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How to read a wine label

By Rate This Wine editors · Updated · How we rate

Wine labels tell you either what grape is inside (common in the US, Australia, Chile) or where it’s from (common in Europe). Once you know which, the rest is easy.

Grape names vs place names

  • New World labels usually name the grape: “Cabernet Sauvignon”, “Chardonnay”. In the US, at least 75% must be that grape.
  • Old World labels usually name the place: Chianti (mostly Sangiovese), Rioja (mostly Tempranillo), Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc), Burgundy (Pinot Noir or Chardonnay).

Key terms

Term Means
Vintage (e.g. 2021) Year the grapes were picked
NV Non-vintage: a blend of years (common in Champagne)
Reserva / Riserva Aged longer before release (rules vary by region)
Grand Cru / Premier Cru Top-rated vineyards (Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace)
Brut Dry sparkling wine
Trocken Dry (German)
Old Vine Older vines: no legal definition in the US
Estate bottled Grown and bottled by the same winery

Alcohol (ABV)

ABV hints at style: under 12% is usually light (and sometimes sweet, like Riesling or Moscato); 14.5%+ means ripe and full-bodied.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Reserve” mean on a US wine label?

Nothing legally: it’s a marketing term in the US. In Spain and Italy, Reserva/Riserva have legal aging rules.

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