In a pivotal address to the Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, the European Commission unveiled its strategic initiative aimed at fortifying the European legal framework surrounding organic wines and labeling.
The primary objective? To unlock opportunities for an expanding cadre of producers eyeing the burgeoning low-alcohol wine market.
The backdrop for this announcement was set against the canvas of the 2021 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, which heralded the adoption of rules acknowledging two novel terms: "de-alcoholised wine" (up to 0.5% vol) and "partially de-alcoholised wine" (over 0.5% vol). Pierre Bascou, the deputy director-general of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture (DG AGRI), emphasized these terms as pivotal avenues for vintners grappling with the twin challenges of dwindling consumption and climate volatility.
Despite the nascent status of the de-alcoholised wine market within the EU, global trends underscore its potential. Demand is on an upward trajectory, particularly in key markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Projections suggest a promising outlook, with an estimated 42 million liters of de-alcoholised wine poised for production annually across Europe in the coming years.
However, as the EU charts its course in this evolving landscape, it confronts formidable competitors in the form of nations like New Zealand and Australia, which have already made substantial investments in this sector. To prevent the loss of this market opportunity, the European Commission is poised to take decisive action.
Central to this endeavor is the evolution of the regulatory framework, especially concerning organic wines. Presently, the methods employed to de-alcoholize wines, such as vacuum evaporation, membrane techniques, and distillation, pose hurdles to organic certification. Addressing this conundrum, the Commission is evaluating the feasibility of authorizing vacuum evaporation, with a scientific opinion expected imminently. This step could pave the way for a delegated act, facilitating the inclusion of de-alcoholised wines under the EU organic label.
Yet, as the EU navigates these regulatory waters, it confronts a thorny debate surrounding labeling and nomenclature. Italy, in particular, has been a focal point of contention, with stakeholders expressing reservations about the classification of low-alcohol wines as authentic "wine." These concerns, echoed by voices within the Agriculture Committee, underscore the complexities inherent in balancing tradition with innovation.
The specter of regulatory inconsistencies looms large, with MEPs advocating for clarity and coherence in the rules governing this nascent sector. The imperative to safeguard the integrity of wine labeling, ensuring that products retain their essence amidst technological advancements, resonates deeply within the legislative chambers.
Moreover, there are socio-economic considerations at play, with concerns raised about the financial burdens imposed on smaller producers by the de-alcoholisation process. As discussions ensue, the Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to collaboration with stakeholders, including the International Wine Organisation (OIV), to devise a robust regulatory framework that fosters innovation while upholding the authenticity and quality of European wines.