Dealcoholized and Low-Alcohol Wine Movement: Navigating Trends, Policies, and Market Expansion
The wine market is undergoing a significant transformation with the growing demand for partially dealcoholized and dealcoholized wines. This movement, driven by increasing consumer demand, has led European legislators to revise and integrate regulations concerning viticultural products, allowing producers within the European community to produce and market wines with an alcohol content lower than previously allowed.
The Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 of 2 December 2021, part of the new CAP 2023-2027, amended Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (the "Single CMO"), setting the conditions for producing and selling dealcoholized or partially dealcoholized wines. This regulation also defined the authorized processes for their production, based on recent OIV resolutions. However, it’s important to note that for wines with a protected designation of origin (PDO) or protected geographical indication (PGI), European legislators have only authorized partial dealcoholization, in order to preserve the distinctive characteristics of these high-quality wines. Production specifications will need to be updated to reflect this change.
Consumer Trends Driving the Movement
The rising demand for dealcoholized and low-alcohol wines reflects a shift in consumer preferences, with more people looking for products that offer new drinking experiences. The wine sector is responding with a wide variety of options to meet the needs of an evolving audience. The interest in wines with lower alcohol content has grown, as these products allow consumers to enjoy the quality and complexity of traditional wine in a broader range of settings, offering greater versatility.
This trend is not merely a passing fad; it represents a deeper change in consumption habits. Younger generations, in particular, are looking for wines that reflect their tastes and modern lifestyles, while maintaining a focus on quality and the pleasure of the wine experience.
Policies Expanding the Market
In addition to consumer trends, regulatory frameworks play a key role in shaping the future of dealcoholized and low-alcohol wines. European policies are addressing the need for clearer labeling and standards for these products. In countries like Italy, where wine is deeply rooted in the culture, the introduction of regulations governing the production and sale of dealcoholized and partially dealcoholized wines has opened new opportunities for producers.
A crucial aspect of the regulatory changes is the definition of "wine." Under current law (Regulation (EC) No. 491/2009 and Regulation (EU) 1308/2013), wine is defined as a product obtained from the alcoholic fermentation of fresh grapes, with a minimum alcohol content of 8.5%. This raises the question of whether a dealcoholized product can still be called "wine" or if a different designation should be used. To address this, the legislator has established that products subjected to dealcoholization processes must be labeled as "dealcoholized wine" or "partially dealcoholized wine," depending on the degree of alcohol reduction.
Market Opportunities and Future Outlook
The market for dealcoholized and low-alcohol wines is rapidly expanding, with forecasts predicting steady growth in the coming years. In addition to rising consumer demand, the wine industry is adapting to this trend, seeing it as an opportunity to reach new audiences. Producers are investing in technologies and refining processes to maintain the complexity and flavor profiles that consumers expect, despite the reduced alcohol content.
With growing awareness of the benefits of a more moderate, alcohol-free lifestyle, the market for these wines is expected to expand further. The challenge for producers will be to continue innovating without compromising the cultural and sensory experience that makes wine so beloved. Striking this balance will be key to the long-term success of the dealcoholized and low-alcohol wine movement.
Dealcoholization Techniques
Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 introduced new provisions in Annex VIII, Part E, related to "Dealcoholization Processes." For the products listed in Annex VII, Part II of the Single CMO, such as wine, sparkling wine, and semi-sparkling wine, authorized dealcoholization processes allow for the partial or complete removal of ethanol. The authorized processes include:
- partial vacuum evaporation;
- membrane techniques;
- distillation.
However, these dealcoholization processes must not result in any organoleptic defects in the final product. Furthermore, the Commission emphasized that combining enrichment—where sugar is added to increase alcohol—with dealcoholization contradicts the core principles of winemaking. Such opposing practices are not permitted, as they undermine the integrity of the wine and its production process.
Enrichment Excludes Dealcoholization
The recent EU Commission communication (C/2024/694) addresses several specific questions about winemaking practices, offering important clarifications regarding the process of dealcoholization. One of the key points clarified is the incompatibility between increasing the sugar content in grape must (enrichment) and later removing alcohol (dealcoholization).
The Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 had already highlighted the inconsistency of enriching the alcohol content of wine and then removing the alcohol afterward. The Commission further clarified that the spirit of the regulation does not allow both practices—enrichment and dealcoholization—to be carried out simultaneously. This prohibition extends beyond the grape must to other pre-wine products, such as fresh grapes or fermenting new wine intended to become dealcoholized wine.
The rule reflects a general principle in winemaking: practices with opposite goals (like increasing alcohol and then removing it) are not allowed. This issue is particularly relevant to German producers, where a significant portion of base wine is produced using enrichment. The rule confirms that wines produced with enrichment cannot undergo dealcoholization, aligning with the broader winemaking regulations that prohibit contradictory oenological practices.
Shelf Life on the Label
Additionally, starting from 8 December 2023, dealcoholized wine products with an alcohol content lower than 10% must include a minimum shelf life on the label, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 1169/2011. This measure is in addition to the requirement to label the product as "dealcoholized wine" or "partially dealcoholized wine" to ensure maximum clarity and transparency for consumers.
-min.png)
