Wine Labels Explained: The Beginner's Guide
Wine labels can be confusing, even to the most seasoned wine drinker. Between grape variety and vintage on one label, there is so much information in just a little piece of label. Understanding what it all means may be the key to finding that wine that will make your heart sing. Here is a beginner's guide in understanding wine labels.
Grape Variety
The most informative item that one would likely find on a wine label would be the grape variety. It states what type of grape the wine is made from and may give an idea about the flavor profile. Common grape varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Region
It will also give you an idea of the wine flavor profile from the region where the wine was produced. Wines from cooler regions are generally high in acidity, lighter in body, while those from warmer regions show fruitier and fuller-bodied. Examples of well-known wine regions are Bordeaux in France, Rioja in Spain, and Napa Valley in California.
Vintage
The vintage is, of course, is the year in which the grapes were taken from. This can have a big impact on the flavor since weather conditions differ each year. Normally, wines of warmer years are fruiter and fuller-bodied. Wines from cooler years are more acidic and light.
Alcohol Content
Usually, on the label of wine, it would tell the alcohol content as a percentage. This gives you an idea of how strong the wine could get, and even tells you the body and richness of the wine. As a rule of thumb, full-bodied wines have higher alcohol content and are more intense.
Producer and Brand
The label displays the producer and the brand. It is indicative of the quality of the wine and also tells the style and flavor profile of the wine. Certain producers make top quality wines whereas in some other cases, producers create more affordable wines to be enjoy everyday.
Appellation
It represents a specific region that legally growing grapes and later turn it into wine. For example, in France, the wine laws can be very strict: they control which grape varieties may be used from which regions and how the wine has to be produced. This means that - thanks to their appellation system - a French wine label can tell you a lot about the wine. For instance, if a wine is labeled as "Bourgogne", then you immediately know that it is made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Burgundy region of France.
Oak Aging
Many wines are aged in oak prior to bottling. This can impart a very specific flavor profile to the wine, including flavors of vanilla, spice, and toast. If a wine has been aged in oak, it will generally be indicated on the label. You might see the terms "oak aged," "barrel aged," or "aged in French oak barrels."
Level of Sweetness
Wine can be made from bone dry to very sweet, and the perception of sweetness has a big impact on the flavor profile of the wine. While Riesling is often perceived as a sweet wine, Cabernet Sauvignon wines tend to be very dry. It is not uncommon to find the perceived sweetness level on the label: "dry," "off-dry," or "sweet."
Winemaking Style
It can also be an indication of style: for instance, traditionally method wines, fermented in the bottle, are more complex and fuller-bodied than their base wines; wines using carbonic maceration, a process in which whole grape clusters are fermented in a carbon dioxide-rich environment, come out to be lighter and fruitier.
Find Your Perfect Wine
Wine labels can explain it all, guiding you in the quest for a perfect wine. Grape variety, region, vintage, alcohol content, and producer - the information will help you get a more profound idea about the flavor profile and quality of the wine. Wine labels will help both experienced and inexperienced wine drinkers make better choices and find exciting wines.
