Old World vs. New World Wines

If you’re an inspiring wine enthusiast, there’s a lot to learn. Even if you have a significant amount of knowledge on wine and winemaking already, there’s always going to be something you’re not familiar with. When you look at a wine menu, it can sometimes be difficult to pick the best option for you. 

One detail on wine menus that can be confusing to some is when they are categorized into Old World wines and New World wines. However, differentiating between Old World and New World doesn’t have to be as difficult as it might seem. This is a way of saying which region(s) a wine is from, but it can also tell you a little bit more about the characteristics you’ll get from each wine. Learn more about Old World vs. New World wines and see which one you might like best.

Old World Wine

Old World wines are typically those grown in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. These are considered to be the traditional wine-growing regions of the world. Typically, they are lower in alcohol and lighter-bodied with earthy flavors.

While the grapes used are grown in specific locations, these areas can vary greatly, so the wine produced in these regions can also be very different. Old World countries can have significantly different temperatures and terrains, which affect the grapes grown there. Because of this, another factor that connects Old World wines is the winemaking traditions they follow. 

Old World regions have a long history of winemaking and often use techniques that were created to cultivate grapes in unique areas. Centuries of winemaking have led to winemakers in these regions understanding how to best produce wine based on the environmental factors they have to work with, a concept known as terroir. As Old World wines depend greatly on the specific region they’re produced in, choosing one based on region rather than solely its varietal is often a better way of finding what characteristics you’ll like most.

New World Wine

New World wines are those grown in North America, South America, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Unlike Old World wines, New World wines are often high in alcohol and full-bodied with fruitier flavors. 

New World wines were created as people traveled from Old World countries and settled in New World countries looking for ways to produce wine. While many of the Old World methods were used, New World countries required new methods and techniques, especially as new technologies became available. As New World wines aren’t tied to centuries of tradition, they offer more creativity and allow winemakers the chance to explore new possibilities.

While Old World wines focus on tradition, New World wines take more opportunities to create something new. As New World wines are more inventive and use newer methods to produce wine, these may be more tailored to the taste of modern wine drinkers.

Enjoy Old World and New World Wines at Rikasa

There’s no right answer when it comes to Old World vs. New World wines as you can find amazing selections in both categories. Whichever you prefer, you can order a bottle you’ll love at Rikasa. We offer a wine menu with a wide range of choices, so there’s something for everyone, and there’s always the chance to try something new.
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