Johannisberg riesling: It's half the name now

Q: Someone told me I would no longer be able to buy Johannisberg riesling. Is this true?

A: A sweeping change in the way wines are labeled here in the U.S. is under way. In brief, the practice of using European place names for wines made in this country is no longer being allowed by the federal government.

As of last month, the government has ruled that the following generic names will no longer be approved for domestic wine labels: Burgundy, Claret, Chablis, Champagne, Chianti, Malaga, Marsala, Madeira, Moselle, Port, Retsina, Rhine Wine or Hock, Sauterne, Haut Sauterne, Sherry and Tokay.

Existing, previously labeled bottles are grandfathered in for the time being. As for Johannisberg riesling, that name has been discontinued for any wines bottled after Jan. 1, 2006.

So you will not see much more of it in the future. The actual wine will continue to be made, but the label will most likely read simply riesling.

Paul Gregutt answers questions weekly in the Wine section. He can be reached by e-mail at wine@seattletimes.com.