Appellations & winemaking / FIELD NOTES

Geographical Indication / Label Integrity Program

GI & the 85% Rule: Understanding Origin, Grape, and Vintage

Organize geographical scope separately from winemaking methods.

RELATIONSHIPS

GI & the 85% Rule: Perspective for Comparison

Geographical Indication / Label Integrity Program

Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.

  • GI

    Geographical origin

  • Single Designation

    Varieties, Vintage, At least 85% by region

  • Record

    Label Integrity Program

This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials

FIELD NOTE 01

Hierarchy of geographical indications

A GI indicates geographical origin. Classifications such as state, zone, region, and subregion represent differences in geographical scope, and do not rank quality higher from top to bottom. For example, the Barossa zone includes both Barossa Valley and Eden Valley.

FIELD NOTE 02

A single assertion must be at least 85%

The basic requirement for displaying a single variety, single vintage, or single GI is that each origin must comprise at least 85%. The three items refer to different things, even if the number is the same. Even if the variety percentage is satisfied, if the region's percentage is insufficient, then the conditions for displaying a single GI are not met.

FIELD NOTE 03

Records and multiple displays

The Label Integrity Program is a system for establishing the history of what’s declared on the label from records. When several grape varieties or GIs are listed, don't just apply the 85% rule for single mentions; check the related blending regulations and labeling hierarchy. Make it a habit to look up official names and geographical areas on the register.

Key points of this article

Judge each item separately. Multiple statements are subject to other conditions.

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If 85% is met, can variety, origin, and vintage all be displayed in the same way?

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Judge each item separately. Multiple statements are subject to other conditions.

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Henschke: Interpreting vineyard history and vine age →

Sources and reference materials

These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.

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