DiscoverThe Wine Pair PodcastMinisode #17: Why Are Wines Sometimes Named After a Place Rather than the Grape?
Minisode #17: Why Are Wines Sometimes Named After a Place Rather than the Grape?

Minisode #17: Why Are Wines Sometimes Named After a Place Rather than the Grape?

Update: 2025-06-01
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Many people find it confusing that wines from places like France, Italy, and Spain are often named for where they are from rather than the grapes they are made from. For example, did you know that white Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc? Or that red Burgundy is Pinot Noir? Wait, what?!? And do you get livid when someone asks if you really meant Champagne or you were actually talking about sparkling wine? Trust us, we’ve been there, and we understand your pain! But, there are valid reasons why this happens, and we are here to help you make sense of it all. It has something to do with tradition, history, legislation, and, frankly, money. In this minisode, we spill the tea to help understand a little bit better.

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Minisode #17: Why Are Wines Sometimes Named After a Place Rather than the Grape?

Minisode #17: Why Are Wines Sometimes Named After a Place Rather than the Grape?

The Wine Pair