Alsace to Require Standardized Sweetness Guide on Labels

A standardized sweetness guide will be required on all labels of AOC Alsace wines beginning with wines produced from the 2021 harvest. Unlike other French regions, Alsace bottles are labeled by grape; thus, with a quick glance, it’s apparent whether the wine is a Riesling or a Gewurztraminer, for example.

The labeling initiative became law in May 2021 and was originally proposed by the Association of Alsace Wine Growers with support from the CIVA (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d’Alsace or Alsace Wine Board) along with other wine professionals in the region. The labeling aims to make it even simpler for consumers to select wines, and this new, clear indication will also support the trade, helping them better navigate the region and offer guidance to their customers.

Two options for still wines are available to indicate the sweetness level (as defined by European regulations):

Option 1: label with one of the four appropriate terms:

  • Dry (sec): sugar content of the wine does not exceed 4 g/l
  • Medium-Dry (demi-sec): sugar content of the wine is between 4 g/l and 12 g/l
  • Mellow (moelleux): sugar content of the wine is between 12 g/l and 45 g/l
  • Sweet (doux): sugar content of the wine exceeds 45 g/l

Option 2: visual scale with sweetness levels and an arrow clearly pointing to one specific level. See visuals of accepted scales.

The new system will apply not only to Alsace wine labels, but also to all advertising, marketing materials, invoices, containers – a move that will greatly assist trade partners. This new regulation is a great step forward for the wine industry as it will bring even more clarity, transparency, and credibility to the purchase or recommendation of Alsace wines and aligns with the measures Alsace producers have been taking over the past few years to innovate and be closer to their audiences.

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