Labeling of Flavored Wine Products (98R-317P)

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is amending the regulations to prohibit the use of any varietal designation, type designation of varietal significance, semi-generic geographic type designation, or geographic distinctive designation in statements of composition for flavored wines and other wine specialty products. The regulations are also being amended to provide that references on labels to such designations in the brand name, product name, or fanciful name are limited to standard grape wines. ATF believes that the final regulations will ensure that consumers are not misled as to the identity of the products they purchase. ATF's proposal to amend the existing definition of "brand label" for wine will be addressed separately in the near future.