Decree on dealcoholized wine production in Italy: Ministry gives green light

Italy takes a formal and long-awaited step toward regulating the production of dealcoholized and partially dealcoholized wines. With the signing of the decree between the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, the excise duty tax regime and operational framework for producing this type of wine are defined. A measure that fills a regulatory gap. And provides companies with a clear reference point for operating in a growing segment, especially in foreign markets.

“With this decree we give the wine sector a clear regulatory framework to produce dealcoholized wines and thus offer new opportunities to companies in the sector,” declared Minister Francesco Lollobrigida commenting on the signing of the measure. “Today we define the tax regime for excise duties in dealcoholized wine production. I am confident that our producers will achieve positions of excellence in this sector as well.”

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The decree intervenes precisely on the issue of excise duties, establishing the conditions under which authorized parties can carry out dealcoholization operations. In particular, the regulation allows holders of tax warehouses for intermediate alcoholic products and wine to perform dealcoholization processes within defined quantitative limits and in compliance with specific operational conditions.

The measure also introduces a series of definitions that distinguish operators based on annual production volumes, with a threshold set at 1,000 hectoliters. This distinction affects the requirements and authorization procedures, differentiating between small and large operators.

Beyond the tax aspect, the decree regulates the issuance of the authorization required for dealcoholized wine production and storage. Administrative requirements for operators and rules for product circulation are defined, with the aim of ensuring traceability and control throughout the supply chain.

The regulatory text also limits the performance of additional ancillary activities beyond dealcoholized wine production, restricting the operational scope of facilities and reducing the risk of improper use of authorized structures.

The decree was welcomed by Federvini, which has long called for regulatory intervention capable of providing certainty to companies. “The signing of the Decree represents a significant step for the Italian wine sector, because it offers regulatory certainty on an evolving segment, capable of responding to changing consumer needs particularly in foreign markets,” commented Director General Gabriele Castelli.

Federvini expressed appreciation for the work carried out by the competent ministries and for the consultation process that led to the definition of the text. “This clear framework allows operators to plan the development of innovative products with greater confidence, while maintaining the quality and identity of our wine production,” added Castelli.

In the association’s comment, the theme of balance between innovation and protection of tradition emerges clearly. “It is important that the dealcoholized wine market grows without distorting our tradition: innovation and quality can coexist, offering new opportunities without replacing the wines that have helped build Italy’s gastronomic reputation worldwide,” emphasized Castelli.

Federvini finally confirmed its willingness to collaborate with institutions and the entire supply chain to support implementation of the decree, promoting orderly development of the sector and growth consistent with the quality standards of Italian production.