The European Commission has introduced a proposal aimed at simplifying the legislation surrounding de-alcoholised wines, including the official recognition of the term “alcohol-free wine.” This move is set to replace the existing terms “de-alcoholised wine” and “partially de-alcoholised wine” with two distinct categories.
Maxime Toubart, chairman of the Champagne winegrowers’ organisation (SGV) and vice-chairman of the national AOC producers’ organisation (CNAOC), explained that the new system will feature clearer terms for consumers. Under the proposal, wines with an alcohol content between 0% and 0.5% ABV will be labeled as “alcohol-free,” while those with an alcohol content ranging from 0.5% ABV to at least 30% below the minimum alcohol level for the geographical indication (typically 8.5% ABV) will be classified as “alcohol-light.” This change is expected to enhance clarity in the market.
The proposal, which was driven by the needs of the de-alcoholised wine industry, responds to growing consumer demand and seeks to align more closely with practices seen in other beverage categories, particularly alcohol-free beer. Stéphane Brière, chairman of the no-low collective, expressed his approval of the European Commission’s efforts to simplify the terminology. He noted that the previous use of “de-alcoholised” was technically accurate but often confusing for consumers, complicating marketing efforts for these products.
While the proposal marks a significant step forward, it still requires approval from European co-legislators, including the Council and Parliament. In the interim, the no-low collective has urged the Commission to implement stringent regulations regarding the use of “alcohol-free” and “alcohol-light” labels. Brière cautioned that some products, such as non-fermented or partially fermented grape juice, might seek to use the new designations, potentially causing consumer confusion. The collective emphasized the need for clear guidelines to prevent this from happening.
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