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i n t e l l i g e n c e f o r t h e W i n e c o n S U M e r
by Len Napolitano
How is domestic wine identification
different from imported wine
Besides differences in style between the wines of America
and Europe, the way wine is identified on the label of one
country’s wine versus the other also tells a tale of two wine
cultures.
After centuries of winemaking in Europe, they have established
that specific grapes make the best wine only in certain
regions. These grape-region marriages, and the wine styles associated
with them, have become so well known by the Europeans
and wine lovers everywhere that they simply refer to the
wine by the name of the region and not the grape. The type of
grape used is secondary.
What is obvious to the French may not be so obvious to the
average American, however. Here are a few popular regions in
France and the grapes they use to make their famous wines:
• Red Bordeaux: Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and
blends that include these grapes. Also, Cabernet Franc,
Malbec and Petit Verdot are in the mix.
• White Bordeaux: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
• Red Burgundy: Pinot Noir
• White Burgundy: Chardonnay
• Red Rhône: Primarily Syrah and Grenache and blends that
include these grapes.
• White Rhône: Viognier, Rousanne, Marsanne and blends that
include these grapes
In the US, our wine regions are still experimenting, finding
the best grapes to grow in certain areas. Many regions here have
gradually become associated with a single grape because of the
exceptional wines that they consistently produce. Examples are
Oregon for Pinot Noir, Rutherford in Napa Valley for Cabernet
Sauvignon or Carneros for Chardonnay among many other
appellations that have developed fine reputations for certain
types of wines.
In the United States there are no restrictions on what grapes
can be grown in any region, but in France and other European
countries it is unlawful to make wines labeled with the region’s
name from grapes that are not officially approved for that
region. If they do, the wines are reduced in class to a more
basic, less regulated “Table Wine” or “Country Wine” classification.
Italian wines offer both approaches to identifying their
wines. Some popular wines, like Chianti, Valpolicella and
Barolo use the geographic name while wines labeled Prosecco,
Barbera and Pinot Grigio, are named after the grapes used.
In an effort to make it easier for American consumers to
select French wine, more wines from France are being labeled
by grape variety today than in years past.
Len Napolitano lives in San Luis Obispo County and is certified in wine by the Society of Wine Educators,
Wine & Spirits Education Trust and Chicago Wine School and continually gains knowledge from his frequent
contact with California winemakers. More information is on his website, www.wineology.com.
Send your questions about wine to: wineologist@earthlink.net or by mail to Len Napolitano in care of
Wine Country This Week magazine. Wineology is a registered trademark of Len Napolitano.
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