51996AC0413

Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) to amend Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 laying down general rules on the definition, description and presentation of aromatized wines, aromatized wine-based drinks and aromatized wine-based cocktails`

(96/C 174/08)

On 18 March 1996, the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the EC Treaty, to draw up an Opinion on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Section for Agriculture and Fisheries had been instructed to draw up an Opinion which it adopted on 7 March 1996. The Rapporteur was Mr Kienle.

At its 334th Plenary Session (meeting of 27 March 1996), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion with 82 votes for, 3 against and 8 abstentions.

1. Introduction

1.1. The Commission's draft amendments relate to:

- the use of must as a wine additive and the determination of the minimum wine content in aromatized wines and drinks;

- the clarification of the provisions on the treatment of aromatized wine; and

- the definition of Gluehwein.

2. Comments

2.1. The Economic and Social Committee backs the European Commission's proposal to amend the definition pursuant to Article 2 (1) in order to take account of the habits and practices in a number of Member States. The Committee also backs the proposal to insist on a proportion of wine of not less than 75 %.

2.2. Noting traditional production methods and consumer expectations, the Committee supports the Commission's draft proposal on the definition of Gluehwein, as laid down in Article 2 (3).

2.3. The Committee agrees with the Commission proposal for a more precise form of wording in the application of the provisions of Article 5 on the treatment of wine-based drinks. However, it recommends that the term 'intermediate products` used in Article 5(2) be replaced by the words 'products under production`. Moreover, for reasons of legal certainty, it should be made clear that the procedure laid down in Article 14 is to be followed wherever necessary. The proposed provision giving limited powers to the Member States should be deleted since this is more likely to lead to legal confusion.

Done at Brussels, 27 March 1996.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER