% vol (ABV)
English · alcohol by volume
% vol (ABV) is the actual alcoholic strength by volume: the number of volumes of pure alcohol at 20 °C contained in 100 volumes of the product.1
Related measures
EU law distinguishes this actual strength from potential, total and natural alcoholic strength.1
Examples
- Semi-sparkling wine: actual alcohol at least 7% vol.2
- Quality aromatic sparkling wine: actual alcohol at least 6% vol.2
- Moscato d'Asti: developed alcohol 4.5-6.5% vol.3
See EU categories.
In EU categories
The EU sets minimum total alcoholic strength for the cuvée: 8.5% vol for sparkling wine and 9% vol for quality sparkling wine.2
See also
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk (copy of EU OJ text). Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, Annex II Part IV (terms used in the wine sector), original version as adopted (2013-12-17)
- legislation.gov.uk (copy of EU OJ text). Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, Annex VII Part II (categories of grapevine products), original version as adopted (2013-12-17)
- Regione Piemonte. Disciplinare di produzione DOCG Asti (2025-01)
Facts checked on 2026-10-19