Wine enthusiasts and those just beginning to enjoy fine wines can learn much about the product in the bottle by focusing on a few important details on both the front and back labels.
Look for the Wine Varietal
The first decision a wine consumer makes is usually which varietal to buy, depending on the consumer’s preference or that night’s dinner menu. The term “varietal” refers to the type of grape from which the wine is made, such as Merlot, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir. (Notably, many European wines list the growing region rather than the grape on their labels.) In the U.S., regulations specify that a wine must contain at least 75% of the varietal listed on the label. Most good “varietals” will have much more than that minimum amount, and will include other grapes only for specific blending purposes. For example, a small percentage of Merlot may be used to soften a robust Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Geography of the Wine is an Indication of Quality
A label will indicate where the grapes for the wine were grown. Generally, the more specific the area, the better the wine. For example, a Pinot Noir from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, which embodies ideal growing conditions for that varietal, will probably be better than a wine labeled “Sonoma,” which in turn will probably be better than a wine labeled simply “California.” By law, and depending on how the region is categorized, 85% to 95% of the grapes in the bottle must come from the named location. Of course, a more specific grape growing region may correlate with a higher price. Therefore, consumers need to consider the price/value relationship of a wine to decide whether or not the taste justifies the cost.
A Wine’s Vintage Refers to the Harvest
The vintage year on the label bears no relationship to when the wine was bottled, but to when the grapes where picked. The majority of wines available in wine stores are meant to be consumed now; only a small percentage of wines, like some Cabernets from top producers, need to be stored away in wine cellars. Therefore, consumers should look for wines that are not too old.
Look for Alcohol Content and Information on the Production Process
A wine containing 15% or more alcohol may be too much for some palates, and may overpower the food with which it is served. Alcohol content at or below 14% may be a better choice for most wines. Also, look for the term “estate bottled,” which certifies legally that the winery grew 100% of the grapes on land it owns or controls and that the winery crushed, fermented, finished, aged, and bottled the wine. Other indications like “produced and bottled by” or “cellared and bottled by” are also good, although they signify somewhat less control by the winery over the growing of the grapes.
Avoid Wines with Critters on the Label
The popularity of Australia’s Yellow Tail wines has no doubt encouraged the profusion of critter labels on wine bottles. Be wary of these wines that can be more about marketing and less about wine that tastes good. Wall Street Journal wine writers, Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, wrote that “especially when it comes to less-expensive wines, we’d avoid wines where the cute animal seems to be the main point of the wine. These wines are generally less attractive than the labels.”
