Organic vintners in Europe have offered mixed reactions to new EU rules which state that wine made from organic grapes can be classed ‘organic wine,’ even if some chemical additives are used. Vintners who strive to make wine with minimal chemical input have said that the new rules, ushered in by the European Commission last month, may mislead consumers.

Previously, a lack of universal regulation had meant that wine could only be labelled as being “made from organic grapes.”

Although the agriculture ministries in Italy, Spain and France, where production of organic grapes is high, have welcomed the move, winemakers who avoid using sulphites in their wine have expressed dismay that the ruling has been allowed to stand.

Although their use is still allowed, sulphites, which act as preservatives, are only permitted at lower concentrations in organic wines. The new rules state that, from August, 100mg of sulphites per litre may be added to red wines, whilst 150mg/l is permitted in white and rose wines.

The new rules prohibit the use of certain additives and practices altogether, including dealcoholisation, cooling and ‘physically eliminating sulphur dioxide’.

Winemakers who use traditional methods and eschew preservatives had hoped for the new rules, which come into force this season, to cut the permitted levels of chemical inputs further, offering them a competitive advantage over vintners who add chemicals.

The organic wine market is growing throughout mainland Europe, where other sectors of organic food and drink are also experiencing rapid growth.

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