USC - Designation of wines

View all text of Part III [§ 5381 - § 5388]

§ 5388. Designation of wines

(a) Standard wines

(b) Other wines

(1) In general

Semi-generic designations may be used to designate wines of an origin other than that indicated by such name only if—

(A) there appears in direct conjunction therewith an appropriate appellation of origin disclosing the true place of origin of the wine, and

(B) the wine so designated conforms to the standard of identity, if any, for such wine contained in the regulations under this section or, if there is no such standard, to the trade understanding of such class or type.

(2) Determination of whether name is semi-generic

(A) In general

(B) Certain names treated as semi-generic

(3) Special rule for use of certain semi-generic designations

(A) In general

In the case of any wine to which this paragraph applies—

(i) paragraph (1) shall not apply,

(ii) in the case of wine of the European Community, designations referred to in subparagraph (C)(i) may be used for such wine only if the requirement of subparagraph (B)(ii) is met, and

(iii) in the case any other wine bearing a brand name, or brand name and fanciful name, semi-generic designations may be used for such wine only if the requirements of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (B) are met.

(B) Requirements

(i) The requirement of this clause is met if there appears in direct conjunction with the semi-generic designation an appropriate appellation of origin disclosing the origin of the wine.

(ii) The requirement of this clause is met if the wine conforms to the standard of identity, if any, for such wine contained in the regulations under this section or, if there is no such standard, to the trade understanding of such class or type.

(iii) The requirement of this clause is met if the person, or its successor in interest, using the semi-generic designation held a Certificate of Label Approval or Certificate of Exemption from Label Approval issued by the Secretary for a wine label bearing such brand name, or brand name and fanciful name, before March 10, 2006, on which such semi-generic designation appeared.

(i) In general

(ii) Exception

This paragraph shall not apply to wine which—

(I) contains less than 7 percent or more than 24 percent alcohol by volume,(II) is intended for sale outside the United States, or(III) does not bear a brand name.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, § 201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1387; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 105–34, title IX, § 910(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 877; Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title IV, § 422(a), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 2972.)