LABELING OF CABERNET WINE
Proprietors of Bonded Wine Cellars,
Taxpaid Wine Bottling Houses,
Importers and Others Concerned:
Purpose. This is to inform you that a new ruling will restrict the
use of the designation Cabernet as a type designation for grape wine.
The ruling, which will be published soon in the ATF Bulletin, will read
as follows:
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has had occasion
to re-examine its labeling requirements concerning certain type
designations of grape wines.
The provisions of 27 CFR 4.23, which implements, in part, the
provisions of 27 U.S.C. 205(e), provides that a name indicative of
a variety of grape may be employed as the type designation of a
grape wine if the wine derives its predominant taste, aroma, and
characteristics, and at least 51 percent of its volume, from that
variety of grape.
Possible consumer deception has resulted from the fact that
less costly grape varietals have been used in wines which, by
their type designations, indicate that the wine was produced from
more expensive varietals. For example, Ruby Cabernet and
Cabernet Franc are being used in the production of wines ultimately
labeled and sold as Cabernet. The word Cabernet has been approved
over the years as the name of a grape variety suitable for wine
designation purposes and was generally recognized as being
synonymous with the complete name of Cabernet Sauvignon. However,
the developments of new varieties of grapes within the Cabernet
family, such as Ruby Cabernet, has detracted from the formerly
recognized distinction of the term. In other words, our former
position was based on the fact that Cabernet was another name
for Cabernet Sauvignon, and if a wine derived not less than 51
percent of its volume from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, it was
considered to be properly designated as either Cabernet or
Cabernet Sauvignon.
Held, that winemakers may continue to use the designation
Cabernet as a type designation for grape wines under the
provisions of 27 CFR 4.23 without additional designation as to
specific variety. However, on and after April 1, 1975, the
use of the designation Cabernet will be restricted to wines
which derive not less than 51 percent of their volume from
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The designations Cabernet
Sauvignon, Ruby Cabernet and Cabernet Franc are valid
designations for wines which derive their predominant taste,
aroma, and characteristics and at least 51 percent of their
volume, from Cabernet Sauvignon, Ruby Cabernet, or Cabernet
Franc grapes, respectively.
Inquiries. Inquiries regarding this circular should refer to
its number and be addressed to your
Regional Director,
Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Rex D. Davis
Director |