Wine 101: How to Read A Wine Label

Learn what you need to know when reading your next wine label.

Whether you know it or not, there’s a lot of information on every single wine label.

From that little piece of paper alone, you can learn many things about what you’re about to drink. Many wines, for instance, will have an Appellation d’Origine Controlee, which shows the region where the wine was made. Often, not just the name of the winery but the name of the wine seller (or champagne house) will also be displayed. This begins to tell the story of the wine, and every vintage tells its own tale.

Decoding the information is important. Often, the wine label will say where the wine was bottled – if the work was done at the winery or an outside merchant, for instance. If the label does not specifically name where the bottling took place, it’s likely the work was done through a merchant.

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Getting the Wine you Want in Hong Kong

A round-up of tips for ordering wine when you are at a restaurant.

Education is key to all new wine drinkers and lovers, and here at Winebuzz.hk we want to be able to help guide you in the right direction. Here is a round-up of links to recent wine notes for you:

How to order the right wine:

Know-your-double trouble. Syrah and shiraz are made from the same grape. So are pinot gris and pinot grigio. And fume blanc and sauvignon blanc.

The name changes depending on where they’re grown. Try not to be That Guy Who Says, “I don’t like shiraz. Let’s try a syrah instead.”

Communication will help you get the wine you want:

Ask the restaurant wine expert questions: Wine-focused restaurants educate their staff about the wines on the list. They often sample the wines so they can understand how to sell them. Ask your waitperson if they have any suggestions; this can sometimes help with your choice. Always keep in mind that everyone has different likes and dislikes, so you can point them in the right direction by stating, “What do you suggest for a big, bold red wine?” as opposed to “What is your favorite red”?

The smoothness versus the texture of wine:

Most of the time, wine periodicals focus on the flavors and aromas but neglect texture, which is crucial in evaluating wine. That astringent texture comes from the Tannins. This substance is found in the stems, bloom of the skin, and pips of the grapes. A wine cannot age well without the presence of Tannins, though they can also impart a somewhat rough and dry taste when the wine is young.

Peter Douglas’s Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Now Available in Hong Kong

A Cabernet Sauvignon to covet.

Handpicked wine brings yet another Carbernet Sauvignon winner from the Peter Douglas Signature Series wine to Hong Kong. Peter Douglas is one of the most respected winemakers in Australia. Former Wynns Coonawarra Estate Winemaker, Peter is an expert when it comes to producing deep crimson almost black Cabernet.

Based on the success of the 2005 Coonawarra Carbenet Sauvignon wine which was nominated for George MacKay Memorial Trophy from the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation, the 2006 is even more complex, with a rich ripe flavour profile.

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Tim Smith 2005 Reserve Shiraz Comes to Hong Kong

Sens Wine Cellar brings Tim Smith wine to Hong Kong.

Sens Wine Cellar, a Hong Kong wine distributor that focuses on bringing in Australia boutique wines made from older vines to Hong Kong is the distributor for Tim Smith Reserve Shiraz. This is a wine with great fitness and texture. Tim Smith’s 2005 Reserve Shiraz comes from 2 vineyards in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Made from 50+year old vines, this is a more intense wine with aromas of dark plums and spicy fruits with cedar notes from being aged in French Oak barrels.

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