Wine labels can be confusing because different countries have different rules. Here are the key elements:
Producer/Winery: who made it. Appellation: where the grapes came from (e.g. Barossa Valley, Burgundy, Rioja). Vintage: the year the grapes were harvested. Non-vintage (NV) means a blend of years. Grape variety: required on New World labels; often absent on traditional European labels (where the region implies the grape). ABV: alcohol by volume, typically 11-16 %. Classification: quality tiers like Grand Cru, Reserva or DOC/DOCG.
Old World labels (France, Italy, Spain) emphasise place. New World labels (Australia, USA, Argentina) emphasise grape variety.
