Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Special Natural Wine Classification?
Requires the submission and approval of a formula by the Secretary and adherence to natural flavoring and sugar/water ratio regulations.
How does the Special Natural Wine Classification work?
Allows for the addition of natural herbs, spices, and flavorings to a natural wine base to create a distinct 'special natural wine' product while maintaining standard wine status.
What law authorizes the Special Natural Wine Classification?
The Special Natural Wine Classification is authorized under IRC §5386 of the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26, United States Code).
Statutory Text — IRC §5386
Source: Internal Revenue Code, Title 26, United States Code
§ 5386. Special natural wines(a) In generalSpecial natural wines are the products made, pursuant to a formula approved under this section, from a base of natural wine (including heavy-bodied blending wine) exclusively, with the addition, before, during or after fermentation, of natural herbs, spices, fruit juices, aromatics, essences, and other natural flavorings in such quantities or proportions as to enable such products to be distinguished from any natural wine not so treated, and with or without carbon dioxide naturally or artificially added, and with or without the addition, separately or in combination, of pure dry sugar or a solution of pure dry sugar and water, or caramel. No added wine spirits or alcohol or other spirits shall be used in any wine under this section except as may be contained in the natural wine (including heavy-bodied blending wine) used as a base or except as may be necessary in the production of approved essences or similar approved flavorings. The Brix degree of any solution of pure dry sugar and water used may be limited by regulations prescribed by the Secretary in accordance with good commercial practice.
(b) Cellar treatmentSpecial natural wines may be cellar treated under the provisions of section 5382(a) and (c).
(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, § 201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1386; amended Pub. L. 90–619, § 5, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1237; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)
Editorial Notes
Prior ProvisionsA prior section 5386, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 671, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.
Amendments1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary” wherever appearing.
1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–619 inserted reference to subsec. (a) of section 5382.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1968 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 90–619 effective on first day of first month which begins 90 days or more after Oct. 22, 1968, see section 6 of Pub. L. 90–619, set out as a note under section 5373 of this title.