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The Editor, North & South, Correction: Inside The Wither Hills Wine Scandal

In the article Inside The Wither Hills Wine Scandal (North & South, March 2007), Stephen Bennett states: ''... only 55% of a wine labelled 'Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006' has to be sauvignon blanc from Marlborough grown in 2006. For example, 15% might be Marlborough chenin blanc from 2006, 15% might be Hawke's Bay sauvignon blanc from 2006 and 15% might be from Marlborough sauvignon blanc from the 2005 vintage.''

This is incorrect. The “85 Per Cent Rule” quoted in the article is outlined in the Wine (Specifications) Notice 2006. This requires in clause 6(4) that where a grape wine label includes a statement regarding a combination of grape variety, vintage or area of origin, the combination referred to must be at least 85% of that wine.

Using the example given above, a label that claims a wine to be a 'Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007’, must contain a minimum of 85% wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes that were grown in Marlborough and harvested in 2007.

NZFSA is serious about ensuring that the regulations are met to ensure that consumers of New Zealand wine get the wine they expect and have paid for. There is more information on the NZFSA website, including a downloadable poster which explains the ‘85% Rule’ at: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/wine/composition/index.htm

Tim Knox

Director (New Zealand Standards)