# Official Journal C 273/2023

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 273 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 662 August 2023 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 273

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 662 August 2023

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| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 273/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10996 – ICG / SCOPELEC / SETELEN) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2023/C 273/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.11156 – CINVEN / AMARA) (
  1
  ) | 2 |

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2023/C 273/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10996 – ICG / SCOPELEC / SETELEN) (
  1
  )

1

1

2023/C 273/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.11156 – CINVEN / AMARA) (
  1
  )

1

2

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 273/03 | Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations: 4,00 % on 1 August 2023 – Euro exchange rates | 3 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2023/C 273/03

Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations: 4,00 % on 1 August 2023 – Euro exchange rates

3

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 273/04 | Notice of the impending expiry of certain anti-dumping measures | 4 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 273/05 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11190 – CORAL REEF / MHI / EQUITY INMEUBLES) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 273/06 | Publication of an application for amendment pursuant to Article 26(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks, the use of the names of spirit drinks in the presentation and labelling of other foodstuffs, the protection of geographical indications for spirit drinks, the use of ethyl alcohol and distillates of agricultural origin in alcoholic beverages, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 | 8 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

European Commission

2023/C 273/04

Notice of the impending expiry of certain anti-dumping measures

4

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2023/C 273/05

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11190 – CORAL REEF / MHI / EQUITY INMEUBLES) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

6

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2023/C 273/06

Publication of an application for amendment pursuant to Article 26(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks, the use of the names of spirit drinks in the presentation and labelling of other foodstuffs, the protection of geographical indications for spirit drinks, the use of ethyl alcohol and distillates of agricultural origin in alcoholic beverages, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 110/2008

8

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| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 2.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 273/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 273/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10996 – ICG / SCOPELEC / SETELEN)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 273/01)

On 4 April 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in French and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the ‘Competition policy’ website of the Commission (https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the ‘Competition policy’ website of the Commission (https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M10996. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M10996. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

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| 2.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 273/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 273/2

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11156 – CINVEN / AMARA)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 273/02)

On 26 July 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the ‘Competition policy’ website of the Commission (https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the ‘Competition policy’ website of the Commission (https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11156. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11156. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 2.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 273/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 273/3

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Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations (1):

4,00 % on 1 August 2023

Euro exchange rates (2)

1 August 2023

(2023/C 273/03)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,0970 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 156,85 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4518 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,85865 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 11,6496 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 0,9610 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 144,30 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 11,2110 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 23,951 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 389,25 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,4303 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9319 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 29,5808 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6557 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4569 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,5508 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7834 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,4641 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 413,56 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 19,8749 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,8620 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 587,01 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,9568 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 60,181 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | |
| THB | Thai baht | 37,578 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 5,2148 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 18,4278 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 90,2555 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0970

JPY

Japanese yen

156,85

DKK

Danish krone

7,4518

GBP

Pound sterling

0,85865

SEK

Swedish krona

11,6496

CHF

Swiss franc

0,9610

ISK

Iceland króna

144,30

NOK

Norwegian krone

11,2110

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

23,951

HUF

Hungarian forint

389,25

PLN

Polish zloty

4,4303

RON

Romanian leu

4,9319

TRY

Turkish lira

29,5808

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6557

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4569

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,5508

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7834

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,4641

KRW

South Korean won

1 413,56

ZAR

South African rand

19,8749

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,8620

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 587,01

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,9568

PHP

Philippine peso

60,181

RUB

Russian rouble

THB

Thai baht

37,578

BRL

Brazilian real

5,2148

MXN

Mexican peso

18,4278

INR

Indian rupee

90,2555

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(1)  Rate applied to the most recent operation carried out before the indicated day. In the case of a variable rate tender, the interest rate is the marginal rate.

(2)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

European Commission

| 2.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 273/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 273/4

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Notice of the impending expiry of certain anti-dumping measures

(2023/C 273/04)

1.

As provided for in Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union (1), the Commission gives notice that, unless a review is initiated in accordance with the following procedure, the anti-dumping measures mentioned below will expire on the date mentioned in the table below.

2.   Procedure

Procedure

Union producers may submit a written request for a review. This request must contain sufficient evidence that the expiry of the measures would be likely to result in a continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury. Should the Commission decide to review the measures concerned, importers, exporters, representatives of the exporting country and Union producers will then be provided with the opportunity to amplify, rebut or comment on the matters set out in the review request.

3.   Time limit

Time limit

Union producers may submit a written request for a review on the above basis, to reach the European Commission, Directorate-General for Trade (Unit G-1), CHAR 4/39, 1049 Brussels, Belgium (2) at any time from the date of the publication of the present notice but no later than three months before the date mentioned in the table below.

2

| 4. | This notice is published in accordance with Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036.









  Product | Country(ies) of origin or exportation | Measures | Reference | Date of expiry (3) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Certain organic coated steel products | The People’s Republic of China | Anti-dumping duty | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/687 of 2 May 2019 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain organic coated steel products originating in the People's Republic of China following an expiry review pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 116, 3.5.2019, p. 5) | 4.5.2024 |

4.

This notice is published in accordance with Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036.

Product

Country(ies) of origin or exportation

Measures

Reference

Date of expiry (3)

3

Certain organic coated steel products

The People’s Republic of China

Anti-dumping duty

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/687 of 2 May 2019 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain organic coated steel products originating in the People's Republic of China following an expiry review pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 116, 3.5.2019, p. 5)

4.5.2024

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(1)  OJ L 176, 30.6.2016, p. 21.

1

(2)  TRADE-Defence-Complaints@ec.europa.eu

2

(3)  The measure expires at midnight (00:00) of the day mentioned in this column.

3

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 2.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 273/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 273/6

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.11190 – CORAL REEF / MHI / EQUITY INMEUBLES)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 273/05)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Coral Reef E 2023 S.A. (‘Coral Reef’, Spain), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (‘ADIA’, United Arab Emirates), |
| --- | --- |

—

Coral Reef E 2023 S.A. (‘Coral Reef’, Spain), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (‘ADIA’, United Arab Emirates),

| — | Melia Hotels International S.A. (‘MHI’, Spain), |
| --- | --- |

—

Melia Hotels International S.A. (‘MHI’, Spain),

| — | Equity Inmuebles S.L. (Spain). |
| --- | --- |

—

Equity Inmuebles S.L. (Spain).

Coral Reef and MHI will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the following twelve Properties and Businesses of Equity Inmuebles S.L: María Pita, San Sebastian Orly, Barajas, Madrid Gran Vía 25, Marbella Banús, Arona Tenerife, Madrid Alameda Aeropuerto, Guadalmar, Madrid Centro, Merida Medea, Puerto de la Cruz and Royal Tanau. Coral Reef will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of Equity Inmuebles S.L.’s Properties and Businesses Sancti Petri, Madrid Plaza de España and Me Madrid. MHI will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of Equity Inmuebles S.L.’s Properties and Businesses Los Fenicios and Puertollano.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares, by way of purchase of assets and by way of contract of management.

2.

| — | Coral Reef is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ADIA which is holding and administrating undertakings and financial instruments. ADIA is a public institution established by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in 1976 as an independent investment institution. It invests funds allocated to it by the Government of Abu Dhabi and manages a global investment portfolio that is diversified across multiple asset classes. |
| --- | --- |

—

Coral Reef is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ADIA which is holding and administrating undertakings and financial instruments. ADIA is a public institution established by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in 1976 as an independent investment institution. It invests funds allocated to it by the Government of Abu Dhabi and manages a global investment portfolio that is diversified across multiple asset classes.

| — | MHI currently operates more than 300 hotels in 48 countries across Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South, Central and North America, and the Caribbean. |
| --- | --- |

—

MHI currently operates more than 300 hotels in 48 countries across Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South, Central and North America, and the Caribbean.

| — | Equity Inmuebles S.L. owns the real estate of a 17-hotel portfolio (the Properties and Businesses) spread across the Spanish mainland and the Canary Islands. |
| --- | --- |

—

Equity Inmuebles S.L. owns the real estate of a 17-hotel portfolio (the Properties and Businesses) spread across the Spanish mainland and the Canary Islands.

3.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.11190 – CORAL REEF / MHI / EQUITY INMEUBLES

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Postal address:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 2.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 273/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 273/8

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Publication of an application for amendment pursuant to Article 26(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks, the use of the names of spirit drinks in the presentation and labelling of other foodstuffs, the protection of geographical indications for spirit drinks, the use of ethyl alcohol and distillates of agricultural origin in alcoholic beverages, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 110/2008

(2023/C 273/06)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 27 of Regulation (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF A UNION AMENDMENT

‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne’

EU No: PGI-FR-02029-AM01

Date of application: 23.1.2020

1.   Applicant and legitimate interest

Association des producteurs de boissons spiritueuses à indication géographique champenoises [Association of ‘Champagne’ Spirit Drink Producers]

2.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)

| ☒ | Name of product |
| --- | --- |

☒

Name of product

| ☐ | Category or legal name of the spirit drink |
| --- | --- |

☐

Category or legal name of the spirit drink

| ☐ | Link |
| --- | --- |

☐

Link

| ☐ | Marketing restrictions |
| --- | --- |

☐

Marketing restrictions

| ☐ | Other: specific labelling rules |
| --- | --- |

☐

Other: specific labelling rules

3.   Description of and reasons for the amendment

3.1.   Explanation of why the amendment falls under the definition of a Union amendment as provided for in Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2019/787

The application involves a change to the name of the geographical indication registered under Regulation (EU) 2019/787, which becomes ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’.

3.2.   Description of and reasons for the amendment

(1)   Name of product

Description

Addition of the name ‘Fine champenoise’ as a synonym.

Reasons

When the technical file for the GI was submitted to the European Commission pursuant to Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, the producers stated that they would like the name of the GI to be changed to ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne’ / ‘Fine champenoise’, so that consumers are clearly informed of the link between this spirit drink and the Champagne wine region, as not all ‘eaux-de-vie de vin de la Marne’ come from the department of Marne, whilst leaving exclusive use of the name ‘Champagne’ to the ‘Champagne’ PDO.

The name ‘Fine champenoise’ has therefore been added as a synonym for the name ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne’ each time it appears in the technical file. The name was granted national recognition by the Order of 27 January 2015, published on 6 February 2015, which is conditional upon approval by the European Union.

As a result of the change to the name, the use of ‘Fine champenoise’ as an additional name in the section of the technical file on labelling rules has become redundant. It has therefore been removed.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s) of the geographical indication

‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’

2.   Member State to which the geographical area belongs

France

3.   Geographical indication type

Geographical indication

4.   Category or categories of the spirit drink

| 4. | Wine spirit |
| --- | --- |

4.

5.   Description of the characteristics of the spirit drink

Physical, chemical and/or organoleptic characteristics

‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ is white and clear. When ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ is aged in wood, it takes on a colour ranging from straw yellow to amber.

‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ is characterised by floral and slightly winey notes and notes of white-fleshed fruit (apple, pear). As it ages, it acquires notes of wood, vanilla, toasted bread and light tobacco.

Its content of volatile substances other than ethyl and methyl alcohol is at least 200 grams per hectolitre of pure alcohol. Its methanol content is less than 150 grams per hectolitre of pure alcohol.

When sold to the consumer, it has a minimum alcoholic strength by volume of 40 %.

Specific characteristics (compared to spirit drinks of the same category)

‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ is obtained from wines produced under the ‘Champagne’ PDO, predominantly from the three champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. At the various stages of production, the wines are subject to the following specific production requirements: ensuring the grapes remain intact from the moment of harvest, pressing the whole grape bunches after harvest, slow fermentation, quality selection of the base wines, disgorgement. It is the only French wine spirit made from a raw material obtained exclusively from the production of sparkling wines.

‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ is made from wines that have a good balance between acidity and low alcoholic strength by volume.

The wines used for distillation are taken at various stages of the production of the ‘Champagne’ PDO, namely during pressing, quality selection of the base wines and disgorgement. They therefore have varied characteristics, which contribute to the aromatic originality of ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’.

6.   Definition of the geographical area

The areas where the grapes may be harvested, pressed and made into wine and where ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ may be distilled and matured (resting and, where appropriate, ageing) are defined in Article V of the Law of 22 July 1927 on the ‘Champagne’ registered designation of origin, repealing and replacing Article 17 of the Law of 6 May 1919, subject to the following provisions:

| — | In the district of Vitry-le-François (department of Marne), the demarcated parcel area is the area approved by the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meeting of 7 and 8 November 1990. Maps of the area were submitted to the town halls concerned. |
| --- | --- |

—

In the district of Vitry-le-François (department of Marne), the demarcated parcel area is the area approved by the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meeting of 7 and 8 November 1990. Maps of the area were submitted to the town halls concerned.

| — | In the municipalities of Arsonval, Cunfin, Dolancourt and Jaucourt (department of Aube), the demarcated parcel area is the area approved by the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meetings of 23 June 1994, 8 September 1994 and 19 May 1995. Maps of the area were submitted to the town halls of the municipalities concerned. |
| --- | --- |

—

In the municipalities of Arsonval, Cunfin, Dolancourt and Jaucourt (department of Aube), the demarcated parcel area is the area approved by the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meetings of 23 June 1994, 8 September 1994 and 19 May 1995. Maps of the area were submitted to the town halls of the municipalities concerned.

| — | In the municipalities of Marcilly-le-Hayer and La Villeneuve-au-Châtelot (department of Aube), no parcel area was demarcated in line with the decision of the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meeting of 10 September 1997. |
| --- | --- |

—

In the municipalities of Marcilly-le-Hayer and La Villeneuve-au-Châtelot (department of Aube), no parcel area was demarcated in line with the decision of the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meeting of 10 September 1997.

| — | In the municipalities of Brienne-le-Chateau, Epagne, Précy-Saint-Martin and Saint-Léger-sous-Brienne (department of Aube) and Esclavolle-Lurey, Potangis, Saint-Quentin-le-Verger and Villiers-aux-Corneilles (department of Marne), no parcel area was demarcated in line with the decisions of the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meetings of 23 and 24 June 1994, 7 and 8 September 1994, 18 and 19 May 1995 and 6 and 7 September 1995. |
| --- | --- |

—

In the municipalities of Brienne-le-Chateau, Epagne, Précy-Saint-Martin and Saint-Léger-sous-Brienne (department of Aube) and Esclavolle-Lurey, Potangis, Saint-Quentin-le-Verger and Villiers-aux-Corneilles (department of Marne), no parcel area was demarcated in line with the decisions of the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meetings of 23 and 24 June 1994, 7 and 8 September 1994, 18 and 19 May 1995 and 6 and 7 September 1995.

| — | In the municipality of Fontaine-sur-Aÿ (department of Marne), the demarcated parcel area is the area approved by the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meeting of 9 and 10 September 1999. Maps of the area were submitted to the town hall of the municipality concerned. |
| --- | --- |

—

In the municipality of Fontaine-sur-Aÿ (department of Marne), the demarcated parcel area is the area approved by the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meeting of 9 and 10 September 1999. Maps of the area were submitted to the town hall of the municipality concerned.

| — | In the municipalities of Corfélix, Corrobert, Le Thoult-Trosnay, Verdon, Reuves and Broussy-le-Petit (department of Marne), no parcel area was demarcated in line with the decision of the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meeting of 5 and 6 September 2001. |
| --- | --- |

—

In the municipalities of Corfélix, Corrobert, Le Thoult-Trosnay, Verdon, Reuves and Broussy-le-Petit (department of Marne), no parcel area was demarcated in line with the decision of the relevant national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meeting of 5 and 6 September 2001.

7.   Method of production of the spirit drink

The spirit is obtained by distilling wines that meet the production requirements (vine varieties, vineyard management, harvest and pressing) laid down in the specification for the ‘Champagne’ PDO.

The wines are stored in vats that are kept topped up and stoppered until distillation. The wines may be on the lees.

When distilled, the wines have:

| — | a natural alcoholic strength by volume of between 6 % and 12 %; |
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a natural alcoholic strength by volume of between 6 % and 12 %;

| — | a maximum volatile acidity of 1 g/l of H2SO4; |
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a maximum volatile acidity of 1 g/l of H2SO4;

| — | a total sulphur dioxide (SO2) content less than or equal to 100 mg/l. |
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a total sulphur dioxide (SO2) content less than or equal to 100 mg/l.

Distillation

The distilling capacity of each device must not exceed 70 hl of pure alcohol per 24-hour period.

The spirit contained in the daily collector at the end of the distillation process has an alcoholic strength by volume less than or equal to 75 % at a temperature of 20 °C.

The wines are distilled:

| — | by single batch distillation with second distillation (repasse); |
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by single batch distillation with second distillation (repasse);

| — | by batch distillation with vessels in a cascade arrangement, combined with multi-stage distillation with reflux; |
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by batch distillation with vessels in a cascade arrangement, combined with multi-stage distillation with reflux;

| — | or by continuous multi-stage distillation with reflux. |
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or by continuous multi-stage distillation with reflux.

(1)   Single batch distillation with second distillation (

  repasse
  )

—   Description of the equipment

Distillation is carried out using a still consisting of a boiler, a still-head, a swan’s neck with or without a preheater or a water condenser, and a cooling coil.

The boiler, still-head, swan’s neck and coil are made of copper.

The total capacity of the boiler must not exceed 25 hectolitres.

(2)   Batch distillation in a multi-stage cascade with reflux

—   Description of the equipment

Distillation is carried out using stills consisting of several distillation vessels and concentration columns.

The distillation columns must be made of copper.

The maximum number of vessels is five. The capacity of the vessel must not exceed 20 hectolitres.

The maximum number of columns is two. A column comprises no more than 15 trays.

(3)   Continuous multi-stage distillation with reflux

—   Description of the distillation equipment

Distillation is carried out using columns containing trays with bubble caps or tunnels to ensure that there is contact between the liquid and gaseous flows that pass through them in opposite directions. The column is mounted on top of the boiler generating the vapour. The columns comprise an exhausting section, in which the liquid to be distilled is depleted of alcohol, which evaporates, and an enriching section, in which the vapour is enriched in alcohol.

Condensation takes place in one or more preheaters or water condensers. The condensates from these heat exchangers are either drawn off as distillate or returned to the upper part of the enriching section.

—   Separation of undesirable components

Procedures to extract the liquid phase during distillation to make it possible to adjust the partial concentration of certain components in the distillate (rectification) are prohibited.

Components deemed undesirable are eliminated in the residues or in the atmosphere through degasification or captured by gas-scrubbing columns.

Maturation

The unaged spirit is allowed to rest in vats after distillation for a period of at least 3 months before being placed on the market.

The resting stage takes place in inert containers to prevent the spirit taking on any colour.

The aged spirit is matured in oak casks with a capacity of no more than 10 hectolitres for a period of at least 24 months from the date of casking.

Use of wood chips is prohibited.

Finishing

Using caramel to adjust the colour and sweetening to round off the final flavour are authorised, provided that their effect on the spirit is an obscuration level of less than 4 % by volume. Obscuration, expressed as % by volume, is obtained by calculating the difference between the actual alcoholic strength by volume and the gross alcoholic strength by volume.

8.   Specific labelling rules

General rules

Spirits for which the geographical indication ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ is requested cannot be declared for production or sold unless the name ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’, followed by the words ‘indication géographique’ [geographical indication], are printed on the transport documents, declarations, brochures, labels and containers.

None of the terms comprising the geographical indication ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ may appear separately. The indication thus always forms an indivisible whole.

Terms relating to ageing

The ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ geographical indication may be supplemented by the following terms relating to a period of ageing only under the conditions specified below:

| — | the term ‘vieille’ or ‘VS’ may be used for spirits aged for at least 4 years; |
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the term ‘vieille’ or ‘VS’ may be used for spirits aged for at least 4 years;

| — | the term ‘très vieille’ or ‘VSOP’ may be used for spirits aged for at least 6 years; |
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the term ‘très vieille’ or ‘VSOP’ may be used for spirits aged for at least 6 years;

| — | the term ‘hors d’âge’ or ‘XO’ may be used for spirits aged for at least 10 years. |
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the term ‘hors d’âge’ or ‘XO’ may be used for spirits aged for at least 10 years.

These optional terms must appear on the labelling, either before or after the geographical indication, in characters with a typeface and size that is either the same or smaller, both in height and in width.

9.   Description of the link between the spirit drink and its geographical origin

Natural factors

The geographical area covered by the ‘Champagne’ PDO is situated in the north-east of France and spans municipalities in the departments of Aisne, Aube, Haute-Marne, Marne and Seine-et-Marne.

The landscape is characterised by steep-slope vineyards established on three imposing geomorphological structures, namely the Côte d’Île-de-France, the Côte de Champagne and the Côte des Bar. They are predominantly chalky, preferably with an easterly or southerly exposure.

The vineyards are in a northern wine-growing area, influenced by two different climates:

| — | an oceanic climate, supplying regular rainfall, with limited temperature differences between seasons, and |
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an oceanic climate, supplying regular rainfall, with limited temperature differences between seasons, and

| — | a continental climate, giving rise to frost, sometimes with destructive effects, and providing sunshine in summer, which helps the grapes to ripen. |
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a continental climate, giving rise to frost, sometimes with destructive effects, and providing sunshine in summer, which helps the grapes to ripen.

Human factors

‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ is traditionally made from wines produced under the ‘Champagne’ PDO, predominantly from the three champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. The area’s soil and climatic conditions and the local harvesting, grape-pressing and wine-making practices, which are geared to the production of sparkling wine, interact to produce wines with a broad aromatic palate, on account of the range of grape varieties used, a certain degree of acidity and a relatively low alcoholic strength, allowing a high concentration of aromas.

The wines used for distillation are taken at various stages of the production of the ‘Champagne’ PDO, namely during pressing, quality selection of the base wines and disgorgement. They therefore have varied characteristics, which contribute to the aromatic originality of ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’.

Distillation is carried out either by distillers located at a fixed spot at the heart of the vineyards, who distil, mature and market the spirit themselves or through the intermediary of winemakers or champagne merchants, or by travelling distillers, who work to order on behalf of winegrowers.

Causal link

‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ derives its main characteristics from the raw material used to produce it, which is sourced from the production of the ‘Champagne’ PDO. The link with the ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ geographical area rests on the following factors:

The specific quality of the grapes produced in the Champagne region:

The vineyards of the Champagne region owe their distinctiveness to their northerly location. The soil and climatic conditions in the geographical area have led to the emergence of a specific method of vineyard management, reflected, in particular, in the choice of grape varieties. The three main grape varieties are Chardonnay B (29 %), Pinot Noir N (38 %) and Meunier N (32 %). These grape varieties, in combination with the conditions in the geographical area, provide a raw material characterised by a good balance between acidity and potential alcohol and a low alcohol content. These characteristics, particularly the alcohol content, are ideal for the production of spirits: as the pure alcohol yield is lower, the aromas are more concentrated in the spirit obtained.

The range of grape varieties used adds to the diversity of the aromas.

The use of wines sourced from the production of sparkling wines:

Local methods for picking and pressing the grapes and making the wine are tailored exclusively to the production of sparkling wine. The wines used to make ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ are taken at various stages of the production of the ‘Champagne’ PDO, namely during pressing, quality selection of the base wines and disgorgement. They therefore have varied characteristics, which contribute to the aromatic originality of ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’.

The expertise of the distillers and the cellar masters helps to ensure that ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ fully expresses the aromas derived from the raw material used to make it, either very floral, slightly winey notes and notes of white-fleshed fruit (apple, pear) for the unaged spirits or, depending on the stage of ageing of the aged spirits, notes of wood, vanilla, toasted bread and light tobacco, which ‘Eau-de-vie de vin de la Marne / Fine champenoise’ acquires as it ages.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-d643c5db-b3a5-4e76-a2de-ce06bec6bea5

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(1)  OJ L 130, 17.5.2019, p. 1.

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