The secret language of wine labels

How to read a label ?

• The wine estate

  The place where it all begins. Look for the name of the estate or winery, often at the centre of the label. This is the soul of the wine, the place where the grapes are grown, harvested and processed. Finding out more about the estate will give you an insight into its philosophy, production methods and the quality of its wines.

• The vintage

  The year in which the grapes are harvested, the vintage, is a key factor. Climatic conditions vary from year to year, influencing the quality of the grapes and the character of the wine. However, it's a good idea not to rush into evaluating a wine based solely on its vintage: the hard work of a winemaker can produce miracles...

• The region

  The region of production is a crucial indication. It tells you about the terroir, climate and local winemaking traditions. Wines from the same region often share common characteristics, which helps you to anticipate the style of wine.

• The wine appellation

  The appellation is the first guarantee of a wine's quality, designating its geographical origin. It indicates a certain quality, tradition or style of wine. It is found just below the region.

• The grape varieties

  The grapes used to produce the wine are essential. Check the back label to find out which grape varieties are present. Each variety has its own unique characteristics, and the combination of grape varieties influences the aromatic and taste profile. Remember: in the case of a blend, the grape varieties are always listed in the order of their predominance, i.e. from the most present to the least present.

• The special mentions

  Words such as "Grand Cru", "Reserved", or "Barrique" can be seen at the top of the label. They give an indication of the quality or style of the wine.

• The name of the "cuvée"

  The cuvée is the specific name given to a batch of wine. It is the winemaker's artistic expression. It gives clues to the identity of the wine and its special characteristics. This indication does not have to be present.

• The alcohol level

  The degree of alcohol is an indication of the strength of the wine, and gives information about the ripeness of the grapes. The higher the alcohol content, the fuller-bodied the wine.

• The bottling

  The identity and address of the person who carried out the bottling must be clearly indicated on the label, often in the form "bottled by" or "packaged by".

• Technical information on winemaking

  The vinification details tell you how the wine was made. Words such as "matured in oak barrels" or "malolactic fermentation" indicate the style of wine. The winemaker's choices have an impact on texture and flavour.

• The back label

  Often overlooked, the back label (the label on the back of the bottle) is a mine of information. It may contain tasting notes, recommended food and wine pairings, or even anecdotes about the winery. Careful reading will reveal useful details.

• Medals and scores

  Medals and scores are indicators of quality. Sought after by critics and in competitions, they are a sign of recognition of excellence. However, don't forget that taste is subjective, so let these awards guide, but not dictate, your choice.