Regulation - Other
Proposed changes to the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999 - O. Reg. 406/00
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 406
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Other
Bill or Act:
Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999
Summary of Proposal:
The ministry is looking for input on a proposal to make the following changes to the current wine standards rules:
- Adding a new regulated term "Appassimento" to describe the "Vin de Curé" wine category, prohibiting the use of this new term on non-VQA wine packaging;
- Adding a provision that the Appassimento method may be used to describe the portion of dried grapes used in a blend between 15% and 85% on condition the percentage is declared;
- Reducing the average minimum amount of sugar (brix level) for dried grapes from 27 to 26 degrees;
- Reducing the required content of dried grapes from 100% to 85%;
- Adding a requirement for natural drying with limits on artificial climate controls in the drying facility;
- Adding a minimum period of time (30 days) to conduct the drying process; and,
- Removing prescriptive requirements for straw mats or wooden frames to allow for more modern ways of drying grapes.
Quality of the wine produced under the Vintners Quality Alliance brand would continue to be maintained through standards testing including laboratory testing and tasting before the wine is released to the consumer.
Background:
The Ontario Wine Appellation Authority is a delegated administrative authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999. Regulation 406/00 under this Act sets out details of winemaking and labelling standards.
The term "Appassimento" is used to refer to wines made from grapes that are partially dried after harvest and pressed after drying. This term is a synonym for the "Vin de Curé" category of wine. This method is well established in Italy, particularly in the Amarone region, and is known to produce distinctive, high-quality wines.
Although some Ontario wineries have been producing wines made from dried grapes for over 20 years under the category named "Vin de Curé", the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority notes that this method has become increasingly popular over the last 5 to 10 years.
- Adding a new regulated term "Appassimento" to describe the "Vin de Curé" wine category, prohibiting the use of this new term on non-VQA wine packaging;
- Adding a provision that the Appassimento method may be used to describe the portion of dried grapes used in a blend between 15% and 85% on condition the percentage is declared;
- Reducing the average minimum amount of sugar (brix level) for dried grapes from 27 to 26 degrees;
- Reducing the required content of dried grapes from 100% to 85%;
- Adding a requirement for natural drying with limits on artificial climate controls in the drying facility;
- Adding a minimum period of time (30 days) to conduct the drying process; and,
- Removing prescriptive requirements for straw mats or wooden frames to allow for more modern ways of drying grapes.
Quality of the wine produced under the Vintners Quality Alliance brand would continue to be maintained through standards testing including laboratory testing and tasting before the wine is released to the consumer.
Background:
The Ontario Wine Appellation Authority is a delegated administrative authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999. Regulation 406/00 under this Act sets out details of winemaking and labelling standards.
The term "Appassimento" is used to refer to wines made from grapes that are partially dried after harvest and pressed after drying. This term is a synonym for the "Vin de Curé" category of wine. This method is well established in Italy, particularly in the Amarone region, and is known to produce distinctive, high-quality wines.
Although some Ontario wineries have been producing wines made from dried grapes for over 20 years under the category named "Vin de Curé", the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority notes that this method has become increasingly popular over the last 5 to 10 years.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
There are no new or increased administrative and compliance costs to regulated entities associated with this proposal.
Further Information:
VQA Act
Proposal Number:
21-MGCS032
Posting Date:
December 1, 2021
Comments Due Date:
January 15, 2022
Contact Address:
Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
Public Safety and Operations Policy Branch
56 Wellesley St. W. 6th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 1C1
Public Safety and Operations Policy Branch
56 Wellesley St. W. 6th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 1C1