# Official Journal C 284/2021

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 284 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6416 July 2021 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 284

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6416 July 2021

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 284/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10333 — B&C KB/Atlas Flexibles) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2021/C 284/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10316 — Macquarie/Warrington/Bingo) (
  1
  ) | 2 |

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 284/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10333 — B&C KB/Atlas Flexibles) (
  1
  )

1

1

2021/C 284/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10316 — Macquarie/Warrington/Bingo) (
  1
  )

1

2

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 284/03 | Euro exchange rates — 15 July 2021 | 3 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 284/03

Euro exchange rates — 15 July 2021

3

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 284/04 | Notice of initiation of an expiry review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People’s Republic of China and Indonesia | 4 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 284/05 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10337 – BC PARTNERS/VISTA EQUITY PARTNERS/EAB GLOBAL) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 16 |
| 2021/C 284/06 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10295 — ORANGE POLSKA/APG/FIBERCO JV) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 18 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 284/07 | Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council | 20 |
| 2021/C 284/08 | 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 | 29 |
| 2021/C 284/09 | 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 | 36 |
| 2021/C 284/10 | 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 | 42 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

European Commission

2021/C 284/04

Notice of initiation of an expiry review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People’s Republic of China and Indonesia

4

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2021/C 284/05

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10337 – BC PARTNERS/VISTA EQUITY PARTNERS/EAB GLOBAL) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

16

2021/C 284/06

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10295 — ORANGE POLSKA/APG/FIBERCO JV) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

18

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2021/C 284/07

Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

20

2021/C 284/08

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

29

2021/C 284/09

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

36

2021/C 284/10

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

42

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 16.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 284/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 284/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10333 — B&C KB/Atlas Flexibles)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 284/01)

On 9 July 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 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 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 32021M10333. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10333. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

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

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| 16.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 284/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 284/2

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10316 — Macquarie/Warrington/Bingo)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 284/02)

On 30 June 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 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 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 32021M10316. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10316. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

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

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 16.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 284/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 284/3

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Euro exchange rates (1)

15 July 2021

(2021/C 284/03)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1809 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 129,93 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4375 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,85188 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,2335 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0828 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 146,10 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 10,3803 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,587 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 359,45 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,5748 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9290 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 10,1061 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5876 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4808 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,1726 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6888 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5995 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 350,13 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 17,2028 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,6304 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4918 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 17 143,25 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,9627 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 59,272 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 87,5176 |
| THB | Thai baht | 38,598 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 6,0075 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 23,5383 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 88,0510 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1809

JPY

Japanese yen

129,93

DKK

Danish krone

7,4375

GBP

Pound sterling

0,85188

SEK

Swedish krona

10,2335

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0828

ISK

Iceland króna

146,10

NOK

Norwegian krone

10,3803

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,587

HUF

Hungarian forint

359,45

PLN

Polish zloty

4,5748

RON

Romanian leu

4,9290

TRY

Turkish lira

10,1061

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5876

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4808

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,1726

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6888

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5995

KRW

South Korean won

1 350,13

ZAR

South African rand

17,2028

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,6304

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4918

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

17 143,25

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,9627

PHP

Philippine peso

59,272

RUB

Russian rouble

87,5176

THB

Thai baht

38,598

BRL

Brazilian real

6,0075

MXN

Mexican peso

23,5383

INR

Indian rupee

88,0510

---

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

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

European Commission

| 16.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 284/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 284/4

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Notice of initiation of an expiry review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People’s Republic of China and Indonesia

(2021/C 284/04)

Following the publication of a Notice of impending expiry (1) of the anti-dumping measures in force on the imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People’s Republic of China (‘PRC’) and Indonesia (‘the countries concerned’), the European Commission (‘the Commission’) has received a request for a review pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union (2) (‘the basic Regulation’).

1.   Request for review

The request was submitted on 14 April 2021 by Productos Aditivos S.A. (‘the applicant’), the sole producer of sodium cyclamate in the Union, that represents 100 % of the total Union production.

An open version of the request and the analysis of the degree of support by Union producers for the request are available in the file for inspection by interested parties. Section 5.6 of this Notice provides information about access to the file for interested parties.

2.   Product under review

The product subject to this review is sodium cyclamate (‘the product under review’), currently falling under CN code ex 2929 90 00 (TARIC code 2929900010). The CN and TARIC codes are given for information only.

3.   Existing measures

The measures currently in force are a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People’s Republic of China and Indonesia following an expiry review imposed by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1160 (3) and a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People’s Republic of China and produced by Fang Da Food Additive (Shen Zhen) Limited and Fang Da Food Additive (Yang Quan) Limited imposed by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1159 (4).

4.   Grounds for the review

The request is based on the grounds that the expiry of the measures would be likely to result in continuation or recurrence of dumping and continuation or recurrence of injury to the Union industry.

4.1.   
  Allegation of likelihood of continuation and of recurrence of dumping

Given that imports from the PRC are still entering into the EU in substantial quantities, the applicant has provided evidence on the continuation of dumping.

The applicant claimed that it is not appropriate to use domestic prices and costs in the People’s Republic of China, due to the existence of significant distortions within the meaning of point (b) of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation.

To substantiate the allegations of significant distortions, the applicant relied on the ‘Commission Staff Working Document on Significant Distortions in the Economy of the PRC’ dated 20 December 2017 (the ‘Commission report’) and in particular on the chapter 16 about the chemical sector and on chapters about general distortions regarding energy, land and labour.

The country report is available in the file for inspection by interested parties and on DG Trade’s website (5).

In light of the information available, the Commission considers that there is sufficient evidence pursuant to Article 5(9) of the basic Regulation tending to show that, due to significant distortions affecting prices and costs, the use of domestic prices and costs in the PRC is inappropriate, thus warranting the initiation of an investigation on the basis of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation.

As a result, in view of Article 2(6a)(a) of the basic Regulation, the allegation of continuation of dumping is based on a comparison of a constructed normal value on the basis of costs of production and sale reflecting undistorted prices or benchmarks in an appropriate representative country with the export price (at ex-works level) of the product under review from the PRC when sold for export to the Union. On this basis, the dumping margin calculated is significant for the PRC.

In the case of Indonesian imports, given that those imports are no longer entering into the EU in substantial quantities, as a consequence of the application of the existing measures, the applicant has provided evidence on the likely recurrence of dumping.

In the absence of reliable data on domestic prices for Indonesia, the allegation of likelihood of recurrence of dumping is based on a comparison of a constructed normal value (manufacturing costs, selling, general and administrative costs (SG&A) and profit) in Indonesia, with the export price (at ex-works level) of the product under review when sold for export to all third country export markets. On this basis, the export prices to major third country markets were found to be lower than the normal value.

For these reasons, there is sufficient evidence tending to show the continuation or recurrence of dumping for imports from the PRC and Indonesia.

4.2.   
  Allegation of likelihood of continuation or recurrence of injury

The applicant alleges the likelihood of continuation of injury caused by imports from the PRC. In this respect the applicant has provided evidence showing that imports of the product under review from the PRC to the Union are still entering the Union market in substantial quantities in absolute terms and in terms of market share. The evidence provided by the applicant also shows that the volume and the prices of the imported product from the PRC have, among other consequences, had a negative impact on the quantities sold, the market share held and the level of prices charged by the Union industry, resulting in adverse effects on the overall performance of the Union industry. In addition, the applicant alleges that the current import level of the product under review from the PRC to the Union is likely to increase due to the existence of unused capacity in China and the attractiveness of the Union market. This was confirmed through further analysis carried out by the Commission. Finally the applicant also indicates that any further substantial increase of imports at dumped prices from the PRC would be likely to cause further injury to the Union industry should measures be allowed to lapse.

The applicant alleges the likelihood of recurrence of injury from Indonesia. In this respect the evidence provided by the applicant, complemented by information available to the Commission, shows that, should measures be allowed to lapse, the current import level of the product under review from Indonesia to the Union is likely to increase at injurious price levels due to the existence of unused capacity in Indonesia and the attractiveness of the Union market and given the current level of export prices of the product under review from Indonesia to other third country markets.

5.   Procedure

Having determined, after consulting the Committee established by Article 15(1) of the basic Regulation, that sufficient evidence of a likelihood of dumping and injury exists to justify the initiation of an expiry review, the Commission hereby initiates a review in accordance with Article 11(2) of the basic Regulation.

The expiry review will determine whether the expiry of the measures would be likely to lead to a continuation or recurrence of dumping of the product under review originating in the countries concerned and a continuation or recurrence of injury to the Union industry.

The Commission also draws the attention of the parties that further to the COVID-19 outbreak a Notice (6) has been published on the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations that may be applicable to this proceeding.

5.1.   
  Review investigation period and period considered

The investigation of a continuation or recurrence of dumping will cover the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021(‘the review investigation period’). The examination of trends relevant for the assessment of the likelihood of a continuation or recurrence of injury will cover the period from 1 January 2018 to the end of the review investigation period (‘the period considered’).

5.2.   
  Comments on the request and the initiation of the investigation

All interested parties are invited to make their views known on the inputs and the Harmonised System (HS) codes provided in the request (7) within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal
  of the European Union (8).

All interested parties wishing to comment on the request (including matters pertaining to injury and causality) or any aspects regarding the initiation of the investigation (including the degree of support for the request) must do so within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice.

Any request for a hearing with regard to the initiation of the investigation must be submitted within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice.

5.3.   
  Procedure for the determination of a likelihood of continuation or recurrence of dumping

In an expiry review, the Commission examines exports that were made to the Union in the review investigation period and, irrespective of exports to the Union, considers whether the situation of the companies producing and selling the product under review in the countries concerned is such that exports at dumped prices to the Union would be likely to continue or recur if measures expire.

Therefore, all producers (9) of the product under review from the countries concerned, irrespective of whether or not they exported the product under review to the Union in the review investigation period, and including those that did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures in force, are invited to participate in the Commission investigation.

5.3.1.   Investigating producers in the countries concerned

In view of the potentially large number of exporting producers in the PRC and in Indonesia involved in this expiry review and in order to complete the investigation within the statutory time limits, the Commission may limit the producers to be investigated to a reasonable number by selecting a sample (this process is also referred to as ‘sampling’). The sampling will be carried out in accordance with Article 17 of the basic Regulation.

In order to enable the Commission to decide whether sampling is necessary, and if so, to select a sample, all producers, or representatives acting on their behalf, including the ones who did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures subject to this review, are hereby requested to provide the Commission with information on their company(ies) within 7 days of the date of publication of this Notice. This information must be provided via TRON.tdi at the following address: https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/tdi/form/R741_SAMPLING_FORM_FOR_EXPORTING_PRODUCER. Tron access information can be found in sections 5.6 and 5.9 below.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for the selection of the sample of producers in the countries concerned, the Commission will also contact the authorities of the PRC and of Indonesia and may contact any known associations of producers in the countries concerned.

If a sample is necessary, the producers will be selected based on the largest representative volume of production, sales or exports which can reasonably be investigated within the time available. All known producers in the countries concerned, the authorities of the countries concerned and associations of producers in the countries concerned will be notified by the Commission, via the authorities of the countries concerned if appropriate, of the companies selected to be in the sample.

Once the Commission has received the necessary information to select a sample of producers, it will inform the parties concerned of its decision whether they are included in the sample. The sampled producers will have to submit a completed questionnaire within 30 days from the date of notification of the decision of their inclusion in the sample, unless otherwise specified.

The Commission will add a note to the file for inspection by interested parties reflecting the sample selection. Any comment on the sample selection must be received within 3 days of the date of notification of the sample decision.

A copy of the questionnaire for producers in the countries concerned is available in the file for inspection by interested parties and on DG Trade’s website https://trade.ec.europa.eu/tdi/case_details.cfm?id=2533

The questionnaire will also be made available to any known association of producers, and to the authorities of the countries concerned.

Without prejudice to the possible application of Article 18 of the basic Regulation, companies that have agreed to their possible inclusion in the sample but are not selected to be in the sample will be considered to be cooperating (‘non-sampled cooperating producers’).

5.3.2.   Additional procedure with regard to the PRC that is subject to significant distortions

Subject to the provisions of this Notice, all interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known, submit information and provide supporting evidence regarding the application of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation. Unless otherwise specified, this information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice.

Pursuant to point (e) of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation, the Commission will, shortly after initiation, by means of a note to the file for inspection by interested parties, inform parties to the investigation about the relevant sources that it intends to use for the purpose of determining normal value in the PRC pursuant to Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation. This will cover all sources, including the selection of an appropriate representative third country where appropriate. Parties to the investigation shall be given 10 days from the date at which that note is added to that file to submit comments.

According to the information available to the Commission, a possible representative third country for the country concerned in this case is Thailand. With the aim of finally selecting the appropriate representative third country, the Commission will examine whether there are countries with a similar level of economic development as the country concerned, in which there is production and sales of the product under review and in which relevant data are readily available. Where there is more than one such country, preference will be given, where appropriate, to countries with an adequate level of social and environmental protection.

With regard to the relevant sources, the Commission invites all producers in the PRC to provide information on the materials (raw and processed) and energy used in the production of the product under review within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice. This information must be provided via TRON.tdi at the following address: https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/tdi/form/R741_INFO_ON_INPUTS_FOR_EXPORTING_PRODUCER_FORM. Tron access information can be found in sections 5.6 and 5.9 below.

Furthermore, any submissions of factual information to value costs and prices pursuant to point (a) of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation must be filed within 65 days of the date of publication of this Notice. Such factual information should be taken exclusively from publicly available sources.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation with regard to the alleged significant distortions within the meaning of point (b) of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation, the Commission will also make available a questionnaire to the Government of the PRC.

5.3.3.   Investigating unrelated importers (10) (11)

Unrelated importers of the product under review from the PRC and from Indonesia to the Union, including those that did not cooperate in the investigation(s) leading to the measures in force, are invited to participate in this investigation.

In view of the potentially large number of unrelated importers involved in this expiry review and in order to complete the investigation within the statutory time limits, the Commission may limit to a reasonable number the unrelated importers that will be investigated by selecting a sample (this process is also referred to as ‘sampling’). The sampling will be carried out in accordance with Article 17 of the basic Regulation.

In order to enable the Commission to decide whether sampling is necessary and, if so, to select a sample, all unrelated importers, or representatives acting on their behalf, including the ones who did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures subject to the present review, are hereby requested to make themselves known to the Commission. These parties must do so within 7 days of the date of publication of this Notice by providing the Commission with the information on their company(ies) requested in the Annex to this Notice.

In order to obtain information it deems necessary for the selection of the sample of unrelated importers, the Commission may also contact any known associations of importers.

If a sample is necessary, the importers may be selected based on the largest representative volume of sales of the product under review from the countries concerned in the Union which can reasonably be investigated within the time available. All known unrelated importers and associations of importers will be notified by the Commission of the companies selected to be in the sample.

The Commission will also add a note to the file for inspection by interested parties reflecting the sample selection. Any comment on the sample selection must be received within 3 days of the date of notification of the sample decision.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation, the Commission will make available questionnaires to the sampled unrelated importers. Those parties must submit a completed questionnaire within 30 days from the date of the notification of the sample selection, unless otherwise specified.

A copy of the questionnaire for unrelated importers is available in the file for inspection by interested parties and on DG Trade’s website https://trade.ec.europa.eu/tdi/case_details.cfm?id=2533

5.4.   
  Procedure for the determination of a likelihood of a continuation or recurrence of injury

In order to establish whether there is a likelihood of a continuation or recurrence of injury to the Union industry, Union producers of the product under review are invited to participate in the Commission investigation.

5.4.1.   Investigating Union producers

In order to obtain information it deems necessary for its investigation with regard to Union producers the Commission will make available questionnaires to the known Union producer, namely to: Productos Aditivos S.A.

The aforementioned Union producer must submit the completed questionnaire within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice, unless otherwise specified.

Union producers and representative associations not listed above are invited to contact the Commission, preferably by e-mail, immediately but no later than 7 days after the publication of this Notice, unless otherwise specified, in order to make themselves known and request a questionnaire.

A copy of the questionnaire for Union producers is available in the file for inspection by interested parties and on DG Trade’s website https://trade.ec.europa.eu/tdi/case_details.cfm?id=2533

5.5.   
  Procedure for the assessment of Union interest

Should the likelihood of continuation or recurrence of dumping and recurrence of injury be confirmed, a decision will be reached, pursuant to Article 21 of the basic Regulation, as to whether maintaining the anti-dumping measures would not be against the Union interest.

Union producers, importers and their representative associations, users and their representative associations, trade unions and representative consumer organisations are invited to provide the Commission with information on the Union interest.

Information concerning the assessment of Union interest must be provided within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice, unless otherwise specified. This information may be provided either in a free format or by completing a questionnaire prepared by the Commission.

A copy of the questionnaires, including the questionnaire for users of the product under review, is available in the file for inspection by interested parties and on DG Trade’s website https://trade.ec.europa.eu/tdi/case_details.cfm?id=2533. In any case, information submitted pursuant to Article 21 will only be taken into account if supported by factual evidence at the time of submission, which substantiates its validity.

5.6.   
  Interested parties

In order to participate in the investigation, interested parties, such as producers in the countries concerned, Union producers, importers and their representative associations, users and their representative associations, trade unions and representative consumer organisations first have to demonstrate that there is an objective link between their activities and the product under review.

Producers in the countries concerned, Union producers, importers and representative associations who made information available in accordance to the procedures described in sections 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 will be considered as interested parties if there is an objective link between their activities and the product under review.

Other parties will only be able to participate in the investigation as interested party from the moment they make themselves known, and provided that there is an objective link between their activities and the product under review. Being considered as an interested party is without prejudice to the application of Article 18 of the basic Regulation.

Access to the file available for inspection for interested parties is made via TRON.tdi at the following address: https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/TDI. Please follow the instructions on that page to get access (12).

5.7.   
  Other written submissions

Subject to the provisions of this Notice, all interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known, submit information and provide supporting evidence. Unless otherwise specified, this information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice.

5.8.   
  Possibility to be heard by the Commission investigation services

All interested parties may request to be heard by the Commission investigation services. Any request to be heard must be made in writing and must specify the reasons for the request as well as a summary of what the interested party wishes to discuss during the hearing. The hearing will be limited to the issues set out by the interested parties in writing beforehand.

In principle, hearings will not be used to present factual information which is not yet on file. Nevertheless, in the interest of good administration and to enable Commission services to progress with the investigation, interested parties may be directed to provide new factual information after a hearing.

5.9.   
  Instructions for making written submissions and sending completed questionnaires and correspondence

Information submitted to the Commission for the purpose of trade defence investigations shall be free from copyrights. Interested parties, before submitting to the Commission information and/or data which is subject to third party copyrights, must request specific permission to the copyright holder explicitly allowing the Commission a) to use the information and data for the purpose of this trade defence proceeding and b) to provide the information and/or data to interested parties to this investigation in a form that allows them to exercise their rights of defence.

All written submissions, including the information requested in this Notice, completed questionnaires and correspondence provided by interested parties for which confidential treatment is requested shall be labelled ‘Sensitive’ (13). Parties submitting information in the course of this investigation are invited to reason their request for confidential treatment.

Interested parties providing ‘Sensitive’ information are required to furnish non-confidential summaries of it pursuant to Article 19(2) of the basic Regulation, which will be labelled ‘For inspection by interested parties’. These summaries must be sufficiently detailed to permit a reasonable understanding of the substance of the information submitted in confidence. If a party providing confidential information fails to show good cause for a confidential treatment request or does not furnish a non-confidential summary of it in the requested format and quality, the Commission may disregard such information unless it can be satisfactorily demonstrated from appropriate sources that the information is correct.

Interested parties are invited to make all submissions and requests via TRON.tdi (https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/TDI) including scanned powers of attorney and certification sheets. By using TRON.tdi or email, interested parties express their agreement with the rules applicable to electronic submissions contained in the document ‘CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN TRADE DEFENCE CASES’ published on the website of the Directorate-General for Trade: http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2011/june/tradoc_148003.pdf The interested parties must indicate their name, address, telephone and a valid e-mail address and they should ensure that the provided e-mail address is a functioning official business e-mail which is checked on a daily basis. Once contact details are provided, the Commission will communicate with interested parties by TRON.tdi or email only, unless they explicitly request to receive all documents from the Commission by another means of communication or unless the nature of the document to be sent requires the use of a registered mail. For further rules and information concerning correspondence with the Commission including principles that apply to submissions via TRON.tdi and by email, interested parties should consult the communication instructions with interested parties referred to above.

Commission address for correspondence:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Trade |
| Directorate G |
| Office: CHAR 04/039 |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Trade

Directorate G

Office: CHAR 04/039

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

TRON.tdi: https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/tdi

Email:

For dumping issues:

TRADE-R741-SOCY-DUMPING-IDN@ec.europa.eu (for Indonesia)

TRADE-R741-SOCY-DUMPING-PRC@ec.europa.eu (for the PRC)

For injury issues:

TRADE-R741-SOCY-INJURY@ec.europa.eu

6.   Schedule of the investigation

The investigation shall normally be concluded within 12 months and in any event no later than 15 months from the date of the publication of this Notice, pursuant to Article 11(5) of the basic Regulation.

7.   Submission of information

As a rule, interested parties may only submit information in the timeframes specified in section 5 of this Notice.

In order to complete the investigation within the mandatory deadlines, the Commission will not accept submissions from interested parties after the deadline to provide comments on the final disclosure or, if applicable, after the deadline to provide comments on the additional final disclosure.

8.   Possibility to comment on other parties’ submissions

In order to guarantee the rights of defence, interested parties should have the possibility to comment on information submitted by other interested parties. When doing so, interested parties may only address issues raised in the other interested parties’ submissions and may not raise new issues.

Comments on the information provided by other interested parties in reaction to the disclosure of the definitive findings should be submitted within 5 days from the deadline to comment on the definitive findings, unless otherwise specified. If there is an additional final disclosure, comments filed by other interested parties in reaction to this further disclosure should be made within 1 day from the deadline to comment on this further disclosure, unless otherwise specified.

The outlined timeframe is without prejudice to the Commission’s right to request additional information from interested parties in duly justified cases.

9.   Extension to time limits specified in this Notice

Extensions to time-limits provided for in this Notice may be granted upon request of interested parties showing due cause.

Any extension to the time limits provided for in this Notice should only be requested in exceptional circumstances and will only be granted if duly justified. In any event, any extension to the deadline to reply to questionnaires will be limited normally to 3 days, and as a rule will not exceed 7 days. Regarding time limits for the submission of other information specified in the Notice of initiation, extensions will be limited to 3 days unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated.

10.   Non-cooperation

In cases where any interested party refuses access to or does not provide the necessary information within the time limits, or significantly impedes the investigation, findings, affirmative or negative, may be made on the basis of facts available, in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation.

Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or misleading information, the information may be disregarded and use may be made of facts available.

If an interested party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially and findings are therefore based on facts available in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, the result may be less favourable to that party than if it had cooperated.

Failure to give a computerised response shall not be deemed to constitute non-cooperation, provided that the interested party shows that presenting the response as requested would result in an unreasonable extra burden or unreasonable additional cost. The interested party should immediately contact the Commission.

11.   Hearing Officer

Interested parties may request the intervention of the Hearing Officer for trade proceedings. The Hearing Officer reviews requests for access to the file, disputes regarding the confidentiality of documents, requests for extension of time limits and any other request concerning the rights of defence of interested parties and third parties as may arise during the proceeding.

The Hearing Officer may organise hearings and mediate between the interested party/-ies and Commissions services to ensure that the interested parties’ rights of defence are being fully exercised. A request for a hearing with the Hearing Officer should be made in writing and should specify the reasons for the request. The Hearing Officer will examine the reasons for the requests. These hearings should only take place if the issues have not been settled with the Commission services in due course.

Any request must be submitted in good time and expeditiously so as not to jeopardise the orderly conduct of proceedings. To that effect, interested parties should request the intervention of the Hearing Officer at the earliest possible time following the occurrence of the event justifying such intervention. Where hearing requests are submitted outside the relevant timeframes, the Hearing Officer will also examine the reasons for such late requests, the nature of the issues raised and the impact of those issues on the rights of defence, having due regard to the interests of good administration and the timely completion of the investigation.

For further information and contact details interested parties may consult the Hearing Officer’s web pages on DG Trade’s website: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/trade-policy-and-you/contacts/hearing-officer/

12.   Possibility to request a review under Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation

As this expiry review is initiated in accordance with the provisions of Article 11(2) of the basic Regulation, the findings thereof will not lead to the existing measures being amended but will lead to those measures being repealed or maintained in accordance with Article 11(6) of the basic Regulation.

If any interested party considers that a review of the measures is warranted so as to allow for the possibility to amend the measures, that party may request a review pursuant to Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation.

Parties wishing to request such a review, which would be carried out independently of the expiry review mentioned in this Notice, may contact the Commission at the address given above.

13.   Processing of personal data

Any personal data collected in this investigation will be treated in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (14).

A data protection notice that informs all individuals of the processing of personal data in the framework of Commission’s trade defence activities is available on DG Trade’s website: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/accessing-markets/trade-defence/

---

(1)  OJ C 344, 16.10.2020, p. 16.

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

(3)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1160 of 15 July 2016 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People’s Republic of China and Indonesia following an expiry review pursuant to Article 11(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (OJ L 192, 16.7.2016, p. 49).

(4)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1159 of 15 July 2016 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People’s Republic of China and produced by Fang Da Food Additive (Shen Zhen) Limited and Fang Da Food Additive (Yang Quan) Limited (OJ L 192, 16.7.2016, p. 23).

(5)  Documents cited in the country report may also be obtained upon a duly reasoned request.

(6)  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020XC0316%2802%29

(7)  Information on HS codes is also provided in the executive summary of the review request, which is available on DG Trade’s website (http://trade.ec.europa.eu/tdi/?).

(8)  All references to the publication of this Notice will be references to publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified.

(9)  A producer is any company in the country concerned which produces the product under review, including any of its related companies involved in the production, domestic sales or exports of the product under review.

(10)  Only importers not related to producers in the country concerned can be sampled. Importers that are related to producers have to fill in Annex I to the questionnaire for these exporting producers. In accordance with Article 127 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 of 24 November 2015 laying down detailed rules for implementing certain provisions of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code, two persons shall be deemed to be related if: (a) they are officers or directors of the other person’s business; (b) they are legally recognised partners in business; (c) they are employer and employee; (d) a third party directly or indirectly owns, controls or holds 5 % or more of the outstanding voting stock or shares of both of them; (e) one of them directly or indirectly controls the other; (f) both of them are directly or indirectly controlled by a third person; (g) together they control a third person directly or indirectly; or (h) they are members of the same family (OJ L 343, 29.12.2015, p. 558). Persons shall be deemed to be members of the same family only if they stand in any of the following relationships to one another: (i) husband and wife, (ii) parent and child, (iii) brother and sister (whether by whole or half blood), (iv) grandparent and grandchild, (v) uncle or aunt and nephew or niece, (vi) parent-in-law and son-in-law or daughter-in-law, (vii) brother-in-law and sister-in-law. In accordance with Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code, ’’person’’ means a natural person, a legal person, and any association of persons which is not a legal person but which is recognised under Union or national law as having the capacity to perform legal acts (OJ L 269, 10.10.2013, p. 1).

(11)  The data provided by unrelated importers may also be used in relation to aspects of this investigation other than the determination of dumping.

(12)  In case of technical problems please contact the Trade Service Desk by email trade-service-desk@ec.europa.eu or by Tel. +32 22979797.

(13)  A ’Sensitive’ document is a document which is considered confidential pursuant to Article 19 of the basic Regulation and Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-Dumping Agreement). It is also a document protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43).

(14)  Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39).

---

ANNEX

| ☐ | Sensitive version |
| --- | --- |
| ☐ | Version ‘For inspection by interested parties’ |
| (tick the appropriate box) |

☐

Sensitive version

☐

Version ‘For inspection by interested parties’

(tick the appropriate box)

ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING CONCERNING IMPORTS OF SODIUM CYCLAMATE ORIGINATING IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND INDONESIA

INFORMATION FOR THE SELECTION OF THE SAMPLE OF UNRELATED IMPORTERS

This form is designed to assist unrelated importers in responding to the request for sampling information made in point 5.3.3 of the Notice of initiation.

Both the ‘Sensitive’ version and the version ‘Open for inspection by interested parties’ should be returned to the Commission as set out in the Notice of initiation.

1.   IDENTITY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Supply the following details about your company:

| Company name | |
| --- | --- |
| Address | |
| Contact person | |
| Email address | |
| Telephone | |
| Website | |

Company name

Address

Contact person

Email address

Telephone

Website

2.   TURNOVER AND SALES VOLUME

Indicate the total turnover in euros (EUR) of the company, and the turnover and weight for imports into the Union and resales on the Union market after importation from the PRC and from Indonesia, during the review investigation period, of sodium cyclamate as defined in the Notice of Initiation and the corresponding weight in tonnes.

| | Tonnes | Value in euros (EUR) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total turnover of your company in euros (EUR) | | |
| Imports of the product under review into the Union | | |
| Resales on the Union market after importation from the PRC of the product under review | | |
| Resales on the Union market after importation from Indonesia of the product under review | | |

Tonnes

Value in euros (EUR)

Total turnover of your company in euros (EUR)

Imports of the product under review into the Union

Resales on the Union market after importation from the PRC of the product under review

Resales on the Union market after importation from Indonesia of the product under review

3.   ACTIVITIES OF YOUR COMPANY AND RELATED COMPANIES (1)

Give details of the precise activities of the company and all related companies (please list them and state the relationship to your company) involved in the production and/or selling (export and/or domestic) of the product under review. Such activities could include but are not limited to purchasing the product under review or producing it under sub-contracting arrangements, or processing or trading it.

| Company name and location | Activities | Relationship |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |

Company name and location

Activities

Relationship

4.   OTHER INFORMATION

Please provide any other relevant information which the company considers useful to assist the Commission in the selection of the sample.

5.   CERTIFICATION

By providing the above information, the company agrees to its possible inclusion in the sample. If the company is selected to be part of the sample, this will involve completing a questionnaire and accepting a visit at its premises in order to verify its response. If the company indicates that it does not agree to its possible inclusion in the sample, it will be deemed not to have cooperated in the investigation. The Commission’s findings for non-cooperating importers are based on the facts available and the result may be less favourable to that company than if it had cooperated.

Signature of authorised official:

Name and title of authorised official:

Date:

---

(1)  In accordance with Article 127 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 of 24 November 2015 laying down detailed rules for implementing certain provisions of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code, two persons shall be deemed to be related if: (a) they are officers or directors of the other person’s business; (b) they are legally recognised partners in business; (c) they are employer and employee; (d) a third party directly or indirectly owns, controls or holds 5 % or more of the outstanding voting stock or shares of both of them; (e) one of them directly or indirectly controls the other; (f) both of them are directly or indirectly controlled by a third person; (g) together they control a third person directly or indirectly; or (h) they are members of the same family (OJ L 343, 29.12.2015, p. 558). Persons shall be deemed to be members of the same family only if they stand in any of the following relationships to one another: (i) husband and wife, (ii) parent and child, (iii) brother and sister (whether by whole or half-blood), (iv) grandparent and grandchild, (v) uncle or aunt and nephew or niece, (vi) parent-in-law and son-in-law or daughter-in-law, (vii) brother-in-law and sister-in-law. In accordance with Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code, ’’person’’ means a natural person, a legal person, and any association of persons which is not a legal person but which is recognised under Union or national law as having the capacity to perform legal acts (OJ L 269, 10.10.2013, p. 1).

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 16.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 284/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 284/16

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10337 – BC PARTNERS/VISTA EQUITY PARTNERS/EAB GLOBAL)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 284/05)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | BC Partners LLP (‘BC Partners’, United Kingdom), |
| --- | --- |

—

BC Partners LLP (‘BC Partners’, United Kingdom),

| — | Vista Equity Partners Management, LLC (‘Vista’, USA) |
| --- | --- |

—

Vista Equity Partners Management, LLC (‘Vista’, USA)

| — | EAB Global, Inc. (‘EAB Global’, USA) |
| --- | --- |

—

EAB Global, Inc. (‘EAB Global’, USA)

BC Partners and Vista acquire within the meaning of Articles 3(1)(b) and 3(4)of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of EAB Global, which is currently solely controlled by funds managed by Vista.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | for BC Partners: international investment firm providing advisory services to financial investors, |
| --- | --- |

—

for BC Partners: international investment firm providing advisory services to financial investors,

| — | for Vista: investment firm focused on enterprise software, data and technology-enabled businesses, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Vista: investment firm focused on enterprise software, data and technology-enabled businesses,

| — | for EAB Global: company providing best practices research, student success management software and data-enabled enrolment solutions to the not-for-profit higher education and K-12 markets. |
| --- | --- |

—

for EAB Global: company providing best practices research, student success management software and data-enabled enrolment solutions to the not-for-profit higher education and K-12 markets.

3.

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

4.

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

M.10337 – BC PARTNERS/VISTA EQUITY PARTNERS/EAB GLOBAL

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

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

2

---

| 16.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 284/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 284/18

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10295 — ORANGE POLSKA/APG/FIBERCO JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 284/06)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Orange Polska S.A. (‘OPL’, Poland) |
| --- | --- |

—

Orange Polska S.A. (‘OPL’, Poland)

| — | APG Asset Management N.V. (‘APG’, Netherlands) |
| --- | --- |

—

APG Asset Management N.V. (‘APG’, Netherlands)

| — | Joint venture Światłowód Inwestycje sp. z o.o. (‘FiberCo’, Poland) |
| --- | --- |

—

Joint venture Światłowód Inwestycje sp. z o.o. (‘FiberCo’, Poland)

OPL and APG acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of FiberCo.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | for OPL: the provision of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, broadband and Pay-TV services in Poland, and other telecommunications value added services. |
| --- | --- |

—

for OPL: the provision of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, broadband and Pay-TV services in Poland, and other telecommunications value added services.

| — | for APG: management of assets for pension funds in various sectors, including education, government construction, energy and utility companies, and infrastructure investments. |
| --- | --- |

—

for APG: management of assets for pension funds in various sectors, including education, government construction, energy and utility companies, and infrastructure investments.

| — | for FiberCo: expansion and builing of fiber infrastructure in order to offer wholesale access services in less dense areas in Poland. |
| --- | --- |

—

for FiberCo: expansion and builing of fiber infrastructure in order to offer wholesale access services in less dense areas in Poland.

3.

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

4.

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

M.10295 — ORANGE POLSKA/APG/FIBERCO JV

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

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

2

---

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 16.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 284/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 284/20

---

Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

(2021/C 284/07)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within two months from the date of this publication.

REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

‘Cotnari’

PDO-RO-A0135-AM01

Date of application: 1 August 2017

1.   Rules applicable to the amendment

Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 – Non-minor modification

2.   Description and reasons for amendment

2.1.   Inclusion of new types of wine – quality sparkling wine and quality aromatic sparkling wine

The product specification is amended to include new categories of grapevine products as defined in Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, i.e. quality sparkling wine and quality aromatic sparkling wine obtained exclusively in the area demarcated for the Cotnari controlled designation of origin in accordance with the legislation in force. Together with the still wine category, these categories may use the Cotnari PDO.

Chapter I of the product specification and Section 1.3 of the single document have been amended.

Extension of the Cotnari designation of origin to quality sparkling wine and quality aromatic sparkling wine is requested in order to develop the wine-growing potential of the Cotnari area, which is reflected in the qualities of these new product categories.

In line with the growing trend in the consumption of sparkling wines over the last few years, which shows the consumers’ interest in effervescent wines in all forms of production, and in particular those with geographical indications/designations of origin, many Romanian producers have started to focus on producing effervescent wines, particularly from national varieties.

Quality aromatic sparkling wines obtained from the Romanian Tămâioasă românească and Busuioacă de Bohotin varieties develop their potential thanks to the soil and weather conditions of the demarcated area, as witness the wines’ specific aroma intensity, fruitiness and finesse.

2.2.   Amendment of the wine yields to reflect their increase

The wine and vine yields have been increased in the product specification for the varieties used in the production of Cotnari wines.

Chapters V and VI of the product specification and Section 1.5.2 of the single document have been amended.

The amendment lays down maximum wine and vine yields taking into account the specific level of full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, the fact that over the last ten years large swathes of the demarcated area have been replanted with indigenous varieties such as Grasă de Cotnari, Frâncușă, Fetească Albă, Busuioacă de Bohotin, Tămâioasă Românească and Fetească Neagră, which have a higher biological yield potential, and that, in addition, efficient planting schemes have been used involving a higher density of vines per hectare than in the old vineyards.

The planting material used in establishing the new vineyards comprises new clones of traditional varieties with superior qualitative features and a high productive potential. While the old vineyards had 2200 to 2500 vines per hectare, vine density in the new vineyards ranges from 3600 to 4200 per hectare, depending on the planting scheme used.

2.3.   Indication of the analytical characteristics of the new types of wine – quality sparkling wines and quality aromatic sparkling wines

The product specification has been amended to include information on the analytical and organoleptic characteristics of the new product categories requested (quality sparkling wine and quality aromatic sparkling wine).

As a result, Chapter XI a) of the product specification and Section 1.4 of the single document have been amended.

The addition of the characteristics of the new types of wine to the product specification is due to the inclusion of these new categories, which must be identified and described accordingly by setting out their specific analytical parameters.

2.4.   Indication of the organoleptic characteristics of the new types of wine – quality sparkling wines and quality aromatic sparkling wines

The inclusion of quality sparkling wine and quality aromatic sparkling wine meant that the product specification had to be amended to include information on the organoleptic characteristics of these new categories, and so details concerning the appearance, nose and taste have been added for these types of wine.

As a result, Chapter XI b) of the product specification and Section 1.4 of the single document have been amended.

The addition of the characteristics of the new types of wine to the product specification is due to the inclusion of these new categories, which must be identified and described accordingly by setting out their specific analytical parameters.

2.5.   Indication of link with geographical area for the new types of wine – quality sparkling wines and quality aromatic sparkling wines

The description of the link with the geographical area has been supplemented to provide an appropriate description of all the types of wine, following the introduction to the product specification of the new types of wine, i.e. quality sparkling wine and quality aromatic sparkling wine, to ensure that this causal link is described in detail for each product category obtained.

Chapter II of the product specification and Section 1.8 of the single document have been amended.

The addition to the product specification of information on the geographical area, the characteristics of the new product categories and the causal interaction is necessary as a result of their introduction and in order to set out the favourable conditions in the demarcated area from which the requested products are obtained.

2.6.   Inclusion of specific production methods (techniques) for quality sparkling wines and quality aromatic sparkling wines

The product specification has been amended to include the production methods specific to quality sparkling wines and quality aromatic sparkling wines. Such information must be provided as a result of the introduction of these categories.

Chapter X of the product specification has been amended, with no amendment being made to the single document.

Quality sparkling wine bearing the Cotnari PDO must be obtained by natural fermentation in autoclaves or bottles, depending on the technique employed, using base wines obtained from the varieties listed in the product specification.

The production methods for still wines are supplemented so as to enable rosé wines to be obtained from red or rosé varieties using maceration techniques.

2.7.   Inclusion in labelling of terms specific to production techniques for quality sparkling wine and aromatic quality sparkling wine

The product specification has been amended to include specific labelling requirements for the new wine categories introduced concerning the inclusion of the terms, required under the law, indicating sugar content (brut nature, brut, extra brut, extra dry, sec, demi sec).

As a result, Chapter XII of the product specification and Section 1.9 of the single document have been amended.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of product

Cotnari

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO - Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine products

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

1.

Wine

| 5. | Quality sparkling wine |
| --- | --- |

5.

Quality sparkling wine

| 6. | Quality aromatic sparkling wine |
| --- | --- |

6.

Quality aromatic sparkling wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

Analytical and organoleptic characteristics of the still white wines

From an organoleptic point of view, the white wines are unctuous, ranging from greenish-yellow in colour (in young wines) to straw yellow and honey yellow (in aged wines); they have an aroma of raisins, walnut kernels and bitter almonds (Grasă de Cotnari), and a scent of ripe grapes with strong floral hints, fruitiness (Frâncușă), hay, acacia flowers, fresh butter, a persistent taste of bread crust (Chardonnay), freshness, a flavour of tropical fruit and a scent of freshly cut sweet peppers and elderflower (Sauvignon).

The specific aromatic varieties are intense in colour, with a scent of basil, mown hay and basil pears, and a flavour of sweet rose (Tămâioasă românească), with hints of rose and lime blossom; velvety taste redolent of vanilla and almond (Traminer roz), diverse hues from pink to dry onion skin and a scent of basil or rose (Busuioacă de Bohotin).

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 15,00 |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 11,00 |
| Minimum total acidity | 4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 18 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | 350 |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

15,00

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

11,00

Minimum total acidity

4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

18

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

350

Analytical and organoleptic characteristics of the still rosé wines

From an organoleptic point of view, the rosé wines are unctuous, ranging from greenish-yellow in colour (in young wines) to straw yellow and honey yellow (in aged wines); they have an aroma of raisins, walnut kernels and bitter almonds (Grasă de Cotnari), and a scent of ripe grapes with strong floral hints, fruitiness (Frâncușă), hay, acacia flowers, fresh butter, a persistent taste of bread crust (Chardonnay), freshness, a flavour of tropical fruit and a scent of freshly cut sweet peppers and elderflower (Sauvignon).

The specific aromatic varieties are intense in colour, with a scent of basil, mown hay and basil pears, and a flavour of sweet rose (Tămâioasă românească), with hints of rose and lime blossom; velvety taste redolent of vanilla and almond (Traminer roz), diverse hues from pink to dry onion skin and a scent of basil or rose (Busuioacă de Bohotin).

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 15,00 |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 11,00 |
| Minimum total acidity | 4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 18 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | 200 |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

15,00

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

11,00

Minimum total acidity

4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

18

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

200

Physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics of the still red wines

The red wines have ruby-red highlights when young and brick-red highlights when old; they have an odour of dried red fruits, plums and black cherries and a velvety flavour with a discernible, pleasant fruitiness.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 15,00 |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 12,00 |
| Minimum total acidity | 4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 20 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | 200 |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

15,00

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

12,00

Minimum total acidity

4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

20

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

200

Analytical and organoleptic characteristics of quality sparkling wines

As regards their organoleptic properties, the PDO quality sparkling wines stand out as fine, fresh and natural wines, with fermentation aromas and floral hints. They are bright greenish-yellow to pale yellow in appearance/colour, with a long-lasting mousse, for white sparkling wines, and more or less intense pink hues for rosé sparkling wines.

The effervescence of the Cotnari PDO sparkling wines is intense at first; the bubbling subsequently lessens but is nevertheless sufficiently long-lasting and fine, showcasing the nobility and subtlety of the Cotnari wines.

They have a fresh, fine scent specific to the variety from which they are obtained, and a floral, light taste, with a flavour and aroma redolent of autolysed yeast.

The quality sparkling wines have an excess pressure of at least 3,5 bar at 20° C.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 11,00 |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 10,00 |
| Minimum total acidity | 3,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 11 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | 185 |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

11,00

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

10,00

Minimum total acidity

3,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

11

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

185

Analytical and organoleptic characteristics of quality aromatic sparkling wines

The quality aromatic sparkling wine obtained from Tămâioasă Românească is straw-yellow with greenish highlights, and has an abundant mousse and fine, persistent bubbles. It has a fine, intense and ample frankincense aroma, with hints of basil, roses and freshly mown hay. The taste is harmonious, pleasant and lively, due to the acid/sweet balance.

The quality aromatic sparkling wine obtained from Busuioacă de Bohotin is pink in colour with purplish hues, an abundant mousse and fine, persistent bubbles. The specific muscat aroma is fine and intense, with notes of citrus fruit, basil and rose petals, and discreet aromas of fresh red fruit in the aftertaste. The taste is pleasant and lively, thanks to the balance between acidity and sugar content. The wine is balanced in its aromas, taste and persistence.

The quality aromatic sparkling wines have an excess pressure of least 3 bar at 20° C.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 10,00 |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 6,00 |
| Minimum total acidity | 3,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 11 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | 185 |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

10,00

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

6,00

Minimum total acidity

3,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

11

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

185

5.   Wine making practices

a.   Essential oenological practices

Cultivation method

Irrigation is permitted only during years of drought, with ONVPV (National Office of Vine and Wine) notification, when the water content in soil at a depth of 0-100 cm decreases to 50 % of the AHI (active humidity interval), applying reasonable irrigation standards (400-600 m3/ha).

Green harvesting – reducing the number of grape clusters at veraison when the potential production exceeds the maximum limits permitted under the product specification.

b.   Maximum yields

| — | at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Grasă de Cotnari, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer roz
  11 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare |
| --- | --- |

—

at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Grasă de Cotnari, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer roz

11 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

| — | at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Tămâioasă Românească, Sauvignon, Busuioacă de Bohotin
  12 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare |
| --- | --- |

—

at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Tămâioasă Românească, Sauvignon, Busuioacă de Bohotin

12 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare

| — | at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Fetească albă, Fetească neagră
  13 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare |
| --- | --- |

—

at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Fetească albă, Fetească neagră

13 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

| — | at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Frâncușă
  14 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare |
| --- | --- |

—

at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Frâncușă

14 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

| — | at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Grasă de Cotnari, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer roz
  82,50 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

—

at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Grasă de Cotnari, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer roz

82,50 hectolitres per hectare

| — | at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Tămâioasă românească, Sauvignon, Busuioacă de Bohotin
  94,00 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

—

at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Tămâioasă românească, Sauvignon, Busuioacă de Bohotin

94,00 hectolitres per hectare

| — | at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Frâncușă
  105,00 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

—

at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Frâncușă

105,00 hectolitres per hectare

| — | at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Fetească albă, Fetească neagră
  97,50 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

—

at full maturity of the grapes at the time of harvesting, for Fetească albă, Fetească neagră

97,50 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The area demarcated for the production of wines with the ‘Cotnari’ controlled designation of origin comprises the following localities in the counties of Iași and Botoșani:

Iași County

| — | The municipality of Cotnari: the villages of Cotnari, Hodora, Cârjoaia, Bahluiu, Iosupeni, Lupăria; |
| --- | --- |

—

The municipality of Cotnari: the villages of Cotnari, Hodora, Cârjoaia, Bahluiu, Iosupeni, Lupăria;

| — | The municipality of Ceplenița: the villages of Ceplenița, Buhalnița, Zlodica; |
| --- | --- |

—

The municipality of Ceplenița: the villages of Ceplenița, Buhalnița, Zlodica;

| — | The municipality of Scobinți: the villages of Scobinți, Bădeni, Zagavia, Fetești; |
| --- | --- |

—

The municipality of Scobinți: the villages of Scobinți, Bădeni, Zagavia, Fetești;

| — | The town of Hârlău: the town of Hârlău; |
| --- | --- |

—

The town of Hârlău: the town of Hârlău;

| — | The municipality of Deleni: the villages of Deleni, Maxut, Feredeni, Slobozia, Poiana; |
| --- | --- |

—

The municipality of Deleni: the villages of Deleni, Maxut, Feredeni, Slobozia, Poiana;

| — | The municipality of Cucuteni: the villages of Cucuteni, Băiceni, Săcărești; |
| --- | --- |

—

The municipality of Cucuteni: the villages of Cucuteni, Băiceni, Săcărești;

| — | The municipality of Todirești: the villages of Todirești, Băiceni; |
| --- | --- |

—

The municipality of Todirești: the villages of Todirești, Băiceni;

| — | The municipality of Balș: the villages of Balș, Boureni, Coasta Măgurii. |
| --- | --- |

—

The municipality of Balș: the villages of Balș, Boureni, Coasta Măgurii.

Botoșani County

| — | The municipality of Frumușica: the villages of Frumușica, Rădeni. |
| --- | --- |

—

The municipality of Frumușica: the villages of Frumușica, Rădeni.

One of the following single vineyard designations may be added to the ‘Cotnari’ controlled designation of origin, depending on the wishes of producers: Dealul Castel, Dealul Episcopului, Dealul Paraclis, Dealul Mândrului, Zlodica, Țiglăi, Dealul Cătălina, Cârjoaia, Lupăria, Ceplenița, Dealul lui Vodă, Buhalnița, Scobinți, Dealul Furcilor, Dealul Stânca, Hodora, Zagavia, Dealul Naslău, Hârlău, Deleni, Cucuteni, Boureni, Balș, Coasta Măgurii.

7.   Main wine grapes variety(ies)

Busuioacă de Bohotin Rs - Schwarzer Muscat, Muscat fioletovâi, Muscat violet cyperus, Tămâioasă violetă

Chardonnay B - Gentil blanc, Pinot blanc Chardonnay

Fetească albă B - Păsărească albă, Poama fetei, Mädchentraube, Leanyka, Leanka

Fetească neagră N - Schwarze Mädchentraube, Poama fetei neagră, Păsărească neagră, Coada rândunicii

Frâncușă B - Vinoasă, Mildweisser, Mustoasă de Moldova, Poamă creață

Grasă de Cotnari B - Dicktraube, Grasă, Köver szölö

Muscat Ottonel B - Muscat Ottonel blanc

Pinot Gris G - Affumé, Grau Burgunder, Grauburgunder, Grauer Mönch, Pinot cendré, Pinot Grigio, Ruländer

Sauvignon B - Green Sauvignon

Traminer Roz Rs - Rosetraminer, Savagnin roz, Gewürztraminer

Tămâioasă românească B - Busuioacă de Moldova, Muscat blanc à petit grains

Tămâioasă românească B - Rumänische Weihrauchtraube, Tamianka

8.   Description of the link(s)

Link with the geographical area - Details of the geographical area

Most of the vineyards in the Cotnari region lie on Quaternary deposits, particularly the diluvial-colluvial ones of Coasta Cotnarilor, and not so much, if at all, on alluvial deposits on meadows (owing to climate-related restrictions). Only in small areas are vines rooted in parent Sarmatian rocks or their weakly developed soils (Cotea et al., 2006).

Diluvial and colluvial deposits are frequent on the hillsides as a result of downhill creep and rainwash. In the easternmost part of the wine-growing area there are also saline and alkaline soils, formed on saliferous deposits. The soils derived from this parent material are generally propitious to wine-growing (Cotea et al., 2006).

The climate of the wine-growing region has been sub-divided into six microclimates; the predominant microclimate, characterising 45 % of the total area, is the one found on slopes exposed to the south, south-east and west, with an inclination of 5-20°, enjoying generous sunshine and well sheltered from the cold northern and north-eastern winds. The temperatures on those slopes are the highest in the wine-growing region, which makes them ideal for vine cultivation.

Link with the geographical area - product details

The still wines are full-bodied wines with specific floral or fruity aromas that are typical of the variety, due to the long and dry autumn season and the influence of the noble rot specific to this area. They have aromas of citrus fruit, honey, acacia blossom and elderflower, with hints of vanilla and almonds when aged for a short time.

The quality sparkling wine has a reductive note at first, and then acquires hints of citrus fruit and hay and discreet notes of autolysed yeast. The bouquet comes from the particular flavour of green walnut kernel, ‘basil pears’, honey and raisins and is redolent of the noble rot of the long dry autumns of the Cotnari region.

The quality aromatic sparkling wines have intense and ample aromas, with hints of basil, roses and freshly mown hay; they have an abundant mousse and fine, persistent bubbles; the taste is pleasant, lively and harmonious.

Link with the geographical area - causal interaction

The still wines obtained in the Cotnari PDO region are different from one another, due to the various characteristics of the varieties from which they are produced, which in turn are influenced by the terroir.

The long and dry autumns that are specific to the Cotnari area contribute to the emergence of noble rot, which makes the wines full-bodied and aromatically diverse; wines with residual sugar obtained from grapes harvested when the grape berries are botrytised develop into naturally sweet wines. These wines are well-suited for ageing, as their alcoholic strength is often more than 12 % by volume.

Due to the climate of the area, the wines’ bouquet is diverse, with characteristic, floral notes of tropical fruit, with a good balance of sugars, alcohol and acidity.

The almost perfect balance between rainfall, sunshine and evapotranspiration of groundwater in the shelter created by Coasta Dealul Mare - Hârlău in the long, dry and very sunny autumns ensures optimum maturation for varieties such as Grasă de Cotnari, giving the wines aromas of honeycomb, honey and raisins and an intense colour (with hints of amber in aged wines).

The quality sparkling wines are balanced wines, with a well-integrated acidity that is also due to the wines being obtained in the northernmost vineyards of Moldavia. The middle growing season for the varieties cultivated, which are able to withstand moderate frost and drought and have optimal heliothermal resources, enables slow accumulation of the typical aromas of the varieties, resulting in wines with specific characteristics.

The slow accumulation of the typical aromas of the varieties in the quality aromatic sparkling wines is due to the warm and very sunny summers, as well as the mean temperature values in September, which allow the production of wines with a rich bouquet and characteristic note.

The quality sparkling wines and quality aromatic sparkling wines are obtained in particular from grapes, picked by hand, of native varieties with an aromatic potential such as Tămâioasă românească, Fetească albă, Francușă and Busuioacă de Bohotin, but also international varieties that have adapted to the local Cotnari terroir, expressing its authenticity and drawing on the area’s traditional wine-making methods, which incorporate factors specific to Moldavia.

The traditional style is supplemented, however, by modern wine-making techniques that focus on highlighting and expressing as fully as possible the fruitiness and freshness of the quality sparkling wines and quality aromatic sparkling wines imparted in particular by varieties with increased aromatic potential.

These wines are bright wines, with an abundant mousse and fine bubbles and specific floral or fruity aromas.

The sparkling wines evince a good balance between acidity and sugar content, showcasing the specific character and nobility of the Cotnari vineyards. The Cotnari PDO area is a Romanian wine-growing area with its own specific character, where the tradition of cultivating Romanian varieties has been maintained. It is here that we find the highest proportion of old Romanian varieties, such as Grasă de Cotnari, Tămâioasă românească, Fetească albă, Francușă, Busuioacă de Bohotin and Fetească neagră.

The wines bear the imprint of the aromatic varieties (redolent of dried apricots, beeswax, freshly mown hay, basil pears), but this also depends to a large extent on how and for how long the maceration and fermentation processes take place to allow the aromatic substances to be extracted from the grape skin.

Old varieties like the Frâncușă and Busuioacă de Bohotin come into their own in the form of valuable sparkling wines, straw-yellow or pale/bright pink in colour, with a long and constant fizz, with floral notes of elderflower or acacia blossom or fruity notes of basil pears, green apricots, grapefruit, lemon rind and green apple, and with a medium mineral body in which fruity notes predominate.

In the past, these varieties were held in high esteem in rulers’ courts and would often be found on the lavish tables of the boyar aristocracy. The wines used to feature a logo showing the Vlădoianu castle, which was built in 1901 by Vlădoianu, a boyar who, in addition to being the governor of the Romanian National Bank, was also a distinguished wine grower. In time, the logo became an inspiration in the written story of the Cotnari wines.

9.   Essential further conditions

Marketing conditions

Legal framework:

| | in national legislation |
| --- | --- |

in national legislation

Type of further condition:

| | Additional provisions relating to labelling |
| --- | --- |

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

| | The labels of the wines in the quality sparkling wine and quality aromatic sparkling wine categories also include the terms required by the applicable legislation indicating sugar content (brut nature, brut, extra brut, extra dry, sec, demi sec). |
| --- | --- |

The labels of the wines in the quality sparkling wine and quality aromatic sparkling wine categories also include the terms required by the applicable legislation indicating sugar content (brut nature, brut, extra brut, extra dry, sec, demi sec).

Link to the product specification

http://onvpv.ro/sites/default/files/caiet_sarcini_doc_cotnari_modif_cf_notific_797_21.04.2020_no_track_changes.pdf

---

(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

---

| 16.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 284/29 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 284/29

---

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 284/08)

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

COMMUNICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT TO THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Moulis/Moulis-en-Médoc’

PDO-FR-A0731-AM02

DATE OF COMMUNICATION: 7 MAY 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Geographical area

The geographical area has been changed following a demarcation update, which has resulted in the municipality of Arcins being removed from the geographical area.

Furthermore, the list of municipalities has been updated in accordance with the Code officiel géographique [Official Geographical Code].

Point 6 of the single document has been amended.

2.   Demarcated parcel area

The date of 18 November 2020 has been added to the list of meetings of the relevant national committee that approved the demarcated parcel areas.

The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the relevant national authority approved changes to the demarcated parcel area within the geographical production area. Parcels are demarcated by identifying, within the geographical production area, those parcels that are suitable for producing the wine covered by the protected designation of origin.

The single document is not affected by these amendments.

3.   Area in immediate proximity

The list of municipalities in the immediate proximity has been updated in accordance with the Code officiel géographique [Official Geographical Code].

Point 9 of the single document has been amended.

4.   Transport between authorised warehouses

Chapter 1, point IX(5)(b) on the date when the wines may be transported between authorised warehouses has been deleted.

This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.

5.   Link to the origin

The link has been revised to take account of the removal of the municipality of Arcins by adding: ‘The update of the approved demarcation in 2020 has led to the removal of the municipality of Arcins.’

Point 8 of the single document has been amended.

6.   Reference to the inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording used in other product specifications. It is a purely formal amendment.

This amendment does not lead to any changes to the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Moulis

Moulis-en-Médoc

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine products

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

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

Still red wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 % and a total alcoholic strength by volume after enrichment of 13,5 %.

Every batch of wine sold has

| — | a malic acid content not exceeding 0,30 g/l. |
| --- | --- |

—

a malic acid content not exceeding 0,30 g/l.

| — | a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) not exceeding 2 g/l. |
| --- | --- |

—

a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) not exceeding 2 g/l.

| — | for bulk quantities, a volatile acidity content not exceeding 13,26 meq/l, or 0,79 g/l expressed as acetic acid until 31 July of the year following the harvest, and not exceeding 16,33 meq/l, or 0,98 g/l expressed as acetic acid after that date. |
| --- | --- |

—

for bulk quantities, a volatile acidity content not exceeding 13,26 meq/l, or 0,79 g/l expressed as acetic acid until 31 July of the year following the harvest, and not exceeding 16,33 meq/l, or 0,98 g/l expressed as acetic acid after that date.

The total acid and total sulphur dioxide content are as laid down by EU legislation. The wines are both fine and round, as they are often made from the Merlot N variety, usually blended with Cabernet-Sauvignon N. The Petit Verdot N and Cabernet Franc N (less frequently the Cot N and Carmenère N) varieties add complexity. Thanks to a good tannic structure, they reach full maturity after seven to ten years of ageing. These wines typically have an intense colour, an elegant bouquet, complex and powerful aromatic nuances and a long finish.

In general, wines produced from grapes grown on gravelly soils combine elegance, power and complexity. The clay-limestone soils produce a slightly more full-bodied wine than the ones above. The wines age well. The wines must always be aged at least until 1 June.

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.   Oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

Subtractive enrichment techniques are permitted up to a concentration rate of 15 %.

After enrichment, the wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 13,5 %.

In addition to the above provisions, the oenological practices followed must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

2.   Cultivation method

a)   Planting density

The minimum vine planting density is 7 000 plants per hectare.

The spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed 1,50 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,80 metres.

b)   Pruning rules

Pruning is carried out at the unfolded leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9) at the latest, using the following techniques:

| — | short and ‘shoot’ pruning, with two canes per plant and a maximum of five buds per cane for the Cabernet Sauvignon N, Cot N (Malbec), Merlot N and Petit Verdot N varieties and a maximum of 7 buds per cane for the Cabernet Franc N and Carmenère N varieties. Repeat short pruning cuts back to 2 buds; |
| --- | --- |

—

short and ‘shoot’ pruning, with two canes per plant and a maximum of five buds per cane for the Cabernet Sauvignon N, Cot N (Malbec), Merlot N and Petit Verdot N varieties and a maximum of 7 buds per cane for the Cabernet Franc N and Carmenère N varieties. Repeat short pruning cuts back to 2 buds;

| — | short pruning to 2 cordons, or fan pruning to 4 arms. |
| --- | --- |

—

short pruning to 2 cordons, or fan pruning to 4 arms.

In all cases, each plant must not have more than 12 buds.

c)   Irrigation

Irrigation during the growing season of the vine may be authorised, in accordance with the provisions of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

5.2.   
  Maximum yields

63 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged in the municipality of Moulis in the department of Gironde, and on the parcels listed in Annex 1 to the specification for the following municipalities, as based on the Code officiel géographique [Official Geographical Code] in force on 25 March 2020: Castelnau-de-Médoc, Lamarque and Listrac-Médoc.

7.   Main wine grape variety(-ies)

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet-Sauvignon N

Carmenère N

Cot N – Malbec

Merlot N

Petit Verdot N

8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

Located in the central part of the Médoc peninsula, halfway between Margaux and Saint-Julien, the ‘Moulis’ designation takes the form of a narrow ribbon twelve kilometres long, perpendicular to the Gironde estuary. It is the most westerly designation of the Médoc municipalities, with no frontage on the estuary.

Despite its predominantly Atlantic climate, this region benefits from relatively smooth seasonal fluctuations and moderate rainfall. These favourable climatic conditions are due to the presence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde, whose waters have the effect of regulating temperatures. Precipitation is well distributed throughout the year. However, at the end of summer, oceanic disturbances from the west vary from year to year, with low pressures in autumn or, conversely, hot and very sunny late seasons creating a notable ‘vintage effect’.

The territory of the municipality of Moulis-en-Médoc has gentle slopes that stretch out into an east-west strip of a dozen or so kilometres. Bordered to the north by the town of Listrac-Médoc, the municipality is separated from Avensan to the south by the valleys produced by the Ayguebelle and Tiquetorte streams.

A series of clay-limestone layers were formed in massive banks as a result of marine developments in the Tertiary era. Alternating glacial periods and temperate intermediate stages during the Quaternary era resulted in river loads made up of moraine, gravel, sand and silt. Following topographic inversion caused by erosion, the remains of these layers became outliers or glacial beds of gravel with a grain size ranging from fine gravel to large pebbles, deposited in a series of terraces.

Consequently, in the north-east part of the municipality, the Günz gravel outcrops are interlinked with sandy-gravelly soil over the limestone-clay base. These outcrops border clay-marl soil to the west, which extends to the south of the municipality. The south of the municipality has predominantly limestone-clay soils. High gravelly terraces emerge in areas to the west of the village of Bouqueyran. Beyond that, the land becomes less rugged and is characterised by the presence of colluvial sands, then by the sands of the Landes. The entire territory of the municipality is criss-crossed by humid, narrow and open valleys, which constitute areas of accumulated colluvial sands. The diversity of soils in the area has led specialists to say that ‘Moulis’ is ‘an impressive concentration of Médoc winemaking’.

Moulis-en-Médoc therefore features a landscape of open, winemaking valleys between 20 and 30 metres above sea level, structured around departmental road No 5, which connects the municipality from east to west and links the main town to the various small villages where the main winemaking operations are based. The humid valleys are confined to moors and woodlands. To the west, beyond the village of Bouqueyran, the wooded moorland of Fonréaud has no scope for use in winemaking, and marks the transition to the forest of the Gironde landes.

The geographical production area of the controlled designation of origin ‘Moulis’ corresponds to the territory of the municipality of Moulis-en-Médoc and part of the territory of the municipalities of Castelnau-de-Médoc, Lamarque and Listrac-Médoc.

Vineyards have been documented in this area since Antiquity. This land was used to grow several crops at once on a large scale in the form of latifundia (large estates). Three Gallo-Roman establishments were found in the area. The planting of the famous Vitis Biturica variety, ancestor of the Cabernet grape variety, dates back to this period.

During the Middle Ages, the Médoc was the granary of Bordeaux. This is confirmed by the presence of many mills, used for grinding the grain into flour. Moulis takes its name from the word ‘moulin’ [mill]. The development of vineyards began in the 13th century, spurred on by the feudal owners and a religious community whose existence and importance is demonstrated by the Romanesque church. At the time, farmers had little interest in ‘poor’ gravel, considered to be ‘mauvais cailloux’ [rough stones] (from which the place name ‘Maucaillou’ derives), because it was unsuitable for growing cereal crops. It was only later that vine was recognised as the only plant capable of flourishing on such soils. The extent and location of the vineyards attest to their historical longevity: ‘Its vineyard is undoubtedly one of the oldest in the Médoc’ (Bordeaux et ses Vins, C. Féret, M.H. Lemay, 1991). During the 14th and 15th centuries, the grapevine was planted more in inland areas than on the edge of the estuary. The winegrowers of the time preferred to avoid the damaging effects of damp rising from the rivers and mists, which would cause rot and destroy their vineyards.

8.2.   Description of the human factors relevant to the geographical link

The reputation of Moulis wines was truly established in the second half of the 19th century, thanks to the political and business leaders of Haut-Médoc who benefited from the free trade policy of the Second Empire and the privileged relations between Napoleon III and Queen Victoria. The Bordeaux merchants, who made their fortune through maritime trade, invested in Moulis. At the end of the 19th century, the vineyards in the municipality reached their peak, with an area of 1 500 hectares, before being blighted by phylloxera.At the start of the 20th century, the conditions for marketing Moulis-en-Médoc wines were determined by the Bordeaux merchants. The ‘Moulis’ designation developed as a result of the owners’ trade practices, who sold part of their wine production directly to individual private buyers. It was within this distribution network that the name ‘Moulis’ appeared for the first time. The establishment of the association of Moulis in 1936, followed by the recognition of the protected designation of origin by the Decree of 14 May 1938, promoted the producers’ ambitions. The Decree of this designation was amended on 4 January 1939 to allow certain parcels in the municipalities of Arcins, Avensan, Castelnau-de-Médoc, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Lamarque and Listrac-Médoc to claim the ‘Moulis’ designation on the basis of traditional practices. As production practices has quickly vanished in the municipalities of Avensan and Cussac-Fort-Médoc, both were removed from the geographical area. The update of the approved demarcation in 2020 led to the removal of the municipality of Arcins.

‘Moulis’ is the smallest municipal designation. The 634 hectares of vineyards currently represent 4 % of the Medoc vineyards. These vineyards are operated by around fifty owners.

8.3.   Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

The vineyards with the ‘Moulis’ denomination produce an average of 25 000 hectolitres of still red wines.

Even before ageing, ‘Moulis’ wines are both fine and round, as they are often made from the Merlot N variety, usually blended with Cabernet-Sauvignon N. The Petit Verdot N and Cabernet Franc N (less frequently the Cot N and Carmenère N) varieties add complexity. Thanks to a good tannic structure, they reach full maturity after seven to ten years of ageing. These wines typically have an intense colour, an elegant bouquet, complex and powerful aromatic nuances and a long finish.

In general, ‘Moulis’ wines produced from grapes grown on gravelly soils combine elegance, power and complexity. The clay-limestone soils produce a slightly more full-bodied wine than the ones above. They are said to combine ‘spirit and vitality’ with a good aptitude for ageing. In all cases, wines are aged for a minimum of six months.

8.4.   Causal interactions

The parcel area designated for production excludes hydromorphic soils, since deep clay soils cause the temporary clogging of the surface layers and soils made up of humous black sand where there is no gradient and which often lie on a layer of hardened iron concretions known locally as ‘alios’. Other areas excluded from the parcel area designated for production include the bottoms of thalwegs, the lower parts of hollow parcels, areas bordering streams liable to gather cold air in spring, which leads to the risk of frost and late ripening. Lastly, areas that are not suitable for winemaking – such as old coppices, or areas that have lost the ability for winemaking, such as built-up areas and quarries (active or filled) – are not admitted in the classification.

Among the parcels classified in the production area, the north-easterly gravel ridges are particularly suited to the cultivation of Cabernet-Sauvignon N. In the centre of the municipality, the clay-limestone soils are very favourable to Merlot N and, to the west, the gravelly soils of the high terraces have the qualities necessary for developing the two main grape varieties.

This diversity requires selective vineyard management. Planting density is set at at least 7 000 plants per hectare. Yields are controlled, and limited to a maximum of 57 hectolitres per hectare. Moreover, the maximum number of buds kept during pruning, depending on the chosen method, is limited to 12, and the maximum average load per parcel is set at 9 500 kilograms per hectare, a maximum of 14 grape clusters per plant.

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

Area in immediate proximity (1)

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the making of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, on the basis of the Code officiel géographique [Official Geographical Code] in force on 25 March 2020:

Arcins, Arsac, Avensan, Blanquefort, Castelnau-de-Médoc, Cissac-Médoc, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Labarde, Lamarque, Ludon-Médoc, Macau, Margaux-Cantenac, Listrac-Médoc, Parempuyre, Pauillac, Le Pian-Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, Saint-Laurent-Médoc, Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, Soussans, Le Taillan-Médoc and Vertheuil.

Area in immediate proximity (2)

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the development and ageing of the wines, comprises the territory of the following communes in the department of Gironde, on the basis of the Code officiel géographique [Official Geographical Code] in force on 25 March 2020:

Abzac, Aillas, Ambarès-et-Lagrave, Ambès, Anglade, Arbanats, Arcins, Arsac, Les Artigues-de-Lussac, Artigues-près-Bordeaux, Arveyres, Asques, Aubiac, Auriolles, Auros, Avensan, Ayguemorte-les-Graves, Bagas, Baigneaux, Barie, Baron, Barsac, Bassanne, Bassens, Baurech, Bayas, Bayon-sur-Gironde, Bazas, Beautiran, Bégadan, Bègles, Béguey, Bellebat, Bellefond, Belvès-de-Castillon, Bernos-Beaulac, Berson, Berthez, Beychac-et-Caillau, Bieujac, Les Billaux, Birac, Blaignac, Blaignan-Prignac, Blanquefort, Blasimon, Blaye, Blésignac, Bommes, Bonnetan, Bonzac, Bordeaux, Bossugan, Bouliac, Bourdelles, Bourg, Le Bouscat, Branne, Brannens, Braud-et-Saint-Louis, La Brède, Brouqueyran, Bruges, Budos, Cabanac-et-Villagrains, Cabara, Cadarsac, Cadaujac, Cadillac, Cadillac-en-Fronsadais, Camarsac, Cambes, Camblanes-et-Meynac, Camiac-et-Saint-Denis, Camiran, Camps-sur-l’Isle, Campugnan, Canéjan, Capian, Caplong, Carbon-Blanc, Cardan, Carignan-de-Bordeaux, Cars, Cartelègue, Casseuil, Castelmoron-d’Albret, Castelnau-de-Médoc, Castelviel, Castets et Castillon, Castillon-la-Bataille, Castres-Gironde, Caudrot, Caumont, Cauvignac, Cavignac, Cazats, Cazaugitat, Cénac, Cenon, Cérons, Cessac, Cestas, Cézac, Chamadelle, Cissac-Médoc, Civrac-de-Blaye, Civrac-de-Dordogne, Civrac-en-Médoc, Cleyrac, Coimères, Coirac, Comps, Coubeyrac, Couquèques, Courpiac, Cours-de-Monségur, Cours-les-Bains, Coutras, Coutures, Créon, Croignon, Cubnezais, Cubzac-les-Ponts, Cudos, Cursan, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Daignac, Dardenac, Daubèze, Dieulivol, Donnezac, Donzac, Doulezon, Les Eglisottes-et-Chalaures, Escoussans, Espiet, Les Esseintes, Etauliers, Eynesse, Eyrans, Eysines, Faleyras, Fargues, Fargues-Saint-Hilaire, Le Fieu, Flaujagues, Floirac, Floudès, Fontet, Fossés-et-Baleyssac, Fours, Francs, Fronsac, Frontenac, Gabarnac, Gaillan-en-Médoc, Gajac, Galgon, Gans, Gardegan-et-Tourtirac, Gauriac, Gauriaguet, Générac, Génissac, Gensac, Gironde-sur-Dropt, Gornac, Gours, Gradignan, Grayan-et-l’Hôpital, Grézillac, Grignols, Guillac, Guillos, Guîtres, Le Haillan, Haux, Hure, Illats, Isle-Saint-Georges, Izon, Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac, Jugazan, Juillac, La Sauve, Labarde, Labescau, Ladaux, Lados, Lagorce, Lalande-de-Pomerol, Lamarque, Lamothe-Landerron, La Lande-de-Fronsac, Landerrouat, Landerrouet-sur-Ségur, Landiras, Langoiran, Langon, Lansac, Lapouyade, Laroque, Laruscade, Latresne, Lavazan, Léogeats, Léognan, Lesparre-Médoc, Lestiac-sur-Garonne, Les Lèves-et-Thoumeyragues, Libourne, Lignan-de-Bazas, Lignan-de-Bordeaux, Ligueux, Listrac-de-Durèze, Listrac-Médoc, Lormont, Loubens, Loupes, Loupiac, Loupiac-de-la-Réole, Ludon-Médoc, Lugaignac, Lugasson, Lugon-et-l’Ile-du-Carnay, Lussac, Macau, Madirac, Maransin, Marcenais, Margaux-Cantenac, Margueron, Marimbault, Marions, Marsas, Martignas-sur-Jalle, Martillac, Martres, Masseilles, Massugas, Mauriac, Mazères, Mazion, Mérignac, Mérignas, Mesterrieux, Mombrier, Mongauzy, Monprimblanc, Monségur, Montagne, Montagoudin, Montignac, Montussan, Morizès, Mouillac, Mouliets-et-Villemartin, Moulon, Mourens, Naujac-sur-Mer, Naujan-et-Postiac, Néac, Nérigean, Neuffons, Le Nizan, Noaillac, Noaillan, Omet, Ordonnac, Paillet, Parempuyre, Pauillac, Les Peintures, Pellegrue, Périssac, Pessac, Pessac-sur-Dordogne, Petit-Palais-et-Cornemps, Peujard, Le Pian-Médoc, Le Pian-sur-Garonne, Pineuilh, Plassac, Pleine-Selve, Podensac, Pomerol, Pompéjac, Pompignac, Pondaurat, Porchères, Porte-de-Benauge, Portets, Le Pout, Préchac, Preignac, Prignac-et-Marcamps, Pugnac, Puisseguin, Pujols, Pujols-sur-Ciron, Le Puy, Puybarban, Puynormand, Queyrac, Quinsac, Rauzan, Reignac, La Réole, Rimons, Riocaud, Rions, La Rivière, Roaillan, Romagne, Roquebrune, La Roquille, Ruch, Sablons, Sadirac, Saillans, Saint-Aignan, Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Saint-André-du-Bois, Saint-André-et-Appelles, Saint-Androny, Saint-Antoine-du-Queyret, Saint-Antoine-sur-l’Isle, Saint-Aubin-de-Blaye, Saint-Aubin-de-Branne, Saint-Aubin-de-Médoc, Saint-Avit-de-Soulège, Saint-Avit-Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Brice, Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, Saint-Christoly-de-Blaye, Saint-Christoly-Médoc, Saint-Christophe-de-Double, Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, Saint-Cibard, Saint-Ciers-d’Abzac, Saint-Ciers-de-Canesse, Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde, Saint-Côme, Saint-Denis-de-Pile, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, Saint-Exupéry, Saint-Félix-de-Foncaude, Saint-Ferme, Saint-Genès-de-Blaye, Saint-Genès-de-Castillon, Saint-Genès-de-Fronsac, Saint-Genès-de-Lombaud, Saint-Genis-du-Bois, Saint-Germain-de-Grave, Saint-Germain-de-la-Rivière, Saint-Germain-d’Esteuil, Saint-Germain-du-Puch, Saint-Gervais, Saint-Girons-d’Aiguevives, Saint-Hilaire-de-la-Noaille, Saint-Hilaire-du-Bois, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac, Saint-Jean-d’Illac, Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, Saint-Laurent-d’Arce, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, Saint-Laurent-du-Plan, Saint-Laurent-Médoc, Saint-Léon, Saint-Loubert, Saint-Loubès, Saint-Louis-de-Montferrand, Saint-Macaire, Saint-Magne-de-Castillon, Saint-Maixant, Saint-Mariens, Saint-Martial, Saint-Martin-de-Laye, Saint-Martin-de-Lerm, Saint-Martin-de-Sescas, Saint-Martin-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Puy, Saint-Martin-Lacaussade, Saint-Médard-de-Guizières, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, Saint-Michel-de-Fronsac, Saint-Michel-de-Lapujade, Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret, Saint-Morillon, Saint-Palais, Saint-Pardon-de-Conques, Saint-Paul, Saint-Pey-d’Armens, Saint-Pey-de-Castets, Saint-Philippe-d’Aiguille, Saint-Philippe-du-Seignal, Saint-Pierre-d’Aurillac, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Saint-Quentin-de-Baron, Saint-Quentin-de-Caplong, Saint-Romain-la-Virvée, Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Sauveur-de-Puynormand, Saint-Savin, Saint-Selve, Saint-Seurin-de-Bourg, Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, Saint-Seurin-de-Cursac, Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle, Saint-Sève, Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, Saint-Sulpice-de-Guilleragues, Saint-Sulpice-de-Pommiers, Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac, Sainte-Terre, Saint-Trojan, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Saint-Vincent-de-Pertignas, Saint-Vivien-de-Blaye, Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc, Saint-Vivien-de-Monségur, Saint-Yzan-de-Soudiac, Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc, Sainte-Colombe, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Sainte-Eulalie, Sainte-Florence, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Sainte-Foy-la-Longue, Sainte-Gemme, Sainte-Hélène, Sainte-Radegonde, Salaunes, Salleboeuf, Les Salles-de-Castillon, Samonac, Saucats, Saugon, Sauternes, Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, Sauviac, Savignac, Savignac-de-l’Isle, Semens, Sendets, Sigalens, Sillas, Soulac-sur-Mer, Soulignac, Soussac, Soussans, Tabanac, Le Taillan-Médoc, Taillecavat, Talais, Talence, Targon, Tarnès, Tauriac, Tayac, Teuillac, Tizac-de-Curton, Tizac-de-Lapouyade, Toulenne, Le Tourne, Tresses, Uzeste, Val-de-Livenne, Val-de-Virvée, Valeyrac, Vayres, Vendays-Montalivet, Vensac, Vérac, Verdelais, Le Verdon-sur-Mer, Vertheuil, Vignonet, Villandraut, Villegouge, Villenave-de-Rions, Villenave-d’Ornon, Villeneuve, Virelade, Virsac and Yvrac.

Labelling

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The broader geographical unit ‘Bordeaux-Médoc’, ‘Vin de Bordeaux-Médoc’ or ‘Grand Vin de Bordeaux-Médoc’ may be indicated on the label. The size of the letters used must not be larger, either in height or in width, than two thirds of the size of the letters denoting the name of the registered designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-265561ce-edde-4d79-90d2-45fd71b430a1

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

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| 16.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 284/36 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 284/36

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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 284/09)

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

COMMUNICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT TO THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Pessac-Léognan’

PDO-FR-A0162-AM01

Date of communication: 7 May 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Geographical area

A reference to the Official Geographic Code has been added for the geographical area. This addition does not alter the boundary of the area at all.

Point 1.6 of the single document has accordingly been amended.

2.   Demarcated parcel area

The date of 11 February 2021 has been added to the list of meetings of the relevant national committee which approved the demarcated parcel areas.

The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the relevant national authority approved a modification of the demarcated parcel area within the geographical area of production. Parcel demarcation involves identifying parcels within the geographical area of production that are suitable for producing the product covered by the protected designation of origin.

The single document is not affected by these amendments.

3.   Agri-environmental provisions

| — | In point VI(1)(e) of Chapter 1, the following has been added: ‘Dead vines must be removed from the parcels. No dead vines may be held on the parcels.’ |
| --- | --- |

—

In point VI(1)(e) of Chapter 1, the following has been added: ‘Dead vines must be removed from the parcels. No dead vines may be held on the parcels.’

| — | In point VI(2) of Chapter 1, the following has been added:






  ‘2 | - Other crop-related practices |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

In point VI(2) of Chapter 1, the following has been added:

‘2

- Other crop-related practices

Full chemical weed control is prohibited on parcels.

Chemical weed control is prohibited on headlands.

Between the rows, naturally occurring and/or planted vegetation is managed by mechanical or physical means.

All operators calculate and record their treatment frequency index (TFI).’

The inclusion of the TFI calculation reflects a concern to raise awareness among operators regarding their practices and use of plant protection products.

The ban on full chemical weed control is intended to reduce the use of herbicides. This should strengthen the protection of viticultural soils and preserve their natural attributes, such as fertility, biodiversity and biological purification. The ban therefore contributes to the quality and authenticity of the wines.

The purpose of these amendments is to reduce the use of plant protection products and take greater account of social concerns.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

4.   Circulation between authorised warehouses

Point IX(5)(b) of Chapter I, on the date of entry into circulation of the wines between authorised warehouses, has been deleted.

This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.

5.   Inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording of other product specifications. It is a purely formal amendment.

This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Pessac-Léognan

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine products

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

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Red wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %. After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume of the red wines does not exceed 13,5 %.

At the packaging stage, each batch of red wine has a malic acid content not exceeding 0,3 grams per litre. At the packaging stage, the composition of the red wines is as follows:

| — | fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content not exceeding 2 grams per litre; |
| --- | --- |

—

fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content not exceeding 2 grams per litre;

| — | volatile acidity not exceeding 16,33 milliequivalents per litre, or 0,8 grams per litre expressed as H2SO4, or 0,98 grams per litre expressed as acetic acid. |
| --- | --- |

—

volatile acidity not exceeding 16,33 milliequivalents per litre, or 0,8 grams per litre expressed as H2SO4, or 0,98 grams per litre expressed as acetic acid.

The total acid and total sulphur dioxide content are as laid down by EU legislation.

The red wines are produced mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon N, the ancestral grape variety of the controlled designations of origin of Bordeaux. The variety is perfectly adapted to these gravelly soils in which it achieves optimum ripeness. Cabernet Sauvignon N produces highly coloured wines with robust tannic structure, capable of ageing for many years. The wines have complex aromas with frequent blackcurrant notes which, over time, often develop smoky, spicy notes of leather and plum.

Cabernet Sauvignon N is often blended with Merlot N and Cabernet Franc N, varieties which bring suppleness and add to its elegance. It is occasionally blended with Malbec, Petit Verdot N and Carmenère N, ancient Bordeaux varieties which increase the complexity of wines.

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)

2.   White wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %. After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume of the white wines does not exceed 13 %.

At the packaging stage, the composition of the wines is as follows:

| — | fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content not exceeding 4 grams per litre; |
| --- | --- |

—

fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content not exceeding 4 grams per litre;

| — | volatile acidity not exceeding 16,33 milliequivalents per litre, or 0,8 grams per litre expressed as H2SO4, or 0,98 grams per litre expressed as acetic acid. |
| --- | --- |

—

volatile acidity not exceeding 16,33 milliequivalents per litre, or 0,8 grams per litre expressed as H2SO4, or 0,98 grams per litre expressed as acetic acid.

The total acid and total sulphur dioxide content are those set out in EU legislation.

The dry white wines are produced mainly from Sauvignon B and Semillon B grapes. When young, they are generally straw-yellow in colour and rather pale. They are fruity, lively and vigorous. Blended in varying proportions with the Sauvignon Gris G and Muscadelle B grapes, they have a complex perfume. Over time, they acquire a subtle golden colour and develop very delicate floral aromas, at times reminiscent of lime flower and shrubbery. When fully mature, the white wines become more fleshy, round and long in the mouth.

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.   Specific oenological practice

Subtractive enrichment techniques are permitted for the red wines up to a concentration rate of 15 %. After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume of the white wines does not exceed 13 %. After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume of the red wines does not exceed 13,5 %.

In addition to the above provision, the oenological practices followed must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

2.   Cultivation method

The minimum vine planting density is 6 500 plants per hectare. The distance between the rows does not exceed 1,6 metres and the distance between plants in the same row is at least 0,8 metres.

The vines are pruned at the latest by the unfolded-leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9), with a maximum of 12 buds per plant distributed as follows: - ‘Short’ (or spur) pruning and ‘cane’ (or long) pruning: canes bear a maximum of seven buds for the varieties Cabernet Sauvignon N, Cot N, Merlot N, Muscadelle B, Petit Verdot N and Semillon B. For Cabernet Franc N, Carmenère N and Sauvignon B, the maximum is eight buds. There are a maximum of two spurs, pruned to one bud. - Spur pruning is either on two cordons or ‘éventail’-trained with four arms.

In accordance with the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code, irrigation during the vine growing season is permitted only if persistent drought disrupts the proper physiological development of the vines and ripening of the grapes.

5.2.   
  Maximum yields

60 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, matured and packaged in the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code in force on 26 February 2020: Cadaujac, Canéjan, Gradignan, Léognan, Martillac, Mérignac, Pessac, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Talence and Villenave-d’Ornon.

7.   Main wine grape variety(-ies)

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet Sauvignon N

Carmenère N

Cot N – Malbec

Merlot N

Muscadelle B

Petit Verdot N

Sauvignon B – Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Gris G – Fié Gris

Semillon B

8.   Description of the link(s)

The geographical area covers the northern part of the ‘Graves’ controlled designation of origin area. To the west and south it borders the city of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the River Garonne.

The characteristic soils are evidence of earlier courses of the Garonne, which shifted at the end of the Tertiary and during the Quaternary as a result of the successive melting of Pyrenean glaciers. At that time, large quantities of materials were carried along and, depending on the strength of the currents and density of the sediments, deposited on former sea-beds composed of limestone and shelly sand. The process of erosion produced the following soils:

| — | soils formed on water-worn gravel or pebbles, reaching depths of 3 metres or more; |
| --- | --- |

—

soils formed on water-worn gravel or pebbles, reaching depths of 3 metres or more;

| — | soils formed on calcareous, sandy and shelly clay, resting on a bedrock of fractured and porous limestone. |
| --- | --- |

—

soils formed on calcareous, sandy and shelly clay, resting on a bedrock of fractured and porous limestone.

This complexity of the soil creates a rich natural environment for the controlled designation of origin.

Situated in a gently undulating landscape, the gravel deposits form especially well-defined mounds in the landscape. The gentle slopes provide excellent natural drainage, helped by a large network of small rivers, tributaries of the Garonne.

The climate is generally representative of the Gironde, cool and suitable for vines on account of its mildness and regular rainfall. The temperature is regulated thanks to the protection of the Landes forest to the south of the Gironde and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

The geographical area has the particular feature of being situated within the boundary of the city of Bordeaux, surrounded in places by urban development.

As it grew, the city encroached on the vineyards. Within the single geographical area that would later become the area of the ‘Pessac-Léognan’ controlled designation of origin, over 3 000 hectares of ‘Graves’ vineyards, including several hundred of ‘cru’ quality, were lost between the start of the 20th century and the 1970s. By that time, only 550 hectares remained.

A group of young winegrowers then took up the cause of reclaiming the vineyards and called for the ‘Graves’ controlled designation of origin to be restructured. As a result, by Decree of 9 September 1987, the controlled designation of origin ‘Pessac-Léognan’ was given the same status as the municipal designations of ‘Médoc’. This recognised the particular characteristics of the geographical area, originally belonging to the ‘terroir’ of the ‘Graves’ controlled designation of origin and an integral part of its geographical area.

Grown in a maritime climate, since the 17th century the vines have needed to be supported on stakes. Widespread use of trellising and a sufficiently strict pruning method have resulted in a well-distributed harvest and sufficient canopy for effective photosynthesis and optimum ripeness. Similarly, in order to avoid an excessive yield on each vine and to ensure optimum ripeness and concentration in the wines, planting density is high.

The area demarcated for the harvesting of grapes consists of parcels characterised by gravelly to sandy-gravelly, but also occasionally clay-limestone, soil. The parcels have sufficient drainage capacity due either to their permeability or to being situated on slopes. Parcels situated on recent alluvial deposits, sand or impermeable subsoil are not eligible.

These carefully defined parcels allow optimum development of the local vine varieties which have been selected over time for their keeping and ageing qualities. Such qualities reflect the fact that it has historically been necessary for the wines to be transported over long distances.

The red wines benefit from a long ageing, necessary for them to achieve maturity and optimum expression before they are placed on the market for consumers.

The dry white wines grown on the more sandy or clay-based soils are exceptionally refined with floral and fruity notes, but not without freshness.

A thriving business shipping these wines around the world became established in the port of Bordeaux. The proximity of the controlled designation of origin area meant that ‘Pessac-Léognan’ quickly acquired a worldwide reputation, benefitting from innovative techniques, encouraging holdings to develop and thus enabling them to evolve while maintaining age-old practices.

Almost all producers of ‘Pessac-Léognan’ take part in the ‘en primeur’ sale on the Place de Bordeaux, a tradition characteristic of the great wines of Bordeaux. The sale takes place in the spring following the harvest, with the brokers, known locally as ‘courtiers’, acting as intermediaries between owners and wine merchants. Following the transaction, the wine remains in the care of the seller and is stored and matured until ready for packaging.

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

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Packaging within the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

In order to preserve the essential characteristics and authenticity of the wines, they are packaged within the geographical area. Packaging is either in glass bottles or airtight vacuum packs of up to 5 litres. It takes place at the premises at which the grapes were harvested and made into wine.The red wines are matured at least until 15 September of the year following the year of harvest. The white wines are matured at least until 15 March of the year following the year of harvest.

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The broader geographical unit ‘Vin de Graves’ or ‘Grand Vin de Graves’ may appear on labels or recipients and in any brochures. The size of the letters used for this broader geographical unit must not be larger, either in height or width, than two thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

The classification ‘Cru Classé de Graves’ may appear in place of the broader geographical unit ‘Vin de Graves’ or ‘Grand Vin de Graves’ provided that the same conditions regarding presentation and letter size are respected.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-3fcad330-bccb-4c20-853a-89771eac32ae

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

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| 16.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 284/42 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 284/42

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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 284/10)

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

COMMUNICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Graves supérieures’

PDO-FR-A1014-AM03

Date of communication: 7 May 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Official Geographic Code

The list of municipalities has been updated on the basis of the 2020 Official Geographic Code (code officiel géographique).

This merely changes the wording and has no impact on the geographical area.

Points 6 and 9 of the single document have been amended in line with these changes.

2.   Demarcated parcel area

In the Annex, 11 February 2021 has been added to the list of meetings of the relevant national committee at which a demarcation of parcels was approved.

The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the relevant national authority approved changes to the demarcated parcel area within the geographical area of production. Parcels are demarcated by identifying the parcels within the geographical area of production that are suitable for producing the product covered by the protected designation of origin.

The single document is not affected by these amendments.

3.   Reference to the inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording of other product specifications. This is a purely formal amendment which

has not led to any change in the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Graves supérieures

2.   Geographical indication type:

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3.   Categories of grapevine products

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

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Still white wines with residual sugars obtained from overripe grapes harvested by hand in successive selections, based on the Semillon B variety which produces round, generous wines with a golden colour and aromas of candied fruit. Any blending with the Sauvignon B and Muscadelle B vine varieties adds a note of freshness.

Minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume: 13,5 %.

Fermentable sugar (G+F) content: at least 34 g/l.

The other analytical criteria are in line with EU rules.

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.   Density and spacing

Cultivation method

The minimum vine planting density is 5 000 plants per hectare.

The spacing between the vine rows must not exceed 2 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,8 metres.

2.   Pruning rules

Cultivation method

Pruning is carried out at the unfolded leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9) at the latest.

Vines are pruned with a maximum of 12 buds per plant, using the following techniques:

| — | short (spur) or long (shoot) pruning |
| --- | --- |

—

short (spur) or long (shoot) pruning

| — | short pruning to two cordons or fan pruning to four arms. |
| --- | --- |

—

short pruning to two cordons or fan pruning to four arms.

3.   Grape harvest

Wine-making restriction

The wines are made from overripe grapes (presence of noble rot and/or raisining on the vine) harvested by hand in successive selections.

4.   Enrichment

Specific oenological practice

Enrichment is permitted as set out in the product specification.

5.2.   
  Maximum yields

48 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged in the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 26 February 2020: Arbanats, Ayguemorte-les-Graves, Beautiran, Bègles, La Brède, Budos, Cabanac-et-Villagrains, Cadaujac, Canéjan, Castres-Gironde, Cérons, Cestas, Eysines, Gradignan, Guillos, Le Haillan, Illats, Isle-Saint-Georges, Landiras, Langon, Léogeats, Léognan, Martillac, Mazères, Mérignac, Pessac, Podensac, Portets, Pujols-sur-Ciron, Roaillan, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret, Saint-Morillon, Saint-Pardon-de-Conques, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Saint-Selve, Saucats, Talence, Toulenne, Villenave-d’Ornon and Virelade, and in the part of the municipality of Coimères corresponding to Section A, ‘des Herrères’, of the first page of the land register (1934 revised plan) certified to be in accordance with the updated land register on 5 November 2010.

7.   Main wine grape variety(-ies)

Muscadelle B

Sauvignon B – Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Gris G – Fié Gris

Semillon B

8.   Description of the link(s)

The geographical area of the ‘Graves supérieures’ protected designation of origin is a strip some 10 km wide situated on the left bank of the Garonne, beginning north of Bordeaux and ending south-east of Langon.

As the name suggests, the ‘Graves supérieures’ area consists of soils made up of shingles, pebbles, largely coarse gravel and sand mixed with silt and clay, based in places on calcareous rock but generally on pure sand, iron-rich sandstone (alios) or clay. The area spans 43 municipalities of the Gironde department.

These soils are the result of a long and complex geological history, closely linked to the origins of the Garonne, changes in its course and successive glacial periods during the quaternary era. During those periods Pyrenees glaciers eroded valleys, creating gravel and boulders which rivers would then carry downstream to the Bordeaux region. Gravel hillocks of all types and sizes are all that remain of these successive deposits.

The soils which have since formed there are all highly permeable owing to their high gravel and shingle content. ‘Graves supérieures’ wines owe their structure and image of excellence to these soils, although they are not the only soils that give the wines their qualities. By encouraging the flow of water, the slopes ensure perfect surface drainage, also supported by a large hydrographic network of small streams, tributaries of the Garonne. In these types of soil, the vines’ water supply is very well regulated.

The vineyards benefit from a particular and favourable climate, protected from harsh weather to the west by pine forests playing an important temperature-regulating role and from high temperatures and excessive humidity thanks to the proximity of the Garonne, ensuring natural aeration and ventilation. They also benefit from maritime influences which help to moderate spring frost. The area’s vineyard landscapes, consisting of gentle slopes where bright, polished pebbles reflect light onto the grapes, are set between the river and pine forests.

Home to the great white and red wines of Bordeaux, the ‘Graves supérieures’ area is the birthplace of techniques still used to this day. In this maritime climate, vine growing has required the use of échalas (support poles) since the 17th and 18th centuries, followed by widespread trellising and rigorous pruning to ensure a well-distributed grape harvest and sufficient leaf area for photosynthesis and optimum ripeness.

In line with the traditional methods, the parcel area selected for the harvesting of grapes consists of parcels with natural sanitation resulting from either their drainage quality or their position on a hilltop or slope. It excludes locations that are subject to spring frost for reasons of geography or topography, either because they are too far from the Garonne to benefit from the river’s heat-regulating effect or because they are encircled by forest blocking the flow of cold air masses.

The precisely defined parcels ensure optimum development of the local vine varieties, which have been selected over time for their keeping and ageing qualities, allowing the wines to be transported over long distances.

Wines with the ‘Graves supérieures’ protected designation of origin are exclusively white wines with residual sugars obtained from overripe grapes harvested by hand in successive selections. They are based on the Semillon B variety, which produces round, generous wines with a golden colour and aromas of candied fruit. The geographical area of the designation enjoys a climate which is particularly favourable to this harvesting technique. Blending with the Sauvignon B and Muscadelle B grape varieties, harvested using the same techniques, adds a note of freshness to the wines. This freshness also reflects the nature of the sandy soils or clayey matrix on which the parcels covered by the designation are planted, giving these wines with residual sugars a good balance, finesse and floral and fruity notes. Well suited to a few years of ageing, the wines can also be enjoyed young.

The minimum planting density is high so as to ensure a sufficient harvest without overloading the vines, thereby guaranteeing the grapes’ ripeness and optimum fruit concentration.

The ‘Graves supérieures’ protected designation of origin acquired international renown thanks to the nearby port of Bordeaux, where a busy trade developed to market the wines across the globe, combined with the wine-making area’s unique location and soil conditions.

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

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for vinification, development and ageing, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 26 February 2020: Barsac, Béguey, Bieujac, Bommes, Cadillac, Fargues, Langoiran, Loupiac, Le Pian-sur-Garonne, Preignac, Rions, Saint-Loubert, Saint-Maixant, Saint-Pierre-d’Aurillac, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Sauternes and Castets et Castillon (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipality of Castets-en-Dorthe before it was merged with Castillon-de-Castets on 1 January 2017).

Broader geographical unit

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Wines with this protected designation of origin may specify the broader geographical unit ‘Vin de Graves’ on their labels.

The size of the letters used for this broader geographical unit must not be larger, in either height or width, than two thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the protected designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-f819edf9-40af-4f73-9357-def82d1a30d2

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

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