byRichard Grosche
The European Regulation 1507/2006 detailing how oak chips may be used in winemaking in the European Union entered into force today. Sensitive
about possible confusion for the consumer, an annex makes it clear that terms like barrel fermented, barrel aged or cask matured may only be used to describe a wine that has been fermented, matured or aged in an oak container. To avoid misleading consumers, and to prevent any distortion of competition between producers, no such terms may be used to describe a wine made with the aid of chips. However, individual countries or even regions of production remain free to forbid such use. The INAO has already stated that it does not intend to allow oak chips to be employed for French appellations and has prepared a vote on the issue for the 8th and 9th of November. It remains to be seen whether lesser known regions, which are in favour of using oak chips, bow before the authorities.
