deciphering the DO
By Rob Stansel
The“ Back Label.” Though many back labels on wine bottles are notorious for their slapdash translations and suggested food pairings, these little stickers on the back of all Spanish wine bottles are not just ornamental; they’ re law. Most Spanish wines on our shelves are classified according to their DO( Denominacion de Origen), or place of origin. But don’ t let all the numbers and jargon scare you.
As the number of designated wine-producing regions continues to multiply, the need to re-brand has become more urgent— consumers need to believe that an appellation and its label imply, even guarantee, quality.
Spain’ s new generation of vintners, at home in a rugged landscape adorned with strikingly avantgarde wineries, has decided to beat the New World at their own game. Drawing on the diversity of Iberian aesthetics, the DO label designs showcase everything from Catalan modernisme to Don Quixote. The distinctive holograms of Rioja and Ribera del Duero are perhaps the most eye-catching; their sparkle is a flashy reminder to budding DOs that the big boys won’ t be easily overthrown.
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