- Australia
- New Zealand
- Argentina
- Chile
- Canada
- United States
- South Africa
New-World wines tend to be more approachable for the new or novice wine drinker for three reasons:
- They are widely available
- The varietal or blend is clearly identified on the label (you know what you are getting!)
- Price point is generally reasonable
Also, new world wines tend to have the flavour profile that a new wine drinker is looking for. Big, juicy, ripe fruit characteristics, elements of spice and american oak influence, while being easy to drink and approachable. While these wines will pair well with food, many of them are also excellent for sipping on their own.
Let's jump into some suggested wines to try (that's the fun part anyways, right??).
AUSTRALIA
While most commonly known for it's full-bodied, in-your-face Shiraz (red), Australia also produces some great (and very big) Cabernet Sauvignon (red), Semillon (white) (se-me-yon) and the ever-popular Chardonnay (white). Typically full of flavour and character, Australian wines have become popular in part thanks to a couple of the huge producers out there (you know which ones I'm talking about ... the ones with the animals on the label...). These wines, with their funky labels and low price-points (not to mention their easy-drinking and approachable fruitiness) have played a large part in attracting many new wine drinkers, expecially the younger generation.
My goal (or one of my goals) is to help you realize and appreciate how your taste can change as you try better and different wines.
My Picks:
Pillar Box Red - this delicious little treat is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Mer
lot (the 3 most common red varietals). The wine is big, fruity and spicy (what everyone loves about Australian wines!), and is finished with a screw-cap (love it!!). It is made by one of Australia's top winemakers, Chris Ringland, and will definitely be a crowd pleaser! Serve with grilled meats, perfect for your summer bbq, or enjoy on it's own! Around $20
**NOTE** Also try Pillar Box White, a delicious, refreshing white!
Stickleback White - made by Ben Glaetzer (another one of the top winemakers in Australia), this white wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, so a little bit of everything they grow well in Australia. With a great ri
chness from the Chardonnay, the wine also has a crisp, refreshing characteristic from the Sauvignon Blanc, and a smooth silkiness from the Semillon. The best part ... it's $15!! Definitely a must-try!
**NOTE** There is also a Stickleback red, a blended wine that is the same price and a great table wine. These wines are available at select wine stores, so make sure to ask when you go to your local boutique ...
NEW ZEALAND
The beautiful land of the Kiwis is known well for it's production of Pinot Noir (red) and Sauvignon Blanc (white). Because it is a cooler climate, these varietals thrive, and are turned into some very delicious wines! Those of you who know me know that I absolutely love NZ Sauvignon Blanc ... I don't care if all the wine snobs out there think that they are all the same, or claim to be totally over the whole "gooseberry" thing. I mean really, who doesn't love the a hint of gooseberry fruit in their light, refreshing, and most certainly crisp Sauvignon Blanc?! And the Pinot Noir will become your new best friend for pairing a red with your favorite "white wine" food (chicken, turkey, ham...).
My Picks:
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc - This is one of my favorite NZ Sauvignon Blancs ever. It comes with a beautiful green label, a screw cap, and has so much flavour! Grassiness (yes grass, very common with NZ Sauv. Blanc), gooseberry and stone fruit aromas and flavours, and is crisp and refreshing. Can be found at most shops for $20-$25, and is extremely delicious. Enjoy on it's own (the perfect patio sipping wine!!), or try with seafood or thai food.
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc - For under $20 try the Nobilo SB ... many of the same characteristics as the Kim Crawford, slightly muted. Also delicious for sipping on the patio, or the same food recommendations above.
**NOTE** Most wines from New Zealand come with a screw-cap top. DO NOT think that this makes the wine 'cheap' or lower quality ... NZ was one of the first countries to really push the use of the screw-cap, as their wines are meant to be consumed while young, and the screw-cap is a highly reliable closure. Many more countries are switching to the screw-cap as it has also been proven to allow a wine to age as well as a cork! (You will also see synthetic cork and the zork on the market ... both reliable alternatives to cork).
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir - Why stop at just the white? The Kim Crawford Pinot Noir is also delicious! Light in style, good fruit flavours, and a tiny bit of that "gamey" characteristic that makes pinot noir so delicious! The wine is fairly true to type for a pinot, and will pair deliciously with lighter meats such as pork, chicken, ham and turkey (can you say holiday wine!!). Also great to sip on its own. Will be somewhere around $25. Bring it to your next dinner party!
ARGENTINA
Argentina has become very popular and widely-known for the production of delicious and approachable Malbec (red), and is also the sole country to grow and produce a white grape called Torrontes (like Toronto with ez on the end). Malbec is quickly becoming a crowd favorite (I'm sure you have enjoyed a glass or two!), with it's dark flavour, ample tannins and subtle fruit notes. While typically aged in oak and made perfectly to pair with food, Malbec from Argentina still offers some of the best value available on the market today! Torrontes, on the other hand, is still relatively uncommon and unknown, but is a must-try! Very similar in style to the Viognier of California (which we will talk about in a bit), Torrontes is crisp and refreshing with great stone fruit and citrus fruit notes. As mentioned above, Argentinian wines (along with Chilean and Spanish) still provide some of the best value on the market right now
My Picks:
Anything from estate: Dona Paula - This estate is one of my favorites from Argentina. Their Los Cardos line offers a Malbec, a Shiraz, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Chardonnay, and is available for around $13!! Their estate selection (all of the grapes used in the wine are grown at their own estate) offers the same varietals for around $17 and is also incredible value. Highly recommended!!
Stay tuned for the next installment on New World Wines, where we will talk about the delicious wines from Chile, Canada, the USA, and South Africa!
