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 Wine Clasification
Regulations govern the classification and sale of wine in
various regions of the world. France has an appellation system which ranges from Vin de Table (or "table wine"), through Vin de Pays and Vin De Qualité Supérieure
(VDQS) up to Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and which is based on the concept of terroir (or region of origin) and wine quality. Germany developed a similar
system in 2002 though this has not yet developed the authority of the French system. Spain and Italy also have a classification which is based on a dual system
of region of origin and quality of product. New World wine, that is wines from outside of the traditional wine growing regions of Europe, tend to be classified by
grape rather than by quality or region of origin, though there have been subjective attempts to classify by quality, most successfully by Langton's.
Wines are usually named either by their grape variety or by their place
of production. Generally speaking, European wines are named both after the place of production (e.g. Bordeaux, Rioja, Chianti, Cotnari)
and the grapes used (e.g. Pinot, Chardonnay, Merlot). Wines from everywhere except Europe are generally named for the grape variety.
More and more, however, market recognition of particular regions and wineries is leading to their increased prominence on non-European
wine labels. Examples of recognized locales include: Margret River, Napa Valley, Barossa Valley, Willamette Valley, Cafayate, Marlborough, Walla Walla, etc.
Some blended wine names are marketing terms, and the use of these names is governed by trademark or copyright law, rather than a specific wine law or a patent on the actual
varietal blend or process used to achieve it. For example, Meritage (pronounced to rhyme with "heritage") is generally a Bordeaux-style
blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and may also include Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, while the dôle is made from
the Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes. Use of the term Meritage is protected by licensing agreements by The Meritage Association.
Article Source: Wikipedia
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Wines