Being able to select a great bottle of wine is an excellent trait to have but, considering all the terms that are bandied about, even the most ardent wine enthusiasts can get confused by what’s on the shelves. To make things a little easier, we have put together everything you need to know about new world wines. Read on to find out what they are, where they come from and when to drink them!
Table of Contents
What is a New World Wine?
Before learning more about new world wines, let’s take a moment to understand what old world wines are. Any wine producing region in which modern wine making methods originated is typically known as ‘old world’. This includes many European and Middle Eastern countries, such as France, Italy, Spain and Lebanon.
In contrast, new world wines from Underground Cellar are produced in countries that weren’t pioneers of modern wine making in years gone by. These include Chile, the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina.
Is All New World Wine the Same?
Absolutely not. The term, ‘new world’, might be applied to this genre of wines but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. As you may know, the region, climate and production methods all have a major impact on the flavor and aroma of wine, so there can be great variations between new world wines.
In general, however, new world wines do tend to be fuller bodied and often have bolder fruit flavors, perhaps because they tend to be made in countries with hotter climates. In addition to this, new world wines often have a higher alcohol content than old world alternatives, although this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
When to Drink New World Wines
New world wines can be an excellent choice for any occasion, particularly due to the variations in flavors. In old world wine making regions, wine producers are typically restricted when it comes to how wine is manufactured. This is because the traditional methods of wine making are upheld in these areas. In new world wine producing regions, however, wine makers have more freedom to experiment and, as a result, can produce some of the most exquisite modern wines.
If you’re looking for a crisp white wine to serve with seafood, for example, a South African Chenin Blanc could be the perfect choice. Alternatively, a full-bodied Australian Shiraz is the ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, barbecues and cheese.
Knowing which wines to pair with foods can be tricky, but a little research will stand you in good stead. We came across an article recently that made it easy to learn tips and tricks that make you sound like you know exactly what you’re doing (even if you’re not quite so sure!).
Get to Know New World Wines
It’s likely that you’ve already sampled a new world wine, even if you didn’t realize it at the time. However, the best way to experiment and find out which flavors or regions you prefer is simply to try a selection. By going to a wine tasting session or simply choosing a different bottle next time you’re buying wine, you can compare new world wines from a variety of regions and decide which one is right for you.
