Chapter 4: Understanding the Label:

Question 1

What are the two main types of geographical indications (GIs) for wine?

Answer 1

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

Question 2

What is the key difference between PDO and PGI?

Answer 2

PDO: Stricter regulations, all grapes must come from the defined region.
PGI: More flexible rules, allows blending with grapes from outside the region.

Question 3

What are examples of PDOs in Europe?

Answer 3

Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in France, Denominación de Origen (DO) in Spain, Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) in Italy

Question 4

What is a varietal wine?

Answer 4

A wine labeled with the name of the grape variety it is made from (e.g., Chardonnay, Merlot)

Question 5

What does ‘vintage’ indicate on a wine label?

Answer 5

The year the grapes were harvested

Question 6

What is a non-vintage (NV) wine?

Answer 6

A wine made from a blend of grapes from multiple harvests

Question 7

What does ‘estate bottled’ or ‘domaine’ mean on a wine label?

Answer 7

The wine was made and bottled by the producer who grew the grapes

Question 8

What does the term ‘reserve’ or ‘reserva’ on a label usually signify?

Answer 8

In some regions, it indicates higher quality or longer aging, but it is not regulated everywhere

Question 9

What does ‘cru’ mean on a French wine label?

Answer 9

A term used to designate a vineyard or group of vineyards with a high-quality reputation

Question 10

What is the significance of ‘Premier Cru’ and ‘Grand Cru’ in Burgundy?

Answer 10

Premier Cru: High-quality vineyards, just below the Grand Cru level.
Grand Cru: The highest quality vineyards in Burgundy

Question 11

What does ‘classico’ mean on an Italian wine label?

Answer 11

Wine made from grapes grown in the historic center of a region

Question 12

What does ‘Superiore’ mean on an Italian wine label?

Answer 12

Indicates higher alcohol content or stricter production rules

Question 13

What is a ‘DOCG’ wine in Italy?

Answer 13

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, the highest quality classification for Italian wines

Question 14

What does ‘Reserva’ or ‘Gran Reserva’ mean in Spain?

Answer 14

Reserva: Minimum aging of 3 years (1 year in oak).
Gran Reserva: Minimum aging of 5 years (2 years in oak)

Question 15

What is the ‘appellation’ on a wine label?

Answer 15

The legally defined geographical area where the wine was produced

Question 16

What does ‘IGP’ stand for in France?

Answer 16

Indication Géographique Protégée, a PGI classification

Question 17

What information is legally required on a wine label in most countries?

Answer 17

Producer name, alcohol percentage, volume, region, and allergens (e.g., contains sulfites)

Question 18

What is ‘vin de pays’ in France?

Answer 18

A PGI classification for French wines, less strict than AOC/PDO

Question 19

What does ‘old vines’ or ‘vieilles vignes’ mean?

Answer 19

Refers to wines made from older grapevines, often producing more concentrated flavors

Question 20

What does ‘organic’ on a wine label signify?

Answer 20

The grapes were grown without synthetic chemicals, though the specific requirements vary by country

Question 21

What does ‘biodynamic’ mean in wine production?

Answer 21

A holistic farming approach using natural practices and aligning with lunar cycles

Question 22

What does ‘sustainable’ mean on a wine label?

Answer 22

Indicates environmentally friendly practices but is not as strictly regulated as organic

Question 23

What is the difference between a ‘sparkling wine’ and a ‘still wine’?

Answer 23

Sparkling wine: Contains carbonation (e.g., Champagne).
Still wine: No carbonation

Question 24

What does ‘fortified wine’ mean?

Answer 24

Wine with added spirit (e.g., Port, Sherry)