In Australia, we are privileged to have one of the greatest selections of wine right on our doorstep - from Barossa Shiraz to Coonawarra Cabernet and Tasmanian Sparkling. What we forget is that across the waters, there are some of the world’s most prestigious producers who after centuries have wine down to a fine art. For those looking for something fresh and exciting, discover the fantastic offerings from winemakers around the world.
Old World Wine
Old World Wine regions are considered the traditional homes of wine in Europe. Made using traditional methods, they are often bound by guidelines that wineries must follow - such as grape varietal, time in barrel and alcohol levels. Old World Wine is influenced by terroir and tradition and includes countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Austria.
Many of the greatest wines are produced in the old world. Germany is home to some of the top Rieslings from the Mosel and Rhine Rivers, often in a sweeter style. Austria shines with its white Grüner Veltliners and Blaufrankisch. In Greece, there are many local grape varieties such as Assyrtiko and Xinomavro with plenty of character. At the same time, the fortified and dry red wines from the Douro Valley in Portugal are well worth tracking down.
New World Wine
Despite being influenced by the origins of Old World wine, the wines of the New World are not bound by tradition and regulations. Countries like Australia, the U.S, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile employ an entrepreneurial spirit, and their wines often tend to see more influence from the winemaker with less focus on terroir. The wines are generally fruit-forward thanks to a more technical style of winemaking, including greater use of stainless steel and new oak.
South America
South America has an excellent climate for winemaking, with wine regions generally dry but with a plentiful water supply thanks to snow melting in the Andes. The leading wines are the Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina’s Mendoza.
Moving towards the coast of the South Pacific, Chile has regions well suited to both white and red wines. Casablanca is renowned for its pungent Sauvignon Blanc, whilst Colchagua and Maipo are gaining recognition for their generous Merlot, Carmenere, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The United States of America
The USA, particularly California, is famous for its fruit-bomb wines with almost unheard of concentrations. Whether it is a Sonoma Chardonnay, Mendocino Petit Syrah or Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, expect turbo-charged wines to show plenty of flavours.
Travel the world through The Wine Collective’s international wine selections.
