HB448 Passed the Alabama House

Following the "Free the Hops" passage in the House on Tuesday, the Alabama House continued and passed a bill this morning that would raise the alcohol content in table wine from 14.9 percent to 16.5. Representative Canfield (R) explained that this bill was initiated after an international wine meeting that occurred around a year ago where the topic was the rising alcohol content of wines being produced around the word. As it is happening, grapes are remaining longer on the vine than they used to which increases the sugar in the grapes and increases the alcohol content. This would affect zinfandels, cabernets, etc.

With little debate but a number of cheers from the full body HB 448 passed the Alabama House with a vote of 48 yeas 32 nays and 8 abstentions.