How to Read a Wine Label Like a Sommelier

If you’re fluent in understanding wine labels, you can figure out what a particular bottle is going to taste like just by looking at it. With just a few wine label tips you can learn where a wine is from, which grapes are inside, and the probable flavor profile. In this guide we’ll share the secrets sommeliers use so you can spot great wines with confidence whether you’re in the store or shopping online.

Highlights:

● European geographical classifications like AOC, DOC and DO often tell you where a wine is made, which grapes are used, and what methods are used.

● US wines are classified by AVAs (American Viticultural Areas).

● Most US wineries list the grapes on the bottle, whereas European wineries focus on the geographical origin.

1. Wine Classification Terms

Most winemaking countries have their own systems of classification that define where a wine comes from, which grapes can be used, and how it is made. These classifications were created to protect the quality and authenticity of certain wines.

For example, Champagne needs to be made within the appellation of Champagne in northern France from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Meunier grapes. By law Champagne must also be made using the traditional method which stipulates a second fermentation in the bottle itself.

Here’s the main wine classification terms to look out for on the label:

● AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) is used in France to define the specific geographical origin, sometimes down to the individual vineyard, grapes, and production methods.

● DOC & DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is the Italian version of AOC. Examples include Chianti Classico DOCG and Barolo DOCG.

● DO & DOCa (Denominación de Origen and Denominación de Origen Calificada) are used in Spain. Examples include DOCa Rioja and DOCa Priorat.

● AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) are used in the USA to define geographical origin but not grape choices or winemaking techniques.

In the USA most producers list the grapes they’ve used on the label. In Europe you’ll usually have to work it out for yourself. For example, white Burgundy is usually made from Chardonnay while Chianti means Sangiovese.

2. Wine Producer and Winery Info

Understanding who made the wine tells you a lot about what to expect in the bottle. A strong sign of quality is a wine that’s grown, produced and bottled at the winery listed on the label.

Terms often seen:

· France: “Château” or “Domaine”

· Italy: “Tenuta” or “Cantina”

These all indicate the producer takes care of all aspects of the winemaking process. Wineries tend to have a specific house style shaped by their winemaking philosophy and their terroir. If you find a bottle you love you’ll probably like their other wines.

3. Alcohol Content

You’ll find the alcohol content on wine bottles either on the back label or in small print on the front expressed as ABV (alcohol by volume). If you prefer lighter wines look for an ABV of 11–13%, while 14.5%-16% ABV wines will be much richer and heavier in style.

Wines with a lower ABV tend to come from cooler climates like New York’s Finger Lakes or Oregon where the grapes aren’t as ripe, while higher alcohol wines often come from warmer climates like Napa Valley in California or Barossa in Australia.

4. Sweetness Levels

Off-dry or sweet wines will often have terms that explain the sugar content. For example, in France Demi-Sec means “semi-sweet” and Moelleux means “sweet”. In Germany the terms to look for are Kabinett (dry or off-dry), Spätlese (medium sweetness), or Auslese (medium to high sweetness). If there’s no specific term, you can often tell by looking at the ABV. A lower ABV can indicate a higher amount of residual sugar.

5. Wine Label Symbols

Wines may also have symbols and logos which give you more information about the bottle. Here’s the principal wine label symbols explained so you can decode what each symbol means:

● Vegan wines often have a small “V” logo which shows no animal-based fining agents were used to make the wine.

● Organic wines typically have logos from certifying bodies like the green leaf for EU products and the USDA Organic logo for the US.

● Wineries that have sustainability certifications may have logos from organizations like Terra Vitis or Certified California Sustainable.

● Award-winning wines may have gold or silver stickers from competitions like Decanter World Wine Awards or the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

Order Wine Online Like a Pro

Now that you know how to read a wine label like a sommelier, you can make more informed choices whether shopping in-store or browsing online.

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