International Code of Oenological Practices

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Addition of alcohol

II.6.1.4 Addition of alcohol

Definition:

Addition of one or more products  among the following ones:

  • ethyl alcohol of vitivinicultural origin and ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin
  • wine distillate

Objectives:

increasing the alcoholic strength of the product and its stability

dilute or dissolve colourants, flavourings or any other authorized additives

Prescription:

The ethyl alcohol of vitivinicultural and/or agricultural origin and the wine distillate must satisfy the treatment conditions set by this Code as well as the prescriptions of the International oenological Codex.

Recommendation of the OIV:

  • Admitted for aromatised wines;
  • Not admitted for beverages based on vitivinicultural products and wine-based beverages for the objective foreseen in

a)        but admitted for the objective foreseen in

b)       b) only in the doses strictly necessary to dilute or dissolve colourants, flavourings or any other authorized additives.