How To Decode Wine Labels

Old World Wine Labels

Old World wine regions, including countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, have a rich history of wine production. Here's what you can expect to find on an Old World wine label:

1. Region: This is perhaps the most important part of an Old World wine label. Unlike New World wines, which often highlight grape variety, Old World wines emphasize the region. The belief is that the terroir significantly influences the wine's character.
2. Producer's Name: This is the winemaker's name or vineyard that produced the wine.
3. Quality Classification: Many Old World countries have systems for classifying their wines. In Italy, you might see "DOCG" (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), while in Spain, you could see "DO" (Denominación de Origen). These classifications ensure that the wine meets certain standards for quality and authenticity.
4. Vintage: This is the year the grapes were harvested. Weather conditions vary each year, impacting the flavors in the wine.
5. Village or Vineyard Name: Some Old World labels, particularly in Burgundy, France, will list the specific village or vineyard where the grapes were grown. This gives an idea of the microclimate and soil conditions that influenced the wine's character.
6. Grape Variety: While not as prominently displayed as in New World labels, the grape variety may still be listed on an Old World label. In some regions, certain grape varieties are implied. For example, red Burgundy is always made from Pinot Noir.
7. Alcohol by Volume (ABV): This shows the percentage of alcohol in the wine. Wines with higher ABV tend to be fuller-bodied.
8. Bottler Information: This indicates where the wine was bottled. If the wine was bottled at the estate where it was produced, you might see terms like "mise en bouteille au domaine" (in France) or "imbottigliato all'origine" (in Italy).
9. Sulfite Disclosure: Sulfites are commonly used in winemaking as a preservative. They are usually harmless, but some people may be sensitive to them.
10. Volume: This indicates the volume of wine in the bottle, typically 750ml for a standard bottle.

Remember, these are general guidelines and there can be variations based on the specific country and region.

New World Wine Labels

New World wine regions, such as the United States, Australia, Chile, and South Africa, bring their own unique approach to labeling their wines. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to find on a New World wine label:

1. Wine Variety: Unlike Old World labels, New World wine labels prominently display the grape variety used in the wine. This could include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and more.
2. Producer's Name: This is the name of the winery or vineyard that produced the wine.
3. Region: While not as specific as Old World labels, New World labels still indicate the region where the grapes were grown. It could be as broad as a country (Australia) or as specific as a county or vineyard within a state (Napa Valley, California).
4. Vintage: This is the year the grapes were harvested. The vintage can significantly affect the taste of the wine, as weather conditions vary from year to year.
5. Alcohol by Volume (ABV): This indicates the percentage of alcohol in the wine. Wines with higher ABV tend to be fuller-bodied.
6. Appellation: In the U.S., this term refers to the specific geographical area where the grapes were grown. If a label states a particular grape variety, by law, it must contain at least 75% of that grape.
7. Estate Bottled: This term indicates that the winery grew, produced, and bottled the wine on-site. It signifies quality control and a close relationship between the vineyard and the winemaking process.
8. Reserve: This term indicates a higher quality of wine, usually aged longer and produced from the best grapes. However, its usage varies and is not legally regulated in all countries, so buyers beware.
9. Sulfite Disclosure: Sulfites are commonly used in winemaking as a preservative. They are usually harmless, but some people may be sensitive to them.
10. Volume: This indicates the volume of wine in the bottle, typically 750ml for a standard bottle.

Remember, while this guide provides a general understanding, the best way to learn about wine labels is through experience and tasting. So, uncork a bottle and enjoy your journey through the world of wine!

Other Label Lingo

Regardless of Old or New World, most labels will list the wine's ABV. Wines below 14% ABV are considered light to medium-bodied, while those above 14% are full-bodied.

You'll also see a note about sulfites, which are added to almost all wines to preserve freshness and prevent oxidation. Some people may be sensitive to sulfites, but they're generally not harmful.

Wine Label Changes To Look Out For

In recent years, there have been numerous proposals and discussions around additional information to be included on wine labels. While some changes have been implemented, others have not been added yet or are still under debate. Here are a few key examples:

1. Nutrition and Ingredient Information: The European Union recently passed a law requiring nutrition and ingredient information on wine labels. This move has been controversial, with some winemakers resisting the change, although public sentiment is slowly shifting. As of now, this regulation has not been adopted in the U.S.
2. Labeling Wines Containing Added Distilled Spirits: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the U.S. has proposed an amendment to its wine labeling and advertising rules regarding wines that contain added distilled spirits.
3. Allergen Information: From December 2023, wine sold in the EU will be required to declare ingredient, allergen & nutrition information on labels.

Several groups are advocating for more transparency and changes to wine labels. Consumer advocacy groups, health organizations, and some winemakers believe that consumers have the right to know what's in their wine and how it's made. They argue for more detailed ingredient lists, nutritional information, and clear indications of additives used in the winemaking process.

At the same time, there is resistance from parts of the wine industry, citing concerns about cost, feasibility, and potential impact on the image of wine as a natural product. The debate continues, and it will be interesting to see how wine labeling evolves in the coming years.

The Bottom Line

Remember, a wine label is just a starting point. It can guide you towards a style you might enjoy, but tasting is the true test. Don't be intimidated by the jargon—embrace the journey of discovery. After all, exploring the wide world of wine is half the fun!

So, next time you're browsing the wine aisle or perusing a wine list, you'll have a better grasp of what you're looking at—and more confidence in selecting a wine you'll enjoy. Cheers to that!