generic wine
Noun: A type of wine produced by blending several grape varieties, where no single grape variety is dominant. This wine is not labeled with the name of a specific grape variety (like "Chardonnay" or "Cabernet Sauvignon").
The term is used to describe a category of wine defined by its production method and labeling, rather than by a specific geographic origin or grape type. - The supermarket's house brand is a simple, affordable generic wine. - In some regions, generic wine can be a good value for everyday drinking.
- Legal/Regulatory Context: In many wine-producing countries, labeling laws strictly define terms like "varietal" (made primarily from one named grape) and "generic" (a blend not named for a grape). Some generic wines may use broad regional names (like "Burgundy" or "Chablis" in the US) that are not the protected European appellations.
- Quality Connotation: Historically, "generic wine" sometimes carried a connotation of lower quality or less distinct character compared to varietal wines, though this is not universally true.
- Generic (Adjective): Referring to a whole class or group; not specific. (e.g., ).
- Varietal Wine (Noun): A wine made primarily from a single named grape variety and labeled as such (e.g., Pinot Noir).
- Blend (Noun): A wine made from more than one grape variety. (Note: All generic wines are blends, but not all blends are generic; some premium blends have specific names).
- Table wine (in a broad, non-geographic sense)
- House wine (when served as a restaurant's standard offering)
- Blended wine (general term)
- Varietal wine
- Single-variety wine
The core meaning hinges on the labeling and grape composition. It is a wine that does not derive its identity from a specific grape variety. Its character comes from the blend. This contrasts with wines named for their primary grape (varietal wines) or their specific geographic origin (appellation wines).
- a wine that is a blend of several varieties of grapes with no one grape predominating; a wine that does not carry the name of any specific grape