Secrets of wine – different wine label

Secrets of wine – different wine label

In today's world, a growing number of individuals are adopting the practice of regularly purchasing red wine. Building up a collection of expensive red wines at home is becoming more common for those seeking to create special moments through indulging in a glass. It is suggested that once the wine has been enjoyed, the label from the bottle can be carefully removed and kept as a cherished memento or collectible item, similar to philately. Originally considered as exquisite pieces of art, these so-called wine labels have even prompted the establishment of specialized schools in France dedicated to teaching the art of designing them. The trend of collecting wine labels has gained significant popularity internationally, particularly in regions such as Japan and Southeast Asia. Many avid wine enthusiasts actively participate in this hobby. Notably, collecting wine labels can serve as a quick way to differentiate between different wines based on their unique labels.

The appearance of wine labels varies across countries, with key information typically including the wine's origin, vintage year, quality rating, producer, alcohol percentage, sweetness level, bottle size, and other relevant details. For instance, French Bordeaux wine labels serve as a model for many others worldwide. Notably, the production year is often prominently displayed at the top of the label. To assess the quality of a particular vintage, one can refer to specialized literature for insights.

The name of the CHATEAU is listed above, followed by the village where the winery is located. Below that is the legal designation of the production area, providing insight into its origin. Subsequently, a classification hierarchy ranging from highest to lowest quality includes AOC, VDQS (Good regional wines), VINSDEPAYS (Regional wines), and VINSDETABLE (Daily wine). Notably, the quality is denoted by labels such as GRANDCRU for top-tier excellence, followed by PREMIERCRUCLASSE, CRUCLASSE, CRUEXCEPTIONAL, and CRUBOURGEOIS. The sequence of these details may vary across different wine labels, necessitating familiarity with these terms among consumers and enthusiasts alike.

While the wine labels of Germany, Italy, and the United States may not be as intricate as those from Bordeaux, France, each country's labels possess unique characteristics. Numerous professional publications on wine are available in the market today, making it advisable for enthusiasts to invest in a copy for study purposes. This approach is more efficient than relying on word-of-mouth recommendations. When faced with a vast selection of red wines and unsure of where to start, remember this helpful tip: The deeper the punt (bottom indentation) of the bottle, the higher its price point is likely to be. By first feeling for the depth of the punt before examining the label, one can make informed choices with minimal effort.