Tom Jones, of the Whalley Wine Shop believes drinking ‘New World’ wines is a truly fabulous experience

The phrases ‘Old World’ and ‘New World’ are widely used when discussing wine and generally correspond to Europe and ‘Everywhere else’.
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The phrases ‘Old World’ and ‘New World’ are widely used when discussing wine and generally correspond to Europe and ‘Everywhere else’.

The initial use of the phrases unsurprisingly came from Europeans who, perhaps, applied it rather scathingly to those ‘upstarts’ in emerging areas trying to emulate their wine production and, perhaps arrogantly, assuming they’d never match European quality.

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While this may have been true initially, quality in the ‘New World’ has increased immeasurably and is now easily on a par with the very best from the ‘Old World’. Those who still have a hang up about drinking ‘New World’ wines are missing out on some truly fabulous wine experiences.

The vineyards of Greece  new world wines from an old world country?The vineyards of Greece  new world wines from an old world country?
The vineyards of Greece new world wines from an old world country?

There are also areas that potentially straddle these descriptions. South Africa’s Constantia estate was established more than 335 years ago, well before many European vineyards and yet South Africa is still classed as a ‘New World’ producer. This conundrum got me thinking about wines from some of the quirkier wine regions and how they’re viewed.

Lebanon

Although historically one of the oldest wine producers, Lebanese wine drifted into Europe when it was governed by the French between the world wars, only emerging in Britain via the work of Serge Hochar of Chateau Musar who, during the civil war of the 70s and 80s, searched for new markets. We sell the Chateau Musar Rouge 2012 for £31.99

Japan

Tom Jones,of the Whalley Wine ShopTom Jones,of the Whalley Wine Shop
Tom Jones,of the Whalley Wine Shop

With vines potentially being introduced in 718AD, it is hard to describe Japan as ‘New World’ yet for most of us it’s still relatively unknown in the UK. Slowly starting to be introduced by adventurous sommeliers the delicate ‘Koshu’ grape is used to match the delicate flavours in Japanese cuisine. If you like Soave and elegant, light, dry whites the Grace Koshu Kayagatake at £17.99 could be perfect for you.

Greece

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Again, historically part of ancient Europe and the ‘Old World’, but as a wine producer viewed by most as more modern, unusual and adventurous perhaps.

Winemaking in Greece is flourishing, with some talented winemakers producing excellent wines. We stock a range of 10 Greek wines with Assyrtiko and Malagousia arguably being the best grapes for whites and Xinamavro and Agiorgitiko for reds. The Ktima Biblia Chora Assyrtiko/Sauvignon blend at £16.99 is a superb wine for fans of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume.

China

Similar to Japan, a very historic and ancient country but in wine terms a relative newcomer. And wow have they come on fast. From virtual obscurity two decades ago to producing more wine than Australia in 2016 (*OIV statistical report.)

Driven by China’s luxury restaurant market, wine consumption and production have rocketed, and we’ll see more and more Chinese wine over the coming years. We bought our first Chinese wines this year and the Martin Longyan Dragon Eye from Yahuai Valley, China at just £15.99 is fresh, crisp, with a lovely pear character; ideal for adventurous drinkers.

England and Wales

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And now the real conundrum, as England and Wales produce more and more wine of a consistently high quality we’re becoming an important producer in our own right. But, would we be classed as New or Old World? Oz Clarke describes England as the “NEWEST New World” and what a lovely phrase that is to describe our burgeoning wine scene. We stock a number of excellent English sparkling wines and also the superb New Hall Bacchus from Essex at £13.99 from the first commercial vines planted in the UK.

The real point here though is that it really doesn’t matter any more whether your wine is from the Old or the New World. Passionate wine makers across the globe are making excellent wines in styles too numerous to count. If you limit yourself to only either Old World or New World you would miss out on a massive choice. It’s the quality of what’s in the bottle that counts the most…