Proposal to Recognize Synonyms for Petite Sirah and Zinfandel Grape Varieties

Washington, DC - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is proposing two amendments to its list of prime grape variety names used to designate American wines. The first amendment would recognize the name "Durif" as a synonym for the already-approved Petite Sirah grape. The second would recognize the name "Primitivo" as a synonym for the Zinfandel grape. ATF's proposal is based on recent DNA research into the identity of these grapes.

Under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (at 27 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.), wine labels must provide consumers with adequate information as to the identity and quantity of each alcohol beverage they purchase. The law also requires that information appearing on labels not mislead consumers. In order to establish consistent standards, ATF has adopted a list of grape variety names that may be used in designating American wines. The list of prime names and their synonyms appears in the Code of Federal Regulations at 27 CFR 4.91.

ATF welcomes any comments on the proposals to include Durif as a synonym for Petite Sirah and Primitivo as a synonym for Zinfandel. Comments must be received by June 9, 2002. Send written comments to: Chief, Regulations Division, Bureau of ATF, P.O. Box 50221, Washington, DC 20091-0221 (Attn: Notice No. 941). Comments may also be sent via facsimile transmission to (202) 927-8525. Electronic mail (e-mail) comments may be sent to: nprm@atf.gov. Finally, comments may be submitted using the comment form provided with an online copy of the full proposed rule at: www.atf.treas.gov/alcohol/rules/index.htm.

Commenters are reminded that comments will be available for viewing at the ATF web site (www.atf.treas.gov/about/foia/err).