WSET Level 2, Chapter 4, Understanding the Label
Wine without a GI - where are grapes from?
allows a brand owner to source grapes from vineyards throughout a country.
Co-operative cellar
is winemaking facility whose ownership is shared by grape farmers.
Factor about Estate such as Chateau or Domaine?
only uses grapes grown on its land.
What does Cuvee labelling term indicate?
specific blend or selection.
Two categories of wine as relates to GI
those with a GI and those without a GI.
EU wines with a GI, 2 categories :
1) Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) - smaller areas with tightly controlled regulations. 2) Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) - larger with fewer regulations. Allows for use of non-traditional varieties in blend
Germany, 6 categories defined by sugar levels at grape harvest
1)Kabinett, 2) Spätlese, 3)Auslese, BA - 4)Beerenausles, 5)Eiswein 6)TBA - Trockenbeerenauslese.
Most prominent pieces of information on a label:
1)brand/producer. 2)Country or region For many consumers the regions (chablis, sancerre...) act just like brands. 3)Variety of grape For many consumers the names of grape varieties (chardonnay, shiraz...) act just like brands 4)Vintage - year grapes were harvested
Geographical Indication (GI)
A designated vineyard area within a country. Specify permitted vine growing and winemaking techniques and grape varieties.
France, PDO
AC or AOC - Appellation d'Origine Controlee
When are northern hemisphere grapes harvested?
August, September, October
What is Botrytis?
Botrytis is is a fungus that attacks grapes. If attacks healthy grapes. it's called 'noble rot' used in production of sweet wine.
Two important labelling terms in Italy
Classico and Riserva
Spain, PDO:
DO Denominación de Origen DOCa Denominación de Origen Calificada
Italy, PDO:
DOC - Denominazione di Origine Controllata DOCG - Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita
When are southern hemisphere grapes harvested?
February, March, April
Italy PGI:
IGT - Indicazione Geografica Tipica
Wine laws in Spain define specific ageing criteria; in order of increasing minimum age -
Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva
Germany PDI:
Landwein
Germany, PDO
Qualitatswein and Pradikatswein
Spain, PGI
VdIT Vino de la Tierra
France, PGI
VdP - Vin de Pays
Appellations subdivided into quality hierarchy:
Village, Premier Cru, Grand Cru.
Wine without GI in France:
Vin de France
Characteristics of Old vines/vieilles vignes?
typically gives lower yields - not legally defined.