What to do when you don't know anything about it and want to buy a bottle of wine without making a mistake? Whether in the supermarket or at the wine merchant, it is not always easy to choose when you cannot taste beforehand. It is therefore often necessary to trust the label. In this article, you will find all the information that may appear on the latter as well as some tips to help you find the best bottles.
Mandatory information
Legally, wine producers are required to display certain information on their labels.
⦁ The volume: indicates the capacity of the bottle, generally between 12.5cl and 1.5l. A bottle of "classic" wine has a volume of 75cl.
⦁ The appellation: very important because it confirms that the grapes used to make the wine all come from the same appellation area (generally no more than a few villages). This also proves that the producer has respected the rules of the specifications. It is usually mentioned at the bottom of the label.
⦁ Bottling information: the place where the wine was bottled and the name of the bottler. For example "bottled at the property" (wine estate) or "at the castle". This statement remains purely informative and is in no way a guarantee of the quality of the wine. Concerning the bottler, this is his name or company name and his address.
⦁ The Acquired Volume Alcoholic Title (TAVA): allows you to define the style of wine (light or full-bodied). It is expressed as a percentage relative to the volume of the bottle.
⦁ Quality labels:
-Without geographical indication / GIS: great freedom in the development of these wines, it can be a blend of grapes from different regions and vintages.
-With protected geographical indication / IGP: formerly "vin de pays", the specifications are not very binding here.
-Controlled designation of origin / AOC: corresponds to a well-defined terroir and requires compliance with very precise specifications.
-Protected designation of origin / PDO: equivalent of the AOC but at European level.
⦁ The presence of allergens: only if the wine contains allergenic substances in certain people. This is the case with milk and egg, but especially sulfur dioxide (abbreviated as "sulphites"). When it is greater than 10 mg / l, this must be indicated.
⦁ The batch number: made up of letters and numbers, it indicates that all the bottles were produced under similar conditions.
⦁ A health message: this is a pictogram or message reminding pregnant women of the dangers of alcohol. It must be next to the alcohol level.
⦁ The sugar content: only concernssparkling winesand not still wines. One of the following terms should appear as desired: brut, brut nature, extra-brut, demi-sec, sec.
Optional information
Other mentions can also be specified but are not systematically required.
⦁ The name of the wine-growing operation: this can be the name of the domain, of the wine-grower who was responsible for the vinification or of the merchant who assembled the wine. Some also sometimes affix a logo, which makes it possible to stand out and be more easily recognizable. The name is important because it is often associated with its own know-how and a certain reputation.
⦁ The vintage: this is the year of harvest of the grapes used in the making of wine. The vintage is often a good indicator of the quality of the wine depending on whether the weather conditions were good during the year in question. When the vintage is specified, at least 85% of the grapes used must have been harvested during the year indicated. It is a mention which is not obligatory. Most champagnes, for example, do not display a vintage on their label.
⦁ The region: it is a good indicator of the type of wine in question (fruity, powerful / light ...) and sometimes even of its quality. Each region has specificities that depend on the grape varieties found there, the composition of its soils or its climate.
⦁ The production method: for example "aged / aged in barrels", "manual harvest" or "wine from sustainable cultivation".
⦁ Grape varieties: when there is only one, this means that at least 85% of the grapes used in the production of wine come from this variety. Otherwise, it can also be a blended wine.
⦁ Awards / medals: these may have been awarded by an official body or during competitions. This can sometimes be synonymous with quality in the minds of customers.
⦁ The organic label: winegrowers who grow their grapes without any synthetic chemicals and who ban GMOs can put an organic logo on their label or back label. There are two: the "AB" label (specific to France) or the tree leaf on a green background (the latter being recognized throughout Europe).
The back label
It is not systematic but makes it possible to add additional information or to lighten the main label. There are sometimes more details on the vineyard, its wine-making preferences ... But it can also be advice for the conservation of wine or to associate it with certain dishes rather than others.
Note that even in miniatures, the Vinottes offered by Domaine du Goût have a label similar to those found on normal formats. Appellation, vintage, capacity ...So don't wait any longer to try them!