Production methods for Maltese quality wines
7.11.2002
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3277/02
by Astrid Lulling (PPE-DE) and Reinhold Messner (Verts/ALE)
to the Commission
Following the Commission's answer to the written question E-2267/02[1] it has come to our knowledge that the European Union is prepared to concede to Malta two major departures from fundamental labelling principles for a transitional period:
- the addition of sugar in the production of wine - something unheard of in a Southern European country; and
- the granting of a quality wine Malta PSR status to a wine produced in Malta from grapes or grape must imported from overseas.
- Can the Commission confirm this?
- If so, can the Commission guarantee that this transitional period will not put regular Maltese winemakers at a serious disadvantage?
- Is there no danger of this creating a precedent vis-à-vis other Mediterranean winemaking nations?
- [1] JO C
OJ C 161 E, 10/07/2003