How to read the label of a fine wine?

03 March 2024

Wine labels, beyond identifying the producer and the vintage, can tell a story of the wine and outline several essential details that help you decide on your choice, but also, for some time, selected wine labels have become almost like an art thanks to the amazing collaborations with artists and, i.e., Château Mouton Rothschild labels. Each year, the announcement of the vintage’s label is highly anticipated.

In this article, you will learn about the most popular details on labels, and together we will analyze one of the cradles of world oenology: French wines, getting to know a bit about the most renowned wine regions in the world, Bordeaux and Burgundy.

The origin of labels

The Egyptians engraved wine data on the amphorae (tall jug with two handles and a narrow neck) closure site, such as the production year, origin, and name of the wine producer. The numerous amphorae found in Tutankhamun's tomb testify to this labeling.

In ancient Rome, amphorae were engraved with the name of the wine and the number of amphorae produced with a specific grape variety. This engraving method was used until around 1600.

During this period in England, glass bottles sealed with cork stoppers began to be used, creating the need for more precise identification of wines, thus giving rise to what we commonly call a "label."

The real turning point came in 1796 with the invention of lithography. This system made it possible to print multiple copies of the same label.

In modern times, digital technology has revolutionized the art of labeling, paving the way for interactive labels with QR codes that provide additional information about the wine and the winery, and even AR (augmented reality) that allows consumers to visualize the history and terroir behind the beverage.

French wines: how to read a label?

Labeling laws in France are strict, providing consumers with labels filled with information that, at times, can be challenging to understand. That's why it's essential to grasp the general aspects of French wine labels.

Below, we'll illustrate the primary information you may find on a French wine label, making it easier to understand.

Label Legend

1 - Vintage

When you come across the term "vintage" on a wine label, you will discover a fundamental piece of your wine's history.

The vintage refers to the year the grapes were harvested to create the wine. This crucial information is not just a curiosity; it allows for an understanding of each bottle's complexity and unique character.

The vintage year has a significant impact on the wine's flavor. A warmer year usually produces riper grapes, producing fuller-bodied wines with intense flavors. On the other hand, a cooler vintage can give rise to lighter and more delicate wines.

In some cases, the vintage can be considered a demonstration of the wine's quality, as some vintages are recognized as exceptional, allowing you to choose bottles with great aging potential, making them excellent investment options.

2 - Producer

The producer's name is usually the main highlight on a label, and in some cases, you can get a sense of the wine's quality since many of them are already recognized in the market. For example, we use Château Margaux, which you can find in our portfolio.

3 - Appellation

An appellation, or designation of origin, is a legal term that designates a specific and delimited geographical region where a particular wine is produced, following its rules and regulations. This distinction ensures that the product has unique and specific characteristics that differentiate it from similar products from other regions.

The appellation can also be indicated by the acronym "AOC," which stands for "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" and is related to a stricter and more prestigious designation.

Some appellations, such as the Burgundy appellation, are globally known for producing exceptional wines, adding value to the bottle. An example is the label Trapet | 2020 | Chambertin Grand Cru. A specimen from one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Burgundy.

4 - Cru or Vineyard Parcel

In the various pieces of information on French wines, "Cru" and "Vineyard Parcel" provide crucial information about the origin and characteristics of a wine. Cru is the broader classification, while the vineyard parcel is a more specific subdivision. Let's explore both:

Cru

In the context of wine, it refers to a specific and delimited geographical area within a wine region recognized for producing wines of exceptional quality and unique characteristics. Crus are generally demarcated by history, soil, climate, topography, and specific viticulture methods. The classification of Crus varies according to the wine region.

In Bordeaux, for example, there are five levels of classification:

- Premier Grand Cru Classé, the highest classification.
- Deuxième Grand Cru Classé.
- Troisième Grand Cru Classé.
- Quatrième Grand Cru Classé.
- Cinquième Grand Cru Classé.

In our portfolio, you will find wine options with Premier Cru Classé classification, such as the label Château Lafite Rothschild, 2019 - Premier Grand Cru Classé - Pauillac.

In Burgundy, Crus are classified as:

- Grand Cru, the highest classification.
- Premier Cru.
- Village.
In our portfolio, you will find wine options with Grand Cru and Premier Cru classifications, such as the label Charlopin-Tissier, 2020 - Clos Vougeot Grand Cru.

Vineyard Parcel

Vineyard parcels refer to a specific subdivision within a Cru. Each parcel has unique characteristics of soil, climate, and topography. The name of a vineyard parcel can be an indicator of quality and prestige. Vineyards with historical names and well-established reputations often produce more expensive and coveted wines.

On our marketplace, you will find wine options from famous vineyard parcels, such as Chandon de Briailles, 2020 - Pernand Vergelesses Premier Cru "Ile de Vergelesses".

5 - Region

When a label indicates the region, it points to the geographical area where the grapes were grown. This not only informs about the origin of the grapes but also about the techniques used in producing that wine.

For example, if you find "Bordeaux" on the label, the grapes were grown in the Bordeaux wine region with grapes and techniques regulated by that region. Below, we will cover Bordeaux and Burgundy:

Bordeaux

It is located in southwestern France and is famous for its full-bodied and complex red wines, primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. The region also produces dry and sweet white wines and rosés. The most essential sub-regions of Bordeaux are St Estèphe, St Julien, Pauillac, St Emilion, and Pomerol.

Burgundy

Situated in central-eastern France, it is known for its elegant red wines, made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay grapes. The most important sub-regions of Burgundy are Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais.

6 - Mis en Bouteille

"Mis en Bouteille" is a French expression that means "Bottled." This label information indicates where the wine was bottled, providing transparency to the production process.

When a label indicates "Mis en Bouteille au Château" (bottled at the castle) or "Mis en Bouteille à la Propriété" (bottled on the property), it suggests that the producer had direct control over the entire process, from the vineyard to the bottle. This is often associated with higher quality and attention to detail.

7 - Alcohol content

The alcohol content on the label is usually expressed as a percentage of alcohol by volume (% ABV), which indicates the amount of alcohol present in the wine. This measure varies according to grape fermentation and can influence the mouthfeel.

Wines with higher alcohol content generally have a fuller-bodied feel, providing a warmer experience and sometimes even a more robust flavor. On the other hand, wines with lower alcohol content may have a lighter and fresher feel.

8 - Bottle volume

The bottle's volume is usually indicated in liters or centiliters, offering an immediate view of the container's capacity. Standard wine bottles range from 750 ml to 1.5 liters, with less common variations available for special occasions.

The standard wine bottle has 75 cl. However, you can find different sizes, such as magnum (1.5 liters), jeroboam (3 liters), and others.

You can find a magnum option in our portfolio, the Chandon de Briailles, 2020 - Corton Grand Cru Magnum.

Labels, a decision maker for our wine choices, contain many details that enrich our experience and make a wine even more valuable. We invite you to explore the wines on our marketplace, and we hope that this article will make your wine investment decisions much more straightforward.

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