When it comes to describing wines, there are distinct differences in the choice of descriptors between Old World and New World wines.
Old World Wines
Old World wines refer to wines produced in countries with a long history of winemaking, such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. When describing Old World wines, the focus is often on terroir, tradition, and elegance.
- Terroir: Old World wines are often described in terms of the specific region, soil, climate, and vineyard where the grapes were grown. Descriptors may include terms like “minerality,” “earthiness,” “flinty,” and “herbaceous.”
- Tradition: Old World wines have a strong emphasis on tradition and winemaking techniques that have been passed down through generations. Descriptors may include terms like “balanced,” “structured,” “complex,” and “nuanced.”
- Elegance: Old World wines are known for their subtlety and finesse. Descriptors may include terms like “restrained,” “understated,” “refined,” and “polished.”
New World Wines
New World wines refer to wines produced in countries with a newer winemaking tradition, such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. When describing New World wines, the focus is often on fruit-forward flavors, boldness, and innovation.
- Fruit-forward flavors: New World wines are known for their ripe, fruity flavors that are often front and center. Descriptors may include terms like “jammy,” “ripe,” “fruity,” and “tropical.”
- Boldness: New World wines are often described as bold and powerful, with high alcohol content and intense flavors. Descriptors may include terms like “full-bodied,” “bold,” “ripe tannins,” and “opulent.”
- Innovation: New World winemakers are often more experimental and open to trying new techniques and grape varieties. Descriptors may include terms like “modern,” “innovative,” “fruit-driven,” and “oak-forward.”
Comparison
While both Old World and New World wines share the same goal of producing high-quality wines, the choice of descriptors reflects the differences in winemaking styles, traditions, and climates between the two regions.
- Old World wines focus on terroir, tradition, and elegance, with descriptors like “minerality,” “balanced,” and “restrained.”
- New World wines emphasize fruit-forward flavors, boldness, and innovation, with descriptors like “jammy,” “full-bodied,” and “modern.”
- Old World wines are often associated with classic grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, while New World wines may feature newer grape varieties like Malbec, Zinfandel, and Viognier.