This is to all decipher whether a label of wine, but the curious can learn to read between the lines ...
The compulsory
These are shown at the bottom of the label. Include the name and address of the bottler (winegrower, cooperative or dealer), right volume, and left the alcohol.
Characters included in the largest category of wine that had to do:Table wine
Wine country
Appellation of origin hight quality delimited (AOVDQS)
Appellation of origin controled (AOC).
In the latter case, it is necessarily followed by the name of the region (Bordeaux, Burgundy ...) or the name of the town (Margaux, Meursault ...).
Good to Know
The vintage, which is the crop year (with a tolerance of 15% a year earlier) is not compulsory but almost always mentioned, except for gross non-vintage champagne from a blend of several harvests. However, it is forbidden for table wines.
The mark or domain are indicated, but the terms of Château Cru Clos or are restricted to appellations of origin.
The name of the grape (cepage) is prohibited in the case of AOC (but increasingly tolerated), except in Alsace, Savoie, Jura and the Loire, where it forms an integral part of the appellation of origin.
The words "bottled at the property or castle" indicates a wine vintner. In Champagne, the reference prior NM address is restricted to trading houses or major marks and the reference to RM harvesters manipulation (winemaker).
In some famous vineyards, there are rankings. The entry Filed in Bordeaux Grand Cru is attached to the properties, while in Burgundy and Alsace, it relates to land.
"Harvested by hand" is not necessarily a sign of quality. It is sometimes better to the harvesting machine in the event of adverse weather conditions. The term "sorted the grapes would be a sign of quality ...
"Matured in barrels", but in what drums? new or old, long or not? caution ...
A vineyard called "old vine" must have at least 40 years otherwise it should not be considered so.
Contains sulfites: recently, the tenants should indicate whether the wine contains sulfur. You should know that it has always been used in winemaking because it stabilizes the wine and minimum dose, the body tolerates very well.Therefore have no concerns when reading these words. (See article The use of sulfur in wine)
Behind the label
Where it exists, on the back of the bottle, it deserves your attention because it often reveals valuable information on the quality of wine grape varieties that compose it, the service temperature, the association with food and sometimes time custody.
