Wine Labels Simplified

Decoding Wine Labels: Old World vs. New World and Common Marketing Terms In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the complexities of wine labels, discussing the differences between Old World and New World labeling conventions. They explore how regions like France emphasize the place of origin, whereas New World regions like the United States focus on grape varieties and location. The hosts also debunk common myths and marketing terms such as 'reserve,' 'old vines,' 'estate bottled,' and the often-misunderstood 'contains sulfites.' Practical tips for selecting quality wine, including looking for smaller appellations and trusted importers, are shared to help listeners make informed wine purchases. The episode wraps up with a quick-fire round on label terms IGT, VdF, and organic or sustainable certifications, offering insights into their real meanings. 00:00 Wine Labels Simplified 00:09 Introduction 01:26 I. French Wine Labels 07:44 II. U.S. Label Terms 08:02 Reserve 09:48 Old Vines 11:54 Estate-Bottled 13:21 Contains Sulfites 17:13 The Back Label 18:11 Dryness 20:16 Blends 22:03 III. Practical Tips for Buying Wine 24:18 Know Your Importers 25:27 Lightening Round 26:49 IV. Conclusion & Final Thoughts 👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub