New EU wine regulations in force
August 3, 2009 Rebecca Gibb The European Union's new wine regulations have come into force, ushering in a new era for the European wine industry. The hotly-debated plans - agreed by agriculture ministers in December 2007 - aim to modernize the European wine trade and improve its competitiveness in the face of a growing challenge from the New World. The reform will also bring in new simpler labeling laws. From August 1, all wine labels are now allowed to mention grape variety and vintage on the label. The French AOC becomes AOP (Appellation d'Origin Protegée) and the equivalent of vin de pays wines will now be known as IGPs (Indication Geographique Protegée). Mariann Fischer Boel, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said: 'Member States and producers have a great opportunity to make the best use of the new wine regime to build on Europe's international reputation for excellence. I truly believe this marks a turning point in our wine sector's ...