Old World vs. New World Wines
Tonight, we’re having a Wine Dinner at Prime featuring wines from around the globe, rather than a specific producer. Therefore, I feel it’s appropriate to explore and explain the topic of the Dinner: “Old World vs. New World” as it pertains to wine. In the world of wine, two terms often come up: "old world" and "new world." But what do they mean, and how do they affect the wine in your glass? Imagine the "old world" as a classic novel—full of tradition, history, and a deep connection to the land. Old world wines, predominantly from Europe, like France, Italy, and Spain, are often described as having lighter bodies, higher acidity, and more subtle fruit flavors with earthy undertones. These wines reflect centuries-old winemaking traditions and the concept of "terroir," which refers to the unique characteristics the soil, climate, and geography impart on the grapes. On the other hand, "new world" wines are like a modern-day blockbuster