Chapter 4: Understanding the Label: Flashcards
What are the two main types of geographical indications (GIs) for wine?
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
What is the key difference between PDO and PGI?
PDO: Stricter regulations, all grapes must come from the defined region.
PGI: More flexible rules, allows blending with grapes from outside the region.
What are examples of PDOs in Europe?
Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in France, Denominación de Origen (DO) in Spain, Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) in Italy
What is a varietal wine?
A wine labeled with the name of the grape variety it is made from (e.g., Chardonnay, Merlot)
What does ‘vintage’ indicate on a wine label?
The year the grapes were harvested
What is a non-vintage (NV) wine?
A wine made from a blend of grapes from multiple harvests
What does ‘estate bottled’ or ‘domaine’ mean on a wine label?
The wine was made and bottled by the producer who grew the grapes
What does the term ‘reserve’ or ‘reserva’ on a label usually signify?
In some regions, it indicates higher quality or longer aging, but it is not regulated everywhere
What does ‘cru’ mean on a French wine label?
A term used to designate a vineyard or group of vineyards with a high-quality reputation
What is the significance of ‘Premier Cru’ and ‘Grand Cru’ in Burgundy?
Premier Cru: High-quality vineyards, just below the Grand Cru level.
Grand Cru: The highest quality vineyards in Burgundy
What does ‘classico’ mean on an Italian wine label?
Wine made from grapes grown in the historic center of a region
What does ‘Superiore’ mean on an Italian wine label?
Indicates higher alcohol content or stricter production rules
What is a ‘DOCG’ wine in Italy?
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, the highest quality classification for Italian wines
What does ‘Reserva’ or ‘Gran Reserva’ mean in Spain?
Reserva: Minimum aging of 3 years (1 year in oak).
Gran Reserva: Minimum aging of 5 years (2 years in oak)
What is the ‘appellation’ on a wine label?
The legally defined geographical area where the wine was produced
What does ‘IGP’ stand for in France?
Indication Géographique Protégée, a PGI classification
What information is legally required on a wine label in most countries?
Producer name, alcohol percentage, volume, region, and allergens (e.g., contains sulfites)
What is ‘vin de pays’ in France?
A PGI classification for French wines, less strict than AOC/PDO
What does ‘old vines’ or ‘vieilles vignes’ mean?
Refers to wines made from older grapevines, often producing more concentrated flavors
What does ‘organic’ on a wine label signify?
The grapes were grown without synthetic chemicals, though the specific requirements vary by country
What does ‘biodynamic’ mean in wine production?
A holistic farming approach using natural practices and aligning with lunar cycles
What does ‘sustainable’ mean on a wine label?
Indicates environmentally friendly practices but is not as strictly regulated as organic
What is the difference between a ‘sparkling wine’ and a ‘still wine’?
Sparkling wine: Contains carbonation (e.g., Champagne).
Still wine: No carbonation
What does ‘fortified wine’ mean?
Wine with added spirit (e.g., Port, Sherry)
