Second wine, cuvée, selection: separating the terms

The standard

A reasoned lot selection names the criterion by which a lot was assigned to a cuvée: structure, pace of maturation or stylistic aim. Without that criterion the assignment is an exercise in volume.

Criteria

• The criterion of assignment is named, not the share alone
• Each cuvée has a stylistic aim of its own
• The assignment follows the structure of the lot, not its residual volume
• Price differentiates, not a judgement of quality

Distinction

Second wine ≠ blend of remainders: such a blend arises from residual volume, a reasoned lot selection from an aim. Second wine ≠ ranking: different cuvées describe different intentions. It follows that the term denotes an assignment, not an assessment.