If you have ever wandered the wine aisle or listened to a sommelier, you have probably heard the terms โOld Worldโ and โNew World.โ It sounds like something out of a history book, but in the wine universe these two categories are the foundation of how we understand, classify and enjoy whatโs in our glass.
But what do these terms mean, and how do they affect the taste of your wine? Letโs uncork the differences between Old World vs New World wine.
Quick answer: Old World wines come from the traditional winegrowing regions of Europe and the Middle East and tend to be lighter, lower in alcohol, higher in acidity and earthier. New World wines come from countries like the United States and Australia and tend to be fuller, higher in alcohol, lower in acidity and fruit-forward.
| Old World | New World | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Greece | United States, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, South Africa |
| Philosophy | Tradition and terroir | Freedom to experiment |
| Body | Lighter | Fuller |
| Alcohol | Lower | Higher |
| Acidity | Higher | Lower |
| Flavors | Earthy and mineral: wet stone, mushroom, leather, dried herbs | Ripe, bold, juicy fruit, often with vanilla or toast from new oak |
Old World: The Traditionalists
โOld Worldโ refers to the traditional winegrowing regions of Europe and the Middle East, where winemaking dates back thousands of years. Think France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Greece.
At LENOO Wine, we have a deep appreciation for the Old World philosophy, rooted in terroir, a French term for the specific soil, topography and climate of a vineyard. The belief is that wine should be a pure expression of the land it comes from, rather than the heavy hand of the winemaker.
Because of this respect for tradition, Old World regions are governed by strict laws that dictate everything from which grape varieties can be planted to how the vines are pruned and when the grapes can be harvested. For Italyโs version of these rules, see our guide to Italian wine appellations.
What to expect in the glass:
- Lighter body: These wines generally feel lighter on the palate.
- Lower alcohol: Cooler European climates mean grapes produce less sugar, so the alcohol is lower.
- Higher acidity: This makes them incredibly food-friendly. See our guide to the perfect wine for Florida seafood.
- Earthy and mineral flavors: Expect notes like wet stone, mushroom, leather and dried herbs alongside the fruit.
New World: The Modernists
โNew Worldโ refers to countries where winemaking was introduced during the age of exploration and colonization, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile and South Africa.
Without centuries-old traditions and strict appellation laws, New World winemakers are free to experiment. They can plant any grape variety they choose, use modern technology and play with different fermentation and aging techniques.
New World wine regions are also generally in warmer climates. That abundant sunshine lets grapes ripen fully and develop high levels of sugar.
What to expect in the glass:
- Fuller body: These wines tend to feel richer and heavier. Learn more in our guide to understanding wine body.
- Higher alcohol: More sun means more sugar, which ferments into higher alcohol by volume (ABV).
- Lower acidity: Warmer climates cause acidity to drop as the grapes ripen.
- Fruit-forward flavors: The main notes are ripe, bold, juicy fruit, often with vanilla or toast from new oak barrels.
Blurring the Lines
These categories are helpful for understanding wine styles, but the lines are beginning to blur. Climate change is warming classic European regions, which leads to riper, higher-alcohol Old World wines. At the same time, many New World winemakers are seeking out cooler micro-climates and adopting minimalist, Old World techniques to craft more restrained, earthy wines.
Taste the Difference Yourself
The best way to understand the difference is to taste it. Pour a glass of French Pinot Noir from Burgundy next to a Pinot Noir from California or New Zealand. Taste the tradition, taste the sunshine, and decide which world you prefer to drink in tonight.
Start with an Old World bottle from our cellar:
| Country | Wine from LENOO Wine |
|---|---|
| France | 2022 Chanson Bourgogne Pinot Noir |
| Italy | Petrolo Bรฒggina A 2022 Sangiovese |
| Spain | CVNE Contino Gran Reserva Rioja 2017 |
| Greece | 2022 Kir-Yianni Naoussa Xinomavro |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Old World and New World wine?
Old World wines come from the traditional winegrowing regions of Europe and the Middle East and are shaped by tradition and terroir. New World wines come from countries where winemaking arrived during the age of exploration and colonization, and winemakers there have more freedom to experiment.
Which countries make Old World wine?
France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Greece.
Which countries make New World wine?
The United States, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile and South Africa.
Are Old World wines lower in alcohol?
Generally, yes. Cooler European climates mean grapes produce less sugar, which results in lower alcohol.
Why are New World wines more fruit-forward?
Warmer climates let grapes ripen fully, so the wines taste of ripe, bold, juicy fruit, often with vanilla or toast from new oak barrels.
What is terroir?
A French term for the specific soil, topography and climate of a vineyard. The Old World belief is that wine should express the land it comes from.
Are the differences between Old World and New World wines disappearing?
They are blurring. Climate change is making Old World wines riper, while many New World winemakers use cooler micro-climates and minimalist Old World techniques.
Discover Your Preference with LENOO Wine
Based in Orlando, Florida, LENOO Wine is an online wine shop dedicated to bringing the best bottles directly to your door, with delivery across Florida. Browse our full collection, or try the Wine Discovery Pack, which brings 6 hand-selected bottles to you.
