Australian Wine Label Information

Australian wine labels are very specific in terms of the information provided. Like their counterparts in other new world wine countries, the wines are not classified according to quality making them easier to understand.

The mandatory information on Australian wine labels are:

• Grape varietal or wine style
• Alcohol content
• Net bottle content or Volume
• Quantity of standard drinks
• Name, address of producer
• Country of origin
• Allergens, if applicable

Another important labeling law in Australia revolves around the regional classification of wine-producing areas known as 'Geographical Indications' or 'GI'. It's aim is to both indicate the wine's origin as well as protect the region's name. Wines carrying the GI definitions must comply with the 85% rule i.e., if a label shows a single vintage, grape variety or region, it must contain 85% of those.

The GI system is classified as follows:

• State: Wines produced within a state.
• Zone: Wines from areas comprising one or more regions within a state.
• Region: An area within a zone.
• Sub-region: A designated area within a region.
• South Eastern Australia: Refers to the largest GI comprising of mainly South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

Please have a look at the illustration below for a typical Australian wine label. You may find it helpful to compare the information with the ones listed above.

Please also have a look at the wine label information for the European Union, France, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace, Champagne, Italy, Germany, USA or a general information regarding wine labels.

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