30 million litres of wine are imported to Croatia without an adequate analysis, at a price of half a euro per litre
The success and popularity of Croatian tourism comes partly from the quality of Croatian food and drink. Agriculture Minister Tolušić has opened the public debate on another law which should protect domestic producers from disloyal import competition. 30 million litres of wine are imported to Croatia without an adequate analysis, at a price of half a euro per litre, Croatian Radiotelevision has reported on August 12, 2017.
Grapes are ripening under the hot August sun, and sugars are rising. Vineyards controls promise a good harvest. “Much depends on August, it is crucial in grape production, so we hope this one will be quite good, and this year one of the better ones,” said Ivica Perak from the Wine Market Commission with the Winemaking Institute of Croatia.
Thus most harvests will take place in September, and with it the parliamentary reading of the Law on Wine. It will replace the current one, some fifteen years old, believe it or not. It needs to be adjusted to the wine regulations of the European Union, currently lagging behind it. And in the key part – control of grapes and wine.
“It is necessary,” says prof Krunoslav Karalić, Assistant Agriculture Minister, “to ensure an efficient control system, preconditions for the balanced actions of all participants in the chain, from the production to the marketing of wine, to ensure the decentralisation of the control system.”
And this is paramount to winemakers as it will reduce the costs of production. Each region would have its own control as it is important to control the situation in the vineyard, where grapes actually come from. Not just grapes, but also wine, with over 30 million litres imported to Croatia each year. Often with questionable quality and origin, in the lowest price range, up to half a euro per litre. The new Law, say the experts, needs to bring order here.
The Law is being created by winemakers, experts and Ministry together, so there should be no reason for it not to be so. In agreement with the European Commission the Croatian wine growing belts are being redefined. There will be four, instead of the current 15 subregions.
Translated from Hrt.hr.
