Sommelier Touts "New Old World" Wines
On the *Wine & Table* podcast, Chicago sommelier Gina Torsi discussed the growing "new old world" wine trend among discerning diners. She noted a preference for wines with compelling stories, such as a rare Sicilian white or a Burgundy from a female vintner with a long family history in the region.
- The "new old world" style bridges traditional European winemaking with a more modern sensibility, often featuring lighter bodies, higher acidity, and a focus on expressing "terroir"—the unique characteristics of the soil and climate. This contrasts with the typically bolder, fruit-forward profile of many "new world" wines from regions like the U.S. and Australia. - Sicily's white wine production has seen a quality revolution, moving away from bulk wine to focus on indigenous grapes like Grillo, Carricante, and Catarratto. Exports of Sicilian PDO white wines rose by 8.9% in 2024, with significant growth in key luxury markets like the UK (+37%), Germany (+12%), and the USA (+11%). - On Sicily's Mount Etna, the production of white wines grew 37% between 2019 and 2024, with the region's volcanic soil yielding mineral-driven, complex whites that are increasingly sought after by collectors. - The mention of female vintners in Burgundy reflects a significant trend; in 1990, there were only three female winemakers in Gevrey-Chambertin, out of 80 total. Today, women hold prominent roles, such as Ludivine Griveau, who in 2015 became the first female head winemaker at the prestigious Hospices de Beaune since its co-founding in 1443. - This wine trend aligns with the "quiet luxury" movement, which values understated elegance, craftsmanship, and authentic storytelling over prominent logos and branding. For high-net-worth consumers, discovering a wine from a small, family-run estate with a unique history offers a more exclusive experience. - High-net-worth individuals are increasingly treating fine wine as an investment. While established regions like Burgundy saw trade volume grow 35% in 2024, the "new old world" trend allows connoisseurs to explore emerging regions for potential value appreciation.
