Tasting Wines from France and New Zealand

As warm days of spring and summer will soon be here, our next wine tasting event features two of our favorite summer wines, besides a comparison of flavors and styles of Old World and New World wines.

Tasting wines from France and New Zealand

During the course of the evening, we will be tasting and talking about wines from France and New Zealand, each with its own distinct wine-making history, terroir, and style.

Wine Tasting Details

Our core member Jeannie will be hosting this wine tasting event in the Kalorama neighborhood in DC, where we will be tasting wines from France and New Zealand, and if the weather is nice, perhaps spend a little time on the rooftop, which has a great view of DC.

During the event, we will be tasting wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes from France and New Zealand, while comparing the different flavors and styles, and also talking about the wine regions and wine-making styles in these countries.

Grapes & Grains wine tasting event

For many wine lovers, the crisp, lively and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc is a favorite summer wine, and while Pinot Noir goes well with any season, it is one of those wines that has its best appeal, on late summer evenings with some light snacks or cheese or just sipping it by itself.

The tasting also includes dinner and dessert, besides the refreshing wines, ideal for the summer and as we taste these wines we will share some wine pairing ideas and suggestions.

Comparing Old World and New World Wines

The difference between Old World and New World wines is not just geographic, but a combination of wine-making history, traditions, culture and style.

Old World wine refers primarily to wine made in Europe but also includes other regions of the Mediterranean basin and Middle East with long histories of wine-making traditions. France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Georgia and Greece are some of the Old World wine countries that have made wine for thousands of years.

Vineyard in Burgundy

New World wines are those wines produced outside the traditional wine-growing areas of Europe and Middle East, in particular from Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States, where wine-making generally started in the last 200 years.

Differences in Old World and New World Wines

The differences in Old World and New World wines come from wine-making traditions which drives the practices and styles of the wines produced. In the Old World, driven my culture and regulations, there is distinct emphasis, on the terroir, which is the natural environment in which the wine is produced, that includes the soil, topography, and climate.

The New World is driven more by contemporary style and taste, with winemakers having more flexibility, on the style of wine produced.

Vineyard in Marlborough, New Zealand

Taste Differences in Old World and New World Wines

Old World wines are often described as tasting lighter, having good acidity, less alcohol, and tasting less fruity, while New World wines are often described as having higher alcohol, less acidity, and tasting more fruity or riper fruit characteristics.

Though some of these attributes are driven by the terroir, in which the wine is produced and also the decisions of the winemaker on the style of the wine, in the Old World, there are some rules and regulations, that preserve the distinct attributes of the terroir, as part of the wine-making practices.

Recommended Reading

French Wine Regions and History

The Art of Pairing Wine with Fish

Event Details

Event: Tasting Wines from France and New Zealand

Description: Old World vs New World wine tasting event in DC exploring wines from France and New Zealand.

Date/Time: Sunday, March 25, 2018 6:00 PM to 9:00PM

Admission: $30 (includes wine tasting, dinner and dessert) / Limited Spots

Venue: Jeannie's House in Kalorama neighborhood (Address will be emailed to our participating members)

Address: Kalorama, DC, 20008

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Article Category: Events