Old World is a term used to describe wine-producing nations which have been seemingly doing it for centuries, e.g. France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Spain and lesser-known names like Hungary, Austria and large swathes of Eastern Europe. Nearly all of the old world is in Europe. By this definition all the emergent wine producers in India are also Old World producers. The scriptures are full of references to Soma.

The distinguishing feature of the winemakers here has been their adherence to tradition in all matters relating to making wine and a greater accent on bringing out the expression of the land through the wine.

Sounds like bullshit? Ok bullshit filters are now on and we shall try to be less obtuse.

Lets begin with an anecdote. When one of the greatest Urdu poets of the sub-continent( no names, no pack drill-the cognoscenti will know who) was asked why he didn't emigrate to Pakistan he said that he couldn't take a crap in the morning unless he hadn't eaten a particular dal, which grew, in his village. Some thing about the aab-o-hawa (literally-air and water, but means a lot more) of the place, which gave that lentil its special flavour and helped the aforementioned gentleman's bowel movements. He was not too sure about continuous supplies that side of the border. Obviously all this was said in jest, and the gentleman was highlighting his attachment to his country/motherland etc.

The point is that every one who has been brought up in the country (we know this by hearsay as grandpop farmed his land till the Dravidian movement made his plans gang agley) has this deep attachment to the land and also believes in distinguishing characteristics of each geographical feature and therefore of the produce of that feature.

This is what the winemakers of the traditional winemaking countries in Europe have picked up, refined and elevated to stratospheric heights. Ask yourself this question? Why does an Alphonso mango cost as much as it does? If you can think about it enough you will be able to get to grips about the entire philosophy of old world winemakers and their trips.

Think of the hierarchy of wine-growing geography in this fashion. At the top are regions - which are areas in France - Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy, Rhone Valley, Loire valley and Languedoc-Rousillion. Each region is further divided into districts. A district could further be divided into communes-which are communities that grow wine. Within each commune are Chateaux, vineyards, clos or properties.

We are verbose bastards aren't we. Please read on....