Much-prized access to Europe for its ice wine has been won by the Canadians as a result of the latest talks on a wine and spirits agreement. The EU's wine management committee has approved a proposal to allow Canadian ice wine into the EU despite opposition from Austria and Germany. The Canadian wine is produced by a similar process to the eiswein of Austria and Germany, where the grapes are left to freeze on the vine. This type of wine can only be sold in the EU under a special dispensation from the EU's wine regulations, because of its high sugar content. Until now this has been withheld from the Canadians. Sales volumes of the style are minuscule but dispensation is critical to the Canadians as it demonstrates they can produce wines of world beating quality and will raise the profile of their wine producers in Europe. Years of efforts by the federal and provincial governments and the Canadian wine industry have been put into this. Last year agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief led a mission to Europe and said securing access had been a key priority. Commission officials will expect concessions from Canada in negotiations on the agreement, specifically compliance with rules on product names. indicating geographical origin, and on traditional production methods. It is concerned that terms such as Chablis and Champagne are being used on Canadian products. {{DRINKS }}

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