Decoding Wine Labels

Decoding Wine Labels

As a wine enthusiast, being able to interpret the terminology and descriptions on a wine label is an important skill. At first glance, some of the language on a wine bottle can seem like a foreign language. However by understanding a few key terms, you'll be able to quickly glean useful information to guide your wine selection.

One of the most important details on a label is the variety or type of grape used to make the wine. Whether it's Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling or Pinot Noir, the varietal indicates the predominant grape in the wine. Region and vintage year also provide crucial insights into a wine’s style and quality. Old world wines may list a geographic designation like Bordeaux or Chianti instead of grape variety.

Wine labels also include alcohol content, bottle size, producer details like the winery name and location. You’ll often see additional terminology that provides clues into how the wine was produced - like fermentation and oak-aging methods. Phrases like “estate bottled,” “reserve,” or “old vine” help further categorize the wine.

The next time you’re puzzled by a lengthy description on a wine bottle, remember the key pieces of information to focus on. Pay attention to the variety, region, vintage, alcohol content and producer to guide your selection. An understanding of common wine labeling jargon helps eliminate the intimidation factor and gets you directly to picking a tasty bottle!