What does Old World Wine mean? Find out the differences between New World and Old World wine and how winemaking practices and regional climate greatly affect the taste of wine. The spread of winemaking and Vitis vinifera grapes from the Middle East into Europe defines what areas are part of the Old World (in terms of wine). Public Domain Map by Anonymous circa 1570 via Wikimedia For example, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Germany are Old World wine countries that have made wine for thousands of years. Also, based on the definition, countries like Turkey, Georgia, Armenia and Moldova are Old World wine regions as well. For example, the United States, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina and New Zealand are New World wine regions. Also, based on the definition, China, India and Japan are New World wine regions. Yes, they often do. The differences in Old World and New World wines come from winemaking practices (tradition) and from the affect of the land and climate on the grapes (the “terroir”).

Despite these common descriptors between New and Old World wines, there are plenty of exceptions to the rule. This is because winemakers have a fair amount of control when it comes to affecting how a wine will ultimately taste. Call it a winemaking preference if you want, but many Old World regions have rules and regulations that dictate winemaking practices which ultimately decides a wine’s style.how late can i buy wine in texas For example, if you made Malbec with the exact same winemaking methodologies in Mendoza, Argentina and then in Cahors, France, the wines would taste similar but not the same. best place to buy beer and wineIn this case, The difference is in the conditions (the climate, the microfauna, etc) of the two regions.best kind of wine with chicken

FUN FACT: An American winemaker famous for Malbec from Argentina (Paul Hobbs of Viña Cobos ) went to Cahors, France to make a Malbec–just as described above. Example 1: Bordeaux Merlot vs. California Merlot 2008 Rombauer Merlot California Critic Review “This elegant, focused version delivers currant and floral herb aromas and appealing cherry, caramel and spice flavors. best wine for white elephantDrink now through 2017.” -Wine Spectatorbest place to buy california wine online ANALYSIS Wine Spectator is quick to announce the fruit characteristics of this wine first and also discuss “Caramel” and “Spice” which indicate oak aging. top 10 wine distribution companies“Floral Herb” is mentioned as an aroma but not a flavor, saying that this wine may smell complex but tastes more fruity.

Rombauer has long been known for making very fruit-forward wines in the past and Wine Spectator says this one is not as bold or lush as the others with the word “Elegant”. 2009 Chateau Siaurac France Critic Review “Attractive truffle, graphite and plum notes intermixed with mocha and black cherry cascade from the glass of this supple, chunky, fleshy wine. There is good glycerin, purity and overall character to this wine, which can be drunk over the next decade.” -Robert Parker ANALYSIS Robert Parker reveals the most prevalent flavors of this wine first in his description of Chateau Siarac. By saying the words “Graphite,” “Truffle” and “Chunky” he is telling us that the wine is more earthy. The indication of its expected age-worthiness of a decade, Parker is saying that the wine has the 4 components that make a wine age worthy. This does not mean that the wine will necessarily drink well now. 2011 Brancott Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand Critic Review

“Brancott sets the style for clean, oceanic Marlborough sauvignon with this mouthwatering wine. There’s a touch of flint in the aroma, bright passionfruit flavors and fresh acidity to balance it.” -Wine & Spirits ANALYSIS Wine & Spirits suggests that the wine has a unique mineral aroma, but says that overall it tastes of passionfruit. “Passionfruit” in Sauvignon Blanc is a ripe flavor whereas flavors like “Lemon” and “Pepper” indicate a sauvignon blanc that was picked less ripe. 2011 Les Roches Touraine Blanc France Critic Review “Intense classic nose of cut grass, pepper and, believe it or not, pineapples and lemons, with plenty of minerality. Very crisp and refreshing” -KL WInes ANALYSIS KL Wines points out that this wine has a “Classic” note of “Cut Grass.” Picking flavors other than fruit shows that this wine has more savory flavors. Sauvignon Blanc from France tends to lean towards more herbaceous and mineral flavors. A simplified map showing Old and New World wine regions.

Tasmania, the island state of breathtaking landscapes, unique wilderness and exquisite produce is also home to Domaine Simha, where artisanal fine wines are crafted based on ancient knowledge and intuition. Founded by husband and wife duo, Nav Singh and Louise Radman, Domaine Simha has transformed the fine wine landscape and fostered a new outlook on what Tasmania has to offer. Just a few years after their first vintage, the exceptional wines of Domaine Simha are highly sought by collectors, sommeliers and connoisseurs across Australasia. Speaking to Indian Link, Nav Singh says that at Domaine Simha, the philosophy of wine making centres on terroir (how a particular region’s climate, soils and terrain affect the taste of the wine). The wines are shaped ‘au naturel’ to reflect epic single vineyards. Living wines are produced here relying on ancient wisdom as much as science. “Our wine comes straight from the earth,” says Singh. “We strive for subtlety and detail that can only be achieved naturally in very few places.

We pare things back to reveal the purest essence of terroir and the character of the season.” At Domaine Simha, their devotion to quality is evident in every stage from the vine to the glass. Crafted by hand in micro batches, just 2-3 barrels of each wine are made. An avant-garde approach embraces natural methods; harvesting by lunar cycle on fruit and flower days, whole bunch wild fermentation with traditional foot pigeage, maturation in custom large format oak barrels and clay amphorae, basket pressing, and bottling unfined and unfiltered wines with perfect natural balance. According to Singh, Tasmania is the ultimate fine wine terroir! “Tasmania is Australia’s final frontier and the natural advantages we have are unparalleled. Making wine here is like standing on the brink of a new world where everything is possible,” he says. Born and bought up in Delhi, Nav Singh moved to Australia to pursue higher education in 1996. While completing studies in economics, Singh found he had a palate for different flavours and developed an interest in wine.

A stint working at Sydney’s Park Hyatt fuelled his passion and he decided to undergo formal winemaking training at Adelaide University. Mastering his craft, Singh honed his skills at some of the world’s most prestigious wine estates, including Domaine de L’Arlot in Burgundy and Chateau Le Pin in Bordeaux, France as well as working in Australia with Chandon and Mountadam and heading up operations in Margaret River and Clare Valley. In 2012, Singh along with his wife Louise Radman (who has a host of impressive wine credentials of her own), relocated to Tasmania to establish Domaine Simha. A very unique and interesting name, Domaine Simha pays homage to Nav’s rich Indian heritage. The name Singh originates from the Sanskrit word Simha, which means lion. The logo features the India Gate flanked by two lions, and many of the wines take their names from historic royal titles like Rani, Rana and Raja. Some of the collections under the Domaine label include Amphorae and Sanskrit.

Making wine in the traditional amphora is an age-old method dating back thousands of years. Crafted in white clay vessels, Domaine Simha Amphorae wines are energetic with expressive character. The clay allows the wine to breathe and evolve, while circulation of natural convection currents energises the wine and maintains a stable temperature. The beautifully patterned, golden Amphorae labels reference the exquisite architectural beauty of jali screens found throughout India. The Sanskrit range is a reflection of the poetic language of love and beauty; the wines shine a light on lesser known grape varieties and styles such as gamay and cabernet franc. The Sanskrit pinot gris and schonburger are skin fermented white wines. Essentially, this involves making an oxidative-style wine matured by leaving on the grape skins as you would normally do for red wines. The result is a textured, ‘orange’ style of wine with characterful ginger spice and earthy flavours. Domaine Simha wines can be found online and in specialist wine retailers.