The classification of wines as old world or new world can be a helpful distinction. France, Spain, Italy and other European countries are home to old world wines. They may taste like leather, tobacco, minerals or earth. New world wines are found around the globe, coming from areas like Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and — within the United States — California, Washington and Oregon. New world wines are often described as fruit forward or jammy,
Is it possible to find a garnacha fruit bomb from Spain, or an earthy pinot noir from Oregon? Sure. But as a rule of thumb, wine is a product of its terroir, driven by soil, sunshine (or lack thereof), rain and temperature. As a result of climate and soil there are some areas that are well-suited for wine production, and others where it just doesn’t work.
This article appears in Feb 17-23, 2010.