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Wine label checklist: what stays on the bottle and what goes behind the QR code

Since 8 December 2023, the ingredients and the full nutrition declaration of EU wine can sit behind a QR code, but not everything can move. Use this checklist to sort each line before you send the label to print.

Read the e-label rules Read our no-expiry pledge

The short version

  • On the bottle: everything that was there before, plus the energy value, the allergens and the word "ingredients" next to the code.
  • Behind the code: the full list of ingredients and the full nutrition declaration.
  • Before printing: scan a proof with two phones and check the page opens without a login, cookie wall or shop.

What stays printed on the bottle

  • The usual particulars. Sales name, alcohol strength, net volume, bottler and provenance, plus the sugar content for sparkling wine. The 2023 change does not move any of these.
  • The energy value. Per 100 ml, in kJ and kcal. It may be shown with the symbol "E", for example "100 ml: E = 290 kJ / 69 kcal".
  • Allergens. For example "contains sulphites", or egg and milk products if they were used. These may not move behind the code.
  • The word next to the code. A heading with the word "ingredients" in the label's language. A symbol such as an "i" is not enough (Commission Q&A, Q38).

What can go behind the QR code

  • The list of ingredients. In descending order of weight at the time of use. Ingredients under 2% of the finished wine may come in any order after the others.
  • The full nutrition declaration. Per 100 ml: energy, fat, of which saturates, carbohydrate, of which sugars, protein and salt. Where values are negligible, the declaration may say so in one line.

How to word the ingredients

The EU wine rules set the words to use, so you do not need to invent them (Regulation (EU) 2019/33, Article 48a).

  • Grapes. "Grapes" may replace the grapes and grape must used to make the wine.
  • Concentrated grape must. One term covers concentrated and rectified concentrated grape must.
  • Additives. Use the category and the name or E number from the EU list of oenological compounds, for example "acidity regulator: tartaric acid".
  • Similar additives. For acidity regulators and stabilising agents you may write "contains … and/or" followed by up to 3 additives.
  • Packaging gases. You may write "Bottled in a protective atmosphere" or "Bottling may happen in a protective atmosphere".
  • Liqueurs for sparkling wine. "Tirage liqueur" and "expedition liqueur" may be used as terms.

How to work out the energy value

Most of the energy comes from alcohol, sugars, glycerol and acids. Slovenia's agriculture ministry publishes a formula for this, using values from the wine's analysis. Per 100 ml, kcal = (7 × 0.787 × alcohol % vol) + (4 × sugars g/l ÷ 10) + (2.4 × glycerol g/l ÷ 10) + (3 × acids g/l ÷ 10).

The ministry suggests 5 to 8 g/l of glycerol for most still and sparkling wines, depending on colour and strength. Your laboratory can give you measured values instead.

Print checks before you send the file

  • Size and contrast. Print the code at least 2 cm wide, dark on light, with a clear margin.
  • Finish. A matt label scans more reliably than a glossy one.
  • Proof. Scan a proof with two phones. The page should open straight away, with no login, cookie wall or shop.

Sources

Other views

The Slovenian formula is one national method. Other authorities and laboratories may use different factors, and a measured value from your laboratory is always acceptable. We looked for an EU-wide formula and found none as of November 2026.

This checklist explains the EU rules in plain words. It is not legal advice. National authorities check the labels, and some countries add their own rules. If we have misread a rule, tell us and we will correct it.

Read the e-label rules Read our no-expiry pledge