The wine label: your bottle's identity card

Every bottle of wine tells a story, and its label is the first chapter. Subject to strict regulations, it informs consumers about the origin, composition, and characteristics of the wine they are about to taste. Some information is mandatory, others optional, but all help guide the buyer's choice. 

A GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY AND TRANSPARENCY

The label is not just an aesthetic element: it guarantees that the wine has been produced according to the current winemaking standards, corresponding to a specific region, appellation, or category. It also allows authorities to verify the authenticity of the product and ensure its traceability, particularly for tax purposes. 

UNDERSTAND ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

The label, and possibly the back label, provide valuable information about the wine. By reading it carefully, you can discover: 

• Its origin (country, region, name)
• Its vintage (year of harvest)
• The producer and the bottler
• Its production method (estate wine, cooperative, trading, etc.) 

However, not all terms are equal: some are legally recognized, while others are marketing terms. For example, the expression "mis en bouteille au château" is protected, guaranteeing that the wine was indeed bottled at its place of production, while "grand vin" or "vieille vignes" are not subject to any regulatory framework. 

MANDATORY NOTICES: WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES

Certain information must appear on the label, guaranteeing the traceability and conformity of the wine.

1. The wine category

In France, a wine belongs to one of two main categories: 

• Wine without geographical indication: It bears the words “Vin de France” or “Vin de la Communauté Européenne”.
• Wine with geographical indication: This concerns PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). PDO wines must mention the name of their appellation on the label.

2. The name and address of the bottler

The label must indicate where and by whom the wine was bottled. Depending on the case, different information may appear:

• “Bottled on the estate”: If the wine was bottled by the producer himself.
• “Bottled by…”: If the bottling was carried out by an external service provider.
• “Bottled in our cellars”: Generally used for merchant wines.

3. The capacity of the bottle 

Expressed in liters, centiliters or milliliters, the most common capacity is 75 cl, but other formats exist:

• Half bottle: 37.5 cl
• Magnum: 1.5 L
• Clavelin (reserved for Jura yellow wine): 62 cl
• Some sweet wines are available in 33 cl or 50 cl
• Other formats can go up to 15 liters

4. The alcohol content

Indicated as a percentage (% vol.), it generally varies between 11 and 14%, but can be lower or higher depending on the type of wine and production conditions.

5. Country of origin

The “Product of France” label is now mandatory, whereas it was previously reserved for wines intended for export. 

6. Health information

• Presence of sulfites: These preservatives must be indicated on the label.
• Allergens: If the wine contains milk or egg residue (used for clarification), this must be specified.
• Warning for pregnant women: A logo reminds them that alcohol consumption is not recommended.

7. The batch number

Affixed by the producer or the merchant, this number makes it possible to identify each bottle and ensure its traceability. 

OPTIONAL MENTIONS: A PLUS TO REFINE YOUR CHOICE

Although not mandatory, certain labels help consumers better understand the wine they are buying.

1. The vintage

Indicating the year of harvest, it is optional but generally mentioned, particularly for AOP and IGP wines. If it appears on the label, at least 85% of the wine must come from the year indicated.

2. The brand name and specific designations

• “Château”, “Clos”, “Abbaye”: Reserved for AOP wines and corresponding to specific locations.
• “Domaine”, “Mas”: Prohibited for French wines.
• “Bottled at the château”: Guarantee of a producer’s wine.

3. The classification 

Certain terms are strictly regulated: “Cru classé”, “Premier cru”, “Grand cru”: Protected appellations depending on the regions and historical classifications.

4. The grape variety

Systematically mentioned in Alsace, rarely in Bordeaux, and optional for French wines. For PGIs, at least 85% of the wine must come from the indicated grape variety.

5. The status of the operation

A producer can specify whether he is an owner, owner-harvester, independent winemaker, etc.

6. Cultivation methods

• Organic wines: Must bear the European logo and the name of the certifying body.
• Biodynamic: Can be certified by organizations such as Demeter or Biodyvin, but the designation is not protected by law.
• “Sustainable agriculture” or “natural wine”: Free term, not regulated. 

OTHER VALUABLE MENTIONS (UNREGULATED)

Some expressions are purely marketing and do not provide any official guarantee:

• “Old vines”: A flattering term, but unverifiable by the consumer.
• “Special Cuvée”, “Exceptional Reserve”, “Grande Cuvée”: Refers to a selection from the producer, without official control.
• “Great wine from…”: Advertising slogan with no legal value.
• Serial number: May suggest rarity, but does not guarantee anything. 

The label is the primary source of information for choosing your wine wisely. Knowing how to read it means understanding the history and quality of the wine before even tasting it.