WRITTEN QUESTION P-0163/02

by Werner Langen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(29 January 2002)

Subject: Sparkling wine production in Italy and Austria

'Prosecco' semi-sparkling wines sold by Italian firms exceed the maximum limit in respect of pressure of semi-sparkling wine clearly laid down in EU wine legislation (maximum 2,5 bar). This infringement was detected in Germany and an appropriate complaint made to Italy. The German methods of measurement used were apparently called into question by the Italian authorities and the matter shelved. Italian firms therefore continue to be permitted to sell proseccos with a pressure of more than 2,5 bar.

The addition of gold leaf to sparkling wines has been banned throughout the EU. However, Austrian sparkling wine producers have now been given special permission to conduct a large-scale trial. As a result, Austrian firms are now selling sparkling wine containing gold leaf without facing competition.

Is the Commission aware of these facts?

What measures does the Commission intend to take to stop the maximum limit in respect of pressure of semi-sparkling wine being exceeded in Italy?

Who gave special permission for a large-scale trial of sparkling wine containing gold leaf in Austria, and does the Commission consider that this trial contravenes competition rules in the European Union?

Supplementary answergiven by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(25 March 2002)

Having checked with the national authorities, the Commission is now in a position to clarify the issues raised by the Honourable Member.

When checking a consignment of Prosecco del Veneto sparkling wine for compliance with the information on the label and the accompanying documentation, the German authorities found pressure levels due to carbon dioxide above 2,5 bar and also exogenous carbon dioxide. Its description as a semi-sparkling wine did not tally with the definition laid down in point 17 of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in wine(1), so permission was not granted to place the wine in question on the market. The German authorities informed the Italian and Commission control authorities in accordance with Article 8 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2729/2000 of 14 December 2000 laying down detailed implementing rules on controls in the wine sector(2). The maximum permitted carbon dioxide pressure of 2,5 bar laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 for semi-sparkling wines is not contested by the Italian authorities and this parameter, like the other parameters for this type of wine, continues to be checked, where appropriate, by the competent control authorities.

Adding gold leaf to sparkling wines is not one of the oenological practices listed in Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999, and so is not permitted.

In accordance with Article 41 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1622/2000 of 24 July 2000 laying down certain detailed rules for implementing Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 and establishing a Community code of oenological practices and processes(3), the Austrian authorities informed the Commission of the experimental use of this new oenological practice. The authorisation covers 7 000 hectolitres a year, the intention being to develop this product and gauge the market response to it. The Commission will be informed of the results. These wines cannot be sent outside Austria. The terms of this experiment on a sparkling wine as notified by Austria thus comply with Regulation (EC) No 1622/2000.

Furthermore, another drink containing gold particles is produced in Austria as an aromatized sparkling wine-based drink. This product, which differs from sparkling wine, satisfies Community legislation and in particular the rules laid down in Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 of 10 June 1991 laying down general rules on the definition, description and presentation of aromatized wines, aromatized wine-based drinks and aromatized wine-product cocktails(4).

(1) OJ L 179, 14.7.1999.

(2) OJ L 316, 15.12.2000.

(3) OJ L 194, 31.7.2000.

(4) OJ L 149, 14.6.1991.