Bill Johnston 5/06

 The trade has been rocked recently by an argument about legislation that will affect retailers, restaurants, consumers and wineries alike. It allows US wineries to add 10% more wine to a blend from a different vintage than that shown on the label. This will bring the US to par with many other new world regions, such as Australia, which have gained ground in the US market. They have taken some noticeable business away from California and other American production areas. The argument is settled, and the new rules are in place for the recent harvest grapes.

 For example, a 2006, or any future vintage California merlot is allowed to contain up to 15% of its juice grown in earlier years to take the young edge from the immature wine, as opposed to 5% before this Federal regulation took affect.

 Ceres, California-based Bronco Wine Company’s treasurer Daniel J. Leonard has expressed approval of the update. This is probably because it will eliminate the need for separate tanks for every small vintage lot that is destined for blending, thereby increasing efficiency. Bronco is the producer of many popular wines, including Charles Shaw, commonly known as “two buck Chuck.” The product takes advantage of a nexus of situations, including the glut of juice and streamlined distribution. Gallo, one of the largest, most recognized and trusted wineries in the world also approves.

 Detractors feel that growers could be losing out in this legislative change, citing the fact that wineries can use more “sleight of hand,” hiding juice surpluses by passing them off to later, better-selling vintages. Consumers demanding vintage veritas will also be slightly deceived. This complaint only resonates moderately, since virtually all collectible wines are unaffected by this law.

 Summing up the facts, before the regulation change, a full 95% of the wine must be harvested in the year indicated on the label. After the regulation change only 85% of the wine must be harvested in the year indicated on the label. Finally, just general region wines, such as “California” rather than region-specific wines such as “Napa” will change.