The rules for American wine can vary depending on what aspect of the wine you are referring to. However, one important set of rules that governs wine labeling in the United States is the 75-85-95% rule.
The 75% rule dictates that in order to place a particular varietal on a wine label, at least 75% of the grapes used to make the wine must be of that varietal. For example, if a wine is labeled as Cabernet Sauvignon, at least three-quarters of the grapes used to make that wine must be Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This rule ensures that consumers have some level of confidence in the varietal characteristics of the wine they are purchasing.
The 85% rule is related to the concept of American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). An AVA is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States that is recognized by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). AVAs can be as broad as an entire state or as specific as a small sub-region within a state. In order to place a specific AVA on a wine label, at least 85% of the grapes used to make the wine must have been grown in that AVA. This rule aims to provide consumers with information about the geographical origin of the grapes used in the wine, which can have an impact on the wine's characteristics.
For example, let's say you have a wine labeled as “Coombsville.” In order for that label to be accurate, at least 85% of the grapes used to make the wine must have been grown in the Coombsville AVA. This allows consumers to have an idea of the unique characteristics that wines from that particular region may possess.
Lastly, there is the 95% rule, which applies to wines labeled with specific appellations such as “Napa Valley” or “California.” In order to use these appellations on a wine label, at least 95% of the grapes used to make the wine must have been grown in that region. This rule ensures that wines labeled with these broad appellations truly reflect the character and quality associated with those regions.
It's important to note that these rules apply to wines produced in the United States, and may not necessarily apply to wines produced in other countries. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations governing wine labeling.
The 75-85-95% rule is an important set of guidelines for wine labeling in the United States. These rules ensure that consumers have accurate information about the varietal composition and geographical origin of the wines they are purchasing, allowing them to make more informed decisions.