# Official Journal C 514/2021

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 514 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6421 December 2021 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 514

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6421 December 2021

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 514/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10557 – CPP INVESTMENTS / VOTORANTIM / VOTENER) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 514/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10557 – CPP INVESTMENTS / VOTORANTIM / VOTENER) (
  1
  )

1

1

---

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 514/02 | Euro exchange rates — 20 December 2021 | 2 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 514/02

Euro exchange rates — 20 December 2021

2

---

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 514/03 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10488 – FAURECIA / HELLA) (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 514/04 | Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 5 |
| 2021/C 514/05 | Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 17 |
| 2021/C 514/06 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 | 30 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2021/C 514/03

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10488 – FAURECIA / HELLA) (
  1
  )

1

3

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2021/C 514/04

Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

5

2021/C 514/05

Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

17

2021/C 514/06

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

30

---

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

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

EN

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 21.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 514/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

21.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 514/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10557 – CPP INVESTMENTS / VOTORANTIM / VOTENER)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 514/01)

On 15 December 2021, 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 (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). 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 (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). 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 32021M10557. 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 32021M10557. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

---

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

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 21.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 514/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

21.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 514/2

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

20 December 2021

(2021/C 514/02)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1273 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 127,98 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4363 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,85205 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,3010 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0408 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 146,60 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 10,1915 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,234 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 366,69 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,6337 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9486 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 20,0434 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5855 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4569 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,7943 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6778 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5415 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 343,40 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 17,8271 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,1882 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5150 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 244,16 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7645 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 56,256 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 83,5900 |
| THB | Thai baht | 37,889 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 6,4219 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 23,4407 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 85,5025 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1273

JPY

Japanese yen

127,98

DKK

Danish krone

7,4363

GBP

Pound sterling

0,85205

SEK

Swedish krona

10,3010

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0408

ISK

Iceland króna

146,60

NOK

Norwegian krone

10,1915

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,234

HUF

Hungarian forint

366,69

PLN

Polish zloty

4,6337

RON

Romanian leu

4,9486

TRY

Turkish lira

20,0434

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5855

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4569

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,7943

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6778

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5415

KRW

South Korean won

1 343,40

ZAR

South African rand

17,8271

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,1882

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5150

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 244,16

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7645

PHP

Philippine peso

56,256

RUB

Russian rouble

83,5900

THB

Thai baht

37,889

BRL

Brazilian real

6,4219

MXN

Mexican peso

23,4407

INR

Indian rupee

85,5025

---

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

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 21.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 514/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

21.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 514/3

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10488 – FAURECIA / HELLA)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 514/03)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Faurecia SE (‘Faurecia’) (France), |
| --- | --- |

—

Faurecia SE (‘Faurecia’) (France),

| — | HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA (‘Hella’) (Germany). |
| --- | --- |

—

HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA (‘Hella’) (Germany).

Faurecia acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Hella.

The concentration is accomplished by way of public bid announced on 27 September 2021.

2.

| — | for Faurecia: the development, manufacture, and supply of components for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Its four main business areas are seating, interiors, clean mobility (including solutions to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency and acoustic performance), and electronics (in-vehicle infotainment, human machine interfaces and connectivity), |
| --- | --- |

—

for Faurecia: the development, manufacture, and supply of components for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Its four main business areas are seating, interiors, clean mobility (including solutions to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency and acoustic performance), and electronics (in-vehicle infotainment, human machine interfaces and connectivity),

| — | for Hella: the development and production of automotive parts, in particular lighting and electronic products. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Hella: the development and production of automotive parts, in particular lighting and electronic products.

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

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.10488 – FAURECIA / HELLA

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

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

Fax +32 22964301

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

---

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

1

---

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 21.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 514/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

21.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 514/5

---

Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2021/C 514/04)

This publication confers the right to oppose the amendment application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS WHICH IS NOT MINOR

Application for approval of an amendment in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2), of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

’Carne Mertolenga’

EU No: PDO-PT-0212-AM01 – 1 March 2018

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

Associação de Criadores de Bovinos Mertolengos [Association of Mertolenga Breeders]

The group is composed of producers of ‘Carne Mertolenga’ and therefore has a legitimate interest in submitting an amendment application.

| Address: Rua Diana de Liz |
| --- |
| Horta do Bispo |
| Apartado 466 |
| 7006-806 Évora |
| Country: Portugal |

Address: Rua Diana de Liz

Horta do Bispo

Apartado 466

7006-806 Évora

Country: Portugal

Tel. +351 266711222

Email: geral@mertolenga.com

2.   Member State or Third country

Portugal

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

| ☐ | Name of product |
| --- | --- |

☐

Name of product

| ☒ | Description of product |
| --- | --- |

☒

Description of product

| ☐ | Geographical area |
| --- | --- |

☐

Geographical area

| ☒ | Proof of origin |
| --- | --- |

☒

Proof of origin

| ☒ | Method of production |
| --- | --- |

☒

Method of production

| ☐ | Link |
| --- | --- |

☐

Link

| ☒ | Labelling |
| --- | --- |

☒

Labelling

| ☒ | Other: deletion of the provisions on placement on the market, update to information on the control body and deletion of the provisions on irregularities and appeal |
| --- | --- |

☒

Other: deletion of the provisions on placement on the market, update to information on the control body and deletion of the provisions on irregularities and appeal

4.   Type of amendment(s)

| ☐ | Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |
| --- | --- |

☐

Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

| ☒ | Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 |
| --- | --- |

☒

Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

5.   Amendment(s)

5.1.   Description of product

1.   Amendment

Amendment 1: Deletion of the word ‘refrigerated’ from the product description.

Reason: The word ‘refrigerated’ must be deleted so that ‘Carne Mertolenga’ PDO beef may be presented in the form of frozen cuts. This is in response to how the market is evolving as regards the way the product is presented.

Original text: ‘Refrigerated meat from Mertolenga breed animals...’

Amended text: ‘Meat from Mertolenga breed animals...’

2.   Amendment

Amendment 2: Replacement of the words ‘raw material classification’ with ‘age brackets’.

Reason: The words ‘age brackets’ are more appropriate in the text, because the only reference is to the age of the animals at the time of slaughter.

Original text: ‘Raw material classification:’

Amended text: ‘Age brackets:’

3.   Amendment

Amendment 3: Deletion of the references to carcass weight in the age brackets.

Reason: Council Regulation (EC) No 700/2007 of 11 June 2007 states that the weight of the animals on slaughter appears to be less important in determining the characteristics of their meat. This Regulation does not define weight ranges for carcasses. The carcass weight limits for the various age brackets included in the product specification must therefore be deleted.

4.   Amendment

Amendment 4: Clarification of the ‘vitela’ (veal) and ‘novilho’ (young bull) age bracket ranges.

Reason: This amendment makes it clearer that the upper limit of the age range is included in the respective category.

Original text: ‘Age range: 6-10 months’.

Amended text: ‘Age range: over 6 months and younger than or equal to 10 months’.

Original text: ‘Age range: 15-30 months’.

Amended text: ‘Age range: over 15 months and younger than or equal to 30 months’.

5.   Amendment

Amendment 5: Inclusion of the ‘vitelão’ (yearling) age bracket.

Reason: In the original text of the product specification, there is a gap between the ‘vitela’ (veal, 6-10 months) and ‘novilho/ novilha’ (young bull/heifer, 15-30 months) age brackets. This gap was due to a mistake by the author of the text, because the ‘vitelão’ (yearling) age bracket was not very relevant in the Portuguese beef market at the time. Since then, the Portuguese market has shown greater appreciation for lighter bovine carcasses. This has opened up a new possibility for production, as well as the ‘vitela’ (veal) already provided for in the product specification. The production of this type of carcasses is appropriate considering the growth potential of Mertolenga cattle. As their growth rate after weaning is slower than that of other more specialised breeds (937 g/day on average), the age range for the ‘vitelão’ (yearling) age bracket is defined as being between the upper limit defined for the ‘vitela’ (veal) age bracket and the lower limit defined for the ‘novilho/novilha’ (young bull/heifer) age bracket at the time of slaughter.

Original text: (non-existent)

Amended text: ‘Vitelão (yearling) - animals with the following characteristics at the time of slaughter: Age range: over 10 months and younger than or equal to 15 months’.

6.   Amendment

Amendment 6: Merging of the “novilho” (young bull) and “novilha” (heifer) age brackets into a single age bracket, “novilho/ novilha” (young bull/heifer).

Reason: Having eliminated the references to the carcass weight, the distinction between the “novilho” (young bull) and “novilha” (heifer) age brackets is no longer evident and it does not make sense to present this beef to the consumer in different categories. Therefore, they must be merged into a single category.

Original text: “Novilho” (young bull) - male animals with the following characteristics at the time of slaughter: Age range: 15 - 30 months / carcass weight: between 200 and 250 kg. “Novilha” (heifer) - female animals with the following characteristics at the time of slaughter: Age range: 15 - 30 months / Carcass weight: between 180 and 220 kg’.

Amended text: ‘Novilho/ novilha (young bull/heifer) - animals with the following characteristics at the time of slaughter: Age range: over 15 months and younger than or equal to 30 months’.

7.   Amendment

Amendment 7: Eligibility of other age brackets.

Reason: Following the implementation of the breed improvement plan, particularly the use of artificial insemination as well as other technical measures, the zootechnical value of Mertolenga breed animals has improved significantly. This means that the composition of the carcasses has also improved, even in the case of the older animals.

Therefore, the current characteristics that are inherent to the breed allow for this amendment to the categories and the inclusion of new age brackets.

Original text: (non-existent)

Amended text: ‘The carcasses of animals of different age brackets are also eligible for certification’.

8.   Amendment

Amendment 8: Identification of the carcass categories that are allowed, in view of the amendments proposed to the age brackets.

Reason: This change is being made in order to ensure that the text of the product specification is consistent with amendments 5, 6 and 7 and to enable more objective identification of the categories that are eligible for certification as ‘Carne Mertolenga’ PDO.

Original text:

‘Novilho (young bull): categories above “E” and below “P” (inclusive) are excluded. Novilha (heifer): the same restrictions as apply to the young bull. Vitela (veal): categories above E (inclusive) are excluded.’

Amended text: ‘Novilho/novilha (young bull/heifer): categories U, R and O are allowed. Other age brackets: categories U, R, O and P are allowed.’

9.   Amendment

Amendment 9: Identification of ‘quarter-carcass’ as a form of presentation that is allowed.

Reason: The ‘quarter-carcass’ form of presentation must be added in response to the market and how it is changing. The ‘Carne Mertolenga’ PDO product leaves the slaughterhouse in carcass, half-carcass or quarter-carcass form.

Original text: ‘Carcasses or half-carcasses.’

Amended text: ‘Carcasses, half-carcasses or quarter-carcasses.’

10.   Amendment

Amendment 10: Deletion of the reference to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1026/91.

Reason: Deletion of reference to outdated legislation.

Original text: ‘The Community grading scale for the classification of carcasses is adopted in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 1026/91, subject to the following restrictions’.

Amended text: ‘Carcasses classified in the following identified categories are allowed’.

5.2.   Proof of origin

1.   Amendment

Amendment 11: Deletion of the obligation that producers must belong to the group and that they must only slaughter animals from the geographical area that corresponds to the ‘Carne Mertolenga’ PDO.

Reason: Deletion of provisions not in line with the legislation.

Original text: ‘The holdings of member producers must be located within the demarcated region and this is a condition that is necessary in order for them to join the group.’

Amended text: (deleted).

Original text: ‘Member farmers undertake a commitment in writing to only slaughter animals from the geographical area in question.’

Amended text: ‘Producers undertake a commitment in writing to only submit for certification animals that have been born and bred in the geographical area in question.’

2.   Amendment

Amendment 12: Deletion of the requirement to identify the animals by tattooing.

Reason: Obsolete provision. Two systems are currently used in the breeding book for identifying animals that are eligible for ‘Carne Mertolenga’ PDO certification: two ear tags with the SIA number (official identification number) and electronic identification (in this case, only for adults). The rules that are currently in force concerning the identification and handling of cattle enable perfect traceability of the animals’ origin.

Original text: ‘The use of tattoos for livestock identification, entry in the register of births and the breeding book, metallic ear tags (SIA number), transportation documents and compliance with the relevant inspection rules in force will make it possible to accurately determine the origin of meat intended for certification.’

Amended text: ‘The system whereby animals are entered in the breeding book and compliance with the relevant inspection rules in force will make it possible to accurately determine the origin of meat intended for certification.’

5.3.   Production method

1.   Amendment

Amendment 13: To update the reference to the breeding book

Reason: According to the updated Regulation on the breeding book for the Mertolenga cattle breed, pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 2016/1012 of 8 June 2016, the aim of this amendment is that the product specification for ‘Carne Mertolenga’ PDO should take into consideration all Mertolenga breed animals that have been entered in the breeding book, including those that have been entered in the founding register, as they are not entered in the register of births.

Original text: ‘Meat exclusively from Mertolenga breed cattle that have been entered in the register of births.’

Amended text: ‘Meat exclusively from Mertolenga breed cattle that have been entered in the breeding book.’

Original text: ‘According to the rules of the breeding book for the Mertolenga cattle breed, the fact of entering an animal in the register of births implies that it is tattooed with an identification number and that it is the offspring of registered parents.’

Amended text: ‘According to the rules of the breeding book for the Mertolenga cattle breed, the fact of registering an animal implies that it has been assigned a unique identification number and that it is the offspring of registered parents.’

2.   Amendment

Amendment 14: Deletion of the provisions regarding the homogeneity of the lots to be slaughtered.

Reason: This point is being deleted to maintain consistency with proposed amendments to the product description, where the references to the carcass weight in each age bracket were deleted.

Original text: ‘Homogeneity of the lots to be slaughtered. Weight range in lots: 50 kg. Age range within batches: 4 months’.

Amended text: (deleted).

3.   Amendment

Amendment 15: Updating the provisions concerning refrigeration.

Reason: With a view to guaranteeing compliance with Decree-Law No 158/97, the cooling period of 10 hours at 1 oC was extended to 24 hours at 0-2 oC to ensure that the post-mortem inspection is followed by a cooling period at the slaughter-house to guarantee a temperature throughout the meat of not more than 7 oC, along a chilling curve that ensures a continuous decrease of the temperature. The relative humidity and air circulation speed should also ensure the absence of condensation on any part of the surface of the carcass. For cutting, boning, trimming, slicing, wrapping and packaging, the temperature of the meat at the start of the process must be between 0 °C and 2 °C. Vacuum-packed cuts and slices, cubes or strips in vacuum packs or in a protective atmosphere must be kept at a temperature of between 0 oC and 4 oC. The cooling, handling and processing of the carcass must be carried out in accordance, in particular, with Chapters V and VII of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.

Original text: ‘For 10 hours at 1 oC.’

Amended text: ‘Carcasses must be cooled slowly at temperatures between 0 oC and 2 oC over the course of 24 hours so that the internal muscle masses attain a temperature of at least 7 oC prior to cutting’.

4.   Amendment

Amendment 16: Updating the provisions relating to maturation.

Reason: With a view to ensuring the high product tenderness associated with the needs of large-scale retailers, the minimum time interval between slaughter and sale to the consumer was reduced from 4 days to 3, as this is not detrimental to the product quality, is beneficial to trading channels and ensures that muscle masses are cooled after slaughter. The entire maturation process that applies to meat from animals covered by the ‘Carne Mertolenga’ PDO must necessarily be compliant with the terms of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin. The reference to the ideal maturation period is being deleted as it is an indicative reference with no regulatory status.

Original text: ‘The ideal maturation period for the meat is 7 days at 1 °C, but it may be offered for sale to the consumer 4 days after slaughter.’

Amended text: ‘The maturation period for the meat at temperatures of between 0 °C and 2 °C must last at least 3 days, from the date of slaughter until sale to the consumer.’

5.   Amendment

Amendment 17: Updating the provisions relating to freezing.

Reason: While the ban on the freezing/deep-freezing of carcasses, half-carcasses and quarter-carcasses remains, it is now permitted to freeze vacuum-packed cuts and other formats, as this form of presentation enables the quality of the product offered to the consumer to be maintained, while improving trading channels with more flexible validity dates and better alignment with current product management needs.

Original text: ‘Freezing is prohibited.’

Amended text: ‘The freezing/deep freezing of carcasses, half-carcasses or quarter-carcasses is prohibited. It is allowed for cuts that are vacuum-packed or packaged in other presentation formats.’

6.   Amendment

Amendment 18: Deletion of the provisions on sanitation and veterinary care, banned substances, transport, slaughterhouses, slaughter, hygiene, cutting and packaging, and other provisions.

Reason: These aspects are regulated in general legislation, so it is not necessary for them to be mentioned in the product specification.

Original text:

‘Sanitation and veterinary care. Animals must be decontaminated by the animal health protection group for the respective region or by the competent official services. Veterinary interventions, prescribed therapeutic interventions and the dates of any such interventions must be entered in the individual identification document. The attending veterinarian is solely responsible for the use of medicines. In the case of treatment for animals intended for slaughter, the withdrawal period for the elimination of residues of medicines must also be registered.’

‘Banned substances. In accordance with existing or upcoming national and Community legislation on the use of medicines supplied along with feed or on a direct basis, in particular Decree-Law No 210/84 and Council Directives 81/602/EEC and 85/358/EEC and 146/68 [sic], the use of banned substances is prohibited.’

‘Transport. In accordance with existing or upcoming national and Community legislation on the transportation of live animals, the following rules must be followed: There must be no ill-treatment in loading and unloading operations; the minimum space that is indispensable for animal welfare must be respected.’

‘Slaughterhouses. EC-approved slaughterhouses or slaughterhouses belonging to the Portuguese national slaughterhouse network.’

‘Slaughter. The appropriate withdrawal period for the elimination of the residues, in accordance with the individual record and the report issued by the veterinarian, must be respected. The national and Community legislation on the slaughter of animals for human consumption must be respected.’

‘Hygiene. The applicable national and Community legislation must be complied with in the processing and preparation of the meat.’

‘Cutting and packaging. Cutting must be carried out by specialised personnel in a room that has been duly legalised for this purpose.’

‘Other requirements laid down by Community or national provisions. The production, processing and marketing of meat must comply with the applicable national legislation and Community regulations. Any cases not covered by this specification are governed by the applicable legal rules.’

Amended text: (deleted).

7.   Amendment

Amendment 19: Updating of provisions on feed for the animals.

Reason: Due to unclear wording, the current product specification seems to prohibit the use of non-compound animal feed sources from neighbouring farms, which does not make sense. Moreover, there do not seem to be any restrictions on where compound feed is sourced from, which does not make sense either. The aim of this amendment is to clarify the rules that apply to animal feed, particularly when sourced from outside the geographical area. This amendment means that in the event of a feed shortage, producers will now be able to guarantee animal welfare or ongoing compliance with the specifications of another quality or certification scheme (for example, organic farming). We have taken the opportunity to update the text on the reporting obligations for operators, in the light of the current requirements in this regard for official inspections.

Original text: ‘Farming is extensive with a stocking density of less than 1.4 LU/ha. Calves are weaned between the ages of 6 and 9 months. (...) Extensive farming is maintained after weaning, with calves following a similar diet to that of their mothers.’

Amended text: ‘The animals are bred in extensive farming with a stocking density of less than 1.4 LU/ha. Calves feed on their mothers’ milk until they are 6-9 months old and graze along with their mothers. Extensive farming is maintained after weaning, with calves following a similar diet to that of their mothers.’

Original text: ‘The calves’ feed may be supplemented with compound feed when there is a fodder shortage. (...) Supplementation: with products from the farm or compound feed. Animals are reared in extensive farming and finishing may be based on products sourced from the farm or on compound feed.’

Amended text: ‘If necessary, the animals’ diet may be supplemented with products sourced from the same or other farms, or with compound feed. Animals are reared in extensive farming and finishing may be based on products sourced from the same or other farms or on compound feed.’

Original text: (non-existent)

Amended text: ‘If it is necessary to use animal feed that is not sourced from the same farm, then producers should give priority to animal feed sourced from other farms located within the geographical area. If that is not feasible, then animal feed sourced from outside the geographical area may be used, as long as it does not exceed 50 % of the dry matter on an annual basis.’

Original text: ‘The use of compound feed must be authorised by the Producer Group. This must be notified, as well as any permits issued to the private inspection body, so that the use and characteristics of this kind of feed may be controlled.’

Amended text: ‘The use of feed sourced from other farms and compound feed must be notified to the control body in such a manner that the source, characteristics and quantities used or intended for use may be checked.’

8.   Amendment

Amendment 20: Updating of the provisions concerning product disqualification.

Reason: The aim of this amendment is to clarify the provisions concerning product disqualification in the product specification.

Original text: ‘Disqualification. The Protected Designation of Origin may not be allocated to carcasses or cuts of meat which: do not comply with the specifications concerning production, processing and marketing as set out in this document; have been damaged during the process of slaughter, bleeding, evisceration, etc.’

Amended text: ‘Disqualification. Certification must not be given to meat obtained from carcasses or cuts that have been damaged (during the process of slaughter, bleeding, evisceration, etc.) to such an extent that compliance with legislation or with this product specification is compromised.’

5.4.   Labelling

1.   Amendment

Amendment 21: Deletion of provisions concerning identification and labelling.

Reason: These aspects are regulated in general legislation, so it is not necessary for them to be mentioned in the product specification.

Original text: ‘Identification and labelling. The meat must be identified using a stamp, sticker or packaging bearing the following designation: CARNE MERTOLENGA - D.O.. Carcasses must be stamped at various points on each half-carcass. Packaged cuts must be identified using stickers or stamped packaging. Meat trays and prepared meats must be identified using stickers. The name of the producer, the identity and type of animal, the age and the date of slaughter must also be stated on an individual form. This form must accompany the carcasses and other forms of presentation during transportation and marketing. As for vacuum-packed cuts, meat trays or prepared meats, as well as the above particulars, which must be visible on the label, the cut or cuts contained in the respective packaging and their weight must also be identified.’

Amended text: (deleted).

2.   Amendment

Amendment 22: Updating of specific elements of the labelling.

Reason: Deletion of obsolete legal references and provisions that are legally redundant. Deletion of the mandatory requirement to use the ‘Carne Mertolenga’ trademark and logo (the use of which is reserved exclusively for members of the group), since no operator can be obliged to be a member of the group.

Original text: ‘The labelling must be carried out in accordance with standing legislation (Decree-Law No 170/92 and Ministerial Implementing Order No 119/93) and include the following particulars: Trademark and logo: Carne Mertolenga – DO; Product type: [Novilho (young bull)/ Novilha ( heifer)/ Vitela (veal)]; Cut identification: (loin, striploin, etc...); Net weight; Date of slaughter; Other elements deemed to be relevant. The “Carne Mertolenga” PDO marking, the respective symbols and logos used on the label and the advertising for the meat can only be used pursuant to the conditions laid down in the applicable Community regulations and in Legislative Order No 293/93.’

Amended text: ‘Regardless of the presentation format, “Carne Mertolenga” must: - Have one of the following wordings on the label: “CARNE MERTOLENGA – DENOMINAÇÃO DE ORIGEM PROTEGIDA” [CARNE MERTOLENGA – PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN] or “CARNE MERTOLENGA DOP” [CARNE MERTOLENGA PDO]; - The control body must also be identified.’

5.5.   Other

1.   Amendment

Amendment 23: Deletion of the provisions concerning marketing of the product.

Reason: Deletion of provisions that are superfluous or which are not in line with the legislation.

Original text ‘Marketing. The type of marketing adopted must be defined by Mertolenga, Lda. and may take the following forms: direct sales by Mertocar, Lda; sale by other commercial undertakings regulated by a protocol. Protocols signed with other commercial undertakings must define the rules that apply to the presentation, conservation and sale of products in accordance with this product specification.’

Amended text: (deleted).

2.   Amendment

Amendment 24: Update on information on the inspection body (point 7 of the product specification)

Reason: This amendment is justified by the fact that the competent authority has appointed another entity as the control and certification body for ‘Carne Mertolenga’.

A number of factors were taken into account when proposing this amendment.

First of all, the information on the control body may go out of date quickly (due to the appointment being withdrawn, loss of accreditation, change of address, etc.).

Secondly, this chapter in the product specification does not have regulatory status. According to the applicable legislation on official inspections, this product is inspected by the control body to which the competent authority delegates this responsibility, regardless of what the product specification says about the matter. The fact that this chapter is not regulatory in nature means updating it is less relevant for producers and therefore they only tend to ask for it to be updated when it is necessary to amend other aspects of the product specification as well. That is the reason why this chapter, when outdated, tends to be left for a long time without being updated. In fact, the text concerning the control body in the current product specification has been out of date for over eighteen years without the producers having felt the need to request an update (given that the product continued to be inspected under the terms of the applicable legislation).

Thirdly, submitting an application for an amendment to the product specification involves some costs for the group and the producers (time investment, human resource allocation, expenditure on communications, materials consumed, etc.). These costs must be kept to a minimum and therefore the group and producers should not have to incur them every time there is a change in the name of an authority or the address of a control body.

Finally, the name and address of the relevant authorities and control bodies are made publicly available by the European Commission and it is the responsibility of Member States to ensure that this information is always up to date.

Therefore, our understanding is that it is better to include a reference to the place where the name and address of the control body may be found, as this enables compliance with the terms of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 and ensures that the information on the control body is up to date.

Original text: ‘The Associação de Criadores de Bovinos Mertolengos [Association of Mertolenga Breeders], with headquarters at Lg. Alexandre Herculano, no 8, in Évora, is proposed as the private inspection and certification body. This Association is in charge of managing the breeding book for the Mertolenga breed, which means they will be able to quickly and reliably identify the origin of carcasses to be certified. It has qualified personnel and the auxiliary resources that are needed to perform the required inspections.’

Amended text: ‘The competent authority in charge of performing the official controls to verify compliance with the legal requirements of the PGI scheme is the Directorate-General of Agriculture and Rural Development [Direção-Geral de Agricultura e Desenvolvimento Rural - DGADR], which has its registered address at Av. Afonso Costa, n.o 3, 1949-002 Lisbon. The certification check will be performed by the designated control body.’

3.   Amendment

Amendment 25: Deletion of the provisions on irregularities and appeal.

Reason: Deletion of provisions concerning the application of sanctions. Responsibility for defining these lies with the competent authority and therefore they should not be included in the product specification.

Original text: ‘Irregularities. Failure to comply with the rules set out in the product specification for the ‘Carne Mertolenga’ PDO designation may mean: 1. A written warning; 2. Temporary suspension of the offending producer; 3. A ban on the use of the certification. The management of MERTOCAR, Lda. will be responsible for assessing the lack of compliance and its severity, once the parties involved have been heard. The decision will be based on the severity of the irregularity detected and repeated infringements will be taken into account. The proceedings will be reported to the private inspection body.

Amended text: (deleted).

Original text: ‘Appeal. Any appeal of a penalty decided by MERTOCAR, Lda. must follow this order of submission: Management; General Assembly; IMAIAA (Institute of Agricultural Markets and the Agrifoods Sector)’

Amended text: (deleted).

4.   Amendment

Amendment 26: Replacement of the expression ‘middle of the century’ by ‘the middle of the twentieth century’ (amendments to wording - point 6 of the product specification)

Reason: The reference to the twentieth century was added to the text because the specification was drawn up in the 1990s and we are now in the twenty-first century.

Original text: ‘It was from these areas that it spread throughout the Alentejo and Ribatejo regions in the middle of the century.’

Amended text: ‘It was from these areas that it spread throughout the Alentejo and Ribatejo regions in the middle of the twentieth century.’

5.   Amendment

Amendment 27: Deletion of paragraph.

Reason: This paragraph is unnecessary. It is being deleted because it does not fit in with the rest of the text.

Original text: ‘At present and based on a considerable body of applied research, the productivity of Mertolenga cattle is to be commended. Compared to other Portuguese breeds, it is considered the best cattle breed for extensive farming and has therefore been updated and included in the spirit of the new CAP.’

Amended text: (deleted).

SINGLE DOCUMENT

’Carne Mertolenga’

EU No: PDO-PT-0212-AM01 – 1 March 2018

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

’Carne Mertolenga’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Portugal

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.1. Fresh meat (and offal)

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

Meat from animals belonging to the Mertolenga breed, which have been entered in the register of births, born to a bull and cow that have been entered in the breeding book for the Mertolenga cattle breed.

Age brackets:

‘Vitela’ (veal) - animals aged over 6 months and younger than or equal to 10 months at the time of slaughter.

‘Vitelão’ (yearling) - animals aged over 10 months and younger than or equal to 15 months at the time of slaughter.

‘Novilho/ novilha’ (young bull/heifer) - animals aged over 15 months and younger than or equal to 30 months at the time of slaughter.

The carcasses of animals of different age brackets are also eligible for certification.

Carcass classification allowed:

Conformation: In the young bull/heifer age bracket, categories U, R and O are allowed. In other age brackets, categories U, R, O and P are allowed.

Fat: It must be firm, non-exudative and ranging in colour between white and yellow. Category 4 carcasses can only be certified when they are going to be butchered. Category 5 carcasses are excluded.

Colour: Dark pink to dark red.

pH: less than 6.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

The animals are bred in extensive farming with a stocking density of under 1.4 LU/ha.

Calves feed on their mothers’ milk until they are 6-9 months old and graze along with their mothers. Extensive farming is maintained after weaning, with calves following a similar diet to that of their mothers.

The flocks generally feed on pastures (natural or improved), straw, hay/silage, second-cut hay and acorns. If necessary, the animals’ diet may be supplemented with products sourced from the same or other farms, or with compound feed.

Animals are reared in extensive farming and finishing may be based on products sourced from the same or other farms, or on compound feed.

If there is a need to use feed which is not from the farm so as to ensure, for instance, the animals’ continued well-being or ongoing compliance with the specifications of another quality (such as organic production) or certification scheme, producers should favour the use of feed from other farms located within the geographical area. If that is not feasible, animal feed sourced from outside the geographical area may be used, as long as it does not exceed 50 % of the dry matter on an annual basis, and provided that the essential characteristics of the meat as specified in the product description are not affected.

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

Birth, rearing and slaughter.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to which the registered name refers

‘Carne Mertolenga’ can be presented for sale in the form of a carcass, half-carcass, quarter-carcass or as vacuum-packed cuts, trays or prepared meats. The freezing/deep freezing of carcasses, half-carcasses or quarter-carcasses is prohibited. It is allowed for cuts that are vacuum-packed or packaged in other presentation formats.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

Regardless of the presentation format, ‘Carne Mertolenga’ must:

| — | Have one of the following wordings on the label: ‘Carne Mertolenga – Denominação de Origem Protegida’ [Carne Mertolenga – Protected Designation of Origin] or ‘Carne Mertolenga DOP’ [Carne Mertolenga PDO]; |
| --- | --- |

—

Have one of the following wordings on the label: ‘Carne Mertolenga – Denominação de Origem Protegida’ [Carne Mertolenga – Protected Designation of Origin] or ‘Carne Mertolenga DOP’ [Carne Mertolenga PDO];

| — | The control body must also be identified. |
| --- | --- |

—

The control body must also be identified.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

Districts of Portalegre, Santarém, Évora, Beja and Setúbal.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The ‘Carne Mertolenga’ geographical area is characterised by its Mediterranean climate, with annual rainfall ranging between 450 and 800 l/m2 mostly concentrated in autumn and winter. The summers are hot and dry. These climate conditions are largely responsible for the predominance in this area of extensive livestock farms, most of which include cork oak and holm oak groves.

These conditions have driven the development in the region of the Mertolenga cattle breed, well known for its hardiness, longevity and frugality. Also noteworthy are its high degree of fertility, its reproductive longevity and its ability to transform the coarsest feed into high-quality meat. There are four places where this breed is said to originate: the municipality of Barrancos and the poorest areas of Serpa and Beja, Vale do Sado and Vale do Sorraia. In the distant past, the term ‘mertolengo’ was used to describe the type of cattle that was well suited on account of its small stature and hardiness to the rough land of Mértola and Alcoutim with its hilly, rather undulating terrain with limited fodder. It was from these areas that the breed spread throughout the Alentejo and Ribatejo regions.

These cattle are fed on a diet based on natural or enhanced pastures, acorns and the stubble of cereal crops. Other types of feed are normally only used in situations of extreme fodder shortage. Given that feed is only abundant in spring and that it is almost always qualitatively deficient, the extraordinary way these cattle adapt to frequent shortages is crucial for ensuring their survival in the region of production. In some cases they are considered the only possible livestock option.

The conditions in the region of production mean that the animals are reared in an extensive system (a stocking density of under 1.4 LU/ha), making use of the holm oak grasslands which are typical of the region. This system of production, together with the characteristics of the breed itself, leads to animals that are small to medium in size, with carcasses that are relatively light for their age at the time of slaughter and which do not have much internal or external fat. These carcasses are proportionately small in size with firm, non-exudative fat. Their colouring ranges from white to yellow, and the meat varies from dark pink to dark red.

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

https://www.dgadr.gov.pt/images/docs/val/dop_igp_etg/Valor/CE_Carne_Mertolenga.pdf

---

(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

---

| 21.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 514/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

21.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 514/17

---

Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2021/C 514/05)

This publication confers the right to oppose the amendment application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS WHICH IS NOT MINOR

Application for approval of an amendment in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2), of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

‘Carne de Ávila’

EU No: PGI-ES-0093-AM02 – 12 December 2019

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

| Consejo Regulador de la Indicación Geográfica Protegida ‘Carne de Ávila’ ( ‘Carne de Ávila’ PGI Regulatory Board) |
| --- |
| Padre Tenaguillo 8 |
| 05004 Ávila |
| Spain |

Consejo Regulador de la Indicación Geográfica Protegida ‘Carne de Ávila’ ( ‘Carne de Ávila’ PGI Regulatory Board)

Padre Tenaguillo 8

05004 Ávila

Spain

Tel. +34 920352228

Email address: consejoregulador@carnedeavila.org

The Regulatory Board is officially recognised as the management body for ‘Carne de Ávila’ PGI in accordance with the first additional provision of the Act on Trans-Regional Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications (Act 6/2015 of 12 May 2015), and one of its specific duties is to propose amendments to the product specification.

2.   Member State or Third Country

Spain

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

| ☐ | Name of product |
| --- | --- |

☐

Name of product

| ☒ | Description of product |
| --- | --- |

☒

Description of product

| ☒ | Geographical area |
| --- | --- |

☒

Geographical area

| ☒ | Proof of origin |
| --- | --- |

☒

Proof of origin

| ☒ | Method of production |
| --- | --- |

☒

Method of production

| ☐ | Link |
| --- | --- |

☐

Link

| ☒ | Labelling |
| --- | --- |

☒

Labelling

| ☒ | Other [inspection body, national requirements] |
| --- | --- |

☒

Other [inspection body, national requirements]

4.   Type of amendment(s)

| ☒ | Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 |
| --- | --- |

☒

Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

| ☐ | Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 |
| --- | --- |

☐

Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

5.   Amendment(s)

5.1.   Description of product

Section B of the product specification (Description of product) and section 3.2 of the single document (Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies) have been amended to correct the reference to the SEUROP grid.

The passage previously read:

A carcase may only use the PGI if, based on the European carcase classification system, its conformation is between O and U+ and its fat cover is between 2 and 4.

It now reads:

A carcase may only use the PGI if, based on the European carcase classification system, its conformation is between U+ and O and its fat cover is between 2 and 4.

An ‘S’ row has also been added to the table under point 3.2 of the single document (Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies).

This was the previous table:

| | | Fat cover class |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | | 1 | 1+ | 2- | 2 | 2+ | 3- | 3 | 3+ | 4- | 4 | 4+ | 5- | 5 |
| Conformation | E | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U+ | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| U | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| U- | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| R+ | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| R | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| R- | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| O+ | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| O | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| O- | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| P+ | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| P | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| P- | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Fat cover class

1

1+

2-

2

2+

3-

3

3+

4-

4

4+

5-

5

Conformation

E

U+

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

U

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

U-

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

R+

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

R

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

R-

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

O+

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

O

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

O-

P+

P

P-

This is the amended table:

| | | Fat cover class |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | | 1 | 1+ | 2- | 2 | 2+ | 3- | 3 | 3+ | 4- | 4 | 4+ | 5- | 5 |
| Conformation | S | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| E | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U+ | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| U | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| U- | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| R+ | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| R | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| R- | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| O+ | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| O | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| O- | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| P+ | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| P | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| P- | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Fat cover class

1

1+

2-

2

2+

3-

3

3+

4-

4

4+

5-

5

Conformation

S

E

U+

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

U

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

U-

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

R+

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

R

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

R-

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

O+

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

O

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

O-

P+

P

P-

Justification for this amendment to the‘description of product’heading:

The aim behind this amendment to the ‘description of product’ heading is to ensure consistency with the nomenclature used in the SEUROP classification system for beef from adult cattle.

5.2.   Geographical area

Section C of the product specification (Geographical area) and section 4 of the single document (Concise definition of the geographical area) have been amended by expanding the production area to include the following territories:

The ‘Autonomous Community of Andalusia’ heading previously read:

Autonomous Community of Andalusia:

Huelva: Sierra

Jaén: Sierra Morena

Sevilla: Sierra Norte

Following the addition of the districts of Pedroches, La Sierra and Campiña Baja, all in the province of Córdoba, this heading now reads:

Autonomous Community of Andalusia:

Córdoba: Pedroches, La Sierra and Campiña Baja

Huelva: Sierra

Jaén: Sierra Morena

Sevilla: Sierra Norte

The ‘Autonomous Community of Castile-La Mancha’ heading previously read:

Autonomous Community of Castile-La Mancha:

Ciudad Real: Montes Norte, Campo de Calatrava, Montes Sur and Pastos

Toledo: Talavera, Torrijos, Sagra-Toledo, La Jara, Montes de Navahermosa and Monte de los Yébenes

Following the addition of all the districts in the province of Guadalajara, this heading now reads:

Autonomous Community of Castile-La Mancha:

Ciudad Real: Montes Norte, Campo de Calatrava, Montes Sur and Pastos

Guadalajara: all districts

Toledo: Talavera, Torrijos, Sagra-Toledo, La Jara, Montes de Navahermosa and Monte de los Yébenes

The ‘Autonomous Community of Castile-León’ heading previously read:

Autonomous Community of Castile-León:

Avila: all districts

Burgos: Demanda

León: La Montaña de Riaño

Palencia: Guardo and Cervera

Salamanca: all districts

Segovia: all districts

Soria: Pinares

Valladolid: Centro, Sur and Sureste

Zamora: Sayago

Following the addition of the district of Sahagún in the province of León and the district of Duero Bajo in the province of Zamora, this heading now reads:

Autonomous Community of Castile-León:

Avila: all districts

Burgos: Demanda

León: La Montaña de Riaño and Sahagún

Palencia: Guardo and Cervera

Salamanca: all districts

Segovia: all districts

Soria: Pinares

Valladolid: Centro, Sur and Sureste

Zamora: Sayago and Duero Bajo

The ‘Autonomous Community of Extremadura’ heading previously read:

Autonomous Community of Extremadura:

Cáceres: all districts

Badajoz: Alburquerque, Mérida, Don Benito, Puebla Alcocer, Herrera Duque, Badajoz, Almendralejo, Olivenza, Jerez de los Caballeros and Llerena

Following the addition of the districts of Castuera and Azuaga in the province of Badajoz – meaning that all of that province’s districts are now included – this heading now reads:

Autonomous Community of Extremadura:

Cáceres: all districts

Badajoz: all districts

Justification for this amendment to the production area:

The production area has been expanded to include all the farming districts in the province of Guadalajara, the districts of Pedroches, La Sierra and Campiña Baja in the province of Córdoba, the district of Sahagún in the province of León, the district of Duero Bajo in the province of Zamora and the districts of Castuera and Azuaga in the province of Badajoz.

This amendment is justified because the new districts have the same characteristics as those that were already part of the production area laid down in the product specification. To this end, a study by the Catholic University of Ávila (Study supporting the amendment of the product specification for the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Carne de Ávila’) has been made available to the competent authority.

There are a great many similarities between the physical environment and climate of the farming districts added in this amendment and the topography, soil characteristics and climate of the districts already in the production area.

The soil uses and vegetation are similarly consistent. The holdings within the new districts on which the Avileña-Black Iberian breed is reared meet all the requirements of the product specification in terms of genetics, feed, stocking rate and breeding practices.

Moreover, since the new districts are located near the existing districts and are very similar in terms of physical environment, climate and vegetation, approving this amendment to the PGI production area would merely consist of expanding its current geographical boundary to include districts that are adjacent to – or in some cases even surrounded by – territory already belonging to the ‘Carne de Ávila’ PGI production area.

The province of Guadalajara (all of its farming districts are to be added) borders the provinces of Segovia, Madrid and Teruel, which already form part of the production area established in the product specification. Guadalajara shares its geography with those provinces, occupying the high plateaus of the central Iberian Peninsula. It is also linked to Segovia, Madrid and Teruel by the Iberian mountain system, meaning that it has the same climate profile, typical of the central plateau, and the same varied plant life (holm oak, savin, pine, oak and some beech groves).

The province of Córdoba is bordered by provinces already included in the geographical area laid down in the product specification: Seville and Badajoz to the west and Badajoz and Ciudad Real to the north. Córdoba is divided into three geographical areas: the Sierra Morena to the north, the Guadalquivir valley in the centre and the Subbaetic system to the south. The area to be included comprises the districts of Pedroches, La Sierra and Campiña Baja, which are bordered by the provinces of Seville, Badajoz and Ciudad Real, already part of the production area laid down in the product specification.

The Study supporting the amendment of the product specification for the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Carne de Ávila’ demonstrates that the new territories added in this amendment have the same natural features as the geographical area initially defined in the product specification, so the post-amendment area has an equivalent degree of uniformity to that of the pre-amendment area, without altering its continuity. These common characteristics are largely the result of the close geographical proximity between the districts included in this amendment and those that already made up the production area.

The provinces included in the proposed amendment feature varied terrain: plateau-topping plains, vast valleys and highland areas. As the landscape of the current production area is uneven – with high valleys, narrow ravines, jagged peaks, steep slopes and broad plateaus, as well as areas of dehesa (a traditional agro-sylvo-pastoral system in which livestock is reared extensively on poor or non-agricultural land) where the terrain is more even – there is a great similarity between them.

Xerochrept soils dominate in the district of Duero Bajo, with a sandy loam texture and a notable presence of sandstone, conglomerates and detritus. In the districts making up the province of Guadalajara, the predominant soils are xerochrepts and xerumbrepts. The soil texture of the xerumbrepts is clay loam, with limestone overlying the basement rock and folded chalk structures. The predominant soils in the province of Córdoba are xerochrepts and palexeralfs, as well as chromoxererts in some areas.

Given the preponderance of xerochrepts and xerumbrepts – and, to a lesser extent, haploxeralfs and palexeralfs – in the geographical area already established in the product specification, there are strong similarities in terms of both soil characteristics and geological substratum.

The new territories also feature the same kinds of vegetation found in the existing PGI production area: scrubland with oak thickets, gum cistus, broom, thyme and Genista florida; dehesas with oak, savin, holm oak and juniper groves; and upland areas dominated by pine groves.

‘Temperate Mediterranean’ and ‘cold temperate Mediterranean’ are the prevailing climate profiles in these areas. The districts of Guadalajara have the typical climate of the central plateau (long, hot, dry summers; long, harsh winters; and short, mild springs and autumns), annual rainfall of 700-900 millimetres and varied vegetation (oak, savin, holm oak, pine and some beech groves). Córdoba and its districts have a continental Mediterranean climate, with mild winters, very hot summers, and annual rainfall of 600-750 millimetres, concentrated between October and April.

These conditions reflect the terms already established in the product specification and have an impact on the husbandry practices, which include transhumance and extensive rearing. We therefore find sizeable variations, given the wide distribution of the breed, the areas in which it has settled, and how the cattle are moved around in the practice of transhumance. The cattle graze in dehesas, valleys and mountains. In the highlands the summers are cool and the winters very cold, with severe frosts. The dehesas, in contrast, generally have very hot, dry summers and mild winters.

In terms of breed, the product specification requires the cattle to be either Avileña-Black Iberian stock or first-cross stock bred between Avileña-Black Iberian cows and Charolais or Limousin sires (Charolais and Limousin have ‘settled breed’ status in Spain).

In this regard, the new geographical area included in this amendment matches the original area in both historical and farming terms: as the Study supporting the amendment of the product specification for the ’Carne de Ávila’ Protected Geographical Indication points out, the Avileña-Black Iberian breed is traditionally found in those provinces and has been reared there continuously for centuries.

Moreover, Avileña-Black Iberian stock, assigned to that breed at birth on the holding, are also identified in the herd-book for that breed. In the districts proposed for inclusion, breeding cows have been classified according to their appearance and listed in the Avileña-Black Iberian herd-book. The same applies to the Avileña-Black Iberian sires used to replenish the stock of dams.

The Avileña-Black Iberian breeding cows are reared using the same techniques, similarly exploiting the available natural resources through extensive rearing or the practice of transhumance, making use of what nature provides, protecting the environment and safeguarding animal welfare.

The product specification refers to extensive systems with low stocking rates, averaging between 0,2 and 0,4 livestock units per hectare in the areas in which the breed traditionally grazes. Studies show that extensive livestock-rearing is practised in the area to be included in the product specification, where holdings make use of natural resources and have a stocking rate below the limit of 0,4 livestock units per hectare.

Holdings in the new districts use the same breeding practices – natural mating – described in the product specification.

Lastly, the geographical area identified in the current version of the product specification spans 12 172 491 hectares. The requested amendment would increase this by 20 %, adding a further 2 543 196 hectares.

This extension of the geographical area will be reflected in production figures. Based on the holdings operating in the new areas to be included in the product specification, the increase in production is estimated at 19 %, or approximately 900 cattle per year, based on the 4 700 carcases produced in 2018.

This calculation was performed by the authors of the Study supporting the amendment of the product specification for the ’Carne de Ávila’ Protected Geographical Indication using geographical and cartographic databases made available to the public by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The reason why the geographical area needs to be expanded now is so that it covers the entire area where the Avileña-Black Iberian breed is traditionally present in Spain; after all, the breed is the foundation of the product ‘Carne de Ávila’. It establishes the link and the relationship between the geographical area and product quality, characteristics and reputation or other aspects. The area to be added has features that are equivalent to the features of the geographical area that form the link, and the breed is reared there using the same system.

5.3.   Proof of origin

| 1. | The following, which constitutes point 2 of Section D of the product specification (Proof that the product originates in the area), has been amended:
  All cattle on livestock holdings listed in the PGI registers are individually identified as required by the legislation in force. The identification of Avileña-Black Iberian cattle also includes their listing in the breed’s herd-book with the identification code assigned to the animal at birth – consisting of an acronym identifying its holding of origin followed by last two digits of its year of birth and the number it represents in the sequence of births on the holding that year – and the PGI logo.
  This passage has been amended by adding a reference to the need to keep a record of the correlation between official and herd-book identifiers, and now reads as follows:
  All cattle on livestock holdings listed in the PGI registers are individually identified as required by the legislation in force. Avileña-Black Iberian cattle are also recorded in the breed’s herd-book with the identification code assigned to the animal at birth, consisting of an acronym identifying its holding of origin followed by last two digits of its year of birth and the number it represents in the sequence of births on the holding that year. A record of the correlation between official and herd-book identifiers must be kept.

  Justification for this amendment to the‘proof of origin’heading:

  This amendment is made for clarification purposes: ensuring that records of the correlation between official identifiers and herd-book identifiers are kept matched up is useful for control purposes, as it makes it easier to carry out checks and facilitates inspections. |
| --- | --- |

1.

All cattle on livestock holdings listed in the PGI registers are individually identified as required by the legislation in force. The identification of Avileña-Black Iberian cattle also includes their listing in the breed’s herd-book with the identification code assigned to the animal at birth – consisting of an acronym identifying its holding of origin followed by last two digits of its year of birth and the number it represents in the sequence of births on the holding that year – and the PGI logo.

This passage has been amended by adding a reference to the need to keep a record of the correlation between official and herd-book identifiers, and now reads as follows:

All cattle on livestock holdings listed in the PGI registers are individually identified as required by the legislation in force. Avileña-Black Iberian cattle are also recorded in the breed’s herd-book with the identification code assigned to the animal at birth, consisting of an acronym identifying its holding of origin followed by last two digits of its year of birth and the number it represents in the sequence of births on the holding that year. A record of the correlation between official and herd-book identifiers must be kept.

Justification for this amendment to the‘proof of origin’heading:

This amendment is made for clarification purposes: ensuring that records of the correlation between official identifiers and herd-book identifiers are kept matched up is useful for control purposes, as it makes it easier to carry out checks and facilitates inspections.

| 2. | The following has been added at the end of point 3 of Section D of the product specification (Proof that the product originates in the area):
  Carcases that meet the requirements of the product specification must be marked and labelled in such a way that they can be identified at any time during dressing.
  After carcases have been checked to verify the assigned classification and their compliance with the conformation, fat cover and colour requirements set out in this product specification, all those that the operator considers eligible to use the Protected Geographical Indication must be marked at the abattoir.

  Justification for this amendment to the‘proof of origin’heading:

  This amendment is made for clarification purposes. The new text aids control and the specific verifications to be carried out at the abattoir, making it easier to perform compliance checks by stating the aspects to be examined when the carcase is marked. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Carcases that meet the requirements of the product specification must be marked and labelled in such a way that they can be identified at any time during dressing.

After carcases have been checked to verify the assigned classification and their compliance with the conformation, fat cover and colour requirements set out in this product specification, all those that the operator considers eligible to use the Protected Geographical Indication must be marked at the abattoir.

Justification for this amendment to the‘proof of origin’heading:

This amendment is made for clarification purposes. The new text aids control and the specific verifications to be carried out at the abattoir, making it easier to perform compliance checks by stating the aspects to be examined when the carcase is marked.

5.4.   Method of production

| 1. | Section E of the product specification (Method of production) has been amended with the deletion of point 7, which concerned partnership agreements and read as follows:
  Partnership agreements. Partnership arrangements will be established between the PGI and points of sale in order to guarantee the origin and quality of the beef marketed as ‘Carne de Ávila’.

  Justification for this amendment to the‘method of production’heading:

  This amendment is made for clarification purposes. The deleted passage was not a rule concerning technical details of how the product is obtained, labelled or packaged, so it should not form part of this section of the product specification. The conclusion of partnership agreements is more closely related to the duties of promoting and defending the protected product entrusted to the ‘Carne de Ávila’ PGI Regulatory Board under Article 16(1) of the Act on Trans-Regional Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications (Act 6/2015 of 12 May 2015) than to the method of production.
  The deleted paragraph was also liable to be interpreted as being compulsory, representing an unnecessary restriction.
  The deletion of this paragraph therefore constitutes the removal of information considered irrelevant to the production, labelling and/or packaging of the product as defined in the product specification – all of which remain unchanged. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Partnership agreements. Partnership arrangements will be established between the PGI and points of sale in order to guarantee the origin and quality of the beef marketed as ‘Carne de Ávila’.

Justification for this amendment to the‘method of production’heading:

This amendment is made for clarification purposes. The deleted passage was not a rule concerning technical details of how the product is obtained, labelled or packaged, so it should not form part of this section of the product specification. The conclusion of partnership agreements is more closely related to the duties of promoting and defending the protected product entrusted to the ‘Carne de Ávila’ PGI Regulatory Board under Article 16(1) of the Act on Trans-Regional Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications (Act 6/2015 of 12 May 2015) than to the method of production.

The deleted paragraph was also liable to be interpreted as being compulsory, representing an unnecessary restriction.

The deletion of this paragraph therefore constitutes the removal of information considered irrelevant to the production, labelling and/or packaging of the product as defined in the product specification – all of which remain unchanged.

| 2. | The following has been added to point 6 of section E of the product specification (Method of production)
  Operators that fillet, package and label the product for end consumers will be subject to checks to ensure the origin and quality of the protected beef and the proper use of conformity markings.

  Justification for this amendment to the‘method of production’heading:

  This amendment is for clarification: the new passage is a rule on the labelling and packaging of the product, adding clarity in relation to the operators that label or package the product and facilitating checks on those operations. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Operators that fillet, package and label the product for end consumers will be subject to checks to ensure the origin and quality of the protected beef and the proper use of conformity markings.

Justification for this amendment to the‘method of production’heading:

This amendment is for clarification: the new passage is a rule on the labelling and packaging of the product, adding clarity in relation to the operators that label or package the product and facilitating checks on those operations.

5.5.   Inspection body

The following from Section G of the product specification (Inspection body) has been amended:

| Directorate-General for the Food Industry |
| --- |
| Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment |
| Paseo Infanta Isabel, 1 28014 Madrid |

Directorate-General for the Food Industry

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment

Paseo Infanta Isabel, 1 28014 Madrid

Tel. +34 91 3475361/8477; Fax +34 91 3475700

Email: dgia@magrama.es

The Directorate-General for the Food Industry, through its Subdirectorate-General for Quality Schemes and Organic Farming, checks compliance with this product specification in application of the ‘Quality scheme compliance check system for non-wine agri-food products linked to geographical origins and traditional specialities guaranteed’, forming part of the 2011-2015 National Food Chain Monitoring Plan, which falls within the remit of the central government authorities, applying the system of penalties laid down in Title III of the Vine and Wine Act (Act 24/2003 of 10 July 2003).

The information on the inspection body has been amended to reflect the current set-up of the competent authority, including the website of the body responsible for compliance checks and its contact details. This passage now reads as follows:

‘Carne de Ávila’ PGI falls within the remit of the Directorate-General for the Food Industry via the Sub-directorate General for Quality Schemes and Organic Farming. Product specification compliance checks are carried out by:

| Agencia de Información y Control Alimentarios (Food Reporting and Control Agency) |
| --- |
| Paseo Infanta Mercedes, 31 5a planta |
| 28020 Madrid |

Agencia de Información y Control Alimentarios (Food Reporting and Control Agency)

Paseo Infanta Mercedes, 31 5a planta

28020 Madrid

Justification for this amendment to the‘heading:
  inspection body’

The reason for this amendment is that the description of the national legislation included in the previous version of the product specification had become obsolete and inappropriate for the purposes of the section in question. The old text has been replaced with information on the body that checks compliance with the product specification in accordance with Article 37(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs.

5.6.   Labelling

| 1. | Point 3 of section H of the product specification (Labelling) and section 3.6 of the single document (Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to) has been replaced. It previously read:
  When cuts are dispatched in portions, they are labelled with secondary labels issued by the Regulatory Board that contain the same information as the carcase labels.
  The new text reads as follows:
  When cuts are dispatched in portions, they are labelled with numbered secondary labels issued by the Regulatory Board, allowing traceability to be checked.

  Justification for this amendment to the‘labelling’heading:

  This amendment has been made in order to adapt point 3 to the specific legislation on the subject and current practice. The product specification and single document previously stated that the same information was to be used as on the [carcase] label, and this is problematic for some of the ways in which portions are now being sold.
  The new wording facilitates the application of the section and compliance with the specific national legislation, allowing the product to be traced back to its batch of origin and, in any case, facilitating traceability checks.
  This section therefore needed to be amended, using simpler wording that makes it easier to implement and, in any case, enables and facilitates product traceability checks. |
| --- | --- |

1.

When cuts are dispatched in portions, they are labelled with secondary labels issued by the Regulatory Board that contain the same information as the carcase labels.

The new text reads as follows:

When cuts are dispatched in portions, they are labelled with numbered secondary labels issued by the Regulatory Board, allowing traceability to be checked.

Justification for this amendment to the‘labelling’heading:

This amendment has been made in order to adapt point 3 to the specific legislation on the subject and current practice. The product specification and single document previously stated that the same information was to be used as on the [carcase] label, and this is problematic for some of the ways in which portions are now being sold.

The new wording facilitates the application of the section and compliance with the specific national legislation, allowing the product to be traced back to its batch of origin and, in any case, facilitating traceability checks.

This section therefore needed to be amended, using simpler wording that makes it easier to implement and, in any case, enables and facilitates product traceability checks.

| 2. | The labelling instructions included in point 4 of section H of the product specification (Labelling) have been added to point 3.6 of the single document (Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to).
  Before this amendment, the passage read as follows:
  As well as the compulsory information, ‘Carne de Ávila’ labels must contain at least the following: Regulatory Board identifier, official identifier, slaughter date, carcase number, Regulatory Board logo, EU PGI logo and barcode.
  The wording of this passage following the proposed amendment is as follows:
  As well as the compulsory information, ‘Carne de Ávila’ labels must contain at least the following: reference number, Regulatory Board identifier, official identifier, description of the cut, slaughter date, origin, authorisation number, dressing location, carcase number, ‘Carne de Ávila’ Regulatory Board logo, EU PGI logo, barcode and the name under which the beef is marketed (‘ternera’ [veal], ‘añojo’ [yearling beef] or ‘novillo’ [young beef]).

  Justification for this amendment to the‘labelling’heading:

  This amendment has been made to improve consistency between the product specification and the single document on this point: they now contain the same list of points that labels are required to contain. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Before this amendment, the passage read as follows:

As well as the compulsory information, ‘Carne de Ávila’ labels must contain at least the following: Regulatory Board identifier, official identifier, slaughter date, carcase number, Regulatory Board logo, EU PGI logo and barcode.

The wording of this passage following the proposed amendment is as follows:

As well as the compulsory information, ‘Carne de Ávila’ labels must contain at least the following: reference number, Regulatory Board identifier, official identifier, description of the cut, slaughter date, origin, authorisation number, dressing location, carcase number, ‘Carne de Ávila’ Regulatory Board logo, EU PGI logo, barcode and the name under which the beef is marketed (‘ternera’ [veal], ‘añojo’ [yearling beef] or ‘novillo’ [young beef]).

Justification for this amendment to the‘labelling’heading:

This amendment has been made to improve consistency between the product specification and the single document on this point: they now contain the same list of points that labels are required to contain.

5.7.   National requirements

The following list of legislation has been deleted from section I of the product specification (National requirements):

Vine, Wine and Alcohol Statute (Act 25/1970 of 2 December 1970)

Order of 20 April 1988 granting provisional recognition to the Specific Designation ‘Carne de Ávila’

Order of 4 December 1990 approving the Regulations of the ‘Carne de Ávila’ Specific Designation and its Regulatory Board

Order of 10 November 1993 amending the Order of 4 December 1990 approving the Regulations of the Specific Designation ‘Carne de Ávila’

Decision of the Directorate-General for Food Industry and Markets of 27 April 2011 amending the product specification for the ’Carne de Ávila’ Protected Geographical Indication

Act on Trans-Regional Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications (Act 6/2015 of 12 May 2015)

Justification for this amendment to the‘national requirements’heading:

These references to legislation have been deleted as most of them are obsolete following amendment and/or repeal. They can also be deleted because they refer to general legislation and because Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs does not require the product specification to contain this section on ‘national requirements’.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Carne de Ávila’

EU No: PGI-ES-0093-AM02 – 12 December 2019

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

‘Carne de Ávila’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Spain

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.1. Fresh meat (and offal)

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

Cattle suitable for supplying the meat covered by this PGI must be either Avileña-Black Iberian stock or first-cross stock bred between Avileña-Black Iberian cows and Charolais or Limousin sires (Charolais and Limousin have ‘settled breed’ status in Spain).

The cattle are categorised by age:

Ternera (veal): to be slaughtered at a maximum age of 12 months, having spent at least five months with the dam;

Añojo (yearling beef): weaned at a minimum age of five months, to be slaughtered at between 12 and 24 months;

Novillo (young beef): to be slaughtered at between 24 and 48 months.

A carcase may only use the PGI if, based on the European carcase classification system, its conformation is between U+ and O and its fat cover is between 2 and 4.

| | | Fat cover class |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | | 1 | 1+ | 2- | 2 | 2+ | 3- | 3 | 3+ | 4- | 4 | 4+ | 5- | 5 |
| Conformation | S | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| E | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U+ | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| U | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| U- | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| R+ | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| R | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| R- | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| O+ | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| O | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | | | |
| O- | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| P+ | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| P | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| P- | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Fat cover class

1

1+

2-

2

2+

3-

3

3+

4-

4

4+

5-

5

Conformation

S

E

U+

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

U

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

U-

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

R+

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

R

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

R-

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

O+

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

O

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

O-

P+

P

P-

The beef from these animals is firm to the touch and slightly moist, with a tender consistency. It has a vivid colour, ranging from light red to purplish-red, with white to cream-coloured fat.

‘Carne de Ávila’ must be aged for at least four days.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

The cattle are reared extensively and/or using the practice of transhumance, availing of the local grazing and forestry resources (browse plants and acorns). Transhumance is an ancestral rearing system in which herd-keepers take advantage of the resources offered by nature by moving their livestock between different, complementary locations at different times of the year: mountain pastures in the summer and autumn, and dehesas (a traditional agro-sylvo-pastoral system in which livestock is reared extensively on poor or non-agricultural land) populated by oak (holm and cork) in the winter and spring. The cattle are reared extensively, with a low stocking rate – between 0,2 and 0,4 livestock units per hectare on average – in this breed’s traditional grazing areas: areas of land that would probably otherwise go to waste. At times of scarcity, the cattle are fed supplements comprising cereals, protein sources and other raw materials, always of plant origin, together with the necessary minerals and vitamins.

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

The geographical area described in section 4 is where the animals intended for slaughter are born, reared and fattened, on the same extensive holdings on which their dams are reared.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

—

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

Each carcase covered by this name has a set of labels so that the carcase, cuts and portions can be identified and traced. The labelling system is as follows:

| 1) | carcase labels bearing the information below, except for the type of cut; |
| --- | --- |

1)

carcase labels bearing the information below, except for the type of cut;

| 2) | cut labels bearing the specified information and the type of cut (shin, topside/silverside, etc.). |
| --- | --- |

2)

cut labels bearing the specified information and the type of cut (shin, topside/silverside, etc.).

| 3) | when cuts are dispatched in portions, they are labelled with numbered secondary labels issued by the Regulatory Board, allowing traceability to be checked; |
| --- | --- |

3)

when cuts are dispatched in portions, they are labelled with numbered secondary labels issued by the Regulatory Board, allowing traceability to be checked;

| 4) | as well as the compulsory information, ‘Carne de Ávila’ labels must contain at least the following: reference number, Regulatory Board identifier, official identifier, description of the cut, slaughter date, origin, authorisation number, dressing location, carcase number, ‘Carne de Ávila’ Regulatory Board logo, EU PGI logo, barcode and the name under which the beef is marketed (‘ternera’ [veal], ‘añojo’ [yearling beef] or ‘novillo’ [young beef]). |
| --- | --- |

4)

as well as the compulsory information, ‘Carne de Ávila’ labels must contain at least the following: reference number, Regulatory Board identifier, official identifier, description of the cut, slaughter date, origin, authorisation number, dressing location, carcase number, ‘Carne de Ávila’ Regulatory Board logo, EU PGI logo, barcode and the name under which the beef is marketed (‘ternera’ [veal], ‘añojo’ [yearling beef] or ‘novillo’ [young beef]).

Image 1

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The Avileña-Black Iberian cattle are reared in the production area spanning the following farming districts (grouped by province and Autonomous Community):

Autonomous Community of Andalusia:

Córdoba: districts of Pedroches, La Sierra and Campiña Baja

Huelva: Sierra

Jaén: Sierra Morena

Sevilla: Sierra Norte

Autonomous Community of Aragon:

Teruel: Serranía de Albarracín and Maestrazgo.

Autonomous Community of Castile-La Mancha:

Ciudad Real: Montes Norte, Campo de Calatrava, Montes Sur and Pastos

Guadalajara: all districts

Toledo: Talavera, Torrijos, Sagra-Toledo, La Jara, Montes de Navahermosa and Monte de los Yébenes

Autonomous Community of Castile-León:

Avila: all districts

Burgos: Demanda

León: La Montaña de Riaño and Sahagún

Palencia: Guardo and Cervera

Salamanca: all districts

Segovia: all districts

Soria: Pinares

Valladolid: Centro, Sur and Sureste

Zamora: Sayago and Duero Bajo

Autonomous Community of Extremadura:

Cáceres: all districts

Badajoz: all districts

Autonomous Community of La Rioja: all districts

Autonomous Community of Madrid:

Lozoya Somosierra, Guadarrama, Area Metropolitana and Sur Occidental

Processing is carried out in the following farming districts (grouped by province and Autonomous Community):

Autonomous Community of Castile-León:

Avila: all districts

Salamanca: all districts

Segovia: all districts

Valladolid: Centro, Sur and Sureste

Autonomous Community of Castile-La Mancha:

Toledo: Talavera and Sagra-Toledo

Autonomous Community of Extremadura:

Cáceres: Cáceres, Trujillo, Brozas, Valencia de Alcántara, Plasencia and Hervás

Badajoz: Mérida, Badajoz and Olivenza

Autonomous Community of Madrid:

Lozoya Somosierra, Guadarrama, Area Metropolitana and Sur Occidental

5.   Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specific features of the geographical area

(a)   Landscape

The mountain areas have a rugged terrain and complex topography, with high valleys, narrow ravines, steep slopes and wide plateaus that can sometimes be exposed to gales and blizzards. The areas of dehesa are expansive, gently rolling plains at altitudes of between 300 and 1 200 metres above sea level.

(b)   Climate

There are sizeable variations in climate, given the wide distribution of the breed, the areas in which it has settled, and how the cattle are moved around in the practice of transhumance. The cattle graze in dehesas, valleys and mountains. In the highlands the summers are cool and the winters very cold, with severe frosts. The dehesas, in contrast, generally have very hot, dry summers and mild winters.

(c)   Flora

Avileña-Black Iberian breeding practices are linked to the dehesa system, with a preponderance of pastureland, crop areas, thicket and woodland.

There are pasture-only dehesas, mixed dehesas (i.e. crop and pasture), and areas of scrub. Oak, savin, holm oak and juniper groves are a notable presence on pasture-only dehesas, featuring few trees but extensive pastureland. Mixed crop and pasture dehesas are populated by oak, holm oak and pasture, and the cattle can feed on the nourishment provided by the trees (acorns and browse) and stubble fields.

The highland grasslands are dominated by pine groves, which are covered in snow for part of the year, necessitating the practice of transhumance.

5.2.   Specific features of the product

‘Carne de Ávila’ PGI beef has the following characteristics:

The beef from these animals is firm to the touch and slightly moist, with a tender consistency. It has a vivid colour, ranging from light red to purplish-red, with white to cream-coloured fat, and is held in general high esteem for its tenderness and the intensity and quality of its flavour.

5.3.   Correlation between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI)

The breeding cows belong to the native Avileña-Black Iberian breed, which has been present since ancient times and has become perfectly adapted to rearing in the geographical area in question. The presence of this breed within the overall livestock population is increasing.

Initially used as draught animals, cattle from this breed began to be reared for beef when crop farming became mechanised. As a result, other beef breeds were introduced as sires, Charolais and Limousin being the most widely used.

Rearing this native breed of cattle, which has adapted so well to the local environment, is the main way in which natural resources – such as flora, pasture, forage, browse plants and acorns – can be exploited. The dams’ varied diets and the particular characteristics of Avileña-Black Iberians and first-cross stock bred with better-conformed breeds produce a highly unique beef. It is amongst the most highly regarded meats because of its tenderness, the intensity and quality of its flavour and its vivid colour, ranging from light red to purplish-red. The characteristics of this beef are essentially the result of the geographical environment, the nourishment available to the cattle – made possible because the breed has adapted perfectly to the rearing system used in the geographical area – and the breed factor.

Reference to publication of the product specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

The revised version of the product specification with the changes covered by this application for approval of an amendment can be accessed online at:

https://www.mapa.gob.es/es/alimentacion/temas/calidad-diferenciada/pliegodecondicionesavila10062020_tcm30-511997.pdf

---

(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

---

| 21.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 514/30 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

21.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 514/30

---

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2021/C 514/06)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATION OF STANDARD AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Muscadet’

PDO-FR-A0497-AM02

Date of communication: 15 October 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Addition of Chardonnay

Chardonnay has been added as a secondary variety that may account for a maximum of 10 % of the variety mix used to produce ‘Muscadet’.

The Chardonnay variety has been present in the Nantes wine-growing area for several decades. It was introduced following tests which showed that there is no difference between wine made exclusively from the Melon variety and wine made from a blend of 90 % Melon and 10 % Chardonnay. ‘Muscadet’ wines are renowned as fresh, young wines with primary aromas. The inclusion of Chardonnay adds value to the production of this type of floral-scented wine.

As a new variety (Chardonnay) has been introduced, a rule on blending has been added specifying that Chardonnay may account for a maximum of 10 % of the blend.

Point 1.7 of the single document has been amended.

2.   Removal of the term ‘aged on the lees’

‘Muscadet’ wines may no longer be labelled as ‘aged on the lees’ (‘sur lie’).

Each point of the specification setting out specific provisions regarding the term ‘aged on the lees’ has therefore been amended.

In the past, the ‘Muscadet’ name was recognised after ‘Muscadet Sèvre et Maine’, ‘Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu’ and ‘Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire’, which refer to smaller sub-regions. Over time, a hierarchy of names was established under which the sub-regional types were expected to have a longer period of ageing, resulting in rounder wines. The production of ‘Muscadet’ labelled as ‘aged on the lees’ therefore dwindled and today accounts for only a fraction of the total. The term ‘aged on the lees’ denotes a wine-making technique which gives the wine certain characteristics that are no longer in demand for ‘Muscadet’ as a regional designation. The term is therefore removed for ‘Muscadet’ in the interests of greater clarity for consumers regarding the various wines on offer.

Points 1.4 and 1.9 of the single document have been amended.

3.   Planting density

The planting density has been reduced to 5 000 vines per hectare. The maximum spacing between rows has been increased to 2,20 metres.

This amendment takes account of developments in wine-making equipment and practices. The spacing between rows is increased to encourage the use of agri-ecological practices such as inter-row seeding and tillage and the use of recovery sprayers for plant health treatments, all of which involve standard wine-growing equipment designed for a spacing between rows of 2 metres. This vineyard configuration is well adapted to the yield and quality levels sought for the type of wine covered by the designation (fruity and fresh wine to be enjoyed young).

Point 1.5 of the single document, on wine-making practices, has been amended accordingly.

4.   Link

The description of the link with the environment has been amended to reflect the adjusted planting density, the addition of Chardonnay and the removal of the term ‘aged on the lees’.

Point 1.8 of the single document has been amended accordingly.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Muscadet

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

| 1. | Wine |
| --- | --- |

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

These are still, dry white wines.

They have:

| — | a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 9,5 %; |
| --- | --- |

—

a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 9,5 %;

| — | a maximum fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content of 5 grams per litre; |
| --- | --- |

—

a maximum fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content of 5 grams per litre;

| — | a maximum volatile acid content of 10 milliequivalents per litre; |
| --- | --- |

—

a maximum volatile acid content of 10 milliequivalents per litre;

| — | a maximum total alcoholic strength by volume after enrichment of 12 %; |
| --- | --- |

—

a maximum total alcoholic strength by volume after enrichment of 12 %;

| — | a total acidity content of between 61 milliequivalents and 112 milliequivalents per litre for wines with a fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content of between 3 grams and 5 grams per litre. |
| --- | --- |

—

a total acidity content of between 61 milliequivalents and 112 milliequivalents per litre for wines with a fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content of between 3 grams and 5 grams per litre.

The wines’ total sulphur dioxide content and the total acidity content of wines with a fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content of less than 3 grams per litre, as well as the wines’ total actual alcoholic strength, must comply with the thresholds laid down in EU legislation. These are still, dry white wines.

They have delicate aromas, mostly fruity or floral, and a sensory balance dominated by freshness.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Planting density and pruning

Cultivation method

The minimum planting density is 5 000 vines per hectare.

The spacing between the rows is 2,20 metres or less, and the spacing between vines in the same row is between 0,90 metres and 1,10 metres.

The vines are pruned to a maximum of 14 buds per plant:

| — | either by spur pruning with a maximum of five spurs per plant; |
| --- | --- |

—

either by spur pruning with a maximum of five spurs per plant;

| — | or by means of single or double Guyot. |
| --- | --- |

—

or by means of single or double Guyot.

Pruning is carried out before the budding stage, or Stage 5 on the Eichhorn-Lorenz scale.

Regardless of the pruning method, the vines can be pruned to four additional buds per plant on condition that, at the phenological stage corresponding to 11 or 12 leaves, there are no more than 14 fruit-bearing branches for the year per plant.

2.   Specific oenological practice

Any heat treatment of the harvested grapes at a temperature below -5 °C is prohibited.

After enrichment, the wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 12 %.

The wines must be separated from the wine-making lees no later than on 31 July of the year following the harvest. In addition to the above, the oenological practices for these wines must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

5.2.   Maximum yields

| 1. | 83 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

1.

83 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

All stages of the production must take place within the geographical area approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the meeting of the relevant national committee on 15 June 2017. The perimeter of this area, on the date of approval of this specification by the relevant national committee, comprises the following municipalities or parts of municipalities, based on the 2018 Official Geographic Code:

| — | Department of Loire-Atlantique: Aigrefeuille-sur-Maine, Ancenis, Basse-Goulaine, Le Bignon, La Boissière-du-Doré, Bouaye, Brains, Carquefou, Le Cellier, La Chapelle-Heulin, Château-Thébaud, La Chevrolière, Clisson, Corcoué-sur-Logne, Couffé, Divatte-sur-Loire, Geneston, Gétigné (partly), Gorges, La Haie-Fouassière, Haute-Goulaine, Le Landreau, Legé (partly), Ligné (partly), La Limouzinière, Le Loroux Bottereau, Maisdon-sur-Sèvre, Mauves-sur-Loire, Monnières, Montbert, Mouzillon, Oudon, Le Pallet, La Planche, Pont-Saint-Martin, Port-Saint-Père, La Regrippière, La Remaudière, Remouillé, Saint-Aignan-Grandlieu, Saint-Colomban, Sainte-Pazanne, Saint-Fiacre-sur-Maine, Saint-Géréon, Saint-Hilaire-de-Clisson, Saint-Julien-de-Concelles, Saint-Léger-les-Vignes, Saint-Lumine-de-Clisson, Saint-Lumine-de-Coutais, Saint-Mars-de-Coutais, Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu, Les Sorinières, Thouaré-sur-Loire, Vair-sur-Loire, Vallet, Vertou, Vieillevigne (partly), Villeneuve-en-Retz (delegated municipality of Bourgneuf-en-Retz only) (partly). |
| --- | --- |

—

Department of Loire-Atlantique: Aigrefeuille-sur-Maine, Ancenis, Basse-Goulaine, Le Bignon, La Boissière-du-Doré, Bouaye, Brains, Carquefou, Le Cellier, La Chapelle-Heulin, Château-Thébaud, La Chevrolière, Clisson, Corcoué-sur-Logne, Couffé, Divatte-sur-Loire, Geneston, Gétigné (partly), Gorges, La Haie-Fouassière, Haute-Goulaine, Le Landreau, Legé (partly), Ligné (partly), La Limouzinière, Le Loroux Bottereau, Maisdon-sur-Sèvre, Mauves-sur-Loire, Monnières, Montbert, Mouzillon, Oudon, Le Pallet, La Planche, Pont-Saint-Martin, Port-Saint-Père, La Regrippière, La Remaudière, Remouillé, Saint-Aignan-Grandlieu, Saint-Colomban, Sainte-Pazanne, Saint-Fiacre-sur-Maine, Saint-Géréon, Saint-Hilaire-de-Clisson, Saint-Julien-de-Concelles, Saint-Léger-les-Vignes, Saint-Lumine-de-Clisson, Saint-Lumine-de-Coutais, Saint-Mars-de-Coutais, Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu, Les Sorinières, Thouaré-sur-Loire, Vair-sur-Loire, Vallet, Vertou, Vieillevigne (partly), Villeneuve-en-Retz (delegated municipality of Bourgneuf-en-Retz only) (partly).

| — | Department of Maine-et-Loire: Mauges-sur-Loire (delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil only), Orée d’Anjou (delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré and La Varenne only), Sèvremoine (delegated municipalities of Saint-Crespin-sur-Moine and Tillières only). |
| --- | --- |

—

Department of Maine-et-Loire: Mauges-sur-Loire (delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil only), Orée d’Anjou (delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré and La Varenne only), Sèvremoine (delegated municipalities of Saint-Crespin-sur-Moine and Tillières only).

| — | Department of Vendée: Cugand (partly), Rocheservière, Saint-Hilaire-de-Loulay (partly), Saint-Philbert-de-Bouaine. |
| --- | --- |

—

Department of Vendée: Cugand (partly), Rocheservière, Saint-Hilaire-de-Loulay (partly), Saint-Philbert-de-Bouaine.

7.   Main wine grape varieties

Chardonnay B

Melon B

8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

(a)   Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The landscape of the geographical area is characterised by slopes and hillocks planted with vines alternating with valleys of wooded meadows. The most scenic spots are home to old mills or country houses (known as ‘folies nantaises’) built on the outskirts of Nantes in the 18th century by the local aristocracy or bourgeoisie. The vineyards are located mainly on hillsides south and east of the city of Nantes, on the banks of the Loire, Sèvre and Maine, the Goulaine marshes, the Grandlieu Lake and their tributaries. Located near the shores of the Atlantic, the geographical area has historical links with Brittany and is geographically linked to the Loire Valley, covering part of the departments of Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire and Vendée.

The area benefits from a maritime climate, characterised by low annual temperature variations, due to the proximity of large bodies of water (the ocean, the Loire estuary, Lake Grandlieu and the Goulaine marshes). Temperatures are particularly mild in winter, while the sea breezes mean that summers remain cool. During the vine’s growing season rainfall is rather scarce, with plenty of sunshine for this latitude, although there are sometimes heavy rain showers during the high tides of autumn.

The geographical area is geologically complex. In the Precambrian and Paleozoic eras, orogenesis led to the formation of plutonic rock (granite, gabbro) and metamorphic rock (gneiss, mica schist, eclogite, amphibolite). Locally, this bedrock is covered by tertiary sediments (clay and pebbly sand). Wind-blown silts deposited in the region in the Quaternary era are generally scoured by erosion. Despite this geological diversity, the soils that have formed on these layers are mostly healthy brown, sandy soils that are rich in pebbles. The well-established parcel area where the grapes are harvested follows the contours of hillsides forming open landscapes mainly or traditionally planted with vines. The parcels have well-filtered soils with a good heat-retaining capacity, a limited water-holding capacity and moderate chemical fertility.

(b)   Description of the human factors relevant to the link

Winegrowing in the ‘Muscadet’ AOC geographical area dates back to the first centuries AD.

As a seaport on the Loire estuary, Nantes soon established itself as an important hub from which wines were shipped to the British Isles and northern Europe. Various documents testify to the wines’ growing renown during the Middle Ages. The vineyards around Nantes gradually started specialising in the production of white wines and spirits, driven in particular by trade with Holland. Taxation rules encouraged the planting of vines, as Brittany wines were taxed at half the rate of those made further upstream the Loire River.

The wine-growing area really earned a name for itself with the development of the Melon B variety. The first written records of the name ‘Muscadet’ being used for this ‘Burgundy plant’ date back to the mid-17th century. After the harsh winter of 1709, which largely destroyed the Nantes vineyards, the region’s best locations were mostly replanted with the Melon B variety, which is more resistant to frost. The 1793 counter-revolutionary wars, during which vineyards were devastated, followed by the phylloxera crisis starting in 1884, merely delayed the expansion of winegrowing.

The restoration of vineyards by grafting provided an opportunity to adapt traditional growing methods to new techniques (planting in rows, Guyot pruning). Production know-how was consolidated through use of the Melon B variety, maintaining a high planting density, checking the vines’ growth and limiting their yield, and harvesting the grapes once fully ripened. Following regulation through case-law in the 1920s, these practices were validated by the recognition, in 1936, of the ‘Muscadet Sèvre et Maine’ and ‘Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire’ AOCs, followed by ‘Muscadet’ in 1937.

A technical wine-making process involving early separation of the wine from the lees was gradually established by the winegrowers to distinguish wines bearing the regional ‘Muscadet’ AOC from those named ‘Muscadet Sèvre et Maine’, ‘Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire’ and ‘Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu’, which refer to smaller winegrowing areas within that region.

8.2.   Specificity of the product

‘Muscadet’ AOC wines are still, white wines. They develop their main characteristics during the wine-making stage and are distinguished by fine, delicate aromas, mostly fruity or floral, and a sensory balance dominated by freshness.

8.3.   Causal link between the specificity of the geographical area and the specificity of the product

In his Étude des vignobles de France (Study of vineyards in France), Volume II, Paris, 1876, Jules Guyot wrote that ‘the Loire-Inférieur [as Loire-Atlantique was then called] has excellent soil and a wonderful climate’. Indeed, the geographical area benefits from soils well suited to winegrowing, combined with a climate that allows white grape varieties to express their aromatic character. Specifically, the coarse texture of the soils ensures an early start to the vine’s growth cycle as well as checking its growth. The mild winters also contribute to early ripening, with the summer sun and sea winds keeping the plants healthy. Furthermore, the soil of the geographical area has low water reserves and fracturing allowing the plants to grow deep roots as well as providing them with a regular, moderate supply of water that ensures good ripening.

Heirs to an age-old wine-growing tradition, producers in the geographical area have for over three centuries reserved the best slopes for growing the Melon B variety. They have optimised their wine-making practices to ensure a harvest of healthy, ripe grapes, with a subtle balance between richness and acidity that is reflected in the wines. Made in line with local custom, the wines are kept on their fine wine-making lees for a short period. The mild summer temperatures are ideal for preserving the freshness and delicate aromas that characterise the wines.

The short period of ageing and early separation from the wine-making lees enhance the fruity and floral scents that develop under the action of the yeasts during alcoholic fermentation.

Since the mid 20th century, ‘Muscadet’ has been a household name in France, where brand recognition and market penetration currently put wines with this AOC in second place among white wines. Exports picked up again during the 1980s and now account for almost 40 % of the volumes sold. Tourism has played an important part in this, as the wine-growing area is located close to the seaside and the wines go well with seafood and fish. In terms of its area in production, the ‘Muscadet’ wine-growing area is one of the world’s largest for white wines.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Packaging in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation, for making and processing the wines and for making, processing, ageing and bottling wines that may be labelled ‘aged on the lees’ comprises the following municipalities or parts of municipalities, based on the 2018 Official Geographic Code:

| — | Department of Loire-Atlantique: La Bernerie-en-Retz, Bouguenais, Boussay, Chaumes-en-Retz, Chauvé, Cheix-en-Retz, Frossay, Gétigné (partly), Legé (partly), Ligné (partly), Loireauxence (delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Sauveur and Varades only), Machecoul-Saint-Même, La Marne, Mésanger, Montrelais, Les Moutiers-en-Retz, Paulx, Le Pellerin, Pornic, Rezé, Rouans, Saint-Étienne-de-Mer-Morte, Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons, Saint-Père-en-Retz, Saint-Viaud, Touvois, Vieillevigne (partly), Villeneuve-en-Retz (delegated municipalities of Bourgneuf-en-Retz (partly) and Fresnay-en-Retz only), Vue. |
| --- | --- |

—

Department of Loire-Atlantique: La Bernerie-en-Retz, Bouguenais, Boussay, Chaumes-en-Retz, Chauvé, Cheix-en-Retz, Frossay, Gétigné (partly), Legé (partly), Ligné (partly), Loireauxence (delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Sauveur and Varades only), Machecoul-Saint-Même, La Marne, Mésanger, Montrelais, Les Moutiers-en-Retz, Paulx, Le Pellerin, Pornic, Rezé, Rouans, Saint-Étienne-de-Mer-Morte, Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons, Saint-Père-en-Retz, Saint-Viaud, Touvois, Vieillevigne (partly), Villeneuve-en-Retz (delegated municipalities of Bourgneuf-en-Retz (partly) and Fresnay-en-Retz only), Vue.

| — | Department of Maine-et-Loire: Beaupréau-en-Mauges (delegated municipalities of Beaupréau and Gesté only), Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (delegated municipality of Fresne-sur-Loire only), Mauges-sur-Loire (delegated municipality of Marillais only), Montrevault-sur-Èvre (delegated municipalities of La Boissière-sur-Evre, La Chaussaire, Le Fief Sauvin, Le Fuilet, Montrevault, Le Puiset-Doré, Saint-Pierre-Montlimart and Saint-Rémy-en-Mauges only), Orée d’Anjou (delegated municipalities of Saint-Christophe-la-Couperie, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels and Saint-Sauveur-de-Landemont only), Sèvremoine (delegated municipalities of Montfaucon-Montigné and Saint-Germain-sur-Moine only). |
| --- | --- |

—

Department of Maine-et-Loire: Beaupréau-en-Mauges (delegated municipalities of Beaupréau and Gesté only), Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (delegated municipality of Fresne-sur-Loire only), Mauges-sur-Loire (delegated municipality of Marillais only), Montrevault-sur-Èvre (delegated municipalities of La Boissière-sur-Evre, La Chaussaire, Le Fief Sauvin, Le Fuilet, Montrevault, Le Puiset-Doré, Saint-Pierre-Montlimart and Saint-Rémy-en-Mauges only), Orée d’Anjou (delegated municipalities of Saint-Christophe-la-Couperie, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels and Saint-Sauveur-de-Landemont only), Sèvremoine (delegated municipalities of Montfaucon-Montigné and Saint-Germain-sur-Moine only).

| — | Department of Vendée: Cugand (partly), Montaigu, Saint-Étienne-du-Bois, Saint-Hilaire-de-Loulay (partly). |
| --- | --- |

—

Department of Vendée: Cugand (partly), Montaigu, Saint-Étienne-du-Bois, Saint-Hilaire-de-Loulay (partly).

Labelling

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The name ‘Muscadet’ may be followed by the term ‘primeur’ (‘early’) or ‘nouveau’ (‘new’) in accordance with the specific rules laid down in the product specification.

The name ‘Muscadet’ may be followed by the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ in accordance with the specific rules laid down in the product specification.

The words ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’ and the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ must appear in letters smaller than or the same size (in height, width and thickness) as those in which the name ‘Muscadet’ AOC is written.

For wines labelled ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’, the vintage must also appear on the label.

Link to the product specification

http://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-7f89900b-3f0e-4f8d-b028-4066234091f5

---

(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

---