EU rules define how wines can be made and named
In its supervisory activities, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) has discovered that there are sparkling wines, aerated sparkling wines and semi-sparkling wines made from at least partially de-alcoholised wine available on the market. The making and naming of these products is regulated by EU law.
The making of low-alcohol grapevine products has only been permitted since the end of 2021. However, law has left room for interpretation. Valvira has requested a statement from the European Commission on the production of low-alcoholic sparkling wines, aerated sparkling wines and semi-sparkling wines because Valvira has interpreted that the matter concerns the EU as a whole, and Valvira as the Finnish supervisory authority has not been able to make its own interpretation of the legislation at a national level.
What aspects must be considered in wine making and naming?
According to the interpretation now received from the EU, the current permitted wine making methods can, in accordance with EU rules, be used in the production of grapevine products even after de-alcoholisation. This means that sparkling wines, aerated sparkling wines and semi-sparkling wines can be made from partially or wholly de-alcoholised wine. However, the product definitions in accordance with the regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council must be addressed in wine making. The regulated product name must be in one of the official languages of the EU, and the naming rules applied to de-alcoholisation must be addressed.
The name of the product can be formed as follows:
- Partially de-alcoholised sparkling wine
- Partially de-alcoholised aerated sparkling wine
- Partially de-alcoholised semi-sparkling wine
- Partially de-alcoholised aerated semi-sparkling wine
It must also be ensured that the product meets the definitions and composition of the relevant category of grapevine products.
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Further information
Timo Rokka, Senior Specialist, +358 295 209 518
Eeva Saari, Head of Unit, +358 295 209 515
[email protected]