Your Guide to New World Wine

If you’re a lover of wine from places like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, you’re a fan of Old World Wines, which refers to wine produced in countries where winemaking has been traditionally established for centuries.

On the other hand, there is a whole other realm to get to know and love: “New World Wine”. New World Wine refers to bottles produced in countries outside of Europe, such as the USA, Argentina, Chile, Canada, Australia & New Zealand – just to name a few. These regions began producing wine much more recently, often within the last few hundred years, and their wines tend to be more full-bodied and fruit-forward compared to Old World Wines. Taking on a refreshing outlook on the age-old practice of winemaking, New World wine producers often have more freedom to experiment with different grape varieties and techniques than their Old World counterparts. 

If you’re curious to try New World wines for yourself, you’re in luck because this month  we’re celebrating with New World Wonders – enjoy 30% off select bottles of wine from New World destinations like USA, Chile, Argentina, and even other lesser-known destinations like Georgia and Canada. For more irresistible deals, follow us on @straitswinecompany on Instagram and Facebook.  

WINE FROM USA

The USA is one of the largest wine-producing countries in the world, with wine regions spread across the nation from coast to coast. The industry found its beginnings in the 19th century, with immigrants from Europe who brought their winemaking expertise and planted vineyards in the USA. 

Today, California is the largest and most famous wine-producing state in the US, accounting for about 85% of the country’s wine production. The state has several prominent wine regions, including Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara.

The American wine industry is known for its innovation, and American winemakers have been instrumental in developing new grape varieties, such as Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, and pioneering new winemaking techniques, such as cold fermentation and oak barrel ageing.

American wines come in a wide variety of styles, from bold and full-bodied like Cabernet Sauvignon to crisp and acidic Sauvignon Blanc, just like the Esser Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($50).

WINE FROM CHILE

Chile is a prominent wine-producing country in South America, with a long history of winemaking dating back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors introduced grapevines to the region. Chile’s wine regions are located along a narrow strip of land between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, which creates a wide range of microclimates and soil types. Chile is particularly known for its red wines, which account for the majority of its wine production. 

The most popular red grape varieties in Chile include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, and Syrah. Chilean red wines are typically full-bodied and rich, with ripe fruity notes and firm tannins. Chile also produces top-notch white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, which are known for their bright acidity and mineral-driven flavours.

Photo credit: Catena Zapata via Instagram

WINE FROM ARGENTINA

Argentina is another prominent wine-producing country in South America, with a long history of winemaking that dates back to the 16th century. The most famous wine region in Argentina is Mendoza, located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Mendoza accounts for around 70% of Argentina’s wine production and is home to several sub-regions, including Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley. These regions are known for their high-altitude vineyards, which produce grapes with intense flavour and aroma profiles. 

The most popular grape variety in Argentina is Malbec, which is believed to have originated in France but has become synonymous with Argentine wine. Argentina also produces other red grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bonarda, as well as white grape varieties such as Torrontes and Chardonnay. Great blends also exist, like the Bodega Catena Zapata “Nicolás Catena Zapata” 2015 ($165) which is a mix of 83% cabernet sauvignon and 17% malbec.

WINE FROM CANADA 

Canada is a relatively new player in the global wine industry, with a history of commercial winemaking that dates back to the mid-19th century. Today, Canada is known for producing wines from a variety of grape varieties, including both vinifera and even hybrid grapes. 

The majority of Canada’s wine production occurs in two regions: the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. In the Niagara Peninsula, the most popular grape varieties include Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. The region is known for producing crisp, refreshing white wines with bright acidity and complex flavours. Red wines from the Niagara Peninsula are typically lighter in style and characterised by their soft tannins and fruity flavours. In the Okanagan Valley, the most popular grape varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. The region’s warmer climate allows for longer growing seasons, resulting in riper, more full-bodied wines with intense fruit flavours and firm tannins. Here you’ll find wineries that produce bottles like the Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvee Classique 2018 ($114) and the La Stella Fortissimo 2018 ($96).