What is Old World wine?
Old World wine refers to wine made in traditional European regions such as France, Italy, and Spain. These wines focus on terroir – the influence of soil, topography and climate – and typically have higher acidity, lower alcohol, and more subtle, earthy flavours. Winemaking follows historic methods and strict rules. Labels usually emphasise the region rather than the grape variety, reflecting centuries of cultural and winemaking heritage.
A few examples
Old World wine regions include France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Portugal. For France, you have regions like Bordeaux (with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes) and Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay). Italy, on the other hand, offers Barolo (Nebbiolo) and Chianti (Sangiovese), while Spain is known for Rioja (Tempranillo). Germany specialises in Riesling, and Portugal is famed for Port. These regions focus on tradition, terroir, and structured, age-worthy wines with distinct regional character.
Carlos Rodriguez's Morum Rioja Reserva is a fantastic example of an old-world wine using the best grapes this classic region has to offer.
What about New World wine?
New World wine refers to wine made outside traditional European regions, in countries like the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and South Africa. These regions embrace innovation, modern technology, and winemaker-led styles. Thanks to fewer regulations, wines are often more fruit-forward, expressive, and approachable. Labelling typically highlights grape variety over region. These wines also reflect a modern, experimental spirit, prioritising bold flavours over tradition and regional constraints.
Some examples
As mentioned, New World wine regions include the USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina. The USA is known for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, while Australia produces bold Shiraz. New Zealand pitches in with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Argentina is famous for Malbec. Chile is famed for Carmenère, and South Africa for Chenin Blanc. These regions offer vibrant, fruit-forward wines that reflect modern winemaking and diverse climates.
If you're looking for a new world wine that packs a punch, Matt Parish's Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the best that Napa, California, has to offer.
A closer look at history
Winemaking in Europe dates back thousands of years, flourishing under the ancient Greeks and especially the Romans, who spread viticulture (basically vine growing) across their empire. Roman innovations in vineyard management and winemaking set the foundation for Europe's wine culture. In the Middle Ages, Christian monks preserved and advanced winemaking techniques, maintaining vineyards and documenting methods. Through colonisation and global trade, European settlers then introduced vines to the New World – first in South America, then North America, South Africa, and Australia. Key moments include phylloxera in the 19th century, which devastated European vineyards but led to grafting innovations, and the rise of New World regions in the 20th century. Today, both worlds blend tradition and innovation, shaping a dynamic global wine industry.
So, what’s the difference?
Regions
Old World wine-producing countries have centuries-old traditions shaped by history, religion, and regional identity. Their wines often reflect the concept of terroir, where climate, soil, and tradition influence style. In contrast, New World countries like the USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina began producing wine more recently, mainly through European colonisation. These regions benefit from diverse climates and modern technology, allowing more freedom and experimentation. Geography plays a key role: cooler Old World regions often produce wines with higher acidity and lower alcohol, while warmer New World areas yield bolder, fruitier wines. Historical continuity in the Old World fosters regulation and regional typicity, while the New World embraces innovation, varietal labelling, and a more winemaker-driven approach to style and production.
Flavour
Old World wines are often described as more restrained, earthy, and nuanced in flavour. Grown in cooler European climates, they typically have higher acidity, lower alcohol, and a strong sense of terroir – essentially reflecting the soil, climate, and traditional methods of each region. These wines, such as a Burgundy Pinot Noir or a Rioja Tempranillo, tend to be more savoury and subtle, developing complexity with age. In contrast, New World wines – produced in countries like the USA, Australia, and Argentina – are generally fruitier, fuller-bodied, and higher in alcohol. Warmer climates and modern winemaking techniques enhance ripe, bold fruit flavours, as seen in a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or a Barossa Valley Shiraz. New World wines often aim for immediate appeal, with richer textures and a more approachable style.
Winemaking methods
Old World winemaking is deeply rooted in tradition, with methods passed down through generations. Countries like France, Italy, and Spain often follow strict regulations that control everything from grape varieties to ageing processes. Winemakers typically use minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grape and terroir to shine through. Fermentation with native yeasts, large neutral oak barrels, and extended ageing are common practices. In contrast, New World winemaking embraces innovation and flexibility. Modern technology, such as temperature-controlled fermentation, cultured yeasts, and new oak barrels, is widely used to influence style and consistency. Without rigid regulations, New World producers experiment freely, often focusing on fruit expression and winemaker creativity, which gives you bold, polished wines tailored to modern consumer preferences.
Jen Pfieffer uses netting during harvest time to make sure her grapes are protected from the Australian wildlife.
Terroir
Terroir refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, topography, and local tradition that shapes the character of a wine. It’s a central concept in Old World winemaking, where regions like Burgundy, Rioja, and Chianti place great emphasis on expressing a wine’s sense of place. In these areas, winemakers often aim to reflect the vineyard’s natural conditions with minimal intervention, believing terroir is the soul of the wine. Strict regional laws support this philosophy by limiting grape varieties and production methods. In contrast, New World wines are often more influenced by winemaking choices than terroir. With fewer regulations, producers focus on technique, using technology and stylistic decisions to shape flavour, body, and balance. While terroir still matters, the winemaker’s hand plays a much bigger role.
Ageing and oak use
These differ significantly between Old and New World wines. In the Old World, wines are often aged in large, neutral oak casks or old barrels that impart minimal flavour. This traditional approach helps preserve the wine’s natural structure, subtlety, and expression of terroir. The focus is on elegance, allowing earthy, mineral, and savoury notes to develop over time. In contrast, New World winemakers frequently use smaller, new oak barrels – often American oak – to enhance body and add bold flavours like vanilla, spice, and toast. This method contributes to the rich, fruit-forward character typical of wines from California, Australia, or Argentina. The use of oak in the New World is often a stylistic choice, emphasising approachability, texture, and a more powerful flavour profile.
Oak barrels are great for ageing wine if you're looking for some real complex flavours. They're pretty drinking wine on as well in a pinch.
Climate
Climate plays a key role in shaping the style of both Old and New World wines. Old World regions, such as Burgundy, the Mosel, and the Loire Valley, tend to have cooler climates, resulting in wines with higher acidity, lower alcohol, and more delicate, restrained flavours. Grapes ripen more slowly, preserving freshness and producing elegant wines with subtle complexity. In contrast, many New World regions – like California, South Australia, and Mendoza – enjoy warmer, sunnier conditions that lead to riper grapes and fuller-bodied wines. These wines often have higher alcohol, softer acidity, and bold, fruit-forward profiles. The warmer climate also allows for more consistent vintages and broader stylistic flexibility. While both styles have their strengths, climate differences play a major role in defining the contrast between Old and New World wine characteristics.
Which is better, old or new?
“Better” is subjective – choosing between Old and New World wine depends on personal taste. Old World wines offer elegance, subtlety, and a strong sense of place, ideal for food pairings and ageing. New World wines are bold, fruit-forward, and approachable, great for casual sipping or impressing at parties. Prefer a refined Burgundy with dinner? Go for Old World. Craving a juicy Napa Cab at a BBQ? Opt for New World. Each style has its charm, so exploring both is the best way to discover your preference.
How do you choose?
To decide between Old and New World wines, consider your taste: prefer subtle, earthy flavours? Try Old World. Like bold, fruity wines? Go New World. Also, as mentioned above, try to match wine to the occasion – elegant dinners suit Old World; casual gatherings favour New. and do check the labels: Old World often lists regions, New World highlights grape varieties. Experiment with both styles to explore your palate and discover what suits your meals, moods, and moments best.
How winemakers are blurring the lines
Today, many winemakers are blending Old and New World approaches. Some Old World producers use modern equipment, new oak barrels, and warmer fermentation techniques to appeal to global tastes. Meanwhile, New World winemakers are embracing traditional methods like biodynamic farming, native yeast fermentation and extended ageing to add complexity. For example, Spain’s Priorat producers combine tradition with innovation, while California’s Rhys Vineyards uses Old World methods for terroir-driven wines. This fusion creates exciting, diverse styles that go beyond geography.
Summary
Old World wines, from regions like France and Italy, focus on tradition, terroir, and subtle, earthy flavours with higher acidity. New World wines, from countries like the USA and Australia, are typically bolder, fruitier, and shaped by modern techniques. Both offer exceptional quality – but the best choice depends on your personal taste. Explore different styles, regions, and producers to discover what you enjoy most. The world of wine is vast, and there’s something for every palate. Promise.
Really, it doesn't matter where and how you choose to drink your wine. Just enjoy it.
Naked Wines winemakers
At Naked, we champion both Old and New World winemakers, funding independent talent across the globe – from traditionalists like Benjamin Darnault in France to innovators like Carmen Stevens in South Africa. With our curated selection, you can explore everything from classic Rioja to bold Californian reds. It’s a whole world of flavour and passion, all in one place – perfect for finding your go-to style.
