Wine and the Law - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What are the three main focuses of wine legislation?
Ensuring safety for consumption, accurate labeling, and reducing alcohol-related harm.
Why is sulfur dioxide (SO₂) tightly regulated in winemaking?
High doses are toxic, and even small levels can cause allergic reactions.
When must “contains sulfites” appear on wine labels?
When the wine contains SO₂ above a certain level, including naturally occurring amounts from fermentation.
What is the purpose of geographical indications (GIs)?
To identify a wine’s region of origin and protect the authenticity of its production.
What are two categories of GIs in the EU?
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
How do PDOs and PGIs differ?
PDOs have stricter regulations and smaller areas; PGIs cover larger areas with fewer restrictions.
What is required for a wine to carry a PDO label?
100% of the grapes must come from the stated region.
Why are grape varieties often not listed on PDO labels?
Traditional PDO wines focus on regional identity rather than specific grape varieties.
How do non-EU countries define their wine regions?
Often by political or geographic boundaries, such as AVAs in the U.S.
What is a major difference between EU and non-EU GIs?
Non-EU GIs do not typically regulate grape varieties or production methods.
What role does the World Trade Organization play in wine labeling?
It facilitates agreements to protect and recognize GIs internationally.
What is the purpose of legally defined quality and style terms in wine?
To indicate specific characteristics like production methods or regional identity.
How does alcohol consumption legislation aim to reduce harm?
By setting legal age limits and blood alcohol content (BAC) limits for driving.
What is a common legal BAC limit for driving?
Typically expressed as milligrams of ethanol per milliliters of blood.
Why are advertising restrictions placed on alcoholic beverages?
To prevent misleading claims and promote responsible drinking.
How do governments promote safe alcohol consumption?
By publishing drinking guidelines and limiting advertising.
What is a key difference in labeling between EU and non-EU wines?
EU wines often emphasize region, while non-EU wines prominently display grape varieties.
What does the term “multi-regional blend” mean in EU wine production?
A wine made from grapes sourced from multiple regions within or across countries.
How does GI labeling prevent fraud?
By ensuring wines labeled with a GI are genuinely produced in the stated region.
What is the primary concern of food safety legislation in winemaking?
To ensure the wine is safe and free of harmful substances.
What is the difference between a PDO and a non-GI wine in the EU?
PDO wines must meet strict regional and production rules; non-GI wines have flexible rules.
Why is wine taxed heavily in many countries?
To control alcohol consumption and generate government revenue.
What is the role of co-operatives in wine production?
To pool resources from growers for shared production and marketing.
How do estates differ from co-operatives and merchants?
Estates produce wine exclusively from their own vineyards.
What is the role of merchants in winemaking?
They buy grapes, juice, or wine to create and sell their own products.
How do EU PGI wines offer more flexibility than PDO wines?
PGI wines can include non-traditional grape varieties and production methods.
What is the significance of the label term “contains sulfites”?
It warns consumers about potential allergens present in the wine.
Why are BAC limits critical for alcohol legislation?
To reduce accidents and fatalities caused by impaired driving.
How does regional diversity affect GI labeling?
It helps consumers understand the unique characteristics of wines from specific regions.
Why is accurate wine labeling important?
It ensures consumers are not misled and that the product meets legal and safety standards.
