Table wine

What is table wine?

Table wine refers to still wines that are neither sparkling nor fortified, representing the most common category of wine consumed daily. The table wine definition encompasses two distinct concepts: a technical regulatory category and a colloquial description for everyday drinking wines that offer good value and accessibility. In the United States, table wines must contain between 7% and 14% alcohol by volume to qualify for this classification. The table wine meaning historically referred to a quality designation below premium categories like French AOC or Italian DOCG wines. This system included “Table Wine with a Geographical Indication” for wines with specific regional ties. However, EU regulations changed in 2009, eliminating these terms. Former “Table Wines” are now simply labeled as “Wine,” while those previously designated as “Table Wine with a Geographical Indication” have been reclassified under Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Despite regulatory changes, the concept of table wine persists as wines designed for regular consumption rather than special occasions, emphasizing drinkability, food compatibility, and reasonable pricing over prestige or aging potential.

In U.S. casual usage, inexpensive table wine is sometimes called jug wine, especially when sold in large-format bottles or jugs.