Reds from the New World to uncork and admire

Comparisons are hateful, but many times they serve to better understand what it is about. There is a lot of talk about the Old and the New World around wine , but they are quite antagonistic to each other, beyond being very closely related. The first refers to wines made in traditional European countries (France, Italy, Spain, etc.). There, the wines are known by origin and it does not matter what variety they are made from. Champagne, Chianti, Burgundy and Rioja are some of the most famous. They are all regulated by Denomination of Origin, a private legislation that dictates areas, vines, yields, aging and stowage, in order to enhance the differential advantages of each site. History and consistency made these the most prestigious wines in the world. In contrast, those from the New World (Argentina, United States, Australia, Chile, etc.) are not regulated and the varieties are very important. There is total freedom to create, and the only thing missing is history to achieve such prestige. However, the best wines here are made the old-fashioned way; that is, they are exponents from a single vineyard with unique characteristics.

Beyond the current boom in white, rosé , sparkling and even orange wines, it is the red wines of the New World that can best compete with their peers from the Old World. This has to do fundamentally with the know-how acquired, but also because the largest wine-growing area in these countries is planted with red varieties.

From the beginning, every New World country looked at itself in the mirror of traditional countries, fundamentally influenced by colonization. But things changed and today knowledge and technological development are no longer the heritage of the Old World. That is why there are many red wines of high international level in several of the New World countries. And I am not only inspired by the classic regions, but from a terroir determined by the soil and the climate, the makers choose the grape with the greatest possible potential.

The United States was perhaps the first to be encouraged to compete as equals with the French, betting on their great Napa Valley Cabs. Although after verifying that they could, they were also encouraged with the Pinot Noir in the Oregon region. Another that had worldwide success with its Pinot Noir reds was New Zealand, which offered the world a more fruity and vibrant style, and therefore easier to drink. Chile, with its great maritime influence, also stood out with its Pinot Noir-based red wines . And although their big bet was the Carmenere, the highlight they have achieved is based on Cabernet Sauvignon. Above all, those from Alto Maipo, which were born inspired by the great exponents of Bordeaux reds , but today are recognized for their own character throughout the world. For its part, Australia risked it for Syrah (Shiraz according to them), with great success at the time due to the impact and generous and friendly expression of its reds . And although in South Africa there is a “local” red called Pinotage (crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault), its most outstanding wines are Merlot. Uruguay cannot be missing from the list of red wines from the New World with its emblematic Tannat. And obviously Argentina with its Malbec, which has evolved so much in recent years. The makers know that it is a plastic variety that adapts very well to the different terroirs, but also that it is the symbol of a country, the only one associated with a variety, with the potential that this implies.

And starting with Malbec, you can think of red blends with other strains that complement it very well, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The Old World is history and tradition, beyond some attempts at modernity by some small producers. While in the New World a lot was done in a short time, but it is only the beginning of something much more important and diverse when it comes to red wines .

Top Ten according to Fabricio Portelli

1. Malbec (Argentina)
2. Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, United States)
3. Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)
4. Malbec-based red blends (Argentina)
5. Red blends based on Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)
6. Pinot Noir (Oregon, USA)
7. Pinot Noir (New Zealand)
8. Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina)
9. Shiraz-based red blends (Australia)
10. Tannat (Uruguay)