Definition: Lot

A number appearing on the bottle label that guarantees the traceability of the product placed on the market. Following the discovery of unauthorised products in certain wines, the European Union introduced a manufacturing tracking system for all food products in order to protect consumers. Like other foodstuffs, bottled wine is identified by a number preceded by the letter L. This number, which changes at regular intervals, corresponds to a specific bottling. When a serious defect occurs, the entire batch of bottles bearing the number in question is withdrawn from sale.