New World vs. Old World Wine

The world of wine seems packed with jargon that can be inaccessible to wine newbies. Two phrases often used by wine enthusiasts are “Old World” and “New World”—but what do they mean? How can a wine be from a different world? What makes a world “old” or “new” (clue: the U.S. is firmly in the New World)?

Don’t worry—we have the answers. So let’s break down New World wines vs. Old World, explain their differences, and how a fantastic benefit of a Laithwaites wine club subscription can give you the opportunity to taste wines from both.

New World vs. Old World Wine – What’s the Difference?

The difference between Old World and New World wines has mostly to do with their geography.

The Old World wine countries are all in Europe—including France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Greece, Austria, Romania and Hungary. These countries are where modern winemaking practices and rules originated, and it was from these countries’ traditions that the New World began their own forays into winemaking. Old World countries have centuries of winemaking history, with wine production embedded in the country’s national identity.

New World wine countries include North America, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and China—countries that adopted grape varieties and winemaking techniques from the Old World.

New World and Old World can also refer to the style and flavor of a wine.

How do you know where to begin with so many countries, regions and varieties to explore?

We can help with that. By joining a Laithwaites wine club, you can explore high-quality wines from both Old World and New World countries from the comfort of your home, with carefully selected bottles being sent to your door every three months.

Old World Wines—Rooted in Tradition

With a history dating back millennia, Old World wine countries are steeped in tradition. Often seen as the birthplace of winemaking, Old World winemakers developed the skills and practices that have since been exported worldwide.

France

To say wine is an integral part of daily life in France is an understatement. The country’s winemaking history dates back to the 6th century BC, and it sets the quality standard for many international wine varieties. This Old World country is home to over 200 grape varieties, including the so-called “noble” grapes Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. France makes some of the world’s most iconic wines, including Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy, Provence rosé and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. France has 11 major wine regions and a labeling system—the Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC for short)—that protects the country’s wine heritage and quality.

Italy

Italy is a winemaker’s paradise. Its winemaking history dates back to the 8th century BC when the country was known as Oenotria—“the land of vines”—and there are even more grape varieties planted here than in any other country. Italy is home to some of the world’s most famous wine regions, including Tuscany, Piedmont and the Veneto, with some of its most popular grape varieties being Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Primitivo, Glera and Pinot Grigio. Italy is best known for its savory red wines—like Chianti, Barolo and Barbaresco—its fruity, aromatic sparkling wine Prosecco and fresh, dry whites made from grapes such as Pinot Grigio. Like France, Italy has an appellation system designed to protect its wines’ quality. Some of Italy’s winemaking success is because of its legacy process, where local vine-growing and winemaking methods are passed down through generations.

Spain

Home to over 400 different grape varieties, Spain has one of the most exciting ranges of wine in the Old World. From rich reds to fruity rosés to crisp whites, this sun-drenched country is one of the more well-established wine producers in the world. Spain’s most famous wine exports include robust Rioja red blends, sparkling Cava and various Sherries, including Fino and Amontillado. Typical grape varieties include Tempranillo, Garnacha, Carignan, Albariño, Verdejo and Macabeo. With Spanish winemakers’ attention to detail and commitment to tradition (while embracing innovations), Spanish wines continue to impress the world with every new vintage.

New World Wines—Breaking the Mold

New World wine-producing countries aren’t typically as restricted by appellation systems, allowing winemakers to experiment with new winemaking techniques and technology, producing unique, modern wines using traditional grape varieties.

The United States

One of the four biggest wine-producing countries in the world, America has several states producing world-class wines that rival Old World classics, including California, Oregon and Washington. California is famed for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon and rich Chardonnay wines (especially the sought-after bottlings from Napa Valley), Oregon for the elegant Pinot Noir grown in the Willamette Valley and Washington for its rich yet balanced reds. There is also a growing market for the country’s sparkling wines, the majority of which are made in California. The U.S. started successfully making wine in the 1500s when French Huguenot settlers used Scuppernong grapes at a settlement near Jacksonville, Florida. America now grows a wide array of grapes, including Riesling, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Viognier, Pinot Gris and Grenache (which is often used to make juicy, food-friendly rosé wines). The U.S. is also gaining international attention for high-quality yet affordable everyday wines.

South Africa

South Africa’s winemaking history dates back to the 17th century when the Dutch East India Company established the first vineyards in the Cape of Good Hope. Despite the country’s complex social and economic history, it has emerged as an international player in the wine industry, creating bold reds and modern, elegant whites. South Africa’s most unique grape variety is Pinotage—a native cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault that most famously grows in the Stellenbosch region—and the country is also home to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chenin Blanc (the country’s No 1 white, which is locally known as Steen), Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier vineyards across the Western Cape, Walker Bay and Klein Karoo wine regions.

Australia

With its diverse climates and geography across its 60 wine regions, Australia is home to over 100 different grape varieties, including Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Riesling, Chardonnay and Viognier. It’s the fifth largest wine-producing country in the world, best known for its robust and spicy Shiraz wines from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.

Australia’s wine industry dates back to when the first vineyards were established in the early 1800s, and is home to some of the oldest grape vines in the world. It has since gained an international reputation for its high-quality wines and creative winemaking processes, embracing the newest technology to produce unique, interesting wines in various styles and flavors.

Argentina

Winemaking in Argentina dates back to the 16th century when Spanish missionaries played a significant role in introducing viticulture to the country. Today, Argentina produces some of the world’s most impressive wines. With its warm, dry climate, high altitudes, and cover from the Andes Mountains, Argentina successfully grows a range of grape varieties, including Malbec, Cabernet, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, as well as native varieties Bonarda and Torrontés. Despite being a French variety, Malbec has become the signature wine of Argentina. Malbec wines from here are typically smoother and less acidic than the French style.

Argentina has several major wine regions—stretching from Salta in the north to Patagonia in the south—with Mendoza (the country’s best-known wine region) in the middle of the country.

Wine Subscriptions: The Best of Both Worlds

With a Laithwaites wine subscription, you can discover the best New World and Old World wines.

It’s an easy way to get your hands on wines you won’t find at your local grocery store, a wine subscription lets you taste, compare and appreciate wines from across the world.

A Laithwaites wine club subscription offers wine lovers the opportunity to discover new wines from both Old and New World countries without leaving the house—you can select either our red, white, or mixed subscription cases, each containing a case of high-quality wines from across the world, to be sent to your door every three months.

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New World vs. Old World Wine

New World vs. Old World Wine – What’s the Difference?