How to Read a Wine Label Guide | Anchored Vines
Anchored Vines

How to Read a Wine Label

Click any numbered annotation to learn what it means  ·  Old World & New World styles

GRAND CRU CLASSÉ Château Pettersen Est. 1887 SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU 2020 Vin Rouge 13.5% vol ALCOHOL 750 ml VOLUME Contains Sulfites ADVISORY MIS EN BOUTEILLE AU CHÂTEAU Bordeaux, France · SCEA Famille Lacroix Imported by Anchored Vines Imports, Seattle WA Product of France
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PETTERSEN CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 RED MOUNTAIN WASHINGTON · USA
"Notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and dark chocolate with firm tannins and a long, elegant finish."
14.2% ALCOHOL / VOL 750 mL BOTTLE SIZE |||||| ||| |||| || 0 12345 67890 5 UPC GOVERNMENT WARNING: According to the Surgeon General... women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. Contains Sulfites · Bottled by Pettersen Cellars, Red Mountain, WA 98953 pettersencellars.com · @pettersencellars
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Click any numbered annotation on the label to learn what it means

Quick method

How to read any wine label

  1. Find the producer. The estate, winery, or brand tells you who made the wine and often hints at quality reputation.
  2. Identify the region or appellation. Old World labels usually emphasize place; New World labels usually make grape variety easier to spot.
  3. Check the grape or style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, red Burgundy, Chablis, and Chianti all point toward expected flavor and structure.
  4. Read the vintage. The harvest year helps you judge age, weather conditions, and whether the bottle is likely ready to drink.
  5. Review alcohol and required details. Alcohol, volume, sulfites, and origin statements provide useful clues about body, format, and compliance rather than quality alone.
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