EU commission rules out changes to rosé production

The European commission announced on Tuesday that there will be no changes to the rules on producing rosé wine.

It follows concern voiced by rosé producers over a proposed new EU ruling which they fear would "degrade" winemaking.

Professional organisations from the wine-making sector had called on the commission to keep the current ban on the blending of red and white table wines to produce rosé table wine.

On Tuesday, Mariann Fischer Boel, commissioner for agriculture and rural development, moved to allay their fears.

She said, “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 EU 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.

Mixing red and white wine to produce rosé wine without any geographical indication is currently not allowed in the EU.

At a recent press conference producers said they were "totally opposed" to possible changes in  the method of rosé production.

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