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Vote now for the most groan-inducing wine name!
The groan committee has met! Thanks for your suggestions of the most groan-inducing wine name. There are many bad wine names out there but it was interesting that no fewer than three people observed...
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Playboy wines: a whiff of silicone, airbrush, and softcore tannins
The Wall Street Journal recently got in the act of selling wines. Now Playboy doesn’t want to be left, um, behind. The magazine has collaborated to put “iconic images on a new limited-run collectors’...
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Do punny labels and good wine make a good blend? The case of Leitz
“I immediately assume that the wine is garbage if the punniness is high,” one of my friends said recently. Fair enough, as we have discussed before. But then there is the case of Johannes Leitz. While...
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Bonny Doon’s labels bare all – Randall Grahm, part I
Spotted yesterday at a trade tasting: Bonny Doon’s labels are now baring all and putting a full “ingredient” list. This is not a legal requirement but more comprehensive labeling for wine is a subject...
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Vent your spleen: wax seals on wine bottles
The other day we talked about “embarrassing moments in bottle opening.” Be sure to check out the stories for some good laughs. But one commenter who wasn’t laughing was Paul Gregutt, wine columnist for...
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Back label watch: “handcrafted”
Usage of the term “handcrafted” on wine back labels is increasing. In related news, the space for “machine crafted” on labels remains wide open. Nonsensical label words: TERMINATED.
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What do you want on a back label?
Yesterday’s post sparked a discussion about which words and/or information you really would like to have on a back label. While everyone can agree that pabulum (ahem, “handcrafted“) should end up in...
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Before the courts: Cristal ($299) defeats Cristalino ($5.99)
Last week, a judge ruled in favor of Cristal champagne over the cava Cristalino. And it wasn’t a taste test. The makers of the two wines have been sparring in court for the past four years. In the...
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Wine, alcohol, and tax – in Wine & Spirits magazine
How often is the alcohol level stated on the label consistent with what is actually in the bottle? Wines are allowed a certain fudge factor between what appears on the label and what is actually in the...
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The G Spot, The Titanic, Verdehlgold – punny French labels!
All too often, French labels are stuffy. However, when it comes to good vin de table wines, puns and word play abound. Consider these from the Loire: This is a tasty yet tannic (thanks six-month...
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Calera’s informative back label
Calera’s back label passes the usefulness test! Schmaltzy story, cheesy adjectives, mentions of “handcrafted“: none. Vineyard data and winemaking info: bountiful. What with Ridge Vineyards, Bonny...
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Are you for Champagne disgorgement dates? We are!
When you’re shopping for bubbly between now until New Year’s Eve, how will you know how long that nonvintage bottle has been on the shelf? If there were a disgorgement date on the label, you would...
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The future of wine labels? Nutrition facts
Moscato–or mosc-HOT-oh–is barely wine. In fact, the one above has a nutritional analysis as foods do–the first time I’ve seen that on wine. According to a representative at the importer, Boisset...
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Nude art labels from Jolie-Laide get approval
Jolie-Laide, a micro-wine label by Scott Schultz, has attracted out-sized attention for what’s in the bottles: Trousseau Gris, Pinot Gris, and Syrah, all from single-vineyards in California. But with...
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How much is too much for wine labels?
Why have the federal authorities rejected a wine label with a nude photo yet waived through several with nude art? Why is swearing and double entendre allowed while someone driving a car is not? And...
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