New World wine

New World wine refers to wine produced outside the traditional wine-growing areas of Europe and the Middle East, primarily in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. The phrase connotes a distinction between these "New World" winemaking countries and the "Old World" wine-producing countries of Europe.

History

The history of New World wines started with the explorers who brought Vitis vinifera, a species of wine grape, with them as they colonized new regions. The first successful vineyard of the New World was established in Mexico by the Spanish in 1521, as they sought to have wine for their religious ceremonies.

Characteristics

New World wines are often described as tasting riper, having higher alcohol levels, and having less acidity than Old World wines. They are often made in a more fruit-forward style with the use of modern wine-making technology and techniques.

Regions

Argentina

Argentina is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world. Argentine wine, as with some aspects of Argentine cuisine, has its roots in Spain.

Australia

Australia is a world leader in the use of technology in wine production. The country is known for its consistently high quality wines and is the fourth largest exporter of wine around the world.

Canada

Canada is most known for its ice wine, but also produces a variety of other wines including reds and whites.

Chile

Chile has a long viticultural history for a New World wine region dating to the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought Vitis vinifera vines with them as they colonized the region.

New Zealand

New Zealand wine is largely produced in ten major wine growing regions spanning latitudes 36° to 45° South and extending 1,600 kilometres.

South Africa

South Africa has a history dating back to 1659, and at one time Constantia was considered one of the greatest wines in the world.

United States

The United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world after France, Italy, and Spain, with wine produced in all fifty states.

See also

• Old World wine
• Globalization of wine
• List of wine-producing regions