The Language of the Label
An old saying in the wine trade claims that one look at the label is
worth 30 years experience. The label says it all, what can be said on
the wine label is governed by law. Every label has the name of the
producer or the bottler. Labels must also state the country of origin,
the volume or the amount of wine in the bottle. They have to indicate
the alcoholic strength of the wine as well in a percentage form. Labels
may also tell you the vintage, if the wine is from a vineyard and its
name. There may also be an indication of the quality level of the wine.
New World Grapes
- In the New World (North and South America, Australia, New Zealand and
South Africa) the main clue to the flavour of the wine is the name of
the grape such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn
what these grapes taste like and you would know what the wine will be
like.
Old World Grapes
- In the Old World (Europe, effectively) the region of origin has
traditionally been more important. It is because each region has its own
pet grape varieties. In Europe you can only plant what the law says you
can plant because the differences between regions are maintained.
Fine Wines
- This will help us know which is the best wine of all. They are labelled
Appellation Controlee if the wine is French, or DOC / DOCG (Denominazione
di Origine Controllata or Denominazione di Origine Controllata e
Garantita) if it is Italian. Every country has its own equivalent: DOC
in Portugal, DO in Spain and QbA or QmP in Germany.
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