variety labelling

English · EU 85% variety rule

Under EU rules, a single grape variety may be named on the label if at least 85% of the product comes from it; for sparkling wines, 'pinot' may stand for Pinot blanc, noir, meunier or gris.1

The 85% threshold is the same as for the vintage year and smaller geographical units.1 National rules build on it: a German Sekt b.A. may state variety and vintage optionally, each at 85%.2 Appellations also fix shares in their own texts; Prosecco DOC requires at least 85% Glera.3 Related grapes: Pinot Noir, Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris. Champagne lists seven varieties: Arbane, Chardonnay, Meunier, Petit meslier, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris and Pinot noir.4 See EU labelling.

See also

Label terms in EU lawMethodsvintage yearGlossaryPinot NoirGrapesMeunierGrapes

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. Regierung von Unterfranken, Weinprüfstelle. Weinetikettierung: Sekt b.A. Franken; Grundregeln u. Musteretikett (Rechtsstand 22.01.2022) (2022-01-22)
  3. AIS (reproduction of MASAF disciplinare). Disciplinare di produzione DOC Prosecco (consolidated text, last mod. DM 19.06.2023, GURI n.148 27.06.2023) (2023-06-19)
  4. Cahier des charges de l'AOC Champagne (homologated by arrêté of 30 Nov 2022; draft modification after INAO committee of 7 Sept 2023) (2023-09-07)

Facts checked on 2026-10-19