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Wine - Labelling and composition standards for wine

Labelling and composition standards for wine are included in several pieces of legislation. This page brings them together for ease of access. Wine includes grape wine, fruit wine, mead, cider, perry (pear cider) and fortified wines such as sherry, port, and fruit or vegetable based wine liqueurs.

Labelling and composition standards for all wine sold in New Zealand

All wine sold in New Zealand (including imported wine) must meet the labelling and composition requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code).

Composition related standards in the Code

• Standards 2.7.3 and 2.7.4 – standards for fruit/vegetable wine and grape wine/wine product

• Standard 1.3.1 food additives (includes specific permissions for wine)

• Standard 1.3.3 processing aids

Labelling related standards in the Code

• Part 1.2 labelling and other information requirements

• Part 2.7 alcoholic beverages

For further information about these standards see the link below.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

Labelling – information for meeting the standards

NZFSA has produced food labelling fact sheets and a labelling guide to help you meet labelling requirements listed in the Code.

Food labelling fact sheets

NZFSA labelling guide

Additional labelling standards for New Zealand grape wine

New Zealand has rules for grape wine label statements about variety, vintage, or country or area of origin.

• Wine Regulations 2006
Regulation 7 – Country of origin labelling and identification requirements
Regulation 8 – Grape wine not to be associated with false or misleading labelling

• Wine (Specifications) Notice 2006
Part 2 – Statements regarding grape variety, vintage and area of origin

Country of origin

All New Zealand grape wine must be labelled with its country or countries of origin. If the wine includes imported wine in the blend, this must be indicated on the label.

The 85% rule for grape variety, vintage and area of origin

The rules for label statements about grape variety, vintage and area of origin are collectively known as ‘the 85% rule’. If a label states the wine is from a particular grape variety, vintage, or area, then at least 85% of that wine must be from that variety, vintage or area.

The 85% rule applies to wine labelled for retail sale. It does not apply to wine sold in bulk. A label that does not have any statement about grape variety, vintage or area of origin is not subject to the 85% rule.

85% rule’ for vintage, variety, and area of origin – poster describing the 85% rule [PDF: 68 KB, 1 page].

Wine made prior to 2007

Wines made in 2006 and earlier are exempt from the 85% rule. This wine remains subject to the previous 75% rule for grape variety. However, export wine must still meet any relevant percentage requirements of the importing country.

Labelling requirements for export grape wine

In general, the rules for label statements apply to grape wine made in New Zealand regardless of where the wine is sold. However, some countries set different percentage requirements for label statements. Members of New Zealand Winegrowers can contact them for further information about overseas market labelling requirements
Contact New Zealand Winegrowers

Contact for wine labelling and composition enquiries

wine.query@nzfsa.govt.nz

Last updated 23 June 2009