How to Read a Wine Label

Finding the information you need on the wine label to make an informed wine purchasing decision can sometimes be tricky. Every wine-producing country has different laws and guidelines as to what can be included on the label. Luckily, there are a few standard components.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look for the place name. The vast majority of wine labels include the place name where the grapes that went into the wine were grown. Some are very specific, even protected names, such as France's Champagne and Italy's Chianti regions. Others are much broader, such as French table wine.

2. Identify the grape. Some, but not all, wine labels identify the grape. New world wines--those produced in the United States, Australia and New Zealand--are most likely to include this information. Look for names such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Riesling. Some wines, such as Chianti, are always made with one grape (in this case, Nebbiolo) and the grape varietal is not usually mentioned.

3. Find the grower. Most wine labels also include the name of the wine producer. In addition, wines made with most of the grapes coming from one company's vineyards will be labeled "estate." Wines made with grapes from a single vineyard or plot of land, will generally be labeled with that vineyard's name.

4. Read the prose. The back label on the wine bottle will usually tell you other information that the producer wants you to know about the wine. This may be a brief history of the wine, how long and in what material the wine was aged, a flavor profile of the wine or information about the winery.

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