Wine label can provide an excellent understanding about the origin and the typical characteristics of the wine. This article explains the meaning of the most commonly used terms on a bottle of French wine.

Categorisation of Wine

Wines produced in the European Union are usually classified into two quality categories - QWPSRs (Quality Wines Produced in a Specified Region) and Table Wines. France uses following system of categorisation for its QWPSRs and Table Wines:

• QWPSR - This is the best quality category of French wines. For producing QWPSR category of wines France uses the system of Appellations d'Origine Controlee (AC) which defines the region where a wine's grapes are grown, yields, varieties of grapes used, the method used to grow the grapes and produce the wine. It also specifies the wine's vintage year and alcohol levels.

• Vin de Pays - This is the second best category of French wines. It is also referred to as 'Country Wine'. Vin de Pays must come from a specific place and must be made from certain varieties of grapes or blends. Vin de Pays category wines can display grape varieties and vintages on the label.

• Vin de Table - The lowest category of French wine. Vin de Table or category wines contain no geographical description and are not allowed to name grape variety or a vintage on the label.

Some producers prefer to make wine in Table Wines category as the laws for prodicing QWPSR are much more restrictive.