Old World wines are those wines produced in the traditional wine regions of Europe, as well as regions less traditional from a market penetration standpoint, but with a strong history of wine production, such as Georgia, Turkey, Iran and Algeria. But for the most part, Old World wines on the market today are produced in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania and the Balkans.
Old World wine production is based on terroir, which is how a specific region and geography’s soils, climate and terrain, as well as the grape farming and harvesting practices, affect the sensory profile and experience of the wine. As these factors can change from year to year, vintage of these wines is also very important in affecting the wine’s quality.
Italy
Sangiovese, Tuscany
Barbera, Piemonte
Primitivo, Apulia
Nero d’Avola, Sicily
Grigniolino, Piemonte
Pinot Grigio, Veneto
Friulano, Friuli Venezia Giulia
France
Merlot, Bordeaux
Rose, Provence
Sauvignon Blanc, Languedoc
Spain
Tempranillo, Duero
Tempranillo, Cuenca
Portugal
Touriga Nacional, Lisboa