What kind of wine?

[CelticSword]

I thought I posted this question this morning, but I guess it didn’t go through.

Exactly what kind of wine is used in the Mass? I know that we bless olive oil for use in the anointing of the sick, but how about the wine. I’ve never been able to sip enough to tell anything about it other than that it is red. Do they use a cabernet? a merlot? a pinot?? the big box of Franzia?

I’m sure the priest would not appreciate my going all “Sideways” on the chalice, particularly when people are waiting in line.

 

[edward_george]

I don’t think there’s any set type of wine that has to be used. The rule is that it has to be grape wine and can have no added alcohol.

-ACEGC

 

[msproule]

From the Code of Canon Law:

Can. 924 §1. The most holy eucharistic sacrifice must be offered with bread and with wine in which a little water must be mixed.

§3. The wine must be natural from the fruit of the vine and not spoiled.
And from the GIRM:
322. The wine for the eucharistic celebration must be from the fruit of the grapevine (cf. Lk 22:18), natural, and unadulterated, that is, without admixture of extraneous substances.
So, it can be red, white, blush, etc. as long as there are no additives. In some unique cases (such as a priest suffering from alcoholism), mustum may be used, which basically is wine that has not fully fermented. However, grape juice is not allowed.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

msproule:

From the Code of Canon Law:

Can. 924 §1. The most holy eucharistic sacrifice must be offered with bread and with wine in which a little water must be mixed.

§3. The wine must be natural from the fruit of the vine and not spoiled.
And from the GIRM:
322. The wine for the eucharistic celebration must be from the fruit of the grapevine (cf. Lk 22:18), natural, and unadulterated, that is, without admixture of extraneous substances.
So, it can be red, white, blush, etc. as long as there are no additives. In some unique cases (such as a priest suffering from alcoholism), mustum may be used, which basically is wine that has not fully fermented. However, grape juice is not allowed.

I’ve been dying to know, as I’m going to be responsible for ordering our next supply of altar wine, about general criteria to tell if a wine is on the “up and up.” For example, I’m pretty sure I’ve read before that something like a port is out (I’m not a wine afficionado so I don’t know exactly what port is, just that it’s somehow ‘fortified’). What about wines listed as semi-sweet and sweet? Does this mean they have “extraneous” sugars added, or can this be accopmlished naturally?

 

[msproule]

Andreas,

I am certainly no wine expert, either. I imagine your Diocese would have resources available, such as contacts for recommended suppliers.

By the way, Redemptionis Sacramentum offers more clarification than the other references I already provided:[50.] The wine that is used in the most sacred celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice must be natural, from the fruit of the grape, pure and incorrupt, not mixed with other substances.[127] During the celebration itself, a small quantity of water is to be mixed with it. Great care should be taken so that the wine intended for the celebration of the Eucharist is well conserved and has not soured.[128] It is altogether forbidden to use wine of doubtful authenticity or provenance, for the Churchrequires certainty regarding the conditions necessary for the validity of the sacraments. Nor are other drinks of any kind to be admitted for any reason, as they do not constitute valid matter.

Here is a useful link to an “Ask An Apologist” question.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

CelticSword:

I thought I posted this question this morning, but I guess it didn’t go through.

Exactly what kind of wine is used in the Mass? I know that we bless olive oil for use in the anointing of the sick, but how about the wine. I’ve never been able to sip enough to tell anything about it other than that it is red. Do they use a cabernet? a merlot? a pinot?? the big box of Franzia?

I’m sure the priest would not appreciate my going all “Sideways” on the chalice, particularly when people are waiting in line.

The wine is simply refered to as “Sacramental wine” or “altar wine”.

It can be made from any grape or blend of grapes. It can be white to dark red, as long as it is natural without any additives.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Andreas Hofer:

I’ve been dying to know, as I’m going to be responsible for ordering our next supply of altar wine, about general criteria to tell if a wine is on the “up and up.” For example, I’m pretty sure I’ve read before that something like a port is out (I’m not a wine afficionado so I don’t know exactly what port is, just that it’s somehow ‘fortified’). What about wines listed as semi-sweet and sweet? Does this mean they have “extraneous” sugars added, or can this be accopmlished naturally?

The wine must be ordered for a certified source. So you really don’t have any choice really.