Commission Economy and Law

Adopted

Net contents

2.4                      Net contents

The net contents shall be declared in the metric system (International System of units (SI)).

The declaration of net contents represents the quantity at the time of packaging and is subject to enforcement by reference to an average system of quantity control.

Information on alcoholic strength

2.2                      Information on alcoholic strength

Information on acquired alcoholic strength in percentage per volume of the product is compulsory on the labelling with a tolerance of 0.5 p. 100 vol.

However, this tolerance is raised to 0.8 p. 100 vol for wine that is to be laid down, and flor wines.

The use of the word ""wine""""

2.1.1              The use of the word “wine”

The use of the word "wine" or, (without prejudice to article 2.1.2.2) other substitutive recognised indication, is obligatory in the labelling of the product which respects the definition quoted in article 1.2.1. It may be completed by mentioning its type or particular classification.

Scope

1.2                      Scope

The product

The labelling standard for wines applies to products fitting the definition of wine as laid down by the International Code of Oenological Practices of the OIV, namely:

Definitions

1.1                      Definitions

“Label” means any tag, brand, mark, pictorial or other descriptive matter, written, printed, stencilled, marked, embossed or impressed on, or attached to, a package (container) of wine.

“Single Field of Vision”: All parts of the surface of the package (container), excluding the base, which may be seen at the same time without having to turn the package (container).

Raisin Spirits

I.7.10 Raisin spirits

A spirit beverage obtained by the distillation of fermented raisin extracts with the result that the distillate retains the taste and aroma of the above-mentioned raw materials.

Alcoholic strength of the end product must not be less than 37.5% volume.

A member state can however accept a minimum alcoholic strength of 36% vol. for its domestic market if this corresponds to a national law foregoing the approval of this resolution.