In a significant development, wines produced and sold in the European Union must now display their composition either on the label or through a QR code scannable via smartphones, starting this Friday.

For years, the display of ingredient lists and nutritional information on wine bottles had been a contentious issue, with the industry enjoying exemptions, requiring only allergenic ingredients like sulfites to be mentioned. However, the European Union has recently implemented new regulations applicable to all wines produced from December 8 onwards.

These new rules mandate that the composition of wines is made transparent. For still wines (non-sparkling), those meeting specific requirements before this date are exempt, with implications likely for upcoming harvests. Yet, sparkling wines like champagne, derived from the 2023 harvest and undergoing a secondary fermentation after December 8, must adhere to these new regulations.

This new regulation marks a significant shift in the wine industry within the EU. The move towards greater transparency aims to provide consumers with crucial information regarding wine composition. While the implementation might pose challenges initially, this step reflects a commitment to consumer awareness and choice.