How do you read a wine label?

There are certain details that absolutely must appear on the wine label to let you read it correctly.

How to read a wine label: never again without these

Wine labels may seem complicated and confusing, but they actually contain important information to help you understand the contents of the bottle. Here are some tips for reading and interpreting wine labels correctly –

Start with the name: The name of a wine can provide clues about where it comes from or the variety of grapes used. For example, a wine called “Chianti Classico” comes from Tuscany’s Chianti region and must be made with at least 80% Sangiovese grapes.
Look up the vintage: The vintage indicates the year the grapes were harvested and when the wine was made. The vintage can influence the wine’s taste, as the weather conditions during the harvest year can have an impact on the quality of the grapes.
Check the type of grape: The variety of grape used to make the wine is often indicated on the label. If the wine is made from a single grape variety, such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, it will be shown on the label. If the wine is a blend, namely a mixture of different grape varieties, only the name of the region or DOCG (Guaranteed and Controlled Designation of Origin) of production might be indicated.
Check the alcohol level: Alcohol is an important component of wine, affecting the wine’s taste and structure. The percentage of alcohol is usually shown on the label, usually with a percentage expressed by volume.
Consider the production method: The label may indicate the production method for the wine and the type of bottle used. For example, “sparkling” wine is produced by the Charmat or classic method, while “semi-sparkling” wine is produced by the Charmat method. In addition, the type of bottle used may indicate the type of wine, such as the tapered-shaped bottle used for Champagne.
Look for the producer or producer-bottler: The label should indicate who produced the wine and who bottled it. If the producer and producer-bottler are different, it means the wine was purchased from one producer and bottled elsewhere.

Now, you know how to read a wine label, all that’s left is to put what you’ve learned into practice. It will be a pleasure to advise you on your wine cellar, even more to tell you about our fine wines, a must for your collection, and to give you valuable tips on storing your wine.