SPANISH WINES LABELED WITH VARIETAL DESIGNATIONS
Proprietors of Bonded Wine Cellars, Taxpaid Wine
Bottling Houses, Importers and others concerned:
This circular is issued for the purpose of advising wine importers of an ATF
ruling to be published in the April issue of the ATF Bulletin, which will require
proof of eligibility to varietal designations on labels of certain Spanish wines.
The ruling will read as follows:
In view of the expanding use of grape type designations
on labels of imported Spanish wines, the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms recognizes a need for clarification of
its position in respect to varietal designations. Such clarification appears necessary since there is some doubt as to
whether grapes for which the following varietal designations
are claimed are actually grown in Spain in sufficient quantities to support the volume of wine exported to the United
States:
Cabernet Sauvignon |
Chenin Blanc |
Gamay |
Gamay Beaujolais |
Grenache Rose |
Gray Riesling |
Johannisberg Riesling |
Pinot Blanc |
Pinot Chardonnay |
Pinot Noir |
Riesling |
Sauvignon Blanc |
Cabernet |
Zinfandel |
Regulations in 27 CFR 4.23, which implement the provisions of 27 U.S.C. 205(e), "Labeling", permit the use of
a name indicative of a grape variety 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 the variety of grape indicated on the
labels.
In view of the doubt that some Spanish wines are
eligible for certain varietal designations, it is held
that Spanish wines labeled with grape type designations
may not be released from customs custody after April 22,
1973, for sale in the United States unless each shipment
thereof is accompanied by a certified statement issued
by an authorized official of the Spanish government's
Ministry of Agriculture that the wines in the shipment
were, in fact, produced in compliance with the laws of Spain regulating the production of such wines for home
consumption (but, from at least 51 percent of the particular variety of grape indicated by such designation) and
that the predominant taste, aroma, and characteristics
were derived from such grapes.
If importers find, as to any particular certificates
of label approval they now hold, that they will not be
able to obtain satisfactory proof as discussed above, they
should surrender such certificates for cancellation.
Inquiries regarding this circular should refer to its number and be addressed
to the
Director,
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms,
1111 Constitution Avenue,
N. W.,
Washington, D. C. 20226,
Attention: Regulatory Enforcement.
Rex D. Davis
Director |