Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/670 of 31 January 2017 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 251/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the authorised production processes for obtaining aromatised wine products

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 251/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of aromatised wine products (1), and in particular Article 4(2) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) Aromatised wine products are traditionally produced in the Union, constitute an important sector for producers and consumers and are an important outlet for the Union's agriculture. Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 251/2014 lays down the requirements, restrictions and descriptions in accordance to which aromatised wines are to be produced. It also empowers the Commission to adopt a delegated act in order to establish the production processes for obtaining aromatised wine products.

(2) In order to attain a high level of consumer protection, prevent deceptive practices and ensure fair competition among producers, clearly defined criteria for the production of aromatised wine products should be set out. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 251/2014, the Commission is to take into account the production processes recommended and published by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).

(3) The production processes for aromatised wine products recommended and published by the OIV are included in OIV Resolution OENO 439-2012 and should be used as reference for the establishment of the production processes authorised in the Union. However, it emerges from the consultation of experts of Member States and representatives of the aromatised wine products sector that some of those processes do not fully reflect the traditional production practices of the Union. They should therefore be adapted and completed to better respond to producers needs as regards methods of production and consumer expectations as regards the quality of the products,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Production processes for aromatised wine products

The authorised production processes for obtaining aromatised wine products, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 251/2014, are those listed in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 31 January 2017.

For the Commission The President Jean-Claude JUNCKER

(1) OJ L 84, 20.3.2014, p. 14.