Le Cordon Bleu - Wines of the World #1

New World refers to vines that are less than 500 years old. Much younger compared to Old World 2000 plus year aged vineyards.

New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, South America, and North America focused our first discussion.

New Zealand. Blessed with a northern temperate maritime climate and cooler, drier, sunnier southern exposure. Most varieties hail from Europe. With a dominance of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Representing over half the grapes.

Australia. Similar to New Zealand – but concentrated on the southern tip – this country has a cool, dry, sunny climate. Prefect for Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Portuguese Verdelho production. Not to mention the world-known red varieties – Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, and Pinot Noir.

Australia wines are organized in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland. Grape-growing surface area is nearly 300% larger than that of New Zealand.

South Africa. One of the oldest New World wine players with nearly 120,000 hectares planted as early as the 17th century. Mediterranean climate is perfect for Chin Blanc, Colombard, Muscat, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc white varietals. In addition to the bountiful red wine production – Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Cabernet Franc.

Similar to France’s A.O.C. system South African wines are tightly controlled. Allowing wines to claim particular wine of origin status.

South America. Settled by Spanish settlers in the 16th century there are now more than 300,000 hectares of wine vineyards. Favorable climate allows Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Chenin Blanc, Torrontés, Perdo Ximinez, Malbec, Tempranillo, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère, and Carignan to prosper.

Most wine making in this region is centered around Chile’s Aconcagua and Argentina’s Mendoza sub-regions.

North America. With California in the clear lead of production, Oregon and Washington States are not too far behind.

First vines in California date back to 1771. With a present day total around 400,000 hectares. Most common white varieties are Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Semillon. Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Shiraz, and Sangiovese make up the most seen red wines.

An A.O.C. system – AVA – has established approximately 150 controlled areas since 1983.