In an exclusive interview with Elisabetta Romeo-Vareille from the Unione Italiana Vini (UIV), we delve into the complexities surrounding dealcoholisation within Italy's wine industry.
Despite the European Union's green light for dealcoholised wine production since 2021, Italy finds itself navigating a regulatory maze that has impeded swift adoption.
Romeo-Vareille underscores the main stumbling block: Italian legislation. While Europe moves forward, Italy remains tethered by certain legal constraints. For instance, the prohibition of storing alcohol within wine production facilities poses a significant hurdle. However, amidst these challenges, there's a glimmer of hope as the Ministry of Agriculture (MASAF) steps in with a draft proposal aimed at streamlining the process.
The MASAF's draft outlines three pivotal points:
- Recovery of Endogenous Water: The proposal permits the recovery of water generated during dealcoholisation, provided it's reused within a continuous and closed-loop process.
- Licensing Requirements: Dealcoholisation can only be conducted in facilities licensed to produce alcohol with a tax deposit, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Operational Protocols: Until specific telematics functionalities are in place, advance notification of each operation is mandatory. This ensures oversight by territorial authorities, fostering accountability and regulatory adherence.
Despite these strides, Italian winemakers faced with delays may seek alternatives abroad. Countries like Germany, France, and Spain offer established dealcoholisation centers, presenting a workaround for eager producers.
However, Italy's journey toward dealcoholisation is far from over. The absence of dedicated facilities akin to those in France and Germany remains a notable gap. Yet, there's optimism within the industry. Italians are known for their resilience and adaptability, traits that have propelled them through challenges in the past.
Romeo-Vareille acknowledges the historical pattern of Italy being late to adopt new practices but quick to catch up. It's a sentiment echoed throughout the industry, as stakeholders work towards aligning regulations with evolving market demands.
As Italy continues its quest to unlock the potential of dealcoholised wines, the path forward may be paved with hurdles, but the destination holds promise for a thriving and innovative wine sector.