11. Wine and the Law

Question 1

GI - def? who? 2 important factors? what countries have not established GI?

Answer 1

• geographical indication - where does the wine come from
• World Trade Organization standardised the rules (a little) between countries, and defined GI
• 1. GI usually means that at least 85% of the liquid must come from GI
• 2. Significant differences between EU- and non-EU-countries
• New Zealand and Argentina have not established GI laws

Question 2

2 GIs in EU?

Answer 2

• Geographical Indications - 2 in EU:
• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO): small, tightly regulated
• Protected Geographical Indication (PGI):

Question 3

Why EU GIs unique? what does this mean for PDO wines? what’s special about PDO?

Answer 3

• local laws also indicate:
• • grape varieties that can be grown
• • grape growing techniques
• • winemaking techniques
• in principle every PDO wine has a unique flavour that cannot be copied
• PDO: 100% of grapes must come from stated region

Question 4

Why PGI interesting? where less strict and where still strict?

Answer 4

• less strict: allows use of non-traditional varieties in blend (e.g. Sauvignon Blanc in South France)
• strict: in vine yield and limit production volumes

Question 5

Wine without GI in EU? usual practice?

Answer 5

• exist
• interesting because it allows multi-regional blends (even multi-national) as there are no limits
• usually simply indicating country of origin

Question 6

GIs in non-EU - applies to what wines? biggest difference to EU?

Answer 6

• nearly all international, non-EU wines fall into GI category
• no local laws define and limit grape varieties

Question 7

safe consumption - laws? 2!

Answer 7

• legal age at which alcohol can be consumed

- limits of alcohol in blood for driving