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None of this helps when it comes to understanding Australian wine labels elsewhere in the world. If one ignores the propaganda and the mandatory disclosures on the back label, the front label is disarmingly simple. But it requires knowledge of legal regulations, a good grasp of geography and a certain amount of instinct to determine whether the location of the maker and the origin of the wine have anything in common. In short, while winemakers are obliged to disclose their address or place of business, they do not have to reveal the origin of the grapes (and hence the wine). If they elect to do so, 85% of the grapes must be from the nominated district. Similarly with varietal wines; if a grape name is given, 85% of the wine must have been made from the named variety. If multiple districts or varieties are specified, they must be listed in descending order of importance. |
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