Feb 18, 2026
In this show I go back to basics (the last time I covered this topic was in 2011 -- episode 7!!) and discuss the differences between the terms New World and Old World.
Although it seems totally basic, there has been controversy over using these terms, with some writers saying they are antiquated, non specific, and need to be replaced. I disagree. I discuss the usefulness of the terms and why they should still exist as terms in wine from three main perspectives:
- Geographical and historical perspectives
- REAL terroir differences that make the wines different
- Differences in regulation make Old World wines very consistent (and they conform to stereotypes!)
Here are links to the articles that I mention:
- Climate, Grapes, and Wine: Terroir and the Importance of Climate to Winegrape Production
- A New Reason to Embrace the "Old World / New World" Explanation of Wine by Tom Wark
- The anti-flavor wine elite, WineLovers Page
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