sugar tolerance

English · EU labelling rule

Under EU rules, the actual sugar content of a sparkling wine may not differ by more than 3 g/L from the sweetness term on its label.1,2

Why it matters

Each sweetness term covers a band of sugar content: brut is under 12 g/L, extra dry 12-17 g/L, sec 17-32 g/L.3 The tolerance allows a small gap between the analysis and the band named on the label. The OIV states the same rule.2

The sugar comes from the dosage added after disgorgement and from any sugar left in the wine. The full set of bands is on the sugar scale; other label rules are on EU labelling.

See also

The sugar scale of sparkling wineDosageLabel terms in EU lawMethodsbrutGlossaryDosageGlossarybrut natureGlossary

Sources

  1. EUR-Lex. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (consolidated text), Articles 47, 48, 49, 53, 54 and Annex III Part A (2023-12-08)
  2. OIV International Code of Oenological Practices, I.4.4 Sparkling wines
  3. legislation.gov.uk (copy of EU OJ text). Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33, Annex III Part A (sugar-content terms for sparkling wines), original version as adopted (2018-10-17)

Facts checked on 2026-10-19