The EU is expected to vote in June on whether or not to allow rose wine to be made by mixing red and white wines. Winemakers from France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland fear that such a move could lead to job losses and endanger their traditional rose, which is made by the more time-consuming method of leaving crushed red wine grapes to soak with their juice. New World winemakers in countries such as Australia and South Africa already make roses by mixing reds and whites.
The EU has attempted to resolve the standoff by proposing the title of “traditional rose” for wine created in the Old World style. France is leading the charge to block the change and has the backing of Greece and Italy, but also needs the backing of Germany and Spain to stand any chance of holding out.
