.jpg)
Labels are an important part of wine marketing. Studies show that making a label pleasing to the eye will increase sales. Put a cute, fuzzy animal on the label and you're almost assured some measure of success.
But aside from acting as an enticement to buy, the wine label contains a host of important information. Information that, to the savvy wine buyer, can point the way to making the right choice when faced with a mountain of seemingly similar wines.
New World labels are fairly simple to read. They're straightforward with few stumbling blocks. Old World labels (i.e. on wines from France, Italy, Spain, etc.), not so much. The basics are the same but there are some differences that can be confusing.
Basic Components
Producer Name: Usually in large typeface at the top, ex. Domaine Santa Duc.
Region of Origin: Also known as Controlled Appellations, these are regulated by wine laws in the originating country, occasionally by the EU, and indicate not only location but also quality. These designations usually carry with them restrictions on viticultural practices, winemaking and allowed grapes. They're indicated differently depending on the country, some examples being Appellation Controlee (AC) on wines from France, DOC & DOCG from Italy, and DO & DOC from Spain. The example label above indicates the wine is from the Cotes du Rhone AC.
Vineyard, village or sub-region: Many times the vineyard, village or sub-region that the wine came from will be listed on the label. This is usually located under the producer name and in a smaller font. In the example label above, 'Les Quatre Terres' is a collection of vineyards.
Grape Variety: The grape or grapes that were used in making the wine. Old World wineries are usually restricted from placing grape varieties on front labels except in certain cases. Instead, buyers are expected to know what grapes are used by the noted region. Grapes used may sometimes be placed on the back label.
Alcohol Content: Measured in % by volume.
Vintage: The year the grapes were harvested. Must be somewhere, but not necessarily on the main front label.
Additional Information
- 'Mis en bouteille au Domaine/Chateau' means the wine was bottled by the winery.
- German QMP wines are organized entirely by sugar content. The terms for this, from driest to sweetest: Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Eiswein.
- The term 'Reserve', unlike in the US, is regulated by law in most Old World winemaking countries. Wines deemed 'Reserve' will have had longer aging and usually more oak than non-reserve.
For more info:
Deciphering New World Wine Labels
Comments