Many companies use terms such as “organic” and “natural” to promote their brand. But, the methodology and legalities behind these customized labels can be confusing and complex, dealing with everything from bureaucratic red tape to advanced farming methods. But, there are some sources on how wineries and vineyards are able to label their products.
According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, wine labels that are not entirely organic can’t show the USDA organic seal, a certifying agent seal, a certification statement or the term “organic” without referring to an ingredient.
Furthermore, for a wine to be considered truly organic, the winery can not add any sulfites during the growing or bottling process to the product. Vintages that do contain sulfites must be labeled as such.
Organic wines must also list the certification statement from a USDA-accredited certifying agent in addition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture certifying seal on its label.
While the government may be fairly restrictive when it comes to touting the word organic on a label, “natural wines” are on the other end of the spectrum. According to the Huffington Post, the natural wine movement started in France in the 1970s has slowly spread to the United States and risen in popularity.
Natural winemaking is, essentially, using as little intervention as possible in the winemaking process as a means to create a sustainable vineyard. Natural winemakers pledge to avoid using additives such as sugar, sulfites and acidifiers as well as any technological advancements to remove alcohol or even accelerate aging.
But, there is no standard for natural winemaking and no governing body regulating the claims.
Regardless of the complications that may come from labeling a wine as organic or natural, wineries that wish to provide more context to their customers should invest in a color label printer that can produce customized labels that promote an open brand.
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