When you read a label you'll often meet two ways of thinking: the old world and the new world.
The old world
Europe — France, Italy, Spain, Germany. Here the wine is usually named after the place: Bordeaux, Chablis, Rioja. You're expected to know which grapes belong to that place. The style is often more restrained, with higher acidity and earthy notes.
The new world
Countries like the USA, Australia, Chile, South Africa. Here the grape usually appears on the label: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz. The climate is often warmer, giving riper fruit, higher alcohol and a more direct, fruity style.
A few cornerstones
- France — the benchmark: Bordeaux (powerful reds), Burgundy (Pinot & Chardonnay), Champagne (sparkling).
- Italy — enormous range: Sangiovese in Tuscany, Nebbiolo in Piedmont.
- Germany — the home of Riesling, often cool and precise.
Knowing whether a wine comes from a cool or warm climate, and whether the label shows place or grape, takes you surprisingly far.