RESOLUTION ECO 3/2008

WINE SPIRITS

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

CONSIDERING the works of the expert groups "Spirits, alcohols and spirit beverages of vitivinicultural origin" and "International Code on Oenological Practices",

DECIDES

Upon the joint proposal by Commission II "Oenology" and Commission III "Economy and Law" to include the following definition in the aforementioned "International Code":

PART I

Chapter 7: Distillates, spirits, alcohols and spirit beverages of vitivinicultural origin

7.5 Wine spirits

A spirit beverage obtained exclusively by the distillation of wine, fortified wine, wine possibly with the addition of wine distillate or by re-distillation of a wine distillate with the result that the product retains the taste and aroma of the above-mentioned raw materials.

Alcoholic strength of the end product must not be less than 37.5% volume.

A member state can however accept a minimum alcoholic strength of 36% vol. for its domestic market if this corresponds to a national law foregoing the approval of this Resolution.