The European Union (EU) has just approved a package of measures for the wine sector. With this set of proposals (most of them regulatory in nature), the aim is to boost sustainability, simplify labelling and strengthen support for wine producers in member countries in light of the new challenges facing the market.
A strategic framework to modernise the wine sector
The European Council has approved a Regulation establishing a strategic framework intended to support the modernisation of the wine sector in Member States.
This is a set of measures designed to make the market more competitive and resilient in the face of future scenarios. In this regard, the updated measures are intended to better balance current supply and demand, improve adaptation to climate change, simplify and harmonise labelling practices, foster innovation, expand planting flexibility and stimulate rural economies. In addition, the plan includes measures aimed at strengthening the sector’s capacity to respond to changing consumer preferences and to seize opportunities in emerging markets.
Main proposals of the European wine package
At WINERYON we are aware of the significance of this new set of measures, which is why we have drawn up a list of the most noteworthy ones:
Measure 1: Production and demand
The newly approved package of measures seeks to improve the balance between production and demand. In this regard, Member States will be able to support measures such as vineyard grubbing-up in order to prevent oversupply and maintain market stability. Support actions for innovation and adaptation to new market conditions are also envisaged.
One of the main new features of the regulatory framework is the removal of the end date for the planting rights scheme and, instead, the introduction of a 10-year review period. In other words, following the approval of this “wine package”, the planting management system (which regulates new plantings and replantings) will remain in force with a review scheduled every 10 years, extending the previous 2030 deadline to 2045.
Measure 2: Climate change
The new plan confirms that Member States may increase EU support for climate-related investments, including mitigation and adaptation, up to 80% of eligible costs. Through this measure, the Council promotes a faster transition towards sustainable production in the sector.
Measure 3: New developments in labelling
Under the new system, labelling rules will be simplified across the EU, reducing administrative costs and facilitating cross-border trade. According to the text, this will benefit both consumers and producers. Consumers will gain clearer access to information, particularly through digital labels and pictograms.
Measure 4: Boosting wine tourism
Once the new wine plan enters into force, producers will be able to obtain specific support to develop wine tourism initiatives. The new text highlights that these actions should be aimed at boosting economic growth in rural regions.
Measure 5: New designation for lower-alcohol wines
Given the rise of lower-alcohol wines in the market, especially among younger audiences, the European body establishes that the term “alcohol-free” will apply to products with an alcohol content of less than 0.5%. It also states that the term “0.0%” will be used for those with an alcohol content below 0.05%.
In the case of wines with reduced alcohol content (more than 0.5% but at least 30% lower than the standard strength), the clearer designation “reduced alcohol” will be used, replacing the previous suggestion of “low alcohol”.
Measure 6: Tackling diseases
To combat plant diseases affecting vineyards across Europe — especially outbreaks of flavescence dorée — the new package will provide greater support in the form of monitoring, diagnosis, training and research for producers. According to the text, this will help protect vineyards and their harvests more effectively.
Measure 7: Exports
In view of current trade fluctuations, the European Council states that wines intended for export will be exempt from the requirement to list ingredients and provide a nutritional declaration for the EU internal market, thereby reducing unnecessary administrative burdens.
Measure 8: Aromatised wine products
Finally, the agreement devotes a special chapter to rosé wine. In this regard, the text clarifies that rosé wine may be used as a base for other regional aromatised wine products. This measure expands possibilities for product development and fosters innovation in emerging products.
A sector with a future
Overall, the aim is to provide certainty in the face of the new challenges that will test the wine sector in the near future. A series of measures that we at WINERYON welcome with enthusiasm and optimism, hoping they will help us continue to grow so that our DEMUERTE wines can keep giving their very best.
