8 June 2009 - Mariann Fischer Boel, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, announced today that there will be no changes to the rules on producing rosé wine.
Over recent weeks, professional organizations from the wine-making sector have called on the Commission to keep the current ban on the blending of red and white table wines to produce rosé table wine.
“It’s important that we listen to our producers when they are concerned about changes to the regulations. It’s become clear over recent weeks that a majority in our wine sector believe that ending the ban on blending could undermine the image of traditional rosé. I am always prepared to listen to good arguments, and that’s why I am making this change,” the Commissioner said.
The 2008 wine reform included changes to the rules on wine-making practices. The implementing regulation, to be voted on by Member States later this month, will maintain the status quo for rosé wine.