These Regulations amend the Common Agricultural Policy (Wine) (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/686), which provide for the enforcement in England and Northern Ireland of European Community legislation concerned with the production and marketing of wine and related products.

These Regulations—

1. a

   update references to European Community legislation by making changes to the definitions in the 2001 Regulations (regulation 2(2)) and substituting a new Schedule 1 to the 2001 Regulations (regulation 2(3) and the Schedule);

2. b

   add Acolon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Frühburgunder (with the synonym Pinot Noir Précoce) and Merlot to the list of vine varieties that may be used in the production of wines in England and Northern Ireland (regulation 2(4));

3. c

   make minor changes to the analytical tests for quality wine psr by removing the total sugar-free dry extract test and standard (regulation 2(5)(a)) and removing the minimum standard relating to free sulphur dioxide (regulation 2(5)(b)); and

4. d

   make a minor change to the analytical tests for table wines with a geographical indication by removing the total dry extract test and standard (regulation 2(6)).

A full regulatory impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business and the voluntary sector is available at www.defra.gov.uk or from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR and is annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside this instrument on the OPSI website (www.opsi.gov.uk).