No animal products (egg white, milk, casein) may be used in the winemaking process. All animal products are replaced by plant products. Plant proteins such as peas, beans and wheat, as well as activated charcoal or bentonite can be used for this purpose. However, it is not enough if there are no excipients left in the end product wine; they must not be used in the entire processing procedure. The indication "suitable for vegans" (or "suitable for vegetarians") as well as a reference to the affiliation to a relevant association is permissible, but not "vegan wine" or a health reference. Vegan wines are always also vegetarian, but vegetarian wines are not necessarily also vegan. The V-label is an internationally recognised trademark of the EVU (European Vegetarian Union) for the labelling of vegetarian and vegan products and has been protected since 1996. By complying with the criteria of a vegan wine production, ECOVIN wineries have the possibility to label them with the seal. See under vegetarian wine.
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Markus J. Eser
Weinakademiker und Herausgeber „Der Weinkalender“