Modern wine labels are straightforward and give a clear understanding of the wine. There is no standard, but many display the wine producer, grape varietal, and alcohol content on the front label, others are pure design, having all the information on the back label.
Unlike their traditional counterparts, modern wine labels are free-spirited. While most carry the wine producer, grape varietal, and alcohol content on the front label, others opt for pizzazz, with award-winning design. In either case, they often pack a considerable amount of information on the back label.
In the modern wine marketing world, the emphasis is on the grape and less on terroir. Modern winemakers are not hampered by rigid standards, as many traditional winemakers are, so they can use all the tools science provides to overcome - to a certain degree - geologic, pedologic, or geographic shortcomings.
Modern wine labels are straightforward, and between the front and back labels, they give a clear understanding of the wine in the bottle, and often much, much more.
What to look for
- Country, Region, Estate (winery)
- As a rule, the more specific, the higher the quality.
- Examples of regions: Napa Valley (USA), Stellenbosch (South Africa), Marlborough (New Zealand), Mendoza (Argentina)
- Example of low to high specificity: USA → California → Paso Robles → Brady Vineyard
- Vintage
- Although not as critical, compared to traditional wines, vintage is still an indicator for quality wine. A good growing year will produce better wine grapes.
- Alcohol content
- Alcohol content, an indicator of wine body
Also see: Understanding Traditional (“Old world”) Wine Labels