Introduction: Wine Style Classifications and Taxonomies

The ISWN code and system was developed on the basis of the most complete and consistent ontology for wine available.

This ontology was also the basis for the development of the ISWN database, the largest global database of master reference data for wineries, wines, and wine retailers worldwide.

Note:

The concept of master reference data is critical: the information in the database is 'owned' by the final responsible for that information, i.e. the company itself. Companies keep their information complete and up to date using internet self servicing software on www.iswn.net

With wine style classifications was addressed. Indeed, talking about wines is like talking about fruit in general. One needs to be able to compare apples to apples, and distinguish cherry from banana, but also lemon from grapefruit.

To classify wines into styles, one needs a taxonomy (definition: a hierarchical arrangement that imposes structure on information in a specific body of knowledge - more info). In other words: a set of rules that describes how things are to be classified and on what basis.

In summary, a taxonomy is needed because wine styles are important and necessary to classify, categorize and talk about wines based on their taste characteristics.