Wine label
From EncycloWine
Wine labels are important sources of information for consumers. The label is often the only resource a buyer has for evaluating the wine before purchasing it. German wine labels are particularly noted for the detailedness of information that they can provide in determining quality and style of the wine.
Wine classification systems differ by country. In some places, wines are classified by region and area only. This can be very confusing to consumers. For example, there are 151 châteaux in Bordeaux with "Figeac" and 22 with "Corton" on their labels. In Burgundy, there are 110 appellations in an area only one-fifth the size of Bordeaux. Complicating the system is the fact that many villages have hyphenated their names to include that of their most famous producer. This promotes sales but confuses consumers.
Virtually all New World wines are labeled by grape variety and geographic origin. Some countries permit semi-generic designations, whereas others do not.
Wines whose label does not indicate the name of the winery or the winemaker is referred to as "cleanskin" wine, particularly in Australia.
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EU Regulations
Within the European Union, regulations mandate that this information be provided on the label:
- the type of wine (e.g. vin de pays, table wine, or AOC)
- the name and address of the wine producer, bottler, or salesman
- the country of origin
- the wine's volume (e.g. 750 ml)
- the percent alcohol by volume (if the ABV exceeds 1.2%), which can deviate at most 0.5% from the real grade
Additional information may be included at the discretion of the wine producer. This may include:
- more specific information on the type of wine (e.g. brut or demi-sec)
- the vintage year
- the grape variety
- names of people involved in the wine's distribution (e.g. "Selected by..."/"Sélectionné par..." or "Imported by..."/"Importé par...")
- medals or other prizes awarded to the wine
- recommendations for use (e.g. "Serve chilled")
It is not necessary to indicate an expiration date on wine labels.
Trends in wine labels
Most New World consumers and, increasingly, many Old World consumers prefer to purchase wine with varietal labels and/or with brand name labels. A recent study of younger wine drinkers in the U.S. found that they perceived labels with châteaux on them to be stuffy and pretentious. Some associated them negatively with old people. Many producers now attempt to make selecting and purchasing wine easy and non-intimidating by making their labels inviting and playful.
Labels are sometimes now printed in bright colors, casual print styles, and carry memorable names. They may occasionally be shocking or offensive to some people; Cleavage Creek wine shows the likeness of an attractive woman displaying the cleavage of her breasts. Old Fart and FAT bastard are well-known examples. The names of some make use of puns ("Goats do Roam" and "Cardinal Zin") are examples. The play on words of the wine name, Stu Pedasso, is best understood when it is spoken aloud.
The success of some new French wine names and labels suggests that this trend may expand in that country, whose wine industry is sufering a crisis of overproduction and shrinking sales. Among other actions, Plan Bordeaux calls for varietal labeling by many producers to increase sales.
Collecting wine labels
Some people collect wine labels as a hobby. Collections can be organized by theme, country, or region. A recent innovation with wine labels is the ability to tear off a small part of the label in order to remind the drinker of the name and bearing of the wine.
See also
- German wine label
- Fighting varietal
- Blue Nun
- FAT bastard
- Lancers wine
- Mateus
- Red Bicyclette
- yellow tail
Reference
- Franson, Paul. Labels gone wild. Wine Enthusiast, 2006 (March), 19(3), 28-33.
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