It’s estimated that humans first stumbled upon grapevines in the wild around 60,000 to 100,000 years ago. Since then, we’ve been fermenting grapes into wine for thousands of years across all cultures. 

As such, there are plenty of differences, and so we categorize wines based on many different techniques. You’ve probably heard of New World and Old World wines, but there are also Ancient World wines as well. Let’s dive into the different types, where they are from, and some wines we recommend!

New World Wine

These regions create wine by borrowing the traditions of winemaking from other countries. It’s often more experimental and may stray from the traditions going back generations. They usually have stronger fruit flavors, a fuller body, high alcohol, and lower acidity. That being said, there are always exceptions to the rules. 

Examples: North America and New Zealand.

Old World Wine

These regions are places where winemaking has been a part of the culture for a much longer time. They also influence and inspire our modern winemaking methods. They tend to have a lighter body, lower alcohol, and higher acidity. But again, there are always rebels so don’t assume all old world wins are the same.

Examples: Italy and France.

In recent years, the wine community has made a shift to recognize that there are older wine traditions before even countries like France and Italy made wine. And so we turn to a label that sommeliers and wine connoisseurs now use: Ancient World. 

Ancient World Wine

 

These regions are the origin of all wine. We’ve been able to trace the evolution of the grapevines themselves and the first plants humanity cultivated thousands of years ago. Many older methods were used and continue to be used today.

The earliest jug of wine was dated to 5000 BCE and located in Iran. 

Examples: Turkey, Georgia, Lebanon, and Greece.

 

4  Ancient World Wines to Try

1.  Sigalas Am Assyrtiko – Momevasia Santorini 2019

Country of origin: Greece

Grapes: 50% Assyrtiko and 50% Monemvasia

Proof: 14.5% alcohol

 

The Sigalas Vineyard is located in Oia; a picturesque town in Greece on the island of Santorini with crisp white buildings and blue roofs. It’s also known for its stunning sunsets. Grapes for this wine, like Assyrtiko grapes, are sourced from the beautiful islands of Santorini and Paros. Because Santorini has volcanic soil, it helps contribute to minerality in the wine.

 

This off-dry white wine has notes of vanilla, citrus, and apples. We love that it is a medium acidity, with a golden lemon color, and a long finish. It’s the perfect fresh and bright wine to sip on gorgeous beaches in Greece. 

 

Buy it here for $22.99

 

Sevilen Kalecik Karasi 2016

Country: Turkey

Grapes: 100% Kalecik Karasi 

Proof: 13.7% Alcohol

 

Named from the town of Kalecik, this wine showcases their dark-skinned grapes. Since Turkey is predominantly a Muslim country, the average consumption of wine is low. Still, they’re known for fantastic wines like this because of the terroir  that creates outstanding wines.

 

This wine is a nice off-dry red, with medium body and medium acidity. Its flavorful profile showcases red fruit flavor, earthiness, pepper, and berries. The tannins are also well balanced.

 

Buy it here for $16.99

Chateau Musar Lebanon Jeune White 2018

Country: Lebanon

Grapes: 40% Viognier, 30% Vermentino, 30% Chardonnay

Proof: 13% alcohol

 

Bekaa Valley is a major winemaking region. This winery is located 30km east of Beirut. Despite the civil war in Lebanon, the family of the vineyard continued to pursue the same winemaking traditions going back thousands of years.

 

This wine itself has a strong minerality, notes of apricot on the nose, and a hint of melon. It’s a delightful dry white with a gorgeous lemon color and medium acidity. You’ll love to sip on it during the summer!

 

Buy it here for $24.99

Lost Eden Red Blend 2018

 

Country: Georgia

Grapes: Saperavi Blend

Proof: 13% alcohol

 

One fun fact is this wine is made in a clay pot called a qvevri, which has been around for hundreds of years. Not surprising given that Georgia is the birthplace of wine. 

 

This is our favorite of the four wines. The smooth red wine is fruit forward and best served slightly chilled. It also has a medium acidity, notes of berries, plums, and spice. You’ll lose yourself in the deep midnight purple color as you pour it. 

 

Buy it here for $19.99

 

Be sure to follow our blog for more wine tips and tasty recommendations!