probably heard about the so-called old-world and new-world wines, as well as the fact that they have completely different styles. About how they differ and whether they always differ, we will talk today.

What is the Old World?

It is customary to refer to the Old World as European countries whose population has been engaged in winemaking for many hundreds of years. First of all, these are France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria. None of these countries can boast of a tropical climate; moreover, in Germany, Austria, as well as in a number of places in France and Italy, the climate is very cool. But it is the climate / microclimate that largely determines the style of wine.

What is the New World?

This concept includes such countries as Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, USA (especially the state of California). This can also include countries that are more “exotic” in terms of winemaking - for example, Brazil, whose wine is not sold in Russia, however. The climate in these countries is warm, and often even frankly hot, tropical. However, there are also exception regions: as a rule, those located in mountainous areas.

So what is the difference between New World and Old World wines?

In general terms, it can be described as follows:

• For wines from the countries of the New World, a lower level of acidity is characteristic (ceteris paribus).
• The New World is characterized by bright “fruitiness”.
• The Old World is characterized by a large "minerality".
  
• The Old World is characterized by more "slender", "graceful", "thin" and "elegant" wines. Sometimes epithets such as ringing and piercing wine may be appropriate, while in the case of the New World, adjectives such as lush, powerful, concentrated will be used more often. On the other hand, these epithets are also suitable for a number of great wines of the Old World.
  

Exceptions

There are exceptions to any rule, and in our case there can be a considerable number of exceptions. For example, some wines from South Africa and Argentina can be very similar in style to French wines - they can have quite high acidity, they can be quite restrained, subtle and elegant. Of course, these same epithets can also be applied to some wines from Chile, Australia, the USA and a number of other countries.

Pairs to study contrasts:

• Chilean Pinot Noir - powerful and solid (like Montes Outer Limits) versus Burgundy, Austrian or Italian Pinot Noir.
• Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley (such as Sancerre or Pouilly-Fume appellations) versus New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
• Australian Shiraz (ex. from Penfolds) versus French Syrah (for example, from the Rhone Valley - say, E.Guigal, if we are focusing on a rather high price segment).
• Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon versus red Bordeaux (the differences are well understood in the case of middle segment wines - within 700 rubles).
• Chilean Chardonnay versus Chablis (France) or Austrian Morillon (Morillon is a synonym for Chardonnay).

Are there any other differences?

Yes. For example, in the Old World there are more wines that can be stored and developed in bottles for a very long time. There are probably fewer such wines in the New World, and they need less time to develop and “age”.

Another difference is prices; often New World wines are cheaper than Old World wines of a similar level.

In conclusion, I would like to note that one cannot say: “New World style is worse” or “New World style is rougher”. To different people I like different wines, and it's good that now there is a huge selection of wines - for every taste. And we must not forget that the New World also has magnificent and elegant wines that bypass the level of many rivals from the Old World.

The traditional region for the production of classic wines is old Europe, or rather, France, Italy, Spain, and to a slightly lesser extent Portugal and Germany. The term "New World wines" mainly refers to the products of Africa, Australia, South and North America: this category includes Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA and Canada. Unlike the "Old World", there are no winemaking traditions that have developed over the centuries, so local brands turn out to be exotic, vibrant and very original. Only in this way can young, ambitious manufacturers win back a part of the market from eminent competitors.

Peculiarities. Several factors contribute to the popularity of New World wines at once:

• rich soils and sunny climate of producing countries;
• affordable prices (due to cheap labor and the absence of European restrictions on yields);
• exotic tastes through local grape varieties and a unique geographical location.

The area and variety of the "New World" is incomparably larger than the "Old World", but Europe still wins due to more developed wine-making traditions and established positions in the world market

History reference. Until the XV century - the era of the Great geographical discoveries- winemaking was not very common in the territory of modern Venezuela, Mexico and Colombia. locals skillfully made low-alcohol spirits from corn, quinoa, shinus and even strawberries, but remained completely indifferent to grapes. Everything changed with the arrival of the Spaniards: the conquerors were not going to abandon their usual gastronomic traditions, and it was not possible to export wine from their homeland - the wine could not stand long way and sour.

In the XVI-XVII centuries, a number of American countries could already boast of flowering and productive vineyards, in particular: Peru, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina. Some of them were so successful that the Spanish government, fearful of competition, forbade new vineyards to be planted in the colonies. However, to no avail: the process could no longer be stopped.

True, local products were not enough: the European colonialists needed wine not only for gastronomic, but also for religious purposes, and the Indians themselves were more willing to make pisco - local grape vodka - and even weather not always allowed to collect a rich harvest. Therefore, the Spaniards gradually opened up new territories, and to XVIII century started importing South African wines.

In Australia, winemaking was established by 1820, and in 1873, during a blind test in Vienna, judges even confused the antipode brands with French samples.

Wines of the New World are not always worse than European ones in quality, a lot depends on the manufacturer

Characteristics. In the countries of the New World, the climate is predominantly hotter than in Europe; accordingly, local wines are made from more mature and juicy grapes, which results in a richer and richer taste. In addition, New World wines are usually a couple of degrees stronger than "old world" ones.

As for the names, initially American, Australian and African producers used established names, such as "Burgundy", "Champagne", "Sherry", etc. (especially since the wines were made from grape varieties exported from the respective regions). This caused confusion and indignation among European winemakers.

Since the 1960s, New World wines have been released under alternative "local" labels, even if the composition of the drink is fully consistent with, say, the classic Chardonnay. However, completely original blends have also appeared, for example, Syrah with Cabernet Sauvignon or Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc.

Argentina

Argentina is considered the fifth largest wine region in the world. Initially, the style of Argentine wines was dictated by the Spanish colonialists, but then the local products were strongly influenced by Italian and German immigrants.

One of the brightest representatives of this category is the white aromatic wine Torrontes, the red varieties of Malbec, Barbera, Bonarda (aka Corbo) are also popular.

Wine regions: Province of Mendoza, San Juan, Rioja, Salta, Catamarca, Rio Negro, Buenos Aires.

Australia

Excellent wines that are in no way inferior in taste to European ones. burst into late XIX century, the phylloxera epidemic did not affect the South Australian regions, so the local vineyards were not affected and are currently considered one of the oldest in the world. In 2000, exports of Australian table wines to the UK exceeded those of France. Despite the fact that the wines from the "country of kangaroos" are often criticized for excessive sweetness of taste, at the moment this alcohol is considered one of the most complex and sophisticated.

Vineyards: Barosa Valley (Syrah), Cunawara (Cabernet Sauvignon), Eden Valley (Riesling), Hunter Valley (Semillon).

Canada

In Canada, as well as in the eastern states of the USA, it was not possible to graft and cultivate the European variety Vinis vinifera, which led to the export of varieties Vitis Labrusca and Vitis riparia, which have a characteristic "fox" aroma due to the presence of specific essential oils in the skin of the berries. The most commercially successful in Canada are "ice wines" made from Riesling, Vidal Blanc and Cabernet Franc.

Chile

The world's tenth largest wine producer, the local grapes have long been classified as Merlot, although they are revealed to actually be from the Carménère family. Traditionally, in this country, quantity is valued over quality, which is why Chilean wines entered the "major league" only after the 1990s.

Vineyards: Lleida Valley, Bio-Bio Valley.

Colombia

In Colombia, unlike other South American countries, wine production functioned primarily for religious purposes, while the state did not accept European immigrants, as a result of which winemaking developed here independently and independently.

Colombian wines are of excellent quality, but they are almost never exported, so you can only get acquainted with drinks in the country.

Wine regions: Villa de Leyva, Valle del Cauca.

Mexico

In 2013, almost 90% of all Mexican wine was produced in Baja California. This is one of the oldest wine regions not only in Mexico, but throughout the New World.

New Zealand

The beginning of winemaking in this country was laid by immigrants from Croatia who arrived in New Zealand at the end of the 19th century, but for about a hundred years the industry was in its infancy. New Zealand winemakers experimented with different varieties and eventually settled on Sauvinon Blanc, later adding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Today, aromatic wines are loved in the “land of kiwi birds”: Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Auslese.

One trade does not interfere with another ...

Peru

In 2008, Peru had approximately 14 thousand hectares of vineyards, which produced more than 610 thousand hectoliters of wine per year.

Wine-growing areas: the cities of Pisco and Ica.

South Africa

The most popular African variety is Pinotage (a mixture of Pinot Noir and Cinsault), but South African winemakers also use varieties more familiar to Europeans - a variety of Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay.

Despite the fact that the first portion of African wine was made just over 300 years ago, today the aromatic and full-bodied wines from Cape Town are considered a real pearl of the New World.

USA

More than 90% of American wine is produced in California, with the remaining 10% coming from Washington, New York and Oregon. In the northern states, wine is produced from indigenous grape varieties, but their specific "fox" flavor is not to everyone's taste.

"Fox smell" is found in the wines of the USA and Canada, due to the presence of specific essential oils in some grape varieties.

Prohibition had a huge impact on the development of winemaking in the United States (or rather, its stagnation), as a result of which noble dry wines gave way to sweet fortified alcohol of low quality. Pinot Noir and Riesling are now made in the northwestern states, and Vitis Labrusca and its hybrids are popular in New York, and Zinfandel is famous in California.

And where did the “new New World” come from?

In fact, everything is very simple. These concepts first appeared due to different geographic location wine regions and different time periods of development of winemaking in the world. But now these concepts are invested in something more than just geography and history. Today, these are different styles of production, different taste styles of wine, different climatic, technological and legislative conditions.

Initially old world considered classical Europe. Here people have been engaged in winemaking since the times of the Romans and Greeks, and who exactly is the founder of winemaking and to whom to give the “vine of primacy” is still arguing about this. The Old World includes aristocratic France, and emotional Italy, and bright Spain, and fragrant Germany, and other countries.

To the New World include territories where winemaking began to develop much later, but over the past century, production technologies have skyrocketed. This includes the countries of the North and South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Most of these regions were colonies, and winemaking was brought here by European travelers.

But “new New World” is an absolute surprise to many. Most do not even suspect that grapes grow here at all. Among such modern wine enthusiasts are Japan, Israel, China, India, and, by the way, Russia. Most likely, we will hear a lot more interesting things about them in the coming decades.

As for the taste differences of wine, there are certain subtleties. Of course, taste is characterized not only by bipolarity, but also has its own deviations and exceptions, although in general it is possible to create a certain image.

Many critics say that in Europe the best wines are produced in areas with difficult conditions - in places where the vine resists the cold climate, poor soils and literally struggles to survive. It gives fewer berries, but at the same time makes them more tasty and concentrated. Wines of the Old World usually less alcoholic and less dense, but more acidic. The aroma and taste of old-world wines are more refined and less fruity. Here everything seems to be in halftones.

New World wines- on the contrary, they are more alcoholic and “full-bodied”. Due to the hot climate and low rainfall, the vine is in almost greenhouse conditions. The aroma and taste of such wines can sometimes be a “fruit bomb”. At the same time, the taste is simple and understandable. New world wines should be drunk young - they are less subject to aging than old world ones.

Today in the world there is a fashion for bright and fruity wines, so many producers “customize” their production to the taste of buyers. At the same time, it is impossible to say which taste is right and which is not. Here, everyone is already guided by their preferences, mood, weather or event.

So just experiment!

Ekaterina Smychek

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Have you ever heard expressions such as "old world wine"? Or "New World wine"? If you have no idea how one differs from the other, then this article is for you.

Don't forget about Spain. Yes, and Germany and Austria are also able to surprise you with their wines.

The wines of the Old World, if we talk about those that are classic and represent the absolute majority, are not so bright, restrained. Classic, in a word. But at the same time, they are all graceful, elegant with a delicate bouquet.

Of course, it is difficult to describe all-all-all wines: each country and each region has its own wine characteristics. But still, Old World wines are more traditional; in Europe, traditions are very honored, including in winemaking.

Wines of the New World

The wines of the New World are, as a rule, everything that does not belong to the old, with a few exceptions. So, New World wines include Chilean, Australian, American, Argentinean, New Zealand wines.

These wines are a kind of answer to the "Old". They are fresher, more flexible: New World winemakers are always ready to experiment, so New World wines are most often bright, special, very fruity. The aroma is not so refined.

The wines of the New World are often put in opposition to the wines of the Old World, they say, they are cheaper, but in no way inferior in quality. Well, there is a lot of truth in this, but it is worth remembering that wines are still different, so a wine lover is unlikely to replace one with another. However, this same lover will enjoy both with pleasure. Depending on the circumstances, of course.

Again, there are exceptions. True, they are more often found among the wines of the Old World. There are experimental winemakers who try to create new, atypical wines, absolutely not focusing on the traditions of the country in which they make it. Frankly, sometimes curious specimens are obtained.

On which side you are: Old or New - you decide.

But buy good wines from different countries you can always in the WineStreet store.

Although it sounds somewhat paradoxical, the discovery of the New World marked the appearance of the Old. Five centuries have passed since then, but the Old World is a concept that is still being used today. What value was put into it before? What does it mean today?

Definition of the term

The Old World is that part of the land that was known to Europeans before the discovery of the American continent. The division was conditional and was based on the position of the lands relative to the sea. Merchants and travelers believed that there were three parts of the world: Europe, Asia, Africa. Europe lies in the north, Africa in the south, and Asia in the east. Subsequently, when the data on the geographical division of the continents became more accurate and complete, they found out that only Africa was a separate continent. However, the ingrained views were not so easily defeated, and all 3 continued to be traditionally mentioned separately.

Sometimes the name Afro-Eurasia is used to define the territorial array of the Old World. In fact, this is the largest continental mass - a supercontinent. It is home to approximately 85 percent of the world's population.

A period of time

When talking about the Old World, they often mean more than just a certain geographical location. These words carry information about a specific historical period, culture and the discoveries made then. We are talking about the Renaissance, when the medieval asceticism and theocentrism were replaced by the ideas of natural philosophy and experimental science.

The attitude of a person to the world around him is changing. Gradually, from the toy of a whole host of gods, who have the power to dispose of human life according to their whims and whims, a person begins to feel like the master of his earthly home. He strives for new knowledge, which leads to a number of discoveries. Attempts are made to explain the structure of the surrounding world with the help of mechanics. are being improved measuring instruments, including navigation. It is already possible to trace the origin of such natural sciences as physics, chemistry, biology and astronomy, which come to replace alchemy and astrology.

The changes that took place then gradually paved the way for the expansion of the frontiers known world. They served as a prerequisite for the discovery of new lands. Courageous travelers went to uncharted lands, and their stories inspired even more daring and risky ventures.

The historical journey of Christopher Columbus

In August 1492, three well-equipped ships under the command of Christopher Columbus set sail from the harbor of Palos for India. It was a year, but the famous discoverer himself never knew that he had discovered a continent previously unknown to Europeans. He was sincerely sure that he had made all four of his expeditions to India.

The journey from the Old World to the new lands took three months. Unfortunately, it was neither cloudless, nor romantic, nor disinterested. The admiral hardly kept the subordinate sailors from rebellion on the first voyage, and the main driving force for the discovery of new territories there was greed, a lust for power and vanity. These ancient vices, brought from the Old World, subsequently brought much suffering and grief to the inhabitants of the American continent and nearby islands.

He didn't get what he wanted either. Going on his first voyage, he prudently tried to protect himself and secure his future. He insisted on the conclusion of a formal agreement, according to which he received a title of nobility, the title of admiral and viceroy of the newly discovered lands, as well as a percentage of the income received from the above lands. And although the year of the discovery of America was supposed to be a ticket to a secure future for the discoverer, after a while Columbus fell out of favor and died in poverty without receiving the promise.

The New World Appears

Meanwhile, ties between Europe and the New World grew stronger. Trade was established, the development of lands lying in the depths of the mainland began, claims were formed various countries on these lands, the era of colonization began. And with the advent of the concept of "New World", the terminology began to use the stable expression "Old World". After all, before the discovery of America, the need for this simply did not arise.

Interestingly, the traditional division into the Old and New Worlds has remained unchanged. At the same time, Oceania and Antarctica, unknown during the Middle Ages, are not taken into account today.

For decades, the New World has been associated with the new and a better life. The American continent was in which thousands of immigrants sought to get. But in their memory they kept their native places. The Old World is traditions, origins and roots. Prestigious education, fascinating cultural journeys, historical monuments - this is still associated today with European countries, with the countries of the Old World.

Wine lists replace geographical

If in the field of geography terminology, including the division of continents into the New and Old Worlds, is already a relatively rare phenomenon, then among winemakers such definitions are still in high esteem. Exist set expressions: "Old World wines" and "New World wines". The difference between these drinks is not only in the place where the grapes grow and the location of the winery. They are rooted in the same differences that are characteristic of the continents.

Thus, the wines of the Old World, mostly produced in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Austria, are distinguished by their traditional taste and delicate elegant bouquet. And the wines of the New World, which Chile, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand are famous for, are brighter, with obvious fruity notes, but somewhat losing in finesse.

Old World in the modern sense

Today, the term "Old World" is mainly applied to states located in Europe. In the vast majority of cases, neither Asia nor even Africa is taken into account. So, depending on the context, the expression "Old World" can include either as many as three parts of the world, or only European states.