The label on a bottle of wine does more than just look pretty. It’s your first introduction to that wine, and it can tell you a lot about its quality, what it might taste like, and whether it’s worth the price.
But have you ever wondered where wine names come from? There are actually a lot of different rules and traditions that go into naming wine, depending on where it’s made and what the winemaker is trying to say. This article explores the surprisingly complex world of naming wine, from legal requirements to regional customs.
Mandatory information on wine labels
In the U.S., some information has to be on the label, according to the law. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Brand name. You gotta know what you’re buying, right?
- Wine type. Is it a varietal (made from a single type of grape) or a generic blend? The label must say.
- Producer and bottler. Who made it and who bottled it? This info is required, so you know who’s responsible for the deliciousness (or not-so-deliciousness).
- Alcohol content. This is shown as a percentage of alcohol by volume, or ABV.
- Allergen info. Usually, this means sulfites, which are commonly added during winemaking.
Optional, but Common, Label Information
Most wine labels include some additional information that, while not required, helps consumers understand the wine’s character:
- Vintage: If a year appears on the label, at least 95% of the grapes must come from that harvest.
- Appellation (AVA): This specifies the growing region. For instance, if a wine says “Napa Valley” (an established AVA), 100% of the grapes must be from Napa Valley.
- Varietal: If the label lists a grape variety (like Cabernet Sauvignon), the wine must contain at least 75% of that grape.
European vs. American Naming Conventions
Wine names can be confusing, especially when you’re comparing wines from different parts of the world.
The “Terroir” Game
European wines are often named for the region where the grapes are grown. This reflects the idea of terroir, which is the notion that soil, climate, and other qualities of the vineyard have a huge effect on the quality and taste of the wine. If you see a European wine named after a location, that name is often linked to particular grape varieties that thrive in that location.
Grape Variety vs. Region
American wines, on the other hand, are more likely to be named after the grape variety used to make the wine. You’ll see names like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir on the labels of many American wines.
If you’re interested in European wines, it’s a good idea to learn a little about different wine regions so you can better understand what you’re buying.
Decoding Common European Place-Names
One of the first things you need to understand about European wines is the relationship between place names and grape varieties. For example, Beaujolais wines are almost always made from Gamay grapes. Similarly, White Burgundy wines are generally made with Chardonnay grapes. Knowing these connections can give you a quick idea of what you’re likely to find in the bottle.
Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the region when you see a place name on a wine label. “California,” for instance, is a huge appellation compared to many European regions. So, a wine labeled “California” tells you less about its specific origin and character than, say, a wine labeled “Pommard.”
Summary
Decoding wine names and labels empowers you to choose a wine you’ll love. Whether a wine is named after a grape, a region, or a person, the name tells you a lot about what to expect.
By understanding the conventions and regulations that govern how wines are named, you can better appreciate the diversity and complexity of wines from around the world. Cheers!