When it comes to wine, there are two main types: Old World and New World. But what exactly does that mean? Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between these two wine regions.
Old World wines are typically made in Europe and tend to be more traditional in style. They’re often made with indigenous grapes and have a more earthy flavour.
New World wines, on the other hand, are typically made in places like Australia, Chile, and the United States. They tend to be more fruit-forward and approachable, and they often have higher alcohol content.
- Flavour Profiles
Old World wines are often described as being more “subtle” in flavour, while New World wines are often described as being more “intense.” This is because Old World wines are typically made with indigenous grapes, which tend to be more delicate in flavour.
On the other hand, New World wines are often made with more robust, fruit-forward grapes.
- Price
Old World wines tend to be more expensive than New World wines due to the fact that they’re often made with more expensive, indigenous grapes. On the other hand, New World wines tend to be more affordable, as they’re often made with more common, fruit-forward grapes.
- Production Methods
Old World wines are typically made in a more traditional style, using indigenous grapes and conventional production methods. On the other hand, New World wines often utilize more modern production methods and tend to be more fruit-forward in style.
Why This Is Important
So why is it important to know the difference between Old World and New World wines? While they don’t necessarily affect how you enjoy wine, they impact the price.
If you enjoy tasting a variety of wines and learning more about their varietals, you may develop a preference for one type over the other. (For example, maybe you prefer Old World wines, like Pinot Noir, or you may prefer New World wines, like Sauvignon Blanc.)
By knowing what you like and don’t like, you’ll be able to better hone in on your wine preferences and learn more about your taste buds.
How to Choose between the Two?
We’ve already given you a quick and dirty rundown of the differences between Old World and New World wines. But how do you choose between the two if you’re faced with this decision?
Well, first of all, you don’t have to choose. We say that all the time—wines are a superb choice, no matter where they’re from!
But to give you a little more guidance, we asked BevVivor’s team of sommeliers to tell us what they look for when deciding between Old World and New World wines.
1. The Varietal
So what do you look for when you’re choosing between Old World and New World wines?
Well, there are a few things to keep in mind. Though you don’t necessarily have to choose between the two, you can narrow down your choices by looking at the varietal of the wine.
For example, if you’re looking to buy a Pinot Noir, you’ll want to start your search with Old World wines. And if you’re looking to buy a Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll want to start your search with New World wines.
2. Your Budget
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing between the two is your budget. For the most part, Old World wines tend to be more expensive than New World wines.
They’re often made with more expensive ingredients, like indigenous grapes, and they’re often made using more labour-intensive production methods. However, there are still New World wines that fall into the “expensive” category.
For example, old and new world wines can get expensive if imported from another country.
3. Your Personal Taste
Finally, your personal taste is the most important thing you want to keep in mind when choosing between Old World and New World wines. Do you prefer a deeper, more complex flavour profile? Or would you rather go for something fruit-forward, easier to drink, and ready to enjoy?
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, choosing between Old World and New World wines comes down to personal preference. Like with any wine, you should always buy what you love. And with various wines available in both categories, there’s something for every palate!
Book a wine tour via Limousine Wine Tours today. We specialize in wine tours around Melbourne’s Yarra Valley and Mornington regions.