Wine Education · Labels
How to read an Old World wine label.
Burgundy says “Volnay 1er Cru.” Tuscany says “Brunello di Montalcino DOCG.” None of them tell you the grape. Here is the cheat sheet.
New World wine labels tell you the grape. Old World wine labels tell you the place – and the grape is implied by the place. This is the single biggest barrier between most American wine drinkers and the European wine section.
France: place tells you the grape
Burgundy red = Pinot Noir. Burgundy white = Chardonnay. Bordeaux = Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend. Northern Rhône red = Syrah. Southern Rhône red = Grenache blend. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé = Sauvignon Blanc. Loire (Vouvray, Savennières, Anjou) = Chenin Blanc. Alsace = the grape IS on the label, mercifully.
Italy: even more granular
Barolo and Barbaresco (Piedmont) = 100% Nebbiolo. Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany) = 100% Sangiovese. Chianti Classico = predominantly Sangiovese. Amarone (Veneto) = Corvina-based. Soave = Garganega.
Spain: tradition and the new wave
Rioja red = Tempranillo-dominant. Ribera del Duero = Tempranillo. Priorat = Garnacha and Cariñena. Albariño / Rías Baixas = Albariño.
The label is a map. Once you can read it, you can find a wine you love almost anywhere – without ever depending on a brand name.
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