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.