The traditional binary classification of wines into “Old World” and “New World” is increasingly seen as overly simplistic in today’s complex global wine landscape.

“Old World” has traditionally been used to describe European winemaking countries – including France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria and Hungary. With rich histories spanning centuries, most dating back to ancient times, wine production in these nations is a core part of their national and cultural identities.

On the other hand, “New World” refers to countries such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Many of these wine-producing countries adopted grape varieties and winemaking techniques from the Old World.

In addition, while these terms were initially helpful in distinguishing between two primary styles of winemaking – the generally lighter, more terroir-focused wines from the Old World and the often fruit-forward, higher-alcohol wines from the New World – they don’t adequately capture the diversity and nuance present in modern winemaking.

In recent years, the lines have blurred significantly, with wine producers worldwide making wine in every style.

Moreover, with the emergence of China, India and parts of Eastern Europe onto the international market, the Old World/New World dichotomy becomes more problematic. For example, despite China’s recent debut in the global wine scene, it is one of the oldest wine cultures in the world, with a history of winemaking that dates back thousands of years.

Therefore, while the terms Old World and New World can provide an introductory framework for understanding some broad differences, wine professionals and enthusiasts now prefer to focus on the specific region, terroir and winemaking philosophy to truly understand and describe a wine’s character.

Key Old World wine countries include:

• France: The country’s viticultural roots stretch back to the 6th century BC, and it continues to set quality benchmarks worldwide. It is home to over 200 grape varieties, including the celebrated “noble” grapes such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. France is responsible for some of the world’s most renowned wines, including Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy and Provence rosés. France's wine heritage and quality are guarded by the Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC), an intricate, tiered labelling system.

• Italy: With a winemaking history going back to the 8th century BC, Italy boasts a wider range of native and international grape varieties than any other country. Renowned regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont, Sicily and Veneto are home to several star grape varieties like Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Primitivo, Glera and Pinot Grigio. Italy is famed for its red wines such as Chianti, Barolo and Barbaresco, aromatic sparkling Prosecco, and refreshingly dry whites like Pinot Grigio. Italy has an appellation system similar to France.

• Spain: With over 400 different grape varieties growing in its soil, Spain offers an expressive selection of wines. From robust reds to fruity rosés and crisp whites, this country is among the world’s primary wine producers. Noteworthy wines include Rioja red blends, lively Cava and Sherries. Common grape varieties include Tempranillo, Garnacha, Carignan, Albariño, Verdejo and Macabeo. Thanks to Spanish winemakers’ meticulous craftsmanship, respect for tradition and innovative attitudes, Spanish wines continue to excite wine lovers worldwide.

Key New World wine countries include:

• Argentina: Winemaking in Argentina dates back to the 16th century when Spanish missionaries introduced viticulture to the country. Today, Argentina produces some of the world’s most impressive wines. With its warm, dry climate, high altitudes, and cover from the Andes Mountains, Argentina successfully grows a range of grape varieties, including Malbec, Cabernet, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, as well as native varieties Bonarda and Torrontés. Despite being a French variety, Malbec has become Argentina’s signature wine. Malbec wines from here are typically smoother and less acidic than the French style.

• The United States: One of the four biggest wine-producing countries in the world, the United States has several states producing world-class wines. California is famed for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon and rich Chardonnay wines, Oregon for the elegant Pinot Noir grown in the Willamette Valley, and Washington for its rich, balanced reds. The US has made wine since the 1500s when French Huguenot settlers used Scuppernong grapes at a settlement near Jacksonville, Florida.

• Australia: With its diverse climates and geography across its 60 wine regions, Australia is home to over 100 different grape varieties, including Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Riesling, Chardonnay and Viognier. It’s the fifth largest wine-producing country in the world, best known for its robust and spicy Shiraz wines. Australia’s wine industry dates back to the early 1800s and is home to some of the world’s oldest continuously producing grape vines.

• South Africa: Winemaking in the country dates back to the 17th century when the Dutch East India Company established vineyards in the Cape of Good Hope. South Africa is home to Pinotage – a native cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault – that grows in the Stellenbosch region. The country also grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chenin Blanc (the country’s number one white, locally known as Steen), Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier across the Western Cape, Walker Bay and Klein Karoo wine regions.