Labelling of low-alcohol wines
- Food information
- Labelling
Summary
To support the development of low-alcohol wines, the European Commission proposes to set common rules on labelling these wines, to simplify the rules on production of sparkling wines, and to align the rules on aromatised (flavoured) wines with those on non-aromatised wines. There is an opportunity for interested stakeholders to provide feedback on this proposal.
EU to clarify labelling and production rules for marketing of low-alcohol wines - public consultation
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013, (EU) 2021/2115 and (EU) No 251/2014 as regards certain market rules and sectoral support measures in the wine sector and for aromatised wine products
Update
To support the development of low-alcohol wines, the European Commission proposes to set common rules on labelling these wines, to simplify the rules on production of sparkling wines, and to align the rules on aromatised (flavoured) wines with those on non-aromatised wines. There is an opportunity for interested stakeholders to provide feedback on this proposal.
Impacted Products
Wine
What is changing?
Wines with reduced alcohol
The Commission proposes to establish rules for the labelling of reduced-alcohol wines as follows:
- “alcohol-free” if the actual alcoholic strength of the product does not exceed 0.5% by volume
- “0.0%” if the actual alcoholic strength of the product does not exceed 0.05% by volume
- “alcohol-light” if the actual alcoholic strength of the product is above 0.5% by volume and is at least 30% below the minimum actual alcoholic strength of the category before de-alcoholisation.
Aromatised wines
Regulation 251/2014 defines “aromatised wine” as requiring an actual alcoholic strength by volume between 14.5 and 22% and a total alcoholic strength by volume of not less than 17.5% (Art. 3).
To allow for low-alcohol aromatised wine, the Commission proposes to allow aromatised wines that have undergone de-alcoholisation treatment to have a lower actual alcoholic strength than regular wines.
The Commission also proposes to allow the terms – “de-alcoholised” and “partially de-alcoholised” to be used on aromatised wines – currently these terms are only permitted on low-alcohol non-aromatised wines (Regulation1308/2013, Art. 119).
Sparkling wines
Regulation 1308/2013 (Annex VII, Part II) defines categories of grapevine products including wine, liquor wine, and sparkling wine.
The Commission proposes to amend Annex VII to allow different types of sparkling wine (including aromatic and aerated sparkling wine) to be produced from still wine by second fermentation, or by the addition of carbon dioxide to de-alcoholised or partially de-alcoholised still wine. This is not possible under current rules.
Electronic labelling
The Commission is also seeking permission from EU Member States to develop new rules on the electronic labelling of ingredients and nutritional information on wine and aromatised wine.
Public consultation
The European Commission is inviting feedback from stakeholders on the proposed changes (see Recommended Actions below).
Why?
There is increasing consumer demand for low-alcohol wines, but the rules on how to describe alcohol content are different across EU Member States. The new rules will harmonise the use of these terms, giving greater clarity to consumers.
Current rules also place technological limitations on the production of low-alcohol sparkling wines. Today, de-alcoholised wines must have the characteristics and minimum alcoholic strength of their alcoholic counterparts before undergoing the de-alcoholisation process. This means that de-alcoholised sparkling wines can only be produced from sparkling wines. However, the de-alcoholisation process removes carbon dioxide (CO2) which is needed for sparkling wine, which then must be reintroduced. The new rules will allow the production of de-alcoholised sparkling wine from still wine through a second fermentation or the addition of CO2.
Timeline
This proposal will be discussed and amended by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, a process that could be completed in 2026.
Recommended Actions
Stakeholders are invited to respond to the public consultation via the European Commission’s Have Your Say webpage by 2 June 2025. The consultation is open to stakeholders in non-EU countries. To participate, you first need to create an EU login, a quick process that is described here.
For more information on the EU consultation process, see How to provide feedback on upcoming EU policies and regulations – explained.
Background
The EU is the global leader in wine production, consumption, and exports. Changing consumption patterns (lower consumption of traditional wines, increased demand for aromatised and low-alcohol or alcohol-free wines) require the current rules on wine production and labelling to be adapted to meet consumer demand and to inform consumers about these products.
Resources
Regulation (EU) No 251/2014 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of aromatised wine products
Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products
Sources
Proposal for a Regulation as regards certain market rules and sectoral support measures in the wine sector and for aromatised wine products
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EU to clarify labelling and production rules for marketing of low-alcohol wines - public consultation
Proposal for a Regulation as regards certain market rules and sectoral support measures in the wine sector and for aromatised wine products
What is changing and why?
The European Commission proposes to set common rules on the labelling of low-alcohol wines, to simplify the rules on production of sparkling wines, and to align the rules on aromatised (flavoured) wines with those on non-aromatised wines. The aim is to support the development of the low-alcohol wine sector.
Actions
Stakeholders are invited to respond to the public consultation via the European Commission’s Have Your Say webpage by 2 June 2025. The consultation is open to stakeholders in non-EU countries. To participate, you first need to create an EU login, a quick process that is described here.
Timeline
This proposal will be discussed and amended by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, a process that could be completed in 2026.
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.