Are Alcohol Levels on Labels Worth Knowing?
Variances allow vintners some leeway when putting alcohol content on their wine labels
Posted: Aug 30, 2010 2:01pm ET
Lately I've been discussing wine alcohol levels with winemakers, attorneys specializing in alcohol label law, scientists who test alcohol levels as well as consumers. What is striking is that few really understand the nuances of alcohol label laws. Still, alcohol levels are a hot topic in many wine quarters.
My sense is that wine lovers do care about alcohol levels to some degree, even though they know that the number printed on the label might not be exactly accurate. Does knowing that most wineries are trying to comply with the spirit of the law, printing alcohol percentages as accurately as possible, make you more interested or concerned with knowing what's printed on the label? Or are the legal minds right in thinking you don't care?
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