CHAPTER IVLABELLING AND PRESENTATION

SECTION 1Compulsory particulars

Article 54Actual alcoholic strength

1.

The actual alcoholic strength by volume referred to in Article 59(1)(c) to Regulation (EC) No 479/2008 shall be indicated in percentage units or half units.

The figure shall be followed by ‘% vol’ and may be preceded by ‘actual alcoholic strength’, ‘actual alcohol’ or ‘alc’.

Without prejudice to the tolerances set for the reference analysis method used, the strength shown may not differ by more than 0,5 % vol from that given by analysis. However, the alcoholic strength of products with protected designations of origin or geographical indications stored in bottles for more than three years, sparkling wines, quality sparkling wines, aerated sparkling wines, semi-sparkling wines, aerated semi-sparkling wines, liqueur wines and wines of overripe grapes, without prejudice to the tolerances set for the reference analysis method used, may not differ by more than 0,8 % vol from that given by analysis.

2.

The actual alcoholic strength shall appear on the label in characters at least 5 mm high if the nominal volume is over 100 cl, at least 3 mm high if it is equal to or less than 100 cl but more than 20 cl and 2 mm high if it is 20 cl or less.