Aug 13 2008
So What Kind of Wine is This?
Hi,
Are you confused by wine labels and just want a really nice wine to enjoy with this spectacular meal you are planning?
There you are standing in the store holding a bottle of wine and reading the label that seems like Greek to you, even if it is English, let alone French or Italian. Don’t feel alone and sometimes the well-intended help can confuse you even more. What the label reads depends on the origin of the wine and that is even down to the country.
The reason for this difference in labeling is simply the rules for European wine labeling are different than the wines made elsewhere in the world. The “elsewhere” in the world is known sometimes as New World Wines. The wines from North and South America and Australia are named after the variety of the grape used in the wine. Thus, the term varietals.
European wines are named after the place they are made not from the grapes actually in the wine. The Europeans have been involved in wine making for so very long that they instinctively know where each type of grape grows the best. It is actually part of law that for a wine to be made from a certain grape, it must be made in that region where the grape grows best. The Europeans also have strict quality and taste standards that are monitored by local wine officials. (That might be a pretty good job). For example, a Burgundy, to be labeled as such, must be made in a region that is known for pinot noir grapes (that is the grape used in Burgundy wines) and it must be made from that particular grape.
There are other naming conventions used in labeling wine.
Generic names are normally used in the U.S. and Canada. Examples are Chianti, Chablis, Champagne, Sherry, and Port.
Brand names only state a brand. This can be a buyer-beware sign, especially if the bottle is a European wine. It if didn’t earn the right to carry the name of the place, it possibly isn’t the highest in taste or quality. Ask, if you are not sure. This is when the well intended clerk can really be helpful.
Proprietary names are exactly as they sound. The premise behind the proprietary label is branding, pure and simple. Some examples are Meritage, Insignia, and Opus One. The brands are often blends, which allows the producers the opportunity to create a more balanced wine. The brands are also usually trademarked. Even though Meritage is a proprietary name, it is owned by an association of 30 wineries, they have over 100 wineries that use their name on the label.
As for me, I came across this label in a store and had to try it. It is really a wonderful wine and quite appropriate. Writer’s Block is produced and bottled by QMS Group, Kelseyville, CA.
