Maison Media

Four clues for reading a wine label

Separate producer, wine name, region and vintage to identify the wine you want to explore.

Maison Media · Sep 8, 2026

Start by noting the producer, wine name, region and vintage separately. The largest name on the label can mean different things on different wines. Do not fill unreadable details with guesses; check the back label or producer information.

Different cuvées from one producer are different wines. Keep vintages distinct even when the wine name is the same. If the year is unreadable, leave it blank instead of inventing one.

Use the catalog to check the name, then separate documented facts from what you personally perceive in the glass. Including the wine name and vintage when sharing with a friend helps you discuss the same bottle.