The EU imposes tariffs on China
China has become a huge exporter of Tartaric Acid to Europe, so the EU is imposing a 6 month tariff of almost 35% on the chemical product. The Tartaric Acid imported from China is much cheaper than the local supply, and local businesses have suffered from the under-cutting. Tartaric Acid is a common chemical found naturally in wine and can be added to balance acidity. You may have seen this compound on the bottom of a cork that appears to have crystals or tartrates. Wikipedia expands on the use of this acid in wine:
… tartaric acid plays an important role chemically, lowering the pH of fermenting “must” to a level where many undesirable spoilage bacteria cannot live, and acting as a preservative after fermentation. In the mouth, tartaric acid provides some of the tartness that is currently out of fashion in the wine world, although citric and malic acids also play a role. The modern practice of extended hang time, where grapes are allowed to sit on the vine nearly until they become raisins, can dramatically reduce the taste of tartaric acid in a wine, leaving it smoother but also potentially less compatible with food.
