When it comes to buying wine, we tend to use the wine bottle labels to make our decision on which one to buy. Sometimes, most times, that is because it is eye catching, pretty, or simply weird. Other times it is the classic style that appeals. But in fact none of these designs actually tell us about the wine itself. For that, we need to look at the text.
However, there is a lot of text. To my mind, sometimes far too much information. But it turns out, especially when it comes to French wines, that each bit of information tells us something about the wine. Let’s learn whats important.
Understanding the Rules
In France there are lots of rules and regulations, particularly when it comes to wine. And this is truly the case when it comes to the wine bottle labels. The ‘information’ on the label, that is full of requirements. Lots and lots of requirements.
Let’s look at some numbers. There are about 27,000 wineries in France with well over 3000 different wines, collecting into almost 400 Appellations or AOCs (more on this below). Each Appellation sets the rules of what goes on the wine label for that area. On top of that, the EU has stepped in and determined that there are certain obligatory ‘health’ rules to include (such as sugar levels, allergens and a pregnant women shouldn’t drink symbol). And each winery has to try to compress all these regulations on to their wine labels.
The latest is a QR code, because the information has become so in-depth it can’t really be fit on the label anymore. So now a winery must* include a QR code so the buyer can determine if this wine is or is not for them. (*This is from the point of printing new labels. Existing label stock can still be used, so the code does not yet show on every label.) I for one love the idea of the QR code as it takes away a lot of the big brother aspect of wine labels, and puts the responsibility onto the buyer to scan the information.
What’s Required?
No matter where a wine is bottled there is some information that has to be included on its label(s): Location, name of winery, where it is bottle and alcohol content, amongst a few others depending on the country.
The exact information may vary depending on if it is made for export or not. For example, location might be France if it is potentially going to be exported. Or it might be Chablis if it will sell only in France. (The latter gets into the uniquely French world of Terroir – more on that in my What is Terroir write up.)
Country of origin as well as a name and address of the bottler (eg that mis en bouteille wording), and importer (if being imported) are the pieces of information that have to be included on the front label. The rest can be included on the front or an additional back label if desired.
Wine Bottle Labels in France
France runs amok with regulations for just about everything. And the wine bottle label is no exception. Like above it has to include the Winery name, where it is bottled (front or back label), as well as the the vintage or year the grapes were picked (if from a single harvest), and the Appellation. And should include the name of the vineyard, if harvesting grapes from a single plot.
The Appellation is the wine region. France puts this on rather than the grape variety, as a specific Appellation dictates what grape variety is to be used. Have a read of my article on Understanding the AOC, Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, for more on this. (Which by the way also applies to cheese.)
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(Note: These labels, from a winery I guide to, were chosen for their simplicity.)
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There is a long list of other information that might be included on a French label. Some are specific to wine making areas, some to type of wine, others are more generic. My favourites are ‘Vieille Vignes’, grapes from old mature vines, and ‘Clos’ a term used for grapes from a vineyard that is completely enclosed by a stone wall. Yes, it can be that specific.
And then there is of course all those pesky regulatory bits that have to be included. Sigh.
In other words
The key is, don’t worry. Almost all the information on a wine bottle label is really meant for exporters, importers, customs or government officials. And the odd wine snob.
But for us mere mortals, when we have to choose a wine amongst a sea of wine labels, I can offer some Wine Tricks to simplify your search (<- click to read). Because quite honestly, most of what is on the wine label, including the design, doesn’t tell us what we are going to taste. Sure there are tasting notes squished in there when possible. But these tend to be limited to what flavour you may encounter, such as black cherry or grapefruit, or what food it goes with, usually seafood or meat. Both good tips, but don’t really give you a real sense of the taste. For that, well, you have to open the bottle and actually taste. Santé.
By the Way
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