RESOLUTION ECO 5/2008

GRAPE MARC 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

7.7 Grape marc spirits

A spirit beverage obtained by the distillation of fermented grape marcs to which lees can be added whenever provided by the legislation of the State and in due proportion to the level authorised by the State with the result that the product retains a preponderant taste and aroma of the marc.

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.