EUROPEAN COMMISSION 
Brussels, 31.8.2011 
COM(2011) 530 final 
2011/0231 (COD)   
Proposal for a 
REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 
on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical 
indications of aromatised wine products  
  
EN 2   EN EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM  
1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL  
An EU approach already exists for aromatised wine products and is justified in order to 
facilitate the free circulation of goods on th e single market and to  protect geographical 
indications which allow the id entification by the consumer of specific products having 
characteristics attributable to the geographical origin. A legal framework for aromatised wine products, which sets out product definitions and labelling rules directly affects the producers 
of such products and, to a lesser extent, the consumers via the labelling rules. 
This proposal replaces Commission proposal COM(2007)848 which the Commission decided 
to withdraw in the 2011 Commission Wo rk Programme, see COM(2010)623, 27/10/2010, 
Annex IV, which has been communi cated to the othe r institutions. 
The proposal simplifies the existing rules by  introducing limited changes to improve the 
readability and clarity of the rules. In particular , it adapts the definitions used to the technical 
evolution and puts the existing rules on geographical indications in line with the Trade-
Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights agreement (TRIPs agreement). One purpose is 
also the alignment with the Tr eaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The 
proposal does not change the scope of the exis ting rules for the sector, and has no significant 
impact as it corresponds to an adaptation to obligations already taken on by the Union. The 
main European producers and national organisati ons were consulted informally and did not 
expect significant impacts. A consensus exis ts among the producers of aromatised wine 
products to keep the same framework and sim ilar rules; only minor technical adjustments 
seem to be necessary. Those were communicated to the Commission services by the representatives of the sector. For this reason, no further impact assessment was carried out. 
2. A
LIGNMENT WITH THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION . 
Articles 290 and 291 of the Treaty on the Func tioning of the European Union distinguish two 
different types of Commission acts: 
Article 290 of the TFUE allows the legislator to delegate to  the Commission the power to 
adopt non-legislative acts of general applicati on to supplement or ame nd certain non-essential 
elements of a legislative act. Le gal acts adopted by the Commission in this way are referred to 
in the terminology used by the Treaty as "delegated acts"  (Article 290(3)). 
Article 291 of the TFUE allows Member States to adopt all measures of national law 
necessary to implement legally binding Uni on acts. Those acts can confer implementing 
powers on the Commission where uniform cond itions for implementing them are needed. 
Legal acts adopted by the Commission in this way are referred to in the terminology used by the Treaty as "implementing acts" (Article 291(4)) 
A main objective of the presen t proposal consists in alig ning Council Regulation (EEC) 
N° 1601/91 of 10 June 1991 laying down general rules on the definition, description and 
presentation of aromatised wines, aromatised wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-product 
cocktails (OJ L 149, 14.6.1991, p. 1) with those provisions of the TFEU.  
EN 3   EN Under the present proposal, the objectives a nd principles and other essential elements 
regarding the definition, the description, the presentation, the labelling and the protection of 
geographical indications of ar omatised wine products are determined by the Legislator. 
The Commission should be able to adopt, by means of a delegated act, the production 
processes (Article 3(2)), the methods of analysis  (Article 3(3)), the necessary amendments of 
the definitions, the requirements, the restrictions, the sales denominations and the descriptions (Article 9), the necessary rules for the geographi cal indications (Article  29) and the necessary 
rules for exchange of information (Article 33(2)).  
Furthermore, the Legislator should grant th e Commission the power to adopt implementing 
acts, in accordance with Article 291(2) of the Treaty, specifi cally with regard to the uniform 
application of the rules on aromatised wine products related to geographical indications 
(Articles 15(3), 17, 25, 26, 27 and 30), to admini strative and physical checks (Article 32(2)) 
and to exchange of information (Article 33)  
3. S
UBSTANTIVE AMENDMENTS  
The other main objectives pursued are the following: 
– Enhance applicability, readability and clarity  of the Union legislation on aromatised 
wine products. 
– Introduce a well defined quality policy for aromatised wine products based on the 
present definitions of products. 
– Update certain sales denominations, in the lig ht of the possibility to increase the level 
of wine instead of directly adding alcohol , and so ensuring that the consumer is 
properly informed. 
– Introduce flexibility by shifting the co mpetence to amend the definitions and 
descriptions of aromatised wine products from the pres ent co-decision procedure of 
the European Parliament and Council, to  the Commission by means of delegated 
acts. 
– Adaptation of the Union rules to  new technical requirements. 
– Adaptation of the Union rules to WTO requirements, including the TRIPs 
Agreement. 
– Definition of criteria guiding recogni tion of new geographical indications. 
4. STRUCTURE OF THE DRAFT REGULATION : 
The draft Regulation on aromatised wine products consists of 4 Chapters and 3 
Annexes: 
Chapter I lays down the basic definition and classification of aromatised wine 
products.  
EN 4   EN Chapter II deals with the de scription, presentation and labe lling of aromatised wine 
products. 
It refers to the requirements and restrict ions laid down in Annexes I and II, and 
delegates to the Commission the establishm ent of further authorised production 
processes. It refers to international me thods of analyses for the analyses of 
aromatised wine products. 
It also establishes specific labelling rules for those products. 
Chapter II establishes, by referring to Annexes I and II, a coherent system based on 
traditional quality practices and new developm ents as regards the quality of products. 
It aims at providing clear information to the consumer on the nature of products 
(sales denominations) and obliges the produ cer to provide all information necessary 
to avoid that the consumer is misled. 
Chapter III lays down the rules on geographi cal indications in accordance with the 
international obligations of the EU. 
The geographical indications presently  listed in Regulation No 1601/91 are 
transferred to the register which is establ ished pursuant to Article 22 of the present 
Regulation. Chapter III foresees that techni cal files for these indications shall be 
published within 2 years from the en try into force of the Regulation. 
In Chapter IV, General, Transitiona l and Final Measures are set out. 
Annex I includes the technical definitions  and requirements for the production of 
aromatised wine products. 
Annex II includes the sales denominations a nd associated description of aromatised 
wine products. 
A correlation table is established in Annex III.  The proposal has no financial imp lications for the Union budget.  
EN 5   EN 2011/0231 (COD) 
Proposal for a 
REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 
on the definition, description, presentation , labelling and the protection of geographical 
indications of aromatis ed wine products  
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE CO UNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular 
Article 43(2) and Article 114 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission1, 
After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national Parliaments, Having regard to the opinion of the Eu ropean Economic and Social Committee
2, 
Acting in accordance with the or dinary legislative procedure3, 
Whereas: (1) Council Regulation (EEC) N° 1601/91 of 10 June 1991 laying down general rules on 
the definition, description and presentation of aromatised wines, aromatised wine-
based drinks and aromatised wine-product cocktails
4 and Commission Regulation 
(EC) No 122/94 of 25 January 1994 laying down certain detailed rules for the 
application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/915 have proved successful in 
regulating the aromatised wines, aromatised  wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-
product cocktails, hereinafter called «aromatis ed wine products». However, in the light 
of technologic innovat ion, market developments and evolving consumer expectations 
it is necessary to update  the rules appli cable to the definition, de scription, presentation, 
labelling and protection of geographical indications of certain aromatised wine 
products, while taking into account traditional production methods. 
(2) Further amendments are needed as a conseque nce of the entry into force of the Lisbon 
Treaty, in order to align the powers conferred upon the Commission pursuant 
Regulation (EEC) N° 1601/91 to Article s 290 and 291 of the Treaty on the 
Functioning of the European Union (the Treaty). In view of the scope of those 
amendments, it is appropriate to repeal Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 and to replace it 
with a new text. Regulation (EC) No 122/94 introduced rules on flavouring and 
                                                 
1 OJ C […], […], p. […] 
2 OJ C […], […], p. […] 
3 OJ C […], […], p. […] 
4 OJ L 149, 14.6.1991, p. 1. 
5 OJ L 21, 26.1.1994, p.7.  
EN 6   EN addition of alcohol applicable  to some aromatised wine products; to ensure clarity, 
they should be incorporated in this new text. 
(3) Aromatised wine products are important for consumers, producers and the agricultural 
sector in the Union. The measures applicab le to aromatised wine products should 
contribute to the attainment of a high leve l of consumer protect ion, the prevention of 
deceptive practices and the attainment of ma rket transparency and fair competition. By 
doing so, the measures will safeguard the re putation that Union's aromatised wine 
products have achieved in the internal mark et and on the world market by continuing 
to take into account the traditional practices used in the production of aromatised wine products as well as increas ed demand for consumer pr otection and information. 
Technological innovation should al so be taken into account in respect of the products 
for which such innovation serves to improve  quality, without affecting the traditional 
character of the aromatised wine products concerned.  
(4) The production of aromatised wine produc ts constitutes a ma jor outlet for the 
agricultural sector of th e Union, which should be em phasised by the regulatory 
framework. 
(5) In the interest of consumers, this Regul ation should apply to all aromatised wine 
products marketed in the Union, whether prod uced in the Member States or in third 
countries. In order to maintain and improve the reputation of Union's aromatised wine 
products on the world market, the rules pr ovided for in this Regulation should also 
apply to such drinks produced in the Union for export. 
(6) To ensure clarity and transparency in the legislation governing aromatised wine 
products, it is necessary to cl early define the products cove red by that legislation, the 
criteria for the production, description, pres entation and labelling of aromatised wine 
products and in particular, the sales denomin ation and the indicati on of the provenance 
By laying down such rules, all stages in the production  chain are regulated and 
consumers are protected and properly informed. 
(7) The definitions of aromatised wine products  should continue to respect traditional 
quality practices but should be updated and improved in the light of technological 
developments. 
(8) Aromatised wine products should be produced  in accordance with certain rules and 
restrictions, which guarantee that consum er expectations as regards quality and 
production methods are met. In order to meet the international standa rds in this field, 
the production methods should be established and the Commission should as a general 
rule base itself on those recommended and published by the Internat ional Organisation 
of Wine and Vine (OIV).  
(9) Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European  Parliament and of the Council of 16 
December 2008 on food additives
6 and Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the 
European Parliament and of the Counc il of 16 December 2008 on flavourings and 
                                                 
6 OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 16  
EN 7   EN certain food ingredients with flavou ring properties for use in and on foods7 should 
apply to aromatised wine products.  
(10) Moreover, the ethyl alcohol used for the production of aromatised wine products 
should be exclusively of agricu ltural origin, so as to meet  consumer expectations and 
conform to traditional quality practices. This  will also ensure an outlet for basic 
agricultural products.  
(11) Given the importance and complexity of the aromatised wine products sector, it is 
appropriate to lay down specific measures on the description and presentation of 
aromatised wine products supplementing th e Union legislation on labelling. Those 
specific measures should also prevent that the sales denominations of aromatised wine products are misused compared to products  which do not meet the requirements set 
out in this Regulation. 
(12) In conformity with the Treaty, in applying a quality policy and in or der to allow a high 
level of quality of aromatised wine products  with a geographical indication, Member 
States should be able to adopt stricter ru les than those laid down in this Regulation on 
the production, description, presentation and labelling of aromatised wine products 
with a geographical indication, pr oduced in their own territory. 
(13) Given that Regulation No XXXX/20YY of the European Parliament and of the 
Council of …. on agricultu ral product quality schemes [COM(2010)733 final]
8, 
Regulation No XXXX/20YYof the Europe an Parliament and of the Council 
[COM(2010)799 final] of establishing a comm on organisation of agricultural markets 
and on specific provisions for certain agri cultural products (Single CMO Regulation )9 
and Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on the definition, descript ion, presentation, labelling and the 
protection of geographical in dications of spirit dri nks and repealing Council 
Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89
10, do not apply to aromatised  wine products, specific 
rules on protection of geographical indications  for aromatised wine products should be 
laid down. Geographical indications should be used to identif y aromatised wine 
products as originating in the territory of a country, or a region or locality in that 
territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the aromatised 
wine product is essentially attributable to its geograp hical origin and should be 
registered by the Commission. 
(14) A procedure for the registration, compliance,  alteration and possible cancellation of 
third country and Union geographical indi cations should be la id down in this 
Regulation. 
(15) Member State authorities should be respon sible for ensuring compliance with this 
Regulation, and arrangements should be ma de for the Commission to be able to 
monitor and verify such compliance. 
                                                 
7 OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p.34 
8 OJ L […], […], p. […] 
9 OJ L […], […], p. […] 
10 OJ L 39, 13.2.2008, p. 16  
EN 8   EN (16) In order to adapt the requi rements of this Regulation to technical developments 
regarding aromatised wine products and to  ensure the protection of geographical 
indications, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty 
should be delegated to the Commission in re spect of the matters specified in this 
Regulation. It is of partic ular importance that the Comm ission carries out appropriate 
consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. 
(17) The Commission, when preparing and drawin g-up delegated acts, should ensure a 
simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and Council. 
(18) In order to ensure uniform conditions for th e implementation of this Regulation and in 
order to avoid distortions of competition or discrimination between operators in the sector of aromatised wine products, impl ementing powers should be conferred on the 
Commission in accordance with Article 291(2)  of the Treaty. Save where explicitly 
provided otherwise, the Comm ission should exercise those powers in accordance with 
the provisions of Regulati on (EU) No 182/2011 of the Eur opean Parliament and the 
Council of 16 February 2011 la ying down the rules and gene ral principles concerning 
mechanisms for control by Member Stat es of the Commissi on’s exercise of 
implementing powers
11. 
(19) The transition from the rules provided fo r in Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 to those 
laid down in this Regulation could give rise to difficulties which are not dealt with in this Regulation. For that purpose, the Comm ission should be empowered to adopt the 
necessary measures. 
(20) To facilitate a smooth transition from the rules provided for in Regulation (EEC) No 
1601/91 to the rules laid down in this Regulation, this Regulation should apply two years after its entry into fo rce. The marketing of existing stocks should be allowed 
after the application of this Regulation, until those stocks are exhausted, 
HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 
CHAPTER I 
SCOPE, DEFINITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF 
AROMATISED WINE PRODUCTS 
Article 1 
Subject matter and scope 
1. This Regulation lays down rules on the definition, descript ion, presentation and 
labelling of aromatised wine products as well as on the protection of geographical 
indications of aromatised wine products. 
                                                 
11 OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p.13.  
EN 9   EN 2. This Regulation shall apply to all aroma tised wine products placed on the market in 
the European Union whether produced in the Member States or in  third countries, as 
well as to those produced in the Union for export. 
Article 2 
Definition 
For the purpose of this Regulation the following definitions shall apply: 
(1) "Aromatised wine products": means pr oducts obtained from products of the wine 
sector as referred to in Regulation (EU) No [XXXX/20XX. COM(2010) 799 final 
aligned sCMO ], and which have been flavoured. They are classified as follows: 
(a) aromatised wines, (b) aromatised wine-based drinks, (c) aromatised wine-product cocktails. 
(2) "Aromatised wine" means a drink: 
(a) obtained from one or more of the wine products defined in point 5 of Part IV of 
Annex III to Regulation (EU) No [XXXX/20XX..COM(2010) 799 final, 
aligned sCMO ] and in points 1 and 3 to 9 of Pa rt II of Annex XII to the same 
Regulation, except for 'Retsina' wine; 
(b) in which the wine products referred to in point (a) shall represent at least 75 % 
of the total volume; 
(c) to which grape must and/or grape must in fermentation may have been added; (d) which has a minimum actual alcoholi c strength by volume of 14,5 % vol. and a 
maximum actual alcoholic strength by volume of less than 22 % vol. and a 
minimum total alcoholic stre ngth by volume of 17,5 % vol. 
(3) "Aromatised wine-based drink" means a drink: 
(a) obtained from one or more of the wine  products defined in points 1, 2 and 4 to 
9 of Part II of Annex XII to Regu lation (EU) No [XXXX/20XX..COM(2010) 
799 final, aligned sCMO ], except for wines produced with the addition of 
alcohol and for 'Retsina' wine; 
(b) in which the wine products referred to in point (a) shall represent at least 50 % 
of the total volume; 
(c) to which grape must may have been added; (d) which has a minimum alcoholic strength by volume of 4,5 % vol. and a 
maximum actual alcoholic strength  by volume of less than 14,5 % vol. 
(4) "Aromatised wine-product cocktail" means a drink:  
EN 10   EN (a) obtained from one or more of the grapev ine products defined in points 1, 2 and 
4 to 11 of Part II of Anne x XII to Regulation (EU) No 
[XXXX/20XX..COM(2010) 799 final, aligned sCMO ], except for wines 
produced with the addition of alcohol and for 'Retsina' wine; 
(b) in which the grapevine products referred to in point (a) shal l represent at least 
50 % of the total volume; 
(d) to which no alcohol has been added; (e) which has a minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume of 1,2 % vol. and a 
maximum actual alcoholic strength  by volume of less than 10 % vol..
 
CHAPTER II 
DESCRIPTION, PRESENTATION AND LABELLING  
OF AROMATISED WINE PRODUCTS  
Article 3 
Production processes and methods of analys is for aromatised wine products 
1. Aromatised wine products shall be produ ced in accordance with the requirements, 
restrictions and descriptions la id down in Annexes I and II. 
2. In order to take account of consumers' expectations and to me et the international 
standards applicable to the field covered by this Regulation, the Commission may, by 
means of delegated acts, esta blish the processes for products being prepared for the 
purpose of obtaining aromatised wine products. 
In establishing the authorised  processes as referred to in the first subparagraph, the 
Commission shall base itse lf on the processes reco mmended and published by the 
International Organisation of Wine and Vine (OIV).  
3. The methods of analysis for determini ng the composition of the aromatised wine 
products and the rules where by it may be established wh ether those products have 
undergone processes contrary to the author ised production processes shall be those 
recommended and published by the OIV. 
Where there are no methods and rules reco mmended and published by the OIV, the 
Commission may, by means of  delegated acts, adopt the corresponding methods and 
rules . 
Pending the adoption of such methods and rules, the methods and rules allowed by 
the Member State concerned shall be used.   
EN 11   EN Article 4 
Sales denominations 
1. The sales denominations for aromatised wine products as provided for in Annex II 
shall be used in the Union. Those denomina tions may be used only for the marketing 
of aromatised wine products which comply with the requirements laid down in that Annex for the corresponding sales denomination.  
2. Aromatised wine products which comply with the requirements of more than one 
sales denomination may use only one  corresponding sales denomination. 
3. An  alcoholic  beverage not fulfilling the requirements laid down in this Regulation 
shall not be described, presented or labelled  by associating words or phrases such as 
"like", "type", "style", "made", "flavour" or any other term similar to any of the sales 
denominations established in this Regulation.  
4. Sales denominations may be supplemented or replaced by a ge ographical indication 
protected under this Regulation.  
5. The sales denominations listed in Annex II shall not be supplemented by 
designations of origin or  geographical indications allowed for wine products. 
Article 5 
Additional particulars to the sales denominations 
1. The sales denominations referred to in Article 4 may also be supplemented by the 
following particulars: 
(a) «extra-dry»: in the case of products with a sugar content of less than 30 grams 
per litre and, for the category of aroma tised wines, a minimum total alcoholic 
strength by volume of 15 % vol.; 
(b) «dry»: in the case of products with a sugar content of less than 50 grams per 
litre and, for the category of aromatis ed wines, a minimum total alcoholic 
strength by volume of 16 % vol.; 
(c) «semi-dry»: in the case of products with  a sugar content of between 50 and less 
than 90 grams per litre; 
(d) «semi-sweet»: in the case of products with a sugar content of between 90 and 
less than 130 grams per litre; 
(e) «sweet»: in the case of products with  a sugar content of more than 130 grams 
per litre. 
The sugar content indicated in the first s ubparagraph is expressed as invert sugar. 
The terms «semi-sweet» and «sweet» may be  replaced by an indication of the sugar 
content, expressed in grams of invert sugar per litre.  
EN 12   EN 2. Where the sales denomination of aromatised  wine-based drinks is supplemented by 
the particular «sparkling», the quantity of sp arkling wine used must be not less than 
95 % of the volume of the wine used. 
3. The sales denominations referred to in Article 4 may also be supplemented by a 
reference to the main flavouring used. 
Article 6 
Indication of provenance 
Where the provenance of aromatised wine products is indicated, the provenance shall 
correspond to the place where the aromatised wine product is produced. The provenance shall 
be indicated with the words 'produced in (…)', or expressed in equivalent terms, 
supplemented by the name of the corres ponding Member State or third country. 
An indication of the place of  provenance of the primary ingredient is not required. 
Article 7 
Use of language in the presentation and labelling of aromatised wine products 
Sales denominations and additional particulars provided for in this Regulation shall, where 
expressed in words, appear at least in one or more of the o fficial languages of the Union. 
However, the name of the geographical indi cation protected under this Regulation shall 
appear on the label in the language or language s in which it is registered, even where the 
geographical indication replaces the sales denomin ation in accordance with the Article 4(4). 
In case of protected geographical indication us ing a non-latin alphabet, the name may also 
appear in one or more offi cial languages of the Union. 
Article 8 
Stricter rules decided by Member States 
In applying a quality policy for aromatised wine products with ge ographical indications 
protected under this Regulat ion which are produced on thei r own territory or for the 
establishment of new geogra phical indications, Member States may lay down rules on 
production and description which are stricter than those refe rred to in Article 3 and in 
Annexes I and II in so far as they  are compatible with Union law. 
Article 9 
Delegated powers 
In order to take into account the specificities of the sector and to address the emergence of 
new products on the market, the Commission may, by means of delegated acts, update: 
(a) the definitions, the requirements and the restrictions laid down in Annex I, 
(b) the sales denominations and desc riptions laid down in Annex II.  
EN 13   EN CHAPTER III 
GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS  
Article 10 
Definition 
For the purposes of this Chapter, "geographical indication" means an i ndication referring to a 
region, a specific place or a count ry, used to describe an ar omatised wine product where a 
given quality, reputation or other characteristics of  that product is essentia lly attributable to its 
geographical origin. 
Article 11 
Content of applica tions for protection 
1. Applications for protection of names as  geographical indications shall include a 
technical file containing: 
(a) the name to be protected; (b) the name and address of the applicant; (c) a product specification as refe rred to in paragraph 2; and 
(d) a single document summarising the product specification referred to in 
paragraph 2. 
2. To be eligible for a protected geographi cal indication, a product shall comply with 
the corresponding product specifica tion which shall include at least: 
(a) the name to be protected; (b) a description of the produc t, in particular its principal analytical characteristics 
as well as an evaluation or indication of its organoleptic characteristics; 
(c) where applicable, the particular produc tion processes and specifications as well 
as the relevant restrictions on making the product; 
(d) the demarcation of the geographical area concerned; (e) the details bearing out the li nk referred to in Article 10;  
(f) applicable requirements laid down in Union or nati onal legislation or, where 
laid down by Member States, by an orga nisation which manages the protected 
geographical indication, having regard to the fact that such requirements shall 
be objective, and non-discriminatory and compatible with Union law; 
(g) the name and address of the authoritie s or bodies verifying compliance with the 
provisions of the product specifica tion and their specific tasks.  
EN 14   EN Article 12 
Application for protection relating to a geographical area in a third country 
1. Where the application for pr otection concerns a geographica l area in a third country, 
it shall contain in addition to  the elements provided for in  Article 11, proof that the 
name in question is protected in its country of origin. 
2. The application shall be sent to the Commi ssion, either directly from the applicant or 
via the authorities of the third country concerned. 
3. The application for protection shall be file d in one of the official languages of the 
Union or accompanied by a certified tran slation into one of those languages. 
Article 13 
Applicants 
1. Any interested group of producers, or in  exceptional cases a si ngle producer, may 
apply for the protection of a geographical indication. Other inte rested parties may 
participate in the application. 
2. Producers may lodge an application for pr otection only for aromatised wine products 
which they produce. 
3. In the case of a name designating a trans- border geographical area,  a joint application 
may be lodged. 
Article 14 
Preliminary national procedure 
1. Applications for protection of a geographical indication of  aromatised wine products 
in accordance with Article 11, originating in the Union shall be subject to a preliminary national procedure in accordance wi th paragraphs 2 to 7 of this Article. 
2. The application for protection shall be file d with the Member State in which territory 
the geographical indication originates. 
3. The Member State shall examine the applic ation for protection in order to verify 
whether it meets the conditions set out in this Chapter. 
The Member State shall, by means of a national procedure, ensure the adequate 
publication of the application and providing fo r a period of at leas t two months from 
the date of publication within which any na tural or legal person having a legitimate 
interest and resident or established on its territory may object to the proposed 
protection by lodging a duly substantiate d statement with the Member State. 
4. If the Member State considers that th e geographical indicati on does not meet the 
relevant requirements or is incompatible with Union law in general, it shall reject the application. 
5. If the Member State considers that the relevant requirements are met, it shall:  
EN 15   EN (a) publish the single document and the product specification at least on the 
Internet; and 
(b) forward to the Commission an application for protection containing the 
following information: 
(i) the name and address of the applicant; (ii) the product specification referred in Article 11(2); 
(iii) the single document refe rred to in Article 11(1)(d); 
(iv) a declaration by the Member State that it considers that the application 
lodged by the applicant meets the conditions required; and 
(v) the reference to publication, as  referred to in point (a). 
The information referred to in point (b ) of the first subparagraph shall be 
forwarded in one of the o fficial languages of the Union or accompanied by a 
certified translation into  one of those languages. 
6. Member States shall adopt the laws, regulations or administrative provisions 
necessary to comply with this Article by 1
st December 2012. 
7. Where a Member State has no national le gislation concerning the protection of 
geographical indications, it may, on a transiti onal basis only, grant protection to the 
name in accordance with the terms of this Ch apter at national level with effect from 
the day the application is lodged with the Commission. Such transitional national 
protection shall cease on the date on whic h a decision on registration or refusal under 
this Chapter is taken. 
Article 15 
Scrutiny by the Commission 
1. The Commission shall make the date of s ubmission of the applic ation for protection 
of the geographical indication public. 
2. The Commission shall examine whether the a pplications for protection referred to in 
Article 14(5) meet the conditions  laid down in this Chapter. 
3. Where the Commission considers that the conditions laid down in this Chapter are 
met, it shall, by means of implementing acts  without the assistance of the Committee 
referred to in Article 36, decide to publish in the Official Journal of the European 
Union the single document referred to in Article 11(1)(d) and the reference to the 
publication of the product specification referred to in Article 14(5). 
Where the Commission considers that the c onditions laid down in this Chapter are 
not met, it shall, by means of implementing acts, decide to reject the application.  
EN 16   EN Article 16 
Objection procedure 
Within two months from the date of publica tion provided for in the first subparagraph of 
Article 15(3), any Member State or third count ry, or any natural or legal person having a 
legitimate interest, resident or established in a Member State other than that applying for the 
protection or in a third count ry, may object to the proposed protection by l odging a duly 
substantiated statement re lating to the conditions of  eligibility as laid down in this Chapter 
with the Commission. 
In the case of natural or legal pe rsons resident or established in  a third country, such statement 
shall be lodged, either directly or via the author ities of the third country concerned, within the 
time limit of two months referred to in the first paragraph. 
Article 17 
Decision on protection 
On the basis of the information availabl e to the Commission upon the completion of the 
objection procedure referred to in article 16, th e Commission shall, by means of implementing 
acts, either decide to conf er protection on the geographical  indication which meets the 
conditions laid down in this Ch apter and is compatible with Union law, or to reject the 
application where those c onditions are not satisfied. 
Article18 
Homonyms 
1. A name, for which an application is l odged, and which is wholly or partially 
homonymous with that of a name already registered under this Regulation, shall be 
registered with due regard for local and traditional usage and for any risk of confusion. 
2. A homonymous name which misleads the consumer into believing that products 
come from another territory sh all not be registered even if the name is accurate as far 
as the actual territory, region or place of origin of the products in question is concerned. 
3. The use of a registered homonymous name shall be subject to there being a sufficient 
distinction in practice between the homony m registered subsequently and the name 
already on the register, having regard to th e need to treat the producers concerned in 
an equitable manner and the need not to mislead the consumer. 
Article 19 
Grounds for refusal of protection 
1. Names that have become generic shall not be protected as a ge ographical indication. 
For the purposes of this Chapter, a "name that has become generic" means the name 
of an aromatised wine product which, alt hough it relates to the place or the region  
EN 17   EN where this product was originally produced  or marketed, has become the common 
name of an aromatised wine product in the Union. 
To establish whether or not a name has beco me generic, account sh all be taken of all 
relevant factors,  in particular: 
(a) the existing situation in the Uni on, notably in areas of consumption; 
(b) the relevant Union or national legislation. 
2. A name shall not be protected as a geograp hical indication where, in the light of a 
trademark's reputation and renow n, protection is liable to mi slead the consumer as to 
the true identity of the aromatised wine product. 
Article 20 
Relationship with trademarks 
1. Where a geographical indication is protec ted under this Regulation, the registration 
of a trademark corresponding to one of the situations referr ed to in Article 21(2) and 
relating to an aromatised wine product shall be refuse d if the application for 
registration of the trademark is submitted after the date of submission of the application for protection of the geographi cal indication to the Commission and the 
geographical indication is subsequently protected. 
Trademarks registered in breach of the first subparagraph shall be invalidated. 
2. Without prejudice to Article 18(2), a tradem ark the use of which corresponds to one 
of the situations referred to in Article 21(2), which has been  applied for, registered or 
established by use, if that possibility is provided for by the legislation concerned, in 
the territory of the Union before the date  on which the application for protection of 
the geographical indication is submitted to the Commission, may continue to be used 
and renewed notwithstanding the protecti on of a geographical indication, provided 
that no grounds for the trademark's invalidity  or revocation exist as specified by the 
Directive 2008/95/EC of the Eur opean Parliament of the Council 
12 or by Council 
Regulation (EC) No 207/200913. 
In such cases the use of the geographical  indication shall be permitted alongside the 
relevant trademarks. 
Article 21 
Protection 
1. Protected geographical i ndications may be used by any operator marketing an 
aromatised wine product which has been produced in conformity with the corresponding product specification. 
                                                
 
12 OJ L 229, 8.11.2009, p. 25. 
13 OJ L 78, 24.3.2009, p. 1.  
EN 18   EN 2. Protected geographical indications and th e aromatised wine products using those 
protected names in conformity with the product specification shall be protected 
against: 
(a) any direct or indirect comme rcial use of a protected name: 
(i) by comparable products not complyi ng with the product specification of 
the protected name; or 
(ii) in so far as such use exploits th e reputation of a geographical indication; 
(b) any misuse, imitation or evocation, even if the true origin of the product or 
service is indicated or if  the protected name is translated, transcripted or 
transliterated or accompanied by an e xpression such as "style", "type", 
"method", "as produced in", "imitation" , "flavour", "like" or similar; 
(c) any other false or mislea ding indication as to the prove nance, origin, nature or 
essential qualities of  the product, on the inner or  outer packaging, advertising 
material or documents relating to the wine product concerned, and the packing of the product in a container liable to c onvey a false impression as to its origin; 
(d) any other practice liable to mislead the consumer as to the true origin of the 
product. 
3. Protected geographical indicat ions shall not become generi c in the Union within the 
meaning of Article 19(1). 
4. Member States shall take the appropriate administrative and judicial steps to prevent 
or to stop unlawful use of protected geogr aphical indications as referred to in 
paragraph 2. 
Article 22 
Register 
The Commission shall establish and maintain an electronic register of protected geographical 
indications for aromatised wine produc ts which shall be publicly accessible.  
Geographical indications pertaini ng to products of third countrie s that are protected in the 
Union pursuant to an international agreement to  which the Union is a contracting party may 
be entered in the register referred to in the first paragraph as protected geographical 
indications. 
Article 23 
Designation of competent authority 
1. Member States shall designate the competen t authority or author ities responsible for 
checks in respect of the obligations establ ished by this Chapter in accordance with  
EN 19   EN the criteria laid down in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the 
European Parliament and of the Council14. 
2. Member States shall ensure that any operator complying with this Chapter is entitled 
to be covered by a system of checks. 
3. Member States shall inform the Comm ission of the competent authority or 
authorities referred to in paragraph 1. The Commission shall make their names and 
addresses public and upd ate them periodically. 
Article 24 
Verification of compliance with specifications 
1. In respect of protected geographical indica tions relating to a geographical area within 
the Union, annual verification of compliance with the product sp ecification, during 
the production and during or after conditioning of the aromatised wine product, shall 
be ensured by: 
(a) the competent authority or author ities referred to in Article 23; or 
(b) one or more bodies responsible for the verification within the meaning of point 
5 of the second subparagraph of Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 operating as a product certification body in  accordance with the criteria laid 
down in Article 5 of that Regulation. 
The costs of such verification shall be  borne by the operators subject to it. 
2. In respect of protected ge ographical indications relating to a geographical area in a 
third country, annual verifi cation of compliance with the product specification, 
during the production and during or after conditioning of the aromatised wine 
product, shall be ensured by: 
(a) one or more public authorities de signated by the third country; or 
(b) one or more certification bodies. 
3. The certification bodies referred to in para graphs 1(b) and 2(b) shall comply with, 
and be accredited in accordan ce with, the European standard EN 45011 or ISO/IEC 
Guide 65 (General requirements for bodi es operating product cer tification systems). 
4. Where the authority or authorities referred to in paragraphs 1(a) and 2(a) verify 
compliance with the product sp ecification, they shall offer adequate guarantees of 
objectivity and impartiality, and have at their dispos al the qualified staff and 
resources needed to carry out their tasks. 
                                                
 
14 OJ L 165, 30.4.2004, p. 1.  
EN 20   EN Article 25 
Amendments to product specifications 
1. An applicant satisfying th e conditions of Article 13 may apply for approval of an 
amendment to the product sp ecification of a protected geographical indication, in 
particular to take account of developments in scientific and t echnical knowledge or 
to redefine the geographical area referred to  in point (d) of th e second subparagraph 
of Article 11(2). Applications shall desc ribe and give reasons for the amendments 
requested. 
2. Where the proposed amendment involves one  or more amendments to the single 
document referred to in Article 11(1)(d), Articles 14 to 17 shall apply mutatis mutand is to the amendment applicati on. However, if the proposed 
amendment is only minor, the Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, decide whether to approve the application without following the procedure laid down in Article 15(2) and Article 16 and in th e case of approval, the Commission shall 
proceed to the publication of the elem ents referred to in Article 15(3). 
3. Where the proposed amendment does not invol ve any change to the single document, 
the following rules shall apply: 
(a) where the geographical area is in a gi ven Member State, that Member State 
shall express its position on the amendment and, if it is in favour, shall publish 
the amended product specification and inform the Commission of the amendments approved and the reasons for them; 
(b) where the geographical area is in a third country, the Commission shall, by 
means of implementing acts, decide  whether to approve the proposed 
amendment. 
Article 26 
Cancellation 
The Commission may, at its own initiative or at the duly substantiated request of a Member 
State, of a third country or of a natural or le gal person having a legitima te interest, decide, by 
means of implementing acts, to cancel the protection of a geogra phical indication if 
compliance with the corresponding product specification is no longer ensured. 
Articles 14 to 17 shall apply mutatis  mutandis . 
Article 27 
Existing protected geographical designations  
1. Geographical designations of  aromatised wine products  listed in Annex II of 
Regulation (EEC) No 1601/1991, shall automa tically be protected as geographical 
indications under this Regula tion. The Commission shall list  them in the register 
provided for in Article 22 of this Regulation. 
2. Member States shall, in respect of existing protected geogr aphical designations 
referred to in paragraph 1, transmit to the Commission:  
EN 21   EN (a) the technical files as provided for in Article 11(1); 
(b) the national decisions of approval. 
3. Existing geographical designations refe rred to in paragraph 1, for which the 
information referred to in paragraph 2 is not submitted by [ 2 years after entry into 
force ], shall lose protection under this Re gulation. The Commission shall, by means 
of implementing acts without the assistance of the Committee referred to in Article 
36, take the corresponding formal step of removing such names from the register 
provided for in Article 22. 
4. Article 26 shall not apply in respect of existing protected geographical designations 
referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.  
Until [3 years after entry into force] the Commission, by means of implementing 
acts, may, at its own initiative, decide to cancel protection of  existing protected 
geographical designations refe rred to in paragraph 1 if they do not comply with 
Article 10. 
Article 28 
Fees 
Member States may charge a fee to cover thei r costs, including thos e incurred in examining 
applications for protection, statements of objections, applications for amendments and 
requests for cancellation s under this Chapter. 
Article 29 
Delegated powers 
1. In order to take account of the specifi cities of the production in the demarcated 
geographical area, the Commission may, by means of delegated acts, adopt: 
(a) principles for the demarcati on of the geographical area, and  
(b) definitions, restrictions and deroga tions related to the production in the 
demarcated geographical area. 
2. In order to ensure product quality and traceability, the Commission may, by means of 
delegated acts, provide for the conditi ons under which product specifications may 
include additional requirements as referred to in Article 11 (2)(f). 
3. In order to ensure the rights or legitimat e interests of producers or operators, the 
Commission may, by means of delegated acts: 
(a) define in which cases a single pro ducer may apply for the protection of a 
geographical indication; 
(b) adopt restrictions as regards the t ype of applicant that may apply for the 
protection of a geogr aphical indication;  
EN 22   EN (c) adopt specific measures related to th e national procedures applicable to trans-
border applications; 
(d) define the date of submission of an application or a request; 
(e) define the date from which protection shall run; 
(f) establish the conditions under which an  amendment is to be considered as 
minor as referred to in Article 25(2); 
(g) define the date on which an amendment shall enter into force. 
4. In order to ensure an adequate protection, the Commission may, by means of 
delegated acts, adopt restrictions  regarding the protected name. 
5. In order to prevent the unlawful use of  geographical indicati ons, the Commission 
may, by means of delegated acts, define the actions to be implemented by the 
Member States in this respect.  
6. In order to ensure the efficiency of th e checks provided for in this Chapter, the 
Commission may, by means of delegated acts, adopt the necessary measures 
regarding the notification of operators to the competent authorities. 
Article 30 
Implementing powers 
1. The Commission may, by means of implemen ting acts, adopt all necessary measures 
related to this Chapter regarding: 
(a) the information to be provided in th e product specification w ith regard to the 
link between the geographical area and the final product; 
(b) the making of decisions on protection or rejection available to the public; 
(c) the establishment and the maintenance of the register referred to in Article 22; (e) the submission of tran s-border applications; 
(f) checks and verification to be carr ied out by the Member States, including 
testing.  
2. The Commission may, by means of implemen ting acts, adopt all necessary measures 
related to this Chapter as regards the procedure, including ad missibility, for the 
examination of applications for protection or for the approval of an amendment of a 
geographical indication, as well as the procedure, including admissibility, for 
requests for objection, cancellation, or convers ion, and the submission of information 
related to existing protected geographical designations, in particular with respect to: 
(a) models for documents and the transmission format; (b) time limits;  
EN 23   EN (c) the details of the facts, evidence an d supporting documents to be submitted in 
support of the application or request. 
Article 31 
Implementing acts to be adopted without the assi stance of the Committee referred to in Article 
36 
Where an application or a request submitted unde r this Chapter is deemed inadmissible, the 
Commission shall, by means of implementing act s without the assistance of the Committee 
referred to in Article 36, decide to reject it as inadmissible.  
CHAPTER IV 
GENERAL, TRANSITIONAL  
AND FINAL PROVISIONS 
Article 32 
Checks and verification of aromatised wine products 
1. Member States shall be responsible for th e checks of aromatised wine products. They 
shall take the measures necessary to ensure  compliance with the provisions of this 
Regulation and in particular they sha ll designate the competent authority or 
authorities responsible for checks in respec t of the obligations established by this 
Regulation in accordance with  Regulation (EC) No 882/2004. 
2. The Commission in consultation with the Me mber States shall ensure the uniform 
application of this Regulation and when necessary shall, by means of implementing 
acts, adopt the rules concerning administ rative and physical checks to be conducted 
by the Member States with regard to the respect of obligations resulting from the application of this Regulation. 
Article 33 
Exchange of information 
1. Member States and the Commission shal l notify each other of any information 
necessary for the application of this Regulation and for complying with the 
international obligations concerning the arom atised wine products. That information 
may, where appropriate, be transmitted or  made available to the competent 
authorities of third countries and may be made public. 
2. In order to make notifications referred to  in paragraph 1 fast, efficient, accurate, and 
cost effective the Commission shall, by means of delegated acts, lay down: 
(a) the nature and type of th e information to be notified  
(b) the methods of notification;  
EN 24   EN (c) the rules related to the access rights to the information or information systems 
made available; 
(d) the conditions and means of publication of the information. 
3. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, adopt: 
(a) rules on providing the information necessary for the application of this Article; (b) arrangements for the management of the information to be notified, as well as 
rules on content, form, timing, frequency and deadlines of the notifications; 
(c) arrangements for transmitting or ma king information and documents available 
to the Member States, the competent au thorities in third countries, or the 
public.  
Article 34 
Commission powers 
When powers are granted to the Commission to adopt delegated acts, Article 35 shall apply. 
When powers are granted to the Commission to  adopt implementing act s, it shall act in 
accordance with with the procedure referred to  in Article 36(2), save as explicitly  provided 
otherwise in this Regulation. 
Article 35 
Exercise of the delegation  
1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the 
conditions laid down in  this Article.  
2. The delegation of power referred to in this Regulation shall be conferred on the 
Commission for an indeterminate period of time. 
3. The delegation of power refe rred to in this Regulation may be revoked at any time by 
the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the powers specified in that decision. It  shall take effect the day 
following the publi cation in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall not 
affect the validity of the dele gated acts already in force. 
4. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to 
the European Parliament and to the Council. 
5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to this Regulation shall enter into force only if no 
objection has been expressed either by th e European Parliament or the Council 
within a period of [two months ] of notification of that act or if, before the expiry of 
that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the 
Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by [two months] 
at the initiative of the Europ ean Parliament or the Council.  
EN 25   EN Article 36 
Implementing acts - committee 
1. The Commission shall be assisted by th e Committee on aromatised wine products. 
That committee shall be a committee with in the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 
182/2011. 
2. Where reference is made to this para graph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 
182/2011 shall apply.  
Article 37 
Repeal 
Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 is hereby repealed as from [ date of application = 1 year after 
the entry into force ].  
References made to the repealed Regulation shall be construed as references to this 
Regulation and be read in accordance with the correlation table set out in Annex IV to this 
Regulation. 
Article 38 
Transitional measures 
1. In order to facilitate the transition from  the rules provided for in Regulation (EEC) 
No 1601/91 to those established by this  Regulation, the Commission, where 
appropriate, may, by means of delegated acts,  adopt measures to amend or derogate 
from this Regulation, by [3 years after entry into force]  . 
2. Aromatised wine products not meeting the requirements of this Regulation but which 
have been produced in accordance with Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 prior to [date 
of application of this Regulation]  may be marketed until stocks are exhausted. 
Article 39 
Entry into force 
This Regulation shall enter into force on the se venth day following that of its publication in 
the Official Journal of  the European Union . 
It shall apply [1 year after entry into force,  a precise date should be filled in when Regulation 
will be published ].  
EN 26   EN This Regulation shall be binding in  its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. 
Done at Brussels,  
For the European Parliament For the Council 
The President The President    
EN 27   EN ANNEX I  
TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS, REQUIR EMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS 
(1) Flavouring 
The following products are authorised for the flavouring of aromatised wines: 
(a) natural flavouring substa nces and/or flavouring prep arations as defined in 
Article 3(2) (c) and (d) of  Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 ; 
(b) flavouring substances: 
– identical to vanillin, 
– which smell and/or taste of almonds, 
– which smell and/or taste of apricots, 
– which smell and/or taste of eggs, and/or 
(c) aromatic herbs and/or spi ces and/or flavouring foodstuffs, 
The following products are authorised for th e flavouring of aromatised wine-based 
drinks and aromatised wine-product cocktails: 
(a) flavouring substances and/ or flavouring preparations as  defined in Article 3(2) 
(b) and (d) of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, and/or; 
(b) aromatic herbs and/or spi ces and/or flavouring foodstuffs. 
(2) Sweetening 
Aromatised wine products may be sweetened  using one or more of the following 
products: 
(a) semi-white sugar, white sugar, extra-white sugar, dextrose, fructose, 
glucose syrup, sugar solution, invert s ugar solution, invert sugar syrup, as 
defined in Council Directive 2001/111/ EC of 20 December 2001 relating to 
certain sugars intended for human consumption15; 
(b) rectified concentrated grape must, concentrated grape must, grape must; 
(c) burned sugar, which is the product obtained exclusively from the controlled 
heating of sucrose without bases, minera l acids or other chemical additives; 
(d) honey as defined in Council Dire ctive 2001/110/EC of 20 December 2001 
relating to honey16; 
(e) carob syrup; 
                                                 
15 OJ L 10, 12.1.2002, p. 53. 
16 OJ L 10, 12.1.2002, p. 47.  
EN 28   EN (f) any other natural carbohydrate substan ces having a similar effect to those 
products. 
(3) Addition of alcohol 
One or more of the following products ma y be used in the preparation of some 
aromatised wines and, some ar omatised wine-based drinks:  
(a) ethyl alcohol of viticultural origin, (b) wine alcohol or dried grape alcohol, 
(c) ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin, 
(d) wine distillate or dried grape distillate, (e) distillate of agricultural origin, (f) wine spirit or grape-marc spirit, (g) dried grape spirit, The products listed in the first subparagraph must comply with the characteristics 
laid down by in Union legislation. In particul ar, ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin 
must possess the following characteristics: 
(a) organoleptic characteristics: no detect able taste other than that of the raw 
material; 
(b) minimum alcoholic st rength by volume: 96 %; 
(c) maximum level of residues: 
(i) total acidity, expressed in gram s of acetic acid pe r hectolitre of 
100 % vol. alcohol: 1,5, 
(ii) esters expressed in grams of et hyl acetate per hect olitre of 100 % vol. 
alcohol: 1,3, 
(iii) aldehydes expressed in grams of  acetaldehyde per hectolitre of 
100 % vol. alcohol: 0,5, 
(iv) higher alcohols expressed in gram s of methyl2 propanol1 per hectolitre 
of 100 % vol. alcohol: 0,5, 
(v) methanol expressed in grams pe r hectolitre of 100 % vol. alcohol: 30, 
(vi) dry extract expressed in grams per hectolitre of 100 % vol. alcohol: 1,5, 
(vii) volatile bases containing nitroge n expressed in grams of nitrogen per 
hectolitre of 100 % vol. alcohol: 0,1, 
(viii) furfural: not detectable.  
EN 29   EN The ethyl alcohol used to dilute or disso lve colorants, flavourings or any other 
authorised additives used in the preparat ion of aromatised wine products shall be 
used in the dose strictly necessary and is not considered as addition of alcohol for the 
purpose of production of an aromatised wine product.  
(4) Additives and colouring 
The rules on food additives, including colo urs, laid down in Regulation (EC) No 
1333/2008 shall apply to aromatised wine products. 
(5) Addition of water 
For the preparation of aromatised wine products, the addition of water shall be 
authorised provided that it is used in the dose strictly necessary to prepare flavouring 
essence, to dissolve colorants and sweetener s and/or to adjust the final composition 
of the product. 
The quality of the water added has to  be in conformity with Council 
Directive 80/777/EEC of 15 July 1980 on th e approximation of the laws of the 
Member States relating to the exploitati on and marketing of natural mineral waters17 
and Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water 
intended for human consumption18, and it should not chan ge the nature of the 
product. 
This water may be distilled, demineralised, permuted or softened. 
(6) For the preparation of aromatised wine  products, addition of carbon dioxide shall be 
authorised. 
(7) Alcoholic strength by volume 
"Alcoholic strength by volume" means th e ratio of the volume of pure alcohol 
present in the product in question at 20°C to  the total volume of that product at the 
same temperature. 
"Actual alcoholic strength by volume" means the number of volumes of pure alcohol 
at 20° C contained in 100 volumes of the product at the same temperature. 
"Potential alcoholic strength by volume " means the number of volumes of pure 
alcohol at 20 °C which would be produ ced by total fermentation of the sugar 
contained in 100 volumes of the pr oduct at the same temperature; 
"Total alcoholic strength by volume" m eans the sum of the actual and potential 
alcoholic strengths by volume. 
                                                 
17 OJ L 229, 30.8.1980, p. 1. 
18 OJ L 330, 5.12.1998, p. 32.  
EN 30   EN  
ANNEX II  
SALES DENOMINATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF AROMATISED WINE 
PRODUCTS 
A. SALES DENOMINATIONS AND DE SCRIPTIONS OF AROMATISED 
WINES  
(1) Aromatised wine : 
Aromatized wine to which no alcohol has been added.  
(2) Aromatised fortified wine : 
Aromatised wine to which alcohol has been added. 
(3) Wine-based aperitif : 
Aromatised wine to which alcohol may have been added. The use of the term "aperitif" in this conn ection is without prejudice to its use to 
define products which do not fall wi thin the scope of this Regulation. 
(4) Vermouth : 
Aromatised wine: 
– to which alcohol has been added, 
– whose characteristic taste has been obtain ed by the use of appr opriate substances 
of Artemisia species and, 
– which may have been sweetened only by means of caramelized sugar, sucrose, 
grape must, rectified concentrated grape must and concentrated grape must. 
(5) Bitter  aromatised  wines : 
Aromatised wine to which alcohol is added and with a characteristic bitter flavour. 
The description «bitter aromatised wine» sh all be followed by the name of the main 
bitter-flavouring substance. The following e xpressions, or equivale nt expressions in 
other official languages of the Union, may be  used to supplement or replace this 
description: 
- « Quinquina wine », whose main flavouring is natural quinine flavouring, 
- « Bitter vino », whose main flavouring is natu ral gentian flavouring and which 
has been coloured with au thorized yellow and/or red colouring matter; the use 
of the word «bitter» in this connection shall be without prej udice to its use to 
define products which do not fall wi thin the scope of this regulation,  
EN 31   EN - « Americano », where the flavouring is due to th e presence of natural flavouring 
substances derived from wormwood and gentian and which has been coloured 
with authorized yellow a nd/or red colouring matter. 
(6) Egg-based  aromatised  wine : 
Aromatised wine: 
– to which alcohol has been added 
– to which good-quality egg yolk or cont racts thereof have been added and, 
– which has a sugar content expressed in terms of invert sugar of more than 200 
grams and a minimum egg yolk content of 10 grams per litre of finished product. 
The term «cremovo» may accompany the term «egg-based aromatised wine» where 
such wine contains Marsala wine in  a proportion of not less than 80 %. 
The term «cremovo zabaione» may accompany the term «egg-based aromatised 
wine» where such wine contains Marsala wine in a proportion of not less than 80 % 
and has an egg yolk content of not less than 60 grams per litre. 
(7) Väkevä viiniglögi Starkvinsglögg  
An aromatised wine: 
– to which alcohol has been added and, 
– whose characteristic tast e has been obtained by the use of cloves and/or 
cinnamon. 
B. SALES DENOMINATIONS AND DES CRIPTIONS OF AROMATISED WINE 
BASED DRINKS  
(1) Aromatized wine-based drink  
Aromatized wine-based drink to which no alcohol has been added. 
(2) Aromatised fortified wine-based drink  
Aromatised wine-based drink 
– to which alcohol has been added 
– which has been sweetened, 
– which is obtained from white wine, 
– to which dried grape dist illate has been added and, 
– which has been flavoured exclusively by cardamom extract; 
– or 
– to which alcohol has been added, 
– which has been sweetened, 
– which is obtained from red wine and, 
– to which flavouring preparations obtained  exclusively from sp ices, ginseng, nuts, 
citrus fruit essences and arom atic herbs, have been added. 
(3) Sangria :  
EN 32   EN Aromatised wine-based drink 
– which is obtained from wine, 
– which is aromatised with the addition of natural citrus-fruit extracts or essences, 
with or without the juice of such fruit, 
– to which spices may have been added, 
– to which CO 2 may have been added, 
– to which no alcohol has been added 
– which has not been coloured, 
– which have an actual alcoholic strength by volume of not less than 4,5% vol., and 
less than 12 % vol. and, 
– which may contain solid particles of citrus -fruit pulp or peel and its colour must 
come exclusively from the raw materials used. 
The description ‘Sangria’ must be acco mpanied by the words ‘produced in …’ 
followed by the name of the Member State of production or of a more restricted 
region except where the product is produced in Spain or Portugal. 
The description ‘Sangria’ may replace the de scription ‘aromatised wine-based drink’ 
only where the drink is manufact ured in Spain or Portugal. 
(4) Clarea : 
Aromatised wine-based drink, which is obt ained from white wine under the same 
conditions as for Sangria. 
The description « Clarea » must be accompanied by the words «produced in …» 
followed by the name of the Member State of production or of a more restricted 
region except where the product is produced in Spain. 
The description « Clarea » may replace the description «aromatised wine-based 
drink» only where the drink is manufactured in Spain. 
(5) Zurra : 
Aromatised wine-based drink obtained by addi ng brandy or wine spirit as defined in 
Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 to Sangria and Clarea , possibly with the addition of 
pieces of fruit. The actual alcoholic stre ngth by volume must be not less than 9 % 
vol. and less than 14 % vol. 
(6) Bitter  soda : 
Aromatised wine-based drink 
– which is obtained from " bitter vino" the content of which in  the finished product 
must not be less than 50 % by volume, 
– to which CO 2 or carbonated water has been added and, 
– which has an actual alcoholic strength by volume of not less than 8 % vol., and 
less than 10,5 % vol.. 
– The use of the word «bitter» in this contex t shall be without prejudice to its use to 
define products which do not fall with in the scope of this Regulation; 
(7) Kalte Ente :  
EN 33   EN Aromatised wine-based drink 
– which is obtained by mixing wine, semi-s parkling wine or semi-sparkling wine 
with added CO 2 with sparkling wine or sparkling wine with added CO 2, 
– to which natural lemon substances or  extracts thereof has been added, 
– to which no alcohol has been added, 
– which has an actual alcoholic strength by volume of not less than 7 % vol.. 
– The finished product must contain not le ss than 25 % by volum e of the sparkling 
wine or sparkling wine with added CO 2. 
(8) Glühwein : 
Aromatised wine-based drink 
– which is obtained exclusivel y from red or white wine, 
– which is flavoured mainly with cinnamon and/or cloves, 
– to which no alcohol has been added 
– which has an actual alcoholic strength by volume of not less than 7 % vol.. 
Without prejudice to the quantities of water resulting from recourse to Annex I (5), 
the addition of water is forbidden. 
Where it has been prepared from white wine, the sales denomination « Glühwein » 
must be supplemented by the words « white wine »; 
(9) ViiniglögiVinglögg  
Aromatised wine-based drink 
– which is obtained exclusivel y from red or white wine, 
– which is flavoured mainly with cinnamon and/or cloves, 
– to which no alcohol has been added, 
– which has an actual alcoholic strength by volume of not less than 7 % vol.. 
Where it has been prepared from wh ite wine, the sales denomination 
«ViiniglögiVinglögg » must be supplemented by the words «white wine». 
(10) Maiwein : 
Aromatised wine-based drink 
– which is obtained from wine in which Asperula odorata  L. plants or extracts 
thereof has been added so as to ensure a predominant taste of Asperula odorata  
L., 
– to which no alcohol has been added, 
– which has an actual alcoholic strength by volume of not less than 7 % vol.. 
(11) Maitrank : 
Aromatised wine-based drink 
– which is obtained from white wine in which Asperula odorata  L. plants have been 
macerated or to which extracts of Asperula odorata  L. have been added with the 
addition of oranges and/or ot her fruits, possibly in the form of juice, concentrated 
or extracts, and with maximum 5 % sugar sweetening, 
– to which no alcohol has been added,  
EN 34   EN – which has an actual alcoholic strength by volume of not less than 7 % vol.. 
(12) Pelin : 
Aromatised wine-based drink 
– which is obtained from red or white wine , grape must concentrate, grape juice (or 
beet sugar) and specific mixture of herbs, 
– to which no alcohol has been added, 
– which has an actual alcoholic strength by volume of not less than 8.5 % vol. and, 
– which has a sugar content e xpressed as invert sugar of 45-50 grams per litre, and a 
total acidity of not less than 3 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid. 
C. SALES DENOMINATIONS AND DE SCRIPTIONS OF AROMATISED 
WINE-PRODUCT COCKTAILS 
(1) Aromatised wine-product cocktail  
Product complying with the defini tion set out in Article 2(4). 
The use of the term «cocktail» in this c onnection is without prejudice to its use to 
define products which do not fall wi thin the scope of this Regulation. 
(2) Wine -based  cocktail : 
Aromatised wine-product cocktail 
– in which the proportion of concentrated grape must does not exceed 10 % of the 
total volume of the finished product, 
– which has an actual alcoholic streng th by volume less than 7 % vol. and, 
– in which the sugar content, expressed as invert sugar, is less than 80 grams per 
litre. 
(3) Aromatised  semi-sparkling  grape -based  cocktail : 
Aromatised wine-product cocktail 
– which is obtained exclusively from grape must, 
– which has an actual alcoholic streng th by volume less than 4 % vol. and, 
– which contains carbon dioxide obtained ex clusively from fermentation of the 
products used. 
(4) Wine  cocktail : 
Aromatised wine-product cocktail, wh ich is mixed with sparkling wine.  
EN 35   EN  
ANNEX III  
CORRELATION TABLE  
Regulation (EEC) No 16 01/91 This Regulation 
Article 1 Article 1 Article 2(1) to (4) Ar ticle 2 and Annexe II  
Article 2(5) Article 5(1) Article 2(6) Article 5(2) Article 2(7) Articles 9 and 35 Article 3 Article 3(1) and Annex I Article 4 Article 3(1) and Annex I Article 4(4) Article 3(3) Article 5 Article 3(2)  Article 6(1) Article 4(1) and (2) Article 6(2)a) Article 4(4) Article 6(2)b) Article 21 Article 6(3) Article 4(5) Article 6(4) Article 8 Article 7(1) and (3) _ Article 7(2) Article 4(3) Article 8(1) _ Article 8(2) Article 4(1) and (2) Article 8(3) Article 5(3) _ Article 6 Article 8(4), first and second paragraphs _ 
Article 8(4) third paragraph Annex I (3), third paragraph 
Article 8(4a) _  
EN 36   EN Article 8(5) to (8) Article 7 
Article 8(9) _ Article 9 Article 32 Article 10 Article 12 Article 10a Articles 10 to 31 Article 11 _ Articles 12 to 15 Articles 33 to 35 _ Article 36 Article 16 Article 37 Article 17 Article 38 Annex I Annex I (3) second paragraph Annex II /  
EN 37   EN FINANCIAL STATEMENT Fiche Fin /11/465131 
RVDE/cc 
6.10.2011.1 
 DATE: 14/04/2011  
1. BUDGET HEADING: 
05 02 09 APPROPRIATIONS: 
1143.7 mio € 
2. TITLE: Proposal for a Regulati on of the European Parliament an d of the Council of XXX on the 
definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of 
aromatised wine products.  
3. LEGAL BASIS: 
Art . 43(2) and art 114 of the Treaty 
4. AIMS: 
To establish a juridical framework for the definitio n and presentation of aromatised wine products. 
5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 12 MONTH 
PERIOD 
 
 
(EUR million) CURRENT 
FINANCIAL 
YEAR 
2011 
 (EUR million) FOLLOWING 
FINANCIAL 
YEAR 
2012 
(EUR million) 
5.0 EXPENDITURE 
- CHARGED TO THE EC BUDGET 
(REFUNDS/INTERVENTIONS) 
- NATIONAL AUTHORITIES - OTHER - - - 
5.1 REVENUE 
- OWN RESOURCES OF THE EC  
(LEVIES/CUSTOMS DUTIES) - NATIONAL - - - 
  2013 2014 2015 2016 
5.0.1 ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE - - - - 
5.1.1 ESTIMATED REVENUE - - - - 
5.2 METHOD OF CALCULATION: 
- 
6.0 CAN THE PROJECT BE FINANCED FROM APPROPRIATIONS ENTERED IN THE 
RELEVANT CHAPTER OF THE CURRENT BUDGET? YES NO  
6.1 CAN THE PROJECT BE FINANCED BY TRANSFER BETWEEN CHAPTERS OF 
THE CURRENT BUDGET? YES NO  
6.2 WILL A SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET BE NECESSARY? YES NO  
6.3 WILL APPROPRIATIONS NEED TO BE ENTERED IN FUTURE BUDGETS? YES  NO 
OBSERVATIONS : The present regulation has no budgetary implications.