It is a well known fact that labels were invented, not only to inform us of the goods on offer, but also to make us think they are better.

If you would like to know  a few simple facts about wine labels, read on.

The first thing you need to know is that there are basically only 2 different types of wine labels.

1. Modern, jazzy, plastic-looking, and

2. Traditional, old-fashioned, boring

As soon as you so much as glance at the array of labels in any shop or supermarket your brain will take this in.

Already these two different types of labelling give you an enormous amount of information about the wine. In fact, more than you realise.
Once you have understood this basic difference in wine labelling, you will understand much more about wine.

So, let's start with Modern, jazzy, plastic-looking.

The type of label translates directly to the type of wine. So, the wine is young, probably from several vineyards, probably made in a large, general cooperative winery, probably with the addition of loads of different types of chemicals to give it the required flavour. The wines will not age.
Flattering at first, then...Headache! ...due to chemicals - possibly after only the first glass.
Boring wine.
Rule of thumb - The more money spent on the bottle and label, the lower the quality of wine.


Now for Traditional, old-fashioned, boring.

As above, the label translates directly to the wine. It is made in smaller quantities probably by single vineyards. They try to make a traditional wine upholding the values of their fathers and forefathers. The use of chemicals is not looked upon with kindness. The winemaker will probaby have vines considerably older than above (sometimes even centenary vines!).
The wines love being served with food! (Not so good by themselves unless white or sparkling).
Can be very exciting. Can be outrageous. Can be a learning curve.
Never boring!
Rule of thumb - If you want to start to understand wines go for the traditional, old-fashioned labels and try to match with food.

Now, all labelling in Europe is subject to certain rules.
These must be shown on the label:-

1. Country of origin,
2. Alcohol percentage (abv = alcohol by volume) including pregnant woman logo
3. Volume of wine, (e.g. a standard bottle is 75cl)
4. "Contains sulfites". Most wines do.
5. The addition of any other possibly allergenic substance. (e.g.albumen)
6. The lot number.

also for higher quality wines:
7. Geographic area (e.g. appellation) and, or
8. Grape variety (now obligatory for geographic wines made since 2007)


Various other bits of information can be added to make you want to buy that wine more than anything else on the shelf, such as the flavour of the grape variety. This can be helpful.
What food to match it to. This is also helpful.
However, many do not add anything more due to the sheer lack of space available on the label.

For your own information you should know that most European wines have an alcohol percentage of around 12° - 12.5° therefore, of course, there is a certain calorie content. Usually about 130 calories per glass - just like any other glass of alcohol.
However, research is showing that when consuming wine with food, the wine helps break down the fatty tissue of the food and helps the digestion as well as the balance of the calorie intake into our system.

Another thing you should remember is that there is no accounting for taste.
Do not assume you will like a wine just because everyone else does and because of the write-ups about the wine.

The only way to understand more about wine is, frankly, to taste it. Only trial and error can give you the confidence to branch out and try something new.

You can see a selection of Traditional, old-fashioned labels on our website:

Crémant and other sparkling wines To start off the evening!

Exciting white wines To match to the starters!

Gorgeous unoaked red wine (all our wines are unoaked!)

So, now you have all the information you need to help you make a considered decision about the wines you are about to buy.

If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Amanda@AmandasWines.co.uk

With best wishes.
Amanda
www.AmandasWines.co.uk