Recommendations from the Cellar Master - January, 2012

"Old" World vs. "New" World

Sometimes you might hear the terms "old world" or "new world" to describe a wine's characteristics or origin. Ever wonder what that means?

From a strictly geographical standpoint, "old world" refers to wines from Europe. "New world" refers to those wines not from the Europe- including (but not limited to) California, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

It's possible that you might hear this in reference to the wine's style. Old world wines tend to be lower in alcohol, maybe have a bit more acid and generally less fruit extraction (less syrupy). The wines that are aged in oak tend to be aged in less new wood or for a shorter period of time, giving the wine less of the oaky characteristics. "New World" wines will frequently be seen as approachable and delicious younger in life whereas the "Old World" wines are typically seen as needing lots of age before they reach their prime.

These are generalities mind you - but you get the idea. These and a lot of other topics are going to be covered in our upcoming wine education courses so we are looking to see you there. It'll be a good learning experience for all of us and some good times too!

See you around the wine bottle!

- BW