Points To Perfection

Understanding The Wine Rating System

Wines can be a fickle mystery. With white wines, red wines, tannins, clarity, and other subjective terms, how is a person supposed to know a good wine from a great wine? Thankfully there are experts and organizations dedicated to rating these wines for people like you. But even still, what do those ratings mean? It is for this reason that we at Wine Folder will unlock the mystery of the rating systems for you, so you can determine what level of wine you would like to purchase.

Now the 3 main types of rating systems used are 100-point scales, 20-point scales, and star systems. While the most common type of rating system is the Robert Parker 100-point scale, the other two systems are still used in various circles and parts of the globe. But for the purpose of American audiences, we will be focusing on the system most commonly found here.

The 100-Point Scale

Robert Parker created the 100-Point Scale and is most common rating system used today. There are actually several organizations that use the 100-point rating system, like Wine Advocate, Wine Speculator, and Wine Enthusiast. Each has slight variations in regards to scores and what they mean, but they all generally follow the same principles. 90-100 is an A, 80-89 is a B, and so on. Because we as Americans have had the 100-Point system engrained into our minds through schooling, this may be what attributed to this system catching on more so than the others.

Now to break this down even further, points are allocated in the following amounts:
•    50 points – Base Points. This is the base that every wine gets, regardless of how poor it tastes, looks, and finishes.
•    Up to 5 points – Color & Appearance. With advances in techniques to create proper wine color, most wines receive a 4 or 5 in this area.
•    Up to 15 points – Aroma & Bouquet. This describes the intensity, scents used, and overall cleanliness of the wine.
•    Up to 20 points – Flavor & Finish. While there are many small details that can determine good from bad flavor and finish, the most heavily weighed criteria are: intensity of flavor, cleanliness, balance, and depth of the palate.
•    Up to 10 points – Overall Quality. Also known as potential for improvement, this score is given to determine whether or not the wine was aged well.

Other Rating Systems

While the 100-Point system is certainly the most often used, it does not mean it is the only one. Some other ways to grade wines include your 20-Point Scale and 5-Star Ratings. Much like the 100-Point Scale, the 20 Point Scale uses number to describe the quality of the wine, and also starts out at a base that is half the total possible points. The terminology used, and criteria administered may be a little bit different, but the general concept is the same. Beyond those, there is a 5 star rating system that is usually given out increments of 1 or a half star. Unlike the previous systems mentioned, the star rating system has much more positive review power. No wine is bad, but at its worst, can only be considered “Very Ordinary.” It is used far more often abroad than in the United States. For a further look at what each level in the 5-Star System looks like, look at the chart below.

You're Practically An Expert Now!

Actually, not quite. It takes years to be a seasoned sommelier, but by learning the ranking system, and what criteria are used probably does put you a cut above any normal consumer of wine. Even with all that said, at the end of the day, the important thing is that you enjoy what you are drinking. So regardless of the numbers, take pleasure in the way the wine makes you feel, instead of the way you feel about a wine’s number. For all your wine, beer and spirit needs visit Winefolder.com!