Which characteristic typically distinguishes new-world wines from old-world wines?

New-world wines are often characterized by their fruit-forward flavors, which result from a different approach to grape growing and winemaking compared to old-world wines. In new-world regions, such as California, Australia, and South America, winemakers tend to emphasize the ripe, bold fruit characteristics of the grapes, leading to wines that are typically higher in alcohol and have a pronounced fruit profile. These wine styles often showcase varietal expression, where the characteristics of the grape are highlighted distinctly.

In contrast, old-world wines, produced in classic regions like France, Italy, and Spain, generally place a greater emphasis on the influence of terroir—referring to the unique environmental factors that affect the grapes—and tend to have more restrained fruit flavors, often integrating earthy or mineral notes. The focus is often on tradition and the expression of the vineyard's characteristics rather than solely on the fruit itself.

The approach to winemaking and the climatic conditions in old versus new-world regions significantly influence the overall style of the wines, making fruit-forward flavors a key distinction of new-world wines.