Sometimes wine labeling can be confusing. I know, you’re saying…no, really? (sarcasm) So, I thought I’d do a short blog post to help clarify some of the grapes behind the Old World wines. New World wines typically will give you the name of the grape. It doesn’t always say exactly what is in a blend, but you have a pretty good idea, and it will typically be on the back label in percentages. Old World wines can be confusing because they give you the name of the wine itself but don’t give you the grape it comes from in many cases.

Well, I’m here to help clarify with a list of some of the most recognized wines from the Old World. First, here’s what I mean by “Old World” and “New World”. The term “Old World” refers to wines from regions of the world where modern winemaking first originated. So, Europe is considered “Old World”. France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, etc. The term “New World” refers to wines from regions where the winemakers used traditions of winemaking from the Old World and put a new, more modern spin to winemaking. Think the US, South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, China, etc.

*photo via winefolly.com

Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let’s focus on the “Old World” wine names and labels. Here is the list of three countries most popular wines and their varietal translations to help you figure out which major grape varietals are in these Old World wines!

                  Wine Name                                       Grapes in this wine

FRANCE                 

                  Beaujolais                                          Gama

                  Bourgueil                                           Cabernet Franc

                  Burgundy, white                               Chardonnay

                  Burgundy, red                                   Pinot Noir

                  Bordeaux, white                                Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon

                  Bordeaux, red                                    Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

                  Chablis                                                 Chardonnay

                  Champagne (sparkling)                    Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

                  Chinon                                                 Cabernet Franc

                  Pouilly-Fumé                                      Sauvignon Blanc

                  Pouilly-Fuissé                                     Chardonnay

                  Quincy                                                  Sauvignon Blanc

                  Rhône Valley, northern                     Syrah

                  Rhône Valley, southern                     Syrah plus Grenache, Mourvédre,others

                  Sancerre, white                                   Sauvignon Blanc

                  Sancerre, red                                       Pinot Noir

                  Savennières                                         Chenin Blanc

                  Vouvray                                                Chenin Blanc

ITALY                          

                   Barolo and Barbaresco                      Nebbiolo

                   Chianti                                                  Sangiovese

                   Brunello de Montalcino                     Sangiovese

                   Barbera di Asti                                     Barbera

                  Montepulciano d’Abruzzo                   Montepulciano

                  Valpolicella                                            Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

                  Franciacorta (sparkling)                      Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc

                  Pinot Grigio                                            Pinot Grigio

                  Prosecco (sparkling)                             Glera

SPAIN                         

                   Priorat                                                    Grenache (or Garnacha in Spanish)

                   Ribera del Duero                                  Tempranillo

                   Rioja                                                        Tempranillo

                   Cava (sparkling)                                    Macabeu, Parellada, Xarello

                   Albariño                                                  Albariño

Portuguese and German wines are fairly easy to figure out by looking at the label. Most of the names correspond to the grape varietal or have a blend of several grape varietals. I’ve listed some of the most popular from the more well-known Old World countries.

So, next time you’re at the wine shop, grocery store, or wine retailer, I hope this list will help you choose exactly what you are looking for! Maybe you’ll reach for a tried-and-true bottle but maybe you’ll explore a new region to try!

Cheers!