Reading a French Wine Label

How to Read a French Wine Label: A Beginner’s Guide

Reading a French wine label is not as straightforward as reading a wine label from elsewhere.

The ability to read a French wine label is essential if you want to truly enjoy French wine. When purchasing a bottle, it’s the label that not only attracts the eye with its design but also tells you everything you need to know about the wine — like which grape variety was used and where the wine was made.

New World vs. French Wine Labels

New World wine-producing countries present information in a very straightforward fashion. The label will literally say “Shiraz from South Australia” or “Oregon Pinot Noir.” It simply could not be easier!

Reading a French wine label is a very different experience — and not just for those who don’t speak French.

The system employed by French winemakers does actually convey the same information as a New World wine label, but it takes a far less direct approach and requires the buyer to have a little background knowledge.

The French AOC System: What It Means

In France, winemakers operate within the AOC or Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée system, which regulates which grapes can be grown where and how wines made from these grapes can be promoted, based on their origin. The AOC system was introduced in 1935 to help consumers have an accurate expectation of a wine’s quality and character based on where its grapes were grown.

The system’s roots trace back to the 1855 Classification of the Médoc. Bordeaux wines were the first well-known and widely exported wines from France. To promote these wines globally, a Bordeaux classification system was developed, and it has largely remained unchanged with only a few adjustments over the years.

Understanding Wine Regions and Grape Varieties

The appellation system allows informed buyers to know what to expect from a wine just by knowing where it was grown. For example:

• Bordeaux red wines are generally blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

• For a 100% Merlot Bordeaux, look for wines from Pomerol.

• Other Merlot-dominant wines come from Saint-Émilion or Margaux.

• Syrah (or Shiraz) wines come from the Rhône region.

• Pinot Noir and Gamay make up the red wines of Burgundy.

Vines are planted in specific regions and soil types because these conditions produce the best grapes. For instance, vines on south-facing slopes receive more sunshine than those on flat terrain, generally resulting in higher quality wines.

Wine Quality Classifications

Once the grape varieties and regions are understood, it’s important to know how wine quality is classified.

The best wines tend to come from a Château or a Domaine, meaning the vines are owned and produced by the same person or entity on a single estate. This is especially true in Bordeaux. Other regions may use similar terms, but there are also some regional differences.

The Village System

The Village system is mostly used in Burgundy and Rhône. For example:

• Côtes du Rhône wines are made from grapes collected across the whole Rhône region.

• Côtes du Rhône Villages wines come from grapes grown within a specific village in the Rhône region. These grapes are considered superior because they come from more consistent terrain.

Four Main Quality Grades in French Wine

Originally, there were four distinct quality grades within which wine producers operate:

1. Vin de Table
   Meaning “table wine,” the only restriction here is that the grapes must be grown in France. The winemaker does not have to specify grape variety, vintage, or region.

2. Vin de Pays
   Indicates the wine was made in a major wine region. The producer’s name and region appear on the label but little more detail is required.

3. Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS)
   Less common today, this grade indicated production in a recognized area but without AOC status.

4. Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC)
   The most common designation. This sets strict guidelines on geographical origin, permitted grape varieties, yields, alcohol levels, and winemaking methods. The vintage year must also be stated.

Regional Classification Examples

• Burgundy: Classified from Grand Cru to Premier Cru to Village.

• Chablis (a Burgundy appellation) has four levels: Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village Chablis, and Petit Chablis.

• Champagne: Uses two classifications—Grand Cru (highest) and Premier Cru—based on grape quality and soil.

• Alsace: Uses two levels—Grand Cru and Alsace AOC/AOP.

Conclusion: Don’t Be Intimidated by French Labels

At first glance, reading a French wine label can seem confusing. But keep in mind France produces between 7 and 8 billion bottles of wine annually, so knowing how to distinguish the good from the mediocre is valuable. And importantly, wine producers cannot mislead consumers with false claims on labels — so labels are trustworthy guides once you understand them.

Below are a couple of examples of French Wine Labels: