On October 11, 2017, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) reopened the comment period for the following three notices of proposed rulemaking:
- Notice No. 160, Proposed Revisions to Wine Labeling and Record Keeping Requirements
TTB proposes to amend the labeling and record keeping requirements of 27 C.F.R. part 24. The proposed rule provides that standard grape wine containing 7 percent or more alcohol by volume (ABV) covered by a certificate of exemption from label approval may not be labeled with a varietal (type of grape) designation, a type designation containing a varietal significance, a vintage date or an appellation of origin unless the wine is labeled in compliance with the appropriate standards in 27 C.F.R. part 4 for that label information. TTB also seeks comments on alternate proposals submitted during previous comment periods for Notice No. 160.
Comments are due on or before January 9, 2018. You may view the original notice and rule here. Comments on this proposed rule amendment can be made electronically here.
- Notice No. 164, Wine Treating Materials and Related Regulations
TTB proposes to amend the regulations regarding wine production found in 27 C.F.R. part 24 regarding permissible materials and treatments used to treat wine and juice for wine. These proposed amendments respond to wine industry members seeking greater flexibility in wine production.
Comments are due on or before January 9, 2018. You may view the original notice and rule here. Comments on this proposed rule amendment can be made electronically here.
- Notice No. 165, Proposed Addition of New Grape Variety Names for American Wines
TTB proposes to amend wine labeling regulations found in 27 C.F.R. part 4 by adding additional grape variety names approved for use in designating American wines. TTB believes these changes will allow wine bottlers greater flexibility and provide consumers with more information while continuing to protect against deceptive labels.
Comments are due on or before December 11, 2017. You may view the original notice and rule here. Comments on this proposed rule amendment can be made electronically here.
