What describes the differences between old world vs. new world? Is it simply New World is more over the top fruit driven? And Old World is more earthy wine?

1. Climate - new world wine regions are generally warmer and more sunny than old world regions, meaning it is easier to reach physilogical ripening. The wines from these regions have rounder tannins, higher sugar levels leading to higher alcohol, lower acidity and generally more fruit than their colder climate counterparts from the old world.

2. Philosphy - The new world has very little track record, and consequently very little in the way of tradition that dictates how wines should be made. This makes for more liberal and experimental winemaking and viticulture than in the old world. On the other hand, matching site to grape variety is still in its infancy in the New World.

3. Legislation - this is a point of not so little debate. The old world can be seen as stiffled by restricitve legislation, although on the other hand, those regions that have fared the best internationally, are the ones that have the strictest regulations on winemaking and viticulture. New World wine regions generally are much more liberal in their legislation, but then, there are few tried and true recipees for these regions yet.

May I ad a 4., Markus?

Colonisation and immigration.
Where still a lot of people in Bordeaux are reluctant to admit that such a thing as "Burgundy" even exists, the new worlds deals very well with different influences. Be it Yugoslavian in New-Zealand, Spanish in Chili, French in Argentina or Italian in Ontario... Or all those and a few more in one and the same spot.

Another discussion on this subject:

http://forums.winespectator.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6826...=282103493#282103493