Wine glossary: Regions

Regions terms

Terroir

A French idea (roughly ‘ter-WAH’) covering everything about a place that shapes a wine — soil, climate, slope and local tradition. It’s why the same grape tastes different depending on where it’s grown.

Appellation

An officially defined wine region with rules about what can be grown and how, such as Chablis or Rioja. The name on the label tells you where the wine comes from and often the style to expect.

Old World

Wine from Europe’s traditional regions — France, Italy, Spain, Germany and their neighbours. Often a shorthand for more restrained, earthy, savoury styles.

New World

Wine from newer wine-producing countries like the USA, Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand. Often a shorthand for riper, more fruit-forward styles.