Last week, the ministerial decree scheme dedicated to “de-alcoholised” wines was presented to the wine industry by the Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida. This provision represents an important step forward in the regulation of NoLo (no and low alcohol) wines in Italy, a sector that is acquiring more and more importance both nationally and internationally.
A Clear Regulatory Framework for New Opportunities
According to the Italian Wine Union (UIV), the draft Decree is a solid starting point, establishing precise rules to ensure product quality and provide transparent information to consumers. While there is room for improvement, the Decree lays the foundation for alignment with European competitors, who have been regulated for three years, and opens new opportunities for the Italian wine industry. Notably, it could enable access to new markets and consumer segments complementary to traditional wine.
Key Highlights of the Decree
Among the critical elements of the measure are:
Product Categories Definition:
Dealcoholized wines, with an alcohol content not exceeding 0.5%.
Partially dealcoholized wines, with an alcohol content above 0.5% but below the minimum for the original category (8.5%/9%).
These classifications must be clearly indicated on labels following the wine category designation.
Approved Processes:
Dealcoholization will be allowed only for non-DOP or non-IGP wines and must utilize EU-approved processes, such as partial vacuum evaporation, membrane techniques, and distillation.
Restrictions and Recoveries:
Increasing the sugar content of the must or adding water and exogenous flavors to the product will be prohibited. However, recovering water and endogenous aromas from the hydroalcoholic solution resulting from the process will be permitted, provided it is done in a closed and automated system.
Areas for Improvement
UIV has identified a few aspects that could be refined:
Production Environments:
Allowing dealcoholization within the same facility used for vinification and bottling, provided that separate, non-communicating areas are used, as indicated by ICQRF, could eliminate the need for separate facilities.
Byproduct Management:
Hydroalcoholic substances obtained through membrane techniques are currently treated as waste. Their reclassification as byproducts could be more sustainable and economically viable.
Towards Final Approval
UIV hopes that the Decree will be swiftly approved by Minister Lollobrigida, ideally by Christmas. Once in force, this regulation will not only provide greater clarity and protection for producers and consumers but also open new prospects for the Italian wine sector, increasingly attuned to the evolving demands of the market.
ACRAM is at the forefront in the creation of systems for partial or total alcohol reduction, with a great propensity for technological innovation with the iAM ZERO system.
Photo credit: UIV
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