Producers celebrate U-turn on rosé

Rose wine producers in France and Italy are toasting a victory after the European Union made a U-turn over plans to allow the popular wine to be made from blends of red and white wine.

The EU's decision came just weeks after it said it had no intention of changing the proposal, despite intense lobbying from organisations representing Europe's wine-making sector. The battle that ensued was dubbed the 'war of the rosés',

Explaining the climb-down, Mariann Fischer Boel, EU commissioner for agriculture and rural development, 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."

Elodie Le Dréan, who heads up the Sud de France wine division, said: "Our producers are understandably pleased about the fact that the EU has stepped down on this subject.

"Many Sud de France producers are working hard today to make top quality rosé wines, including more complex and sophisticated styles, made in the traditional method.

"The EU's U-turn is welcome news for them, as well as for consumers who, more than ever, need to know they are purchasing well-made wines."

The proposal was due to be ratified on June 19, and was part of a drive to reform the European wine industry and make it more competitive with New World producers who already use the blending method. It would have also allowed French producers to reduce surplus red and white wine stocks.

But winegrowers feared such a move could lead to thousands of job losses and undermine their traditional rose production methods of leaving crushed red wine grapes to soak with their juice.

Fischer Boel said: "I am always prepared to listen to good arguments, and that's why I am making this change.

"The 2008 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."

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