Decoding The Wine Label: What All Those Terms Really Mean

If you are a casual wine drinker who is keen to add a little polish and finesse to your choices, then an ideal place to start is simply by paying more attention to the label on the bottle. As quality independent wine retailers, we are used to expertly decoding this information, but we understand that labels can sometimes seem to be speaking in tongues. 

However, a little knowhow can help you to understand much more clearly exactly what’s in the bottle, how it tastes, and even what foods to pair with it. Here’s a quick guide to help you feel more confident next time you’re choosing a bottle. 

Region and appellation

One of the most important clues on a wine label is where the grapes were grown. In European “Old World” countries like France, Italy, and Spain, you’ll often see a region rather than a grape variety on the label. For example, “Chablis” tells you the wine comes from a specific area in Burgundy, and that it will be a crisp, minerally Chardonnay. 

In the “New World” (places like Australia, Chile, or the USA), labels usually highlight the grape, like Shiraz or Sauvignon Blanc, with the region secondary. Knowing this distinction helps you quickly spot the style you prefer.

Vintage

The vintage is the year the grapes were harvested. Some years are warmer and sunnier, others cooler and wetter  — which means wines from the same region can taste different depending on the weather that year. 

As a general rule, younger wines tend to be fresher and fruitier, while older vintages may have more complex, developed flavours. Not all wines are designed to age, so don’t worry if you’re drinking a 2022 now  — many wines are made to be enjoyed young.

Grape variety

Grape variety is one of the easiest ways to predict a wine’s flavour. For example, a Pinot Noir will usually be light, delicate, and fruity, while a Malbec tends to be fuller, darker, and spicier. Some wines are blends (like Bordeaux or Côtes du Rhône), which means the winemaker has combined several grapes to create a particular style.

Alcohol by volume (ABV)

The ABV tells you how strong the wine is. Most wines fall between 11 per cent and 14.5 per cent. Lower ABV often means lighter body and more refreshing styles (such as German Riesling), while higher ABV can signal a fuller-bodied, richer wine (like Australian Shiraz).

Extra terms to know

• Reserva / Riserva / Reserve – In Europe, this often means the wine has been aged longer before release, giving more depth and complexity. Outside Europe, it’s sometimes just a marketing term.

• Estate bottled / Château / Domaine – Indicates the wine was made and bottled at the vineyard, often a mark of quality.

• Cuvée – Simply means “blend,” but in sparkling wines it can also refer to the first, finest juice from the pressing.

Making your choice easier

Once you start recognising these key details, wine shopping feels much less intimidating. Of course, as independent wine merchants, we always taste and select every bottle ourselves, so we can guide you towards a wine you’ll love.