In 2023, the EU wants to launch its next agricultural reform (Common Agricultural Policy, CAP). In it, the regulations for the alcohol content in wines with designation of origin are also to be renewed.
According to the reform, wine-growing regions would be able to market reduced-alcohol wines below 8.5% ABV as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This is what Harpers reports, referring to the European Federation of Origin Wines (EFOW). So far, the minimum alcohol levels for the two denominations of origin in EU wine-producing countries have been above this level.
"A new category 'dealcoholised wine' is being created," Daniela Ida Zandonà, advisor to EFOW, is quoted as saying. "Table wines will be allowed to go below 0.5% ABV, while PGI and PDO wines will be given the right to dealcoholise to a value between 0.5% and 8.5% ABV." However, the concrete design is up to the respective countries and their wine law institutions. It is up to them to implement the changes. "The CAP negotiations are in full swing and there are still many open questions to be discussed."
The background for the adjustment is the increasing demand on the part of consumers for lower-alcohol wines. aw
