Wine Lingo
Table Wine
DISCOVER - October 14, 2009
Saying "table wine" to us invokes happy images of a country inn serving an inexpensive, local house wine (probably red and maybe in a jug) around a family table, next to a crackling fire. But when a reader asks us "just what is table wine?" the answer gets complicated. Regrettably, it's part of the lexicon of government classifications for wine. Each country is different and none fit the common image of a good, inexpensive, everyday wine.
In America, "table wine" officially means non-carbonated wine with a 7% to 14% alcohol content. Thus almost anything from Two Buck Chuck to a Cult Cab that's not a sparkler will be table wine to Uncle Sam.
But in the EU wine that is not officially "quality wine" is called "table wine." France tags their bottom rung "vin de table" and Italy "vino da tavola." Happily, most French wine produced is not vin de table. Even the French who drink it, often dilute it with water. A good bit of the rest becomes wine vinegar or industrial alcohol.
But who wants non-quality wines anyway? Well, have you ever sprung for a high three-figure wine like Tignanello or Sassicaia? Frustrated by Italy's efforts to legislate quality through its inflexible DOC laws, a few top Italian producers like Antinori elected to craft outstanding wines that were technically classified as vino da tavola. They came to be known as Super Tuscans. So much for bureaucratic labeling.
When shopping for American wines, don't pass by a bottle labeled "table wine." It's likely a blend of different varietals and may not bear a vintage, but chances are it's pretty good everyday wine. On the other hand, don't spend much time hunting for one either. They're hard to find. The phrase "table wine" on a label has yet to make shabby chic status.
A recent trip to our local Whole Foods uncovered these two table wines worth a try:
Frey, Organic "Natural White" Table Wine NV, Redwood Valley, CA, ($7.99)
This wine is a blend of Chenin Blanc and Mendocino Chardonnay. Try it with a soup or salad at dinner.
Lolonis, Ladybug Red Old Vines Cuvee VIII Red Table Wine, Redwood Valley, CA, ($12.99)
Dedicated to the bug that allows them to grow this wine pesticide-free, it is a blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Merlot, and Cabernet.
Our Wine Lingo series discusses common but often unclear wine language.
Wine mark-ups and prices vary, and, as such, Wine Country Minute 00:60 cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listed prices. Please check around to find the best price and availability.
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