Commission Regulation (EC) No 606/2009 sets out the maximum permissible total sulphur dioxide content of wine. Point A(4) of Annex I B thereof provides that the Commission may decide that Member States concerned may authorise an increase of a maximum of 50 milligrams per litre in the maximum total sulphur dioxide levels of less than 300 milligrams per litre, where climate conditions make this necessary.

On 15 January 2014, the competent German authorities sent an official request to increase the maximum permissible total sulphur dioxide content of wine of less than 300 milligrams per litre by a maximum of 50 milligrams per litre for wine produced from grapes harvested in 2013 in the wine-growing areas of the demarcated areas of the protected designation of origin ‘Mosel’ and of the protected geographical indications ‘Landwein der Mosel’, ‘Landwein der Ruwer’, ‘Landwein der Saar’ and ‘Saarländischer Landwein’.

The technical note provided by the competent German authorities explains that climate conditions have affected the sanitary quality of grapes harvested in 2013 in the above-mentioned areas. In particular, following a late harvest, several grapes were rotten and a higher quantities of pyruvate, acetaldehyde and alpha-ketoglutaric acid were produced during the fermentation. These substances bind to sulphur dioxide and reduce its preservative action. Therefore, the total quantities of sulphur dioxide needed to ensure the proper vinification and proper preservation are higher in wine produced from those grapes. This is why the temporary authorisation referred in point A(4) of Annex I B to Regulation (EC) No 606/2009 is the only available option to allow the grapes affected by these unfavourable weather conditions to be used to produce wine suitable for placing on the market.

Regulation (EC) No 606/2009 should therefore be amended accordingly.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for the Common Organisation of the Agricultural Markets,