"Old World" vs. "New World Wines": An Archaic Divide?
In the wine world, the terms "Old World" and "New World" traditionally divide winemaking into two distinct styles. Typically, Old World wines come from Europe, while New World wines hail from regions like North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. But as global winemaking practices evolve, is this distinction still meaningful? We hear the terms a lot, but let’s explore where these terms come from—and why they’re now used much less.
The Origins of Old World and New World Wines
The Old World/New World distinction began as a way to map out the development of winemaking across continents and regions. Old World wines are associated with regions where winemaking originated and evolved over centuries, such as France, Italy, and Spain. These areas have deep-rooted traditions in both viticulture and vinification, passed down through generations.
By contrast, New World wines come from regions where winemaking began as vines were brought over by colonisers to North America, South America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. In these areas, the shorter history of wine allowed more flexibility to experiment with techniques, grape varieties, and styles.
Why the Divide Is Becoming Archaic
Today, the differences between Old and New World wines aren’t as pronounced as they once were. In recent decades, winemakers around the world have had unprecedented access to techniques and technology from other regions. Winemakers study globally, adopting methods from diverse wineries. This exchange of knowledge has helped break down traditional regional boundaries.
As consumers become more adventurous in their tastes, they encourage winemakers to experiment beyond regional “rules.” We see European producers crafting more fruit-forward styles to meet demand for fuller-bodied wines, while New World producers experiment with lower-alcohol wines and traditional European methods, like aging in amphorae. This cross-pollination has led to wines that defy easy classification.
The impact of climate change is even creating new winemaking regions, further blurring the traditional Old and New World categories.
One standout example is England, a country historically better known for its ales and ciders than for wine. In recent years, England has seen a surge in quality wine production, particularly with its sparkling wines. The cooler English climate, combined with chalky soils in regions like Sussex and Kent, creates ideal conditions for sparkling wine grapes, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. English sparkling wines have not only gained international acclaim but are often compared to Champagne in terms of finesse and quality. However, England doesn’t fall neatly into either the Old or New World category, highlighting the need to rethink traditional wine classifications.
Regions in Eastern Europe, such as Hungary, Georgia, and Croatia, have been producing wine for thousands of years, yet they often don’t fall under the "Old World" umbrella in the same way that France or Italy does. Georgian wines, made using ancient qvevri (clay vessel) methods, have recently gained attention among wine enthusiasts worldwide. Croatia and Hungary are also re-emerging as premium wine regions, with local grape varieties like Furmint becoming more commonly available. These regions blend ancient methods with modern techniques, resulting in wines that honour tradition yet bring something innovative to the table.
A New Way to Think About Wine
Today’s wine lovers don’t need to rely on outdated categories like Old and New World. Instead, the focus is shifting to the quality of the winemaking, the intentions of the winemaker, and the characteristics of the wine itself. Instead of a rigid classification system, we can consider a wine’s individual attributes: its balance, aroma, body, and overall experience.
While the terms “Old World” and “New World” have helped generations of wine enthusiasts make sense of global wine styles, they no longer fully capture the diversity or quality of wines available. Whether you’re tasting a delicate Syrah from Sonoma or a robust Sangiovese from Sicily, each wine can offer its own unique story, unhindered by labels or boundaries.