Sulphite Free Natural Wine | A Change of EU Organic Wine Laws

03 September 2012

Sulphite Free Natural Wine | A Change of EU Organic Wine Laws

As of the 1st of August 2012, new regulations were passed that effect the production and labelling of organic wine. These are sure to help clarify any unclear terminology used, will make labelling clearer, whilst also reducing the amount of additives used in the production process of sulphite free natural wine.

The crescendo of the campaign came earlier this year during a meeting of the SCOF (Standing Committee on Organic Farming). The change in law now means that for a wine to be deemed ‘organic’, it must succumb to various standardised requirements before any producer can utilise the term.

For over 20 years, organic wine producers have been locked inside a heated debate with EU regulators, and consumers have been confused as to the exact meaning of an ‘organic’ wine. Previously it was permitted to label a wine ‘organic’ had it used organically grown grapes. Many of these ‘organic’ wines used various non-organic substances in the vinification process and contained many additives and nitrates.

Producers of high quality organic wines were in uproar. They had taken the time and attention to detail to ensure that their wine was free of these, arguably, unhealthy ingredients and were unhappy that their wines were being put in the same category as other ‘organic’ wines that did not adhere to the same organic principles.

With the new legislation, an organic wine now may only include 44 additives in its ingredients and will have to meet the reduction in sulphites to gain its desired description. Sulphite levels have been reduced by around 30% across the board – but some say this is too little. Sulphites mean that a wine can stay stable, without fermentation for tens of years. Wine does have a natural sulphite level that can be up to 10mg per litre.

It remains to be seen what the next step will be in the ongoing regulation organic wine. Many producers and organic farmers across Europe, especially in Spain and Italy (the two biggest producers of organic wine), want more stringent guidelines and regulations in place. Experts still agree that the sulphite levels are extremely high and can be detrimental to the health of the consumer. In the near future, with the increasing demand for organic products, and whilst more and more customers understand a product’s ingredients and its effects - it is very likely that customers will demand a completely organic wine and producers are sure to supply it.

Archives

03 September 2012

Sulphite Free Natural Wine | A Change of EU Organic Wine Laws