There you are, ready to pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine after a long day at work. Your wine enthusiast friend turns to you, completely intrigued, and asks, “Is that an Old World wine or a New World wine?” You’ve probably heard those terms thrown around before, but what do they mean? Let us dispel any confusion you may have! Read all about the differences between these two types of wines so you won’t have to guess anymore.

Old World Wine: It’s all About Tradition

When you hear someone profess their love for a good Old World wine, he or she is referring to wines made in countries that are considered the birthplaces of wine. These include Europe (France, Italy, Spain, Germany, etc.) and the Middle East (Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, and others), and they are the countries that first exported wines, grapes, and winemaking traditions to other countries.

Overall, Old World wines characteristically are lighter-bodied, lower in alcohol and residual sugar, higher in acidity, less fruity, and exhibit more earthy, mineral components. Additionally, Old World wines are made with many restrictions and guidelines that wineries in those countries have been following for centuries. Aromatically, these wines are more muted, but as time progresses, they begin to evolve and treat the drinker with layers of nuanced flavors.

New World Wine: Rules Were Made to Be Broken

New World wines hail from countries that borrowed winemaking traditions from other countries while tapping into their creativity to make their own unique concoctions. We’re talking about North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. These countries overall have a warmer climate, which yields riper, more alcoholic and full-bodied wines that feature a more pronounced fruit-centered palate.

Winemaking in these regions tends to vary, but it is full of entrepreneurial experimentation and is also far less structured. California winemakers, for instance, borrow many concepts from Europeans (particularly Italians) who migrated and shared their expertise. Since then, winemaking in this region has grown exponentially, and the makers have established their own quality standards while creating innovative (and delicious) wine. When you sip on a glass of New World wine, expect a rounded, more approachable, and typically sweeter wine.

Which is Better?

It depends on your personal preference! Some people love Old World wine for the romantic idea of savoring a formula that has stood the test of time. Others enjoy unwinding with a glass of New World wine at the end of a busy day. There is no right answer. If you don’t believe us, read up about the great “judgment of Paris” in 1976 in which a California wine won a blind taste test over a French wine – a true and astonishing feat that rocked the wine world!

Speaking of delicious wine, Chaumette Vineyards & Winery is proud to provide a diverse Missouri wine portfolio filled with award-winning wines. Find your favorite today by ordering our wine online or join our Wine Club to experience our award-winning wines throughout the year!