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A Guide to Old World And New World Wines

Wine, that liquid gold woven with sunshine, soil, and tradition, can seem intimidating at first. Faced with rows upon rows of mysterious bottles, each promising a unique experience, where does a curious explorer begin?


Let's get you acquainted bit by bit. In this blog, we will unravel two distinct chapters dominating the wine world: old world and new world wines. Each has a unique story shaped by history, climate, and winemaking philosophies.


What Do These Terms Mean?


Wine tasting at an old world vineyard

The terms "Old World" and "New World" refer to the historical and geographical context of winemaking. Old world wines hail from countries with a long, established winemaking tradition dating back centuries.


On the other hand, new world wines come from countries that started producing wines more recently.

Here’s a breakdown of regions with examples:


OId World Wine Regions


  • France: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay

    • Château Lafite Rothschild (Bordeaux), Domaine Leroy (Burgundy), Domaine Jean-Louis Chave (Rhône Valley)

  • Italy: Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Moscato

    • Marchesi Antinori (Tuscany), Biondi Santi (Tuscany), Gaja (Piedmont)

  • Spain: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, Rías Baixas, and Jerez

    • Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero), Torres (Catalonia), Álvaro Palacios (Priorat)

  • Portugal: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir

    • Niepoort (Douro Valley), Quinta do Noval (Douro Valley), Ferreira (Port)


New World Wine Regions


  • California: Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc

    • Robert Mondavi Winery (Napa Valley), Screaming Eagle (Napa Valley), Kendall-Jackson (Sonoma County)

  • Australia: Syrah/Shiraz, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Riesling

    • Penfolds (South Australia), Yalumba (Barossa Valley), d'Arenberg (McLaren Vale)

  • New Zealand: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc

  • Argentina: Malbec, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvigon

    • Bodega Catena Zapata (Mendoza), Bodega Bodega Luigi Bosca (Mendoza), Bodega Trapiche (Mendoza)

  • Chile: Cabernet, Chardonnay, Carmenere

  • South Africa: Cabernet, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay

    • Stellenbosch Vineyards (Stellenbosch), Kanonkop (Stellenbosch), Sadie Family Wines (Swartland)


Old World vs New World Wines


So, what sets these two worlds apart? Let's explore the key differences between old world vs new world wines.


Climate


Old world regions typically have cooler climates, which slows grape ripening. This results in lighter-bodied wines with higher acidity and subtler, earthier aromas. A great example would be a delicate Pinot Noir from Burgundy in France, which offers notes of red cherry and earthy mushrooms.


On the other hand, new world regions boast warmer climates, resulting in faster-ripening grapes with higher sugar content. This results in fuller-bodied wines with lower acidity and bolder, fruitier aromas. Think of a robust Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California, bursting with flavors of blackcurrant and ripe plum.


Winemaking Techniques


Old world winemakers often prioritize tradition and minimal intervention. They may favor techniques like oak aging, which imparts notes of vanilla, spice, and toast to the wine.


New world winemakers often embrace innovation and experimentation. They may utilize techniques like stainless steel fermentation, which preserves the grapes' fresh fruit character.


Grape Varieties


Old world wines are typically named after their region, like Barolo in Italy or Rioja in Spain. They often focus on indigenous grape varieties, like Sangiovese in Italy or Tempranillo in Spain.


New world wines generally focus on the grape variety itself, like Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. This allows for easier identification and exploration of specific flavors.


Which World is Right for You?


The beauty lies in exploration! Here's a quick guide to help you navigate:


  • Enjoy lighter-bodied, acidic wines? Explore Old World Pinot Noir or Gamay.

  • Crave bolder, fruitier wines? New World Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz might be your match.

  • New to wine? Start with a crowd-pleaser like a medium-bodied Merlot from either world.


Explore The Old And New At The Riddler


Pair new and old world wines with your meals at The Riddler

Ready to start your wine adventure? Visit us at The Riddler Japanese Gastronomic Dining & Wine Bar in Bangkok. We promise a truly magnificent journey for your senses.


Our extensive wine list, featuring over 200 meticulously curated labels, offers a world tour in a glass. Whether you seek timeless old world classics or innovative new world discoveries, we have it all.


But the magic doesn't stop there. Our unique fusion dishes are made from the finest seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the land of the rising sun.


Under the helm of Chef Isao San, our menu transforms familiar Japanese cuisine into a playground of creativity. His playful reimaginings showcase both his culinary expertise and his endless curiosity. Each bite is an invitation to an unexpected adventure, where classic flavors are reinterpreted with delightful twists. Our knowledgeable sommelier expertly pairs each dish with the perfect wine, be it an old world Chianti or a new world Malbec.


Indulge in the delicate flavors of a perfectly seared tomahawk complemented by the bold structure of a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, or pair Gindara, a pan-seared snowfish, with a crisp Pinot Noir from Burgundy.


At The Riddler, every sip and bite is an experience waiting to be savored. So, raise a glass, embrace the adventure, and bring a voracious appetite. See you at The Riddler.


Contact us to reserve a table.

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