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I Don't Get the French. Especially Their Wine Labels
The (Il)Logic of the European Wine Label
One of the most prevalant complaints I get as a wine writer is how confounding European wine labels are to American consumers. We think we have it right - like Chenin Blanc? Then look for Chenin Blanc on the label and buy it.
Looking for a Chenin Blanc from France? Then head to the Loire section of your wine shop. Wait - go to LOIRE section for a CHENIN BLANC? That's as crazy as looking for a Pinot Noir in the Burgundy section...
Unlike wine labels in the New World (pretty much any winemaking country outside of Europe), Europe does not list their varietal on the front of the label. They believe that the grape is not the predominate characteristic of a wine, but the terroir is. The terroir is the region where the vines grow, the soil in which they are grown, and the climate in which they are grown.
So, what's a wino to do when trying to find their favorite wine in a European wine bottle? Memorize all the European wine regions and the grapes grown on them? I think not! We Americans have better things to do with our minds - like thinking up more jokes about the snooty French . Try my cheat sheet, instead.
The Vino Vixen Euro Label Cheat Sheet
- Cabernet Sauvignon = Bordeaux (red)
- Pinot Noir = Burgundy
- Syrah (Shiraz) = Northern Rhone (St. Joseph, Hermitage, Cornas)
- Chardonnay = Burgundy (Chablis, Montrachet)
- Chenin Blanc = Loire Valley (Saumur, Vouvray)
- Merlot = Bordeaux (Pommeral, Cahors)
- Sauvignon Blanc = Friuli-Venezia-Giulia (Italy) or Bordeaux (France)
Of course, there are many more varietals and other regions, but that's a start for you. Now, go out and expand your wine horizons - grab a bottle of White Burgundy instead of your normal Chardonnay this evening. Have a few glasses, and laugh at the French!
Cheers!
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