Understanding French Wine Labels

Hattiesburg, MS

French wines — even down to the bottle’s label — are known for their elegance. But to anyone who doesn’t speak or read French, choosing a perfect bottle of French wine can be intimidating. French wine labels are intriguing and full of helpful information — but only if you know what you’re looking for. Check out the guide below to help you understand a few key points of a French wine label so that you can choose your next bottle like a true sommelier!

1. (AOC/AOP)

France’s system of regulating wine production and quality is referred to as AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée). You may also see it referred to as AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée). The AOP/AOC designation is a certification that ensures wines, cheeses, butters and other agricultural products are produced in a specific region of France, using defined methods. Other tiers of quality include:

• “Vin de France” — less expensive table wines, or wines made in larger batches using grapes from sometimes many regions.
• “Indication Geographique Protégée” — mid-range quality wine that uses grapes from a wide area, usually within a particular region.

2. Regions/Subregions

Unlike New World wines that often list the grape variety used in the wine, French wines are often labeled by the region in which the grape for the wine was grown. The Chablis region, for instance, is located in the northern part of the Bourgogne region in the Yonne department between Paris and Beaune — a short distance from the Champagne region. Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhône are regions that each have their own sub-regions or appellations, such as Médoc in Bordeaux or Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. This further indicates the wine’s style and quality.

3. Cru classification

Some regions, like Bordeaux and Burgundy, have a classification system that ranks vineyards or estates. Terms like “Grand Cru” and “Premier Cru” are indicators of the wine’s quality, with Grand Cru being the highest classification in Burgundy, for example.

3. Vintage

The vintage year on a French wine label is the year in which grapes for the wine were harvested. The quality of wine can vary significantly from year to year in regions with variable climates.

4. Producer or Chateau

This is the name of the winery or estate that produced the wine. Famous examples include Chateau Margaux or Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. In many cases, the reputation of the producer can be a strong indicator of the wine’s quality.

5. Bottling information

The phrase “Mis en bouteille au château/domaine” means “bottled at the estate,” indicating that the wine was produced and bottled by the same entity, which often suggests higher quality control.

Deciphering specific regions

Not let’s break down what you might find on labels from some of the major French wine regions:

Bordeaux

• AOC: Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Émilion, etc.
• Classification: Grand Cru Classé (1855 classification for Médoc and Sauternes), Cru Bourgeois
• Varieties: Often blends, commonly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc for reds; Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon for whites

Burgundy

• AOC: Bourgogne, Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, etc.
• Classification: Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village, and Regional
• Varieties: Predominantly Pinot Noir for reds and Chardonnay for whites

Champagne

• AOC: Champagne, with sub-regions like Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs
• Classification: Premier Cru, Grand Cru
• Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

Rhône

• AOC: Côtes du Rhône, Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre for reds; Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne for whites

Tips for choosing the perfect red wine

Being able to understand a French wine label may take some research and practice, but finding the perfect-for-you bottle is worth the effort. Here are some tips to help:

• Know your preferences — Do you enjoy a full-bodied or fruity red? A crisp, dry white? Knowing this can help you narrow down specific regions and appellations to explore.
• Consider the vintage — Before you choose a bottle of French wine, check vintage charts, especially for regions with variable weather since the vintage can make a world of difference in quality.
• Research the producer — Look for reviews or ratings if you’re unfamiliar with the name you see on the label. A reputable producer often ensures quality.
• Look for classification — Cru classifications can be a good indicator of quality, especially in regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy.

French wine labels beautifully blend geography, history and artistry, and they reveal everything there is to know about the wine within the bottle. With a little big of research into French regions, appellations and classifications, you’ll become a pro at selecting the perfect wines to suit your palate.

Have any other questions about French wines? We’re here to answer them! Call us at (601) 268-3677 or send an e-mail to jamiefarris@gmail.com.

Lincoln Road Package Store is here to serve the adult beverage needs of Hattiesburg, MS.