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New Versus Old World Wines

What are new world wines and old world wines?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW

The terms Old World and New World refer not just to the worlds of wine, but to history and international politics as well. The "Old" is generally considered to be larger Europe in common usage, while the "New" encompasses countries of the Southern and Western hemispheres, many of which were colonies of European powers and/or attracted European (and other) settlers. In terms of wine, the Old World includes, for example, France, Italy, and Spain whereas the New World refers to the US, Chile, Argentina, Australia and South Africa, among others. It is quite common for journalists, tasters and makers to compare wines from both worlds which are produced from the same grape: Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre and Marlborough, New Zealand, or Chardonnay in Burgundy and Sonoma, California.


About Our Expert

Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with a leading European company. Previously, he served as senior executive of importers Frederick Wildman & Sons. In recent years, Roger has judged wine competitions in Argentina, Turkey, Portugal, China and the U.S. Roger is one of America's first Masters of Wine.

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