# Official Journal C 44/2020

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 44 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6310 February 2020 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 44

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6310 February 2020

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2020/C 44/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9594 — CMA CGM/CIMC Neocontainer/JV) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2020/C 44/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9593 — PTT GC/ALPLA TH/JV) (
  1
  ) | 2 |
| 2020/C 44/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9693 — Liberty/Aleris Divestment Business) (
  1
  ) | 3 |

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2020/C 44/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9594 — CMA CGM/CIMC Neocontainer/JV) (
  1
  )

1

1

2020/C 44/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9593 — PTT GC/ALPLA TH/JV) (
  1
  )

1

2

2020/C 44/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9693 — Liberty/Aleris Divestment Business) (
  1
  )

1

3

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2020/C 44/04 | Euro exchange rates — 7 February 2020 | 4 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2020/C 44/04

Euro exchange rates — 7 February 2020

4

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2020/C 44/05 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.9713 — EQT/Recover) Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2020/C 44/06 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33. | 7 |
| 2020/C 44/07 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33. | 15 |
| 2020/C 44/08 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33. | 23 |
| 2020/C 44/09 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 | 29 |
| 2020/C 44/10 | Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 37 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2020/C 44/05

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.9713 — EQT/Recover) Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

5

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2020/C 44/06

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

7

2020/C 44/07

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

15

2020/C 44/08

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

23

2020/C 44/09

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

29

2020/C 44/10

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

37

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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

| 10.2.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 44/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 44/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9594 — CMA CGM/CIMC Neocontainer/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2020/C 44/01)

On 30 January 2020, 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 32020M9594. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32020M9594. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law.

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

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| 10.2.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 44/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 44/2

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9593 — PTT GC/ALPLA TH/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2020/C 44/02)

On 10 January 2020, 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 32020M9593. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32020M9593. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law.

---

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

---

| 10.2.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 44/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 44/3

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9693 — Liberty/Aleris Divestment Business)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2020/C 44/03)

On 20 January 2020, 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 32020M9693. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32020M9693. EUR-Lex is the on-line 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

| 10.2.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 44/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 44/4

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Euro exchange rates (1)

7 February 2020

(2020/C 44/04)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,0969 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 120,51 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4724 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,84720 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,5455 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0705 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 137,90 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 10,1673 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,030 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 338,15 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2653 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,7613 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 6,5688 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6417 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4604 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,5168 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7094 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5255 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 309,78 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 16,4204 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,6711 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4550 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 15 063,25 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,5412 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 55,816 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 70,0203 |
| THB | Thai baht | 34,333 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 4,7078 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 20,5281 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 78,3625 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0969

JPY

Japanese yen

120,51

DKK

Danish krone

7,4724

GBP

Pound sterling

0,84720

SEK

Swedish krona

10,5455

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0705

ISK

Iceland króna

137,90

NOK

Norwegian krone

10,1673

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,030

HUF

Hungarian forint

338,15

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2653

RON

Romanian leu

4,7613

TRY

Turkish lira

6,5688

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6417

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4604

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,5168

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7094

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5255

KRW

South Korean won

1 309,78

ZAR

South African rand

16,4204

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,6711

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4550

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 063,25

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,5412

PHP

Philippine peso

55,816

RUB

Russian rouble

70,0203

THB

Thai baht

34,333

BRL

Brazilian real

4,7078

MXN

Mexican peso

20,5281

INR

Indian rupee

78,3625

---

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

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 10.2.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 44/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 44/5

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.9713 — EQT/Recover)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2020/C 44/05)

1.

| — | EQT VIII (‘EQT’), controlled by EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. (‘EFMS’, Luxembourg). |
| --- | --- |

—

EQT VIII (‘EQT’), controlled by EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. (‘EFMS’, Luxembourg).

| — | Navie Oy (Finland). |
| --- | --- |

—

Navie Oy (Finland).

EFMS acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of Navie Oy.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | for EFMS: EQT is an investment fund that seeks to make investments primarily in Europe, with a focus on Northern Europe. EQT controls Anticimex which specialises in offering services to prevent pest infestations but also offers damage control services such as dehumidification and moisture inspection services, |
| --- | --- |

—

for EFMS: EQT is an investment fund that seeks to make investments primarily in Europe, with a focus on Northern Europe. EQT controls Anticimex which specialises in offering services to prevent pest infestations but also offers damage control services such as dehumidification and moisture inspection services,

| — | Navie Oy is the holding company for the Recover group companies which are active in the provision of damage control services, environmental services as well as demolition and concrete drilling services in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. |
| --- | --- |

—

Navie Oy is the holding company for the Recover group companies which are active in the provision of damage control services, environmental services as well as demolition and concrete drilling services in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

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.9713 — EQT/Recover

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

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 10.2.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 44/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 44/7

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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 referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

(2020/C 44/06)

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

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’

PDO-FR-A0149-AM02

Date of communication: 12 November 2019

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Geographical area

The geographical area has been amended as follows. ‘The entire production process takes place in the geographical area encompassing the municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire named below, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Brissac Loire Aubance (former delegated municipalities of Brissac-Quincé, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Denée, Les Garennes sur Loire (former delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Saint-Melaine-surAubance, Soulaines-sur-Aubance.

Maps showing the geographical area can be viewed on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO)’.

Amended wording: the new list of administrative bodies takes into account any mergers or other changes in administrative boundaries that have occurred since the approval of the specification. To increase legal certainty, the list follows the current version of the Official Geographic Code, updated annually by INSEE (the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies). The boundary of the geographical area remains entirely unchanged.

Finally, for the purposes of better public information, attention is drawn to the maps of the geographical area available on the INAO website.

Point 6 of the Single Document on the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

2.   Area in immediate proximity

At point IV(3) of Chapter 1, the list of municipalities has been replaced by:

‘Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (former delegated municipalities of Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Sulpice), Bouchemaine, Brissac Loire Aubance (former delegated municipalities of Alleuds, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne and Saulgé-l’Hôpital), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (former delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux et Valanjou), Doué-en-Anjou (former delegated municipality of Brigné), Gennes-Valde-Loire (former delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Lys-Haut-Layon (former delegated municipality of Tigné), Parnay, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Savennières, Terranjou (former delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (former delegated municipalities of Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine), Val-du-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay)’.

This amendment takes into account the various mergers of municipalities that have occurred since the last version of the specification. The boundary of the area in immediate proximity remains entirely unchanged.

Point 9 of the single document, on essential further conditions, has been amended accordingly.

3.   Agri-environmental provision

Agri-environmental provision

The following has been added to point VI(2) of Chapter 1: ‘Managed vegetation cover, either natural or planted, is compulsory between rows. In the absence of vegetation cover, operators must tend the soil to ensure that naturally occurring vegetation is managed. Otherwise, operators must justify the use of bio-control products approved by the wine-growing authorities. Where bio-control herbicides are used on a land parcel, use of other herbicides is not permitted’.

This amendment reflects current developments in the practices of operators promoting conservation agriculture throughout the vineyards of Anjou. It takes into account growing concern for the environment as part of technical procedures. By encouraging the existence of vegetation cover, or mechanised weeding, or even use of bio-control products, the amendment aims to reduce the use of chemical herbicides. The reduction in herbicides will certainly strengthen the defences of wine-growing soils and preserve their natural properties such as fertility, bio-diversity and self-cleaning. This will contribute to the quality and authenticity of the wines and strengthen the sense of terroir.

terroir

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

4.   Harvest proclamation

Harvest proclamation

At point VII(1) of Chapter 1, the following sentence has been deleted: ‘The start date for harvests is set in accordance with Article D. 645-6 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code’.

It is no longer necessary to set a start date for harvests as operators have a large selection of tools at their disposal to enable them to gauge the ripeness of the grapes with the greatest possible accuracy. All operators have access to various machines and equipment, both individually and collectively, enabling them to determine accurately the ideal start date for harvesting each parcel, depending on the production objectives.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

5.   Minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume

Minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume

The following sentence has been added at point VI(2)(b): ‘Wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 19%‘.

The minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume did not previously appear in the specification. The amendment updates the specification by including the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume along with the sugar content which, for the term “sélection de grains nobles”, is 323 grams.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

6.   Fermenting room capacity

Fermenting room capacity

Under point IX(1)(c) of Chapter 1, the sentence: “All operators have a fermenting room capacity for wine production equal to at least 1.4 times the average yield of their holding during the preceding five years” is replaced by: “All operators have a fermenting room capacity for wine production equal to at least 1.4 times the average volume of wine produced during the preceding five years”.

The specification previously did not mention volume capacity, usually expressed in hectolitres or cubic metres. Instead, it referred to yield, that is harvest volume divided by surface area, expressed in hectolitres per hectare, for example. The proposed amendment removes this inconsistency regarding measurements without making any substantial changes. The minimum capacity remains 1.4 times the average volume of wine produced by a holding in the preceding years.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

7.   Circulation of wines

Circulation of wines

Point 5(b) of section IX of Chapter 1 concerning the date of entry into circulation of the wines between authorised warehouses has been deleted.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

8.   Link with the geographical area

Link with the geographical area

The link has been revised in order to update the number of municipalities involved: seven in place of ten. This section now includes an explanation that the average temperatures are expressed as annual temperatures.

Point 8 of the Single Document concerning the link with the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

9.   Transitional measure

Transitional measure

The transitional measure in point 1 of section XI of the specification has been deleted as it expired in 2012.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

10.   Transitional measure

Transitional measure

The following has been inserted under point XI of chapter 1: “In the case of vineyard parcels already in existence when this specification was approved, and in which the spacing between rows is less than or equal to 1.7 metres, the provisions relating to the following do not apply: the requirement for managed vegetation cover, either natural or planted, between rows; and, in the absence of such vegetation cover, the requirement for operators to tend the soil or use bio-control products to ensure that naturally occurring vegetation is managed”.

The transitional measure avoids the need to penalise existing vineyards currently using a training method not adapted to the agri-environmental provisions. In densely planted vineyards, where the spacing between rows is less than or equal to 1.7 metres, maintaining permanent grass cover or attempting to work the soil could, in effect, cause technical problems with machinery, materials or tools, for example. In low-growing vines, grass cover actually increases the risk of spring frosts. Furthermore, the presence of vegetation cover significantly increases the pressure on the water supply to the vines in the more densely-planted vineyards. Nevertheless, any vines planted after the specification has been approved will have to comply fully with the new agri-environmental provisions, regardless of planting density and spacing between rows.

The expired transitional measures have been deleted.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

11.   Record keeping

Record keeping

Under point II(3) of Chapter 2, the word “potential” has been replaced by “natural”.

In order to ensure consistency in the wording in all the specifications from the Anjou Saumur area, the phrase “natural alcoholic strength by volume” has replaced “potential strength” or “degree”. These amendments improve the readability of the specifications. The harmonisation of record-keeping provisions is intended to make it easier to draw up inspection plans and check records.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

12.   Main points to be checked

Main points to be checked

Chapter 3 has been revised to bring consistency to the main points to be checked in specifications from the Anjou Saumur area.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of the product

Name of the product

Coteaux de l’Aubance

2.   Geographical indication type

Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

Categories of grapevine product

1. Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

Description of the wine(s)

Still white wines with residual sugar, made from late-harvested grapes. These harmonious wines develop aromas of white and citrus fruit as well as floral scents and late-harvest aromas - with the same harmony in the mouth in terms of richness in sugar, acidity and structure. Ageing brings out their elegance and complexity.

The wines have:

a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14%;

in order to be eligible for the term “sélection de grains nobles”, a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 19%;

a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) after fermentation of at least 34 grams per litre.

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

The minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) is 10%, except for the wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume below 18%, in which case it is 11%.

| 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) | 25 |
| 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)

25

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

Wine-making practices

a.   Essential oenological practices

Essential oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

Specific oenological practice

Enrichment is permitted under the rules set out in the specification.

The use of wood chips is forbidden.

The wines are aged according to the conditions laid down in the specification.

In addition to the above provisions, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at Community level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

Density

Density

Cultivation method

The minimum vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed 2.5 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre. In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the harvests are eligible for the controlled designation of origin provided that they comply with the rules on trellising and foliage height laid down in this specification. The spacing between the rows in such vineyard parcels must not exceed 3 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre.

Vine pruning and trellising

Vine pruning and trellising

Cultivation method

The vines are pruned by 30 April at the latest. Mixed pruning is used, with a maximum of 12 buds per plant and a maximum of four buds on the cane.

The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0.6 times the spacing between the rows. The trellised height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0.4 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0.2 metres above the height of the trellising wire.

In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the following trellising rules apply: the minimum height of the trellising posts above the ground is 1.9 metres; there are four levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the highest wire is 1.85 metres above the ground.

Irrigation

Irrigation

Cultivation method

Irrigation is not permitted.

Harvest

Harvest

Cultivation method

The wines are made from grapes that are harvested late. A feature of wines eligible to bear the term “sélection de grains nobles” is the further concentration on the vinestock due to the action of noble rot.

The grapes are hand-harvested in multiple passes.

b.   Maximum yields

Maximum yields

40 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

Demarcated geographical area

The entire production process takes place in the geographical area encompassing the municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire named below, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Brissac Loire Aubance (former delegated municipalities of Brissac-Quincé, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Denée, Les Garennes sur Loire (former delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Soulaines-sur-Aubance.

Maps showing the geographical area can be viewed on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality.

7.   Main grape varieties

Main grape varieties

Chenin B

8.   Description of the link(s)

Description of the link(s)

1°   Information on the geographical area

Information on the geographical area

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

Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The geographical area is characterised by a landscape of numerous low and gentle slopes of varying orientations. Altitudes range between 50 and 90 metres to the south-west of the city of Angers. As of 2018, the geographical area extends across seven municipalities. It is bordered to the west by the confluence of the River Aubance with the Loire; to the east by a Cretaceous plateau at the edge of the Paris basin; to the north by the course of the Loire; and at the southern edge by the forests of Brissac and Beaulieu.

The Aubance is a small tributary of the Loire, emblematic of this geographical area. It flows northwards from its source to the municipality of Brissac-Quincé, which is famous for its sixteenth century castle. The Aubance then takes a north-west course as far as the municipality of Mûrs-Erigné from where it flows parallel to the Loire to a point south-west of the city of Angers.

The soils developed on the schist, or schist and sandstone, substratum of the Armorican Massif, which forms a plateau tilting slightly towards the Loire. Usually shallow with good thermal performance, the soils are characterised by limited water reserves. The western part of the geographical area is studded with subvolcanic rocks formed of igneous rocks of an acidic (rhyolite) or basaltic (spilite) nature producing very stony soils. A foundation of schist and slate formations is a characteristic of the municipalities in the north of the geographical area. For centuries these were used to build the walls of houses, to construct roofs, to lay floors and even to make fixtures such as sinks, tables or staircases. All of this demonstrates the unique nature of this land. These elements are very apparent in the landscape and contribute to vineyard identity.

The geographical area is an enclave with limited irrigation, benefitting from a foehn effect, sheltered from maritime mists by the higher slopes of Choletais and Mauges. Annual rainfall is around 585 millimetres, compared with 800 millimetres in Choletais. The figures recorded in Brissac-Quincé are the lowest among the meteorological stations in the department of Maine-et-Loire. Similarly, during the growing cycle, there is a difference in rainfall levels of around 100 millimetres compared with the rest of the department. The average annual temperatures are relatively high, around 12 degrees, which is 1 degree higher than the rest of the department of Maine-et-Loire as a whole. The characteristic mesoclimate of this area is evident in the Mediterranean nature of the vegetation, which includes holm oak and umbrella pine.

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

Description of the human factors relevant to the geographical link

Some of the emblematic properties of the “Coteaux de l’Aubance” vineyards are of ancient origin, dating back to the end of the sixteenth century. The vineyards themselves were first identified at the close of the nineteenth century, immediately following the phylloxera crisis that destroyed over three quarters of the vineyards of Anjou. Neighbouring wine-producers from the Layon region were seeking unaffected land parcels away from their own vineyards. They planted the traditional Chenin B variety. In 1922, the name “Coteaux de l’Aubance” was mentioned for the first time in a harvest declaration. In 1925, the Syndicat des viticulteurs (wine-growers’ union) of Coteaux de l’Aubance was founded. The stated aim in the union’s statutes is: ‘to bring to the attention of the whole world wines renowned for their terroir but nevertheless unknown further afield’.

Syndicat des viticulteurs

terroir

The proximity of the city of Angers plays an important role in vineyard development. The Aubance area has become an important source of supplies for beverage retailers in the surrounding municipalities, especially in Mûrs-Erigné and Saint-Mélaine-sur-Aubance.

Historically, grapes were harvested when ripe to make dry or semi-dry wines. However, the practices of the neighbouring Layon region were quickly adopted, i.e. late harvesting and multiple passes producing a concentrated harvest for making semi-sweet wine.

The controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ was recognised by a Decree of 18 February 1950 as a white wine made from grapes harvested late with multiple passes. In 2009, vineyards covered 200 hectares.

2°   Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

The wines are still white wines with fermentable sugars.

They are fully harmonious wines. Harmonious on the nose, they frequently have aromas of white and citrus fruit blended with floral scents, combined with late-harvesting aromas such as dried or candied fruit. The same harmony is also found in the mouth with the richness in sugar, the acidity and the structure

Ageing, which can last for several decades, heightens the finish and complexity of these wines.

3°   Causal interactions

Causal interactions

The vineyards are planted in shallow, stony soils on clearly demarcated land parcels that demonstrate the methods in use. The topography is hilly with gentle slopes, and the nearby rivers, the Loire and the Aubance, provide atmospheric moisture that encourages the noble rot. All of these factors combine in the geographical area to produce favourable conditions for the late harvesting of grapes naturally concentrated on the vine, with or without the noble rot. They account for the characteristics of a product for which people have learned to adapt their techniques. The late harvest with hand-picked multiple passes is proof of the concern for quality.

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

Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Labelling: traditional term ‘Sélection de grains nobles’

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ may be supplemented by the traditional term ‘sélection de grains nobles’, in accordance with the provisions laid down in the specification. Wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ must also state the vintage.

Labelling: voluntary indications

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

All voluntary indications appear on the labels in letters which may not be larger, either in height or width, than double the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Labelling: geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The name of the controlled designation of origin may be followed by the geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’, in accordance with the rules laid down in the specification regarding use of this geographical designation. The size of the letters of the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ may 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.

Labelling: specifying a smaller geographical entity

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Wines eligible for the controlled designation of origin may specify a smaller geographical entity on their labels, provided that: it is a registered place name; it appears on the harvest declaration. The place name must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or in width, than half the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

EU 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 wine-growing, production and ageing, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018:

Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (former delegated municipalities of Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Sulpice), Bouchemaine, Brissac Loire Aubance (former delegated municipalities of Alleuds, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne and Saulgé-l’Hôpital), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (former delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux et Valanjou), Doué-en-Anjou (former delegated municipality of Brigné), Gennes-Valde-Loire (former delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Lys-Haut-Layon (former delegated municipality of Tigné), Parnay, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Savennières, Terranjou (former delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (former delegated municipalities of Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine), Val-du-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay).

Link to the product specification

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-1a1bfb71-a600-4f19-b01a-1149e052fe98

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

1

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| 10.2.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 44/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 44/15

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

(2020/C 44/07)

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

COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Coteaux de Saumur’

PDO-FR-A0179-AM01

Date of communication: 13 November 2019

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Geographical name

‘Supplementary geographical name’ has been reduced to ‘geographical name’ in Chapter I points II and XII(2)(b).

A number of the product specifications for Loire Valley wines allow the use of what is known as the ‘eponymous geographical designation’ — ‘Val de Loire’ — to refer to this wider region. The use of this term on wine labels is subject to specific rules laid down in those product specifications. As the term ‘supplementary geographical name’ is also used in some cases to denote smaller geographical units with more restrictive production conditions, the word ‘supplementary’ has been removed in order to prevent confusion.

Point 9 of the Single Document, ‘Further conditions’, has been amended accordingly.

2.   Geographical area

The passage concerning the geographical area now reads as follows: All stages of production must take place in the geographical area, which spans the territories of the following municipalities, based on the 2018 Official Geographical Code:

| — | Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon and Tourtenay in the Department of Deux-Sèvres; |
| --- | --- |

—

Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon and Tourtenay in the Department of Deux-Sèvres;

| — | Brézé, Chacé, Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (territories of the former municipalities of Meigné and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Montsoreau, Parnay, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Saumur, Souzay-Champigny, Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varrains and Vaudelnay in the Department of Maine-et-Loire; |
| --- | --- |

—

Brézé, Chacé, Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (territories of the former municipalities of Meigné and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Montsoreau, Parnay, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Saumur, Souzay-Champigny, Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varrains and Vaudelnay in the Department of Maine-et-Loire;

| — | Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay and Les Trois-Moutiers in the Department of Vienne. |
| --- | --- |

—

Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay and Les Trois-Moutiers in the Department of Vienne.

Maps of this geographical area can be found on the website of the National Origin and Quality Institute.

This is an editorial change: the new list of administrative entities reflects mergers and other zoning changes that have taken place since the product specification was approved. For greater legal certainty, the list is now referenced to the latest version of the Official Geographical Code, updated yearly by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE). The actual perimeter of the geographical area remains unchanged.

Finally, in the interests of better public information, the product specification now states that maps of the geographical area can be found on the National Origin and Quality Institute’s website.

Point 6 of the Single Document, ‘Geographical area’, has been amended accordingly.

3.   Demarcated parcel area

In the first paragraph of point IV(2) of Chapter 1 of the product specification for PDO ‘Coteaux de Saumur’, the words ‘and 19 January 2017’ have been added after ‘5 September 2007’.

This amendment consists of the addition of the date on which the competent national authority approved a change to the demarcated parcel area within the geographical production area. The demarcated parcel area is the land within the geographical area that is suitable for producing this Protected Designation of Origin.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

4.   Area in immediate proximity

The list of municipalities previously given in point IV(3) of Chapter 1 has been replaced by the following: ‘Artannes-sur-Thouet, Brossay, Doué-en-Anjou (comprising the former municipalities of Doué-la-Fontaine, Forges and Montfort), Montreuil-Bellay, Rou-Marson and Saint-Just-sur-Dive’.

This change reflects the various mergers of municipalities that have taken place since the previous version of the product specification was published. The actual boundary of the area in immediate proximity remains unchanged.

Point 9 of the Single Document, ‘Further conditions’, has been amended accordingly.

5.   Agri-environment rule

The following has been added to point VI(2) of Chapter 1: Controlled green cover, whether naturally occurring or sown, must be in place between the rows; where there is no such green cover, the grower must perform weeding or justify the use of biocontrol products approved by the public authorities for use in wine-growing.
  Where biocontrol weedkillers are used on a parcel, no other weedkillers may be used.

This amendment reflects how winegrowing practices throughout the Anjou area have evolved towards an agro-ecological approach, with technical procedures increasingly influenced by environmental concerns. Promoting the presence of green cover and the use of mechanical weeding or biocontrol products reduces chemical weedkiller use. This will help to protect vineyard soils and preserve their natural functions (fertility, biodiversity, natural pest control), enhancing the quality and authenticity of wines and strengthening the concept of terroir.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

6.   Harvest announcement

The following sentence has been deleted from point VII(1) of Chapter 1: The harvest start date is set in accordance with Article D645-6 of the Rural and Sea-Fishing Code.

It is no longer necessary to set a date for beginning the harvest, as growers now have a wide range of tools at their disposal to help them accurately gauge grape ripeness. Each winegrower has access to equipment, whether owned individually or collectively, that makes it possible to pinpoint the best date to start harvesting each parcel, depending on production targets.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

7.   Winery capacity

Rather than ‘all winemakers must have the capacity to make 1.4 times the holding’s average yield over the last five years’, point IX(1)(c) of Chapter 1 now states that ‘All winemakers must have the capacity to make at least 1.4 times the average volume of wine made over the last five years’.

Rather than a volume-based capacity (expressed in hl or m3), the product specification used to refer to yield, i.e. harvest volume divided by production area (for example in hectolitres per hectare). The proposed amendment remedies this inconsistency in quantities, without any change to the substance of the rule (the winery capacity requirement is still 1.4 times the average volume of wine produced in previous years).

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

8.   Circulation of wines

Point IX(5)(b) of Chapter 1, which stated the date on which wines could begin circulating between authorised warehouse-keepers, has been deleted.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

9.   Link with the geographical area

The link has been revised to update the number of municipalities covered (19 rather than 20 for the Department of Maine-et-Loire).

Point 8 of the Single Document, ‘Link’, has been amended accordingly.

10.   Transitional measures

The following has been added to point XI of Chapter 1: The rules requiring growers to have controlled green cover, whether naturally occurring or sown, in place between the rows and to perform weeding or use biocontrol products to control naturally occurring vegetation do not apply to vineyard parcels with a distance between rows of 1.70 m or less that are already in existence at the date of approval of this product specification.

This transitional measure means that existing vineyards whose current configuration means that they would struggle to follow the agri-environmental rule are not penalised. In high-density vineyards, namely those in which the rows are spaced 1.70 metres apart or closer, maintaining permanent grass cover or performing weeding operations may pose technical problems (mechanisation, equipment, tools). Grass cover increases the risk of spring frosts in low-hanging vines. Moreover, green cover would mean that these vines, already more densely planted, would have yet more vegetation to compete with for their water supply. On the other hand, for vines planted after the product specification is approved, the growers will have full knowledge of the requirements and will have to comply with the new agri-environmental measures, regardless of vine density or the distance between rows.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

11.   Labelling rules

A new point 1 has been added:

| 1. | General provisions
  The wines making use of the controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de Saumur’ under the terms of this product specification and presented with that name cannot be declared after harvest, offered to the public, dispatched, marketed or sold unless the controlled designation of origin appears in the harvest declaration, in advertisements, in catalogues, and on any labels, invoices or receipts. |
| --- | --- |

1.

General provisions

The wines making use of the controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de Saumur’ under the terms of this product specification and presented with that name cannot be declared after harvest, offered to the public, dispatched, marketed or sold unless the controlled designation of origin appears in the harvest declaration, in advertisements, in catalogues, and on any labels, invoices or receipts.

This rule is included in all product specifications and had been omitted by mistake.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

12.   Record-keeping

In point II(3) of Chapter 2, the word ‘potential’ has been replaced by ‘natural’.

In line with all the other product specifications from the Anjou Saumur area, the terms ‘potential alcoholic strength’ or ‘alcohol content’ have been replaced with ‘natural alcoholic strength by volume’. These amendments improve the readability of the product specifications. The rules on record-keeping have been harmonised to make it easier to check the records and draw up the inspection plan.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

13.   Compliance checklist

Chapter 3 has been revised to ensure consistency across the checklists included in the different product specifications for Anjou Saumur wines.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of the product

Coteaux de Saumur

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO - Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

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

1.

4.   Description of the wine(s)

Still white wines made from late-harvested grapes with the following main analytical characteristics:

| — | minimum natural alcoholic strength of 15% by volume; |
| --- | --- |

—

minimum natural alcoholic strength of 15% by volume;

| — | fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content not exceeding 34 grams per litre following fermentation; |
| --- | --- |

—

fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content not exceeding 34 grams per litre following fermentation;

| — | total acidity and total sulphur dioxide contents compliant with EU legislation; |
| --- | --- |

—

total acidity and total sulphur dioxide contents compliant with EU legislation;

| — | a minimum actual alcoholic strength of 10% by volume, or 11% in the case of wines with a natural alcoholic strength of less than 18% by volume. |
| --- | --- |

—

a minimum actual alcoholic strength of 10% by volume, or 11% in the case of wines with a natural alcoholic strength of less than 18% by volume.

The wines are characterised by their delicacy, often combining subtle aromas of white flowers or fresh or candied fruit. They evoke the gentle terrain of the Loire countryside. On the palate, mild and fresh sensations are blended together with skilful alchemy, under the cover of a certain fragility, combining elegance and complexity. This balanced structure demonstrates how suitable these wines are for ageing, with notes of beeswax and honey often emerging.

| GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | 25 |
| 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

25

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

a.   Essential oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

All enrichment is banned.

The use of wood chips is forbidden.

The wines must be aged until at least 15 February of the year following the harvest.

In addition to the above provisions, all winemaking practices used must also be compliant with the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Sea-Fishing Code.

Density

Cultural practice

Minimum planting density is 4 000 vines per hectare. Rows of vines may not be spaced more than 2.5 metres apart. The vine trunks making up a row must be spaced at least one metre apart.

The controlled designation of origin may be used for vineyard parcels with a density of fewer than 4 000 — but at least 3 300 — vines per hectare, subject to compliance with certain vine-training and foliage height rules laid down in the product specification. On such parcels, the rows may not be spaced more than 3 metres apart, and the vine trunks making up a row must be spaced at least one metre apart.

Vine pruning and training

Cultural practice

The vines must be pruned by 30 April using the rod and spur system, with a maximum of 12 yeux francs [the term used for buds separated from the base buds by a definite internode] per trunk. At the 11- or 12-leaf growth stage, each trunk may not have more than ten fruiting canes for the year.

The foliage on the trellis must reach a height of at least 0.6 times the distance between the rows. This height is measured as the distance between the lower limit of the foliage (which must be at least 0.40 m above ground level) and the upper trimming limit (which must be at least 0.20 m above the upper trellis wire).

Vineyard parcels with a density of fewer than 4 000 — but at least 3 300 — vines per hectare are also subject to the following trellising rules: the trellis poles must reach at least 1.90 metres above ground level, there must be four horizontal wires, and the top wire must be at least 1.85 metres above ground level.

Irrigation

Cultural practice

Irrigation is not permitted.

Cultural practice

The wines are made from late-harvested grapes, picked by hand, with pickers passing through the vineyard several times.

b.   Maximum yields

40 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

All stages of production must take place in the geographical area, which spans the territories of the following municipalities, based on the 2018 Official Geographical Code:

| — | Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon and Tourtenay in the Department of Deux-Sèvres; |
| --- | --- |

—

Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon and Tourtenay in the Department of Deux-Sèvres;

| — | Brézé, Chacé, Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (territories of the former municipalities of Meigné and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Montsoreau, Parnay, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Saumur, Souzay-Champigny, Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varrains and Vaudelnay in the Department of Maine-et-Loire; |
| --- | --- |

—

Brézé, Chacé, Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (territories of the former municipalities of Meigné and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Montsoreau, Parnay, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Saumur, Souzay-Champigny, Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varrains and Vaudelnay in the Department of Maine-et-Loire;

| — | Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay and Les Trois-Moutiers in the Department of Vienne. |
| --- | --- |

—

Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay and Les Trois-Moutiers in the Department of Vienne.

Maps of this geographical area can be found on the website of the National Origin and Quality Institute.

7.   Main wine grape variety(ies)

Chenin B

8.   Description of the link(s)

1.   Details of the geographical area

a)   Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The geographical area consists of the chalky-soiled slopes of the controlled designation of origin ‘Saumur’. Based on 2018 data, it spans 19 municipalities in the Department of Maine-et-Loire, two in the Department of Deux-Sèvres and nine in the Department of Vienne. The Loire forms its northern boundary, and the River Thouet and its tributary, the Dive, cross the area from north to south. The way in which this network of waterways carves through the terrain has left a succession of slopes oriented in various directions, measuring between 40 and 110 metres high.

The landscape is marked by the cultivation of grapevines on the most favourably oriented slopes, while the hilltops continue to be populated by forests of various species, predominantly oak and chestnut. The immense caves from which stone was quarried to build the local houses, and which are now used for growing mushrooms, provide a ventilation outlet at the heart of the vineyards. The landscape is characterised by the harmonious coexistence of vineyards with local buildings, an osmosis between winegrowers’ villages, walled vineyards and stately homes and Châteaux built in the Anjou Blanc tufa stone with their characteristic gleaming white façades set with sculptures, which contributed to the region being designated as a protected natural area and listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

The vineyard parcels, arranged for harvesting grapes, feature soils that have formed over the various Turonian formations: rendzina and chalky brown soils of varying depths. At the tops of the slopes these are covered with sands and clays originating from more recent epochs such as the Senonien or Eocene. These are soils with good thermal properties and moderate water retention capacity. They are free from any signs of waterlogging.

The Saumur area has an oceanic climate. The Mauges hills, located to the west of the vineyards, add a foehn wind effect that modulates these oceanic conditions. The fact that the local area is sheltered from the humid winds gives it annual average rainfall of 600 millimetres, compared to more than 800 millimetres on the Mauges hills. This difference in rainfall is even more marked during the vine’s growth cycle, in particular from June up to the harvest period. The Loire and its tributaries also play a major role as their presence mean that morning mists are a common occurrence at harvest time. The influence of the ‘Seuil du Poitou’, located to the south of the geographical area, gives it some more ‘southerly’ flavours, with the presence of species that one might not expect to find on the banks of the Loire: holly oaks, olive trees, almond trees, etc. Average annual temperatures are relatively high (around 12 °C).

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

Although wine-making in the Saumur region dates back to the 9th century, it mainly developed in the 16th century following the arrival of Dutch wine brokers, who, recognising how suitable these wines were for shipping overseas, were able to convince consumers outside the region of the qualities of the Chenin Blanc grape. From then on, different methods were used to grow the vines for two quality standards: the vines used to make wines ‘for the sea’ were pruned short, leaving only a couple of buds, unlike the vines used to make wines ‘for Paris’. The variety appears to have originated in this area’s vineyards. It is a hardy variety, with potential that varies greatly depending on the type of soil in which it is planted.

Local winemakers also quickly recognised the benefits of late harvesting this variety using certain techniques. In his 1845 Traité des cépages (‘Treatise on Vine Varieties’), Count Odart argued that ‘it should also not be harvested until it is overripe, such as the condition it reaches towards All Saints’ Day, when the skins, tenderised by the rains, are sloughed off’. Over-ripeness is therefore an integral part of the harvest. In André Jullien’s 1816 Topographie de tous les vignobles connus (‘Topography of All Known Vineyards’), he argues that ‘at the good vineyards, the grape-pickers pass through the vineyards several times; the grapes picked in the first two passes are used for only the most mature wines, providing the wines to be shipped abroad and the grapes from the third pass are used for wines for domestic consumption’.

Although the name ‘Coteaux de Saumur’ dates back to the Middle Ages, it initially denoted a geographical area that comprised the towns bordering the Loire, from Saumur (which has since been merged into the municipality of Dampierre) to Montsoreau. The area was later expanded to include the towns on the right bank of the Thouet. In 1865, in a book entitled Indicateur de Maine-et-Loire (‘Guide to Maine-et-Loire’), Pierre-Aimé Millet de la Turtaudière wrote that ‘“Coteaux de Saumur” white wines are strictly speaking from the towns of Dampierre, Souzay, Parnay, Turquant and Montsoreau, but they should be brought together into a single category with other white wines from Chacé, Varrains, Brézé and Saint Cyr, which have the same excellent qualities’. In establishing this definition, the author presaged the geographical area that was later to be established in the Decree recognising the Controlled Designation of Origin ‘Coteaux de Saumur’.

2.   Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

The wines of ‘Coteaux de Saumur’ are characterised by their delicacy, often featuring a blend of subtle aromas of white flowers or fresh or candied fruit. They evoke the gentle terrain of the Loire countryside. On the palate, mild and fresh sensations are blended together with skilful alchemy, under the cover of a certain fragility, combining elegance and complexity. This balanced structure demonstrates how suitable these wines are for ageing, with notes of beeswax and honey often emerging.

3.   Causal interactions

Thanks to the combination of a relatively warm, dry climate and chalky well-drained soils that allow a regular but not excessive supply of water, the local Chenin Blanc variety has been able to establish itself on the hillsides with the best sun exposure. This landscape, which is an important factor in the production of the controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de Saumur’, ensures that the grapes are well ventilated and plentiful on the vine and that ‘noble rot’ develops. The Loire and its tributaries also play a major role as their presence mean that morning mists — essential for the development of Botrytis cinerea — are a common occurrence at harvest time.

Local winemakers quickly realised that it was in their interests to master growing the Chenin Blanc variety. In his 1876 work Viticulture de la France (‘France’s Winemaking’), J. Guyot said of this Saumur variety, ‘here we cannot fail to recognise the influence of pruning on wine quality, although it must be acknowledged in consequence that good wine-producing vines are not only formed by pruning but also by soil and location’.

Following local customs, the ‘demarcated parcel area’ comprises only hillside vineyards. This means that growers have to manage the plant expertly, harnessing its vigour and fruiting potential, aided by the practice of producing low yields through tailored pruning practices. The traditional harvesting technique is still used today: once the grapes have reached an overripe state, either through ‘noble rot’ or natural concentration on the vine, they are picked by hand, with pickers passing through the vineyard several times.

Many documentary sources attest to the reputation of Saumur wines. In 1529, Bourdigné described the local vineyards as ‘Noah’s masterpiece’, notably citing the Bretons’ and Normans’ predilection for their products. In 1618, Jean Hirand did not hesitate to label them as ‘France’s best white wines’. However, while the Saumur wines charmed poets, they found outstanding patrons in the Capetians (Saint Louis in particular) and the House of Plantagenet. Thanks to the influence of Henri II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, they made their way to the most prestigious tables. In André Jullien’s 1816 Topographie de tous les vignobles connus (‘Topography of All Known Vineyards’), he classes the Saumur products as wines of the highest quality, remarking that ‘the sun-exposed hillsides of the Saumur region produce full-bodied, white wines that are high in alcohol and stand up well to shipping; they are of excellent quality and delicious’. He also wrote that ‘shipments for the Maine region and Normandy are partly taken along the River Mayenne; those for Paris and Orléans travel back up the Loire; and those for overseas go down the Loire to Nantes to be shipped onwards to their final destinations’.

The development of the vineyards was linked to river-borne trade, and the Saumur region grows grapes used to make original, high-quality wines. This pursuit of quality is illustrated in numerous documents, including Count Odart’s 1845 Traité des cépages (‘Treatise on Vine Varieties’) and Victor Rendu’s 1857 Ampélographie Française (‘French Ampelography’); even back then, references were made to the late harvesting of the Chenin Blanc and the fact that the pickers passed through the vineyard several times, earning these excellent white wines from the banks of the Loire their reputation. In 2010 ‘Coteaux de Saumur’ wines continued to enjoy an excellent reputation. A rare and expensive product, they are mainly sold directly to a number of well-informed, enthusiastic consumers.

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

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

In EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation on the production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity, in which winemaking can be performed by derogation, comprises the following municipalities of the Department of Maine-et-Loire, based on the 2018 Official Geographical Code: Artannes-sur-Thouet, Brossay, Doué-en-Anjou (territories of the former municipalities of Doué-la-Fontaine, Forges et Montfort), Montreuil-Bellay, Rou-Marson and Saint-Just-sur-Dive.

Labelling

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

| — | The characters used for optional indications on labels may not be more than twice the size (in terms of height or width) of the characters used to print the name of the controlled designation of origin. |
| --- | --- |

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The characters used for optional indications on labels may not be more than twice the size (in terms of height or width) of the characters used to print the name of the controlled designation of origin.

| — | The name of the controlled designation of origin may be supplemented with the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ in accordance with the rules laid down in the product specification for the use of this name. The characters used for the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ may not be more than two thirds of the size (in terms of height or width) of the characters used for the name of the controlled designation of origin. |
| --- | --- |

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The name of the controlled designation of origin may be supplemented with the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ in accordance with the rules laid down in the product specification for the use of this name. The characters used for the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ may not be more than two thirds of the size (in terms of height or width) of the characters used for the name of the controlled designation of origin.

| — | Wines with the controlled designation of origin may be labelled with the name of a smaller geographical unit, provided that: |
| --- | --- |

—

Wines with the controlled designation of origin may be labelled with the name of a smaller geographical unit, provided that:

| — | it is a place name listed in the land registry; |
| --- | --- |

—

it is a place name listed in the land registry;

| — | it appears on the harvest declaration. |
| --- | --- |

—

it appears on the harvest declaration.

The characters used for the registered place name may not be more than half the size (in terms of height or width) of the characters used for the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-c4b2e678-3a96-45e9-8ed0-5fe4f53729b3

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

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| 10.2.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 44/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 44/23

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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 referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

(2020/C 44/08)

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

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

Savennières Roche aux Moines

PDO-FR-A0982-AM01

Date of communication: 14 11 2019

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Geographical area

Under point IV(1) of Chapter I, the sentence ‘The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged in the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire:’ is replaced by ‘All stages of production take place in the geographical area encompassing the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire’ on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018:’. The following sentence is also added: ‘Maps of the geographical area can be found on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality.’

The wording proposed under ‘Geographical area’ is aimed at being more reader-friendly and removes any ambiguities concerning the description of the phases (wine-making, production, aging, etc.).

Editorial amendment: the new list of administrative entities takes account of amalgamations of administrative divisions and other changes that have occurred since the approval of the specification. To increase legal certainty, this list is referenced according to the current version of the Official Geographic Code, updated yearly by INSEE (the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies). The boundaries of the geographical area remain exactly the same.

Lastly, to keep the public better informed, reference is made to the availability of maps of the geographical area on the National Institute of Origin and Quality website.

Point 6 of the Single Document concerning the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

2.   Area in immediate proximity

Under point IV(3) of Chapter I, the list of municipalities is replaced by:

Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Val-du-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipality of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné)

This makes it possible to take account of the various municipal amalgamations that have occurred since the previous version of the specification. The boundaries of the area in immediate proximity remain exactly the same.

Point 9 of the Single Document concerning additional conditions has been amended accordingly.

3.   Harvest proclamation

Under point VII(1)(a) of Chapter 1 of the specification, the following sentence has been deleted: ‘The start date of the harvests is set in accordance with Article D. 645-6 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code’.

It is no longer necessary to set a start date for harvests, since operators have a larger selection of tools at their disposal, making it possible for them to gauge the ripeness of the grapes as accurately as possible. All operators have access to a certain number of machines and equipment, owned both privately and collectively, enabling them to accurately determine the ideal start date for harvesting each parcel based on the production objectives.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

4.   Fermenting room capacity

Under point IX(1)(a) of Chapter 1, the sentence: ‘All operators have a fermenting room capacity for producing wine equal to at least 1,4 times the holding’s average yield over the past five years.’ is replaced by: ‘All operators have a fermenting room capacity for producing wine equal to at least 1,4 times the average volume of wine produced over the past five years.’

The specification made reference not to a volume capacity (expressed in hectolitres or cubic metres) but to a yield, which is the harvest volume divided by the production area (expressed for example in hectolitres per hectare). The proposed amendment rectifies this incongruity concerning measurements without making any substantial changes (the minimum is still set at 1,4 times the average volume of wine produced by a holding over the previous years).

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The word ‘Agricultural’ has been added to ‘Angers Agricultural and Industrial Company’ (Société Agricole et Industrielle d’Angers) because the title of this journal was incomplete. The proposed correction rectifies this omission.

Point 8 of the Single Document concerning the link with the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

6.   Record keeping

Under point II(3) of Chapter 2, ‘potential’ is replaced by ‘natural’.

In order to ensure consistency in the drafting across all specifications from the Anjou Saumur area, the formula ‘natural alcoholic strength by volume’ replaces ‘potential strength’ or ‘degree’. These amendments improve the readability of the specifications. The harmonisation of the record-keeping provisions is intended to make it easier to draw up inspection plans and check records.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

7.   Main points for checking

Chapter 3 has been updated to harmonise the drawing up of the main points for checking in specifications from the Anjou Saumur area.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of the product

Savennières Roche aux Moines

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

1. Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

These are dry, still white wines, semi-sweet or sweet, whose principle analytical characteristics are as follows: the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume for the dry wines is 12,5 %; the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume for the other wines is 15,5 %; after fermentation, the dry wines have a fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content of less than or equal to 4 grams per litre. After fermentation, the semi-sweet wines have a fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content of more than or equal to 30 grams per litre. The volatile acidity, total acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by EU legislation. The wines are white and usually dry. Their pale yellow colour, at times golden with green highlights, is of a rare elegance. Their fine and complex nose often combines floral aromas with more fruity notes, crowned with a hint of minerality. They are generous on the palate and smooth with a touch of liveliness that means they are never heavy. Noble rot develops in good years, allowing producers to make wines with good keeping qualities with fermentable sugar. Over time, these wines develop a particular and complex bouquet associated with the development of Botrytis cinerea.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 11,5 |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | |
| Total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

11,5

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

Total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

a.   Essential oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

The grapes are poured whole into the press.

Continuous presses are prohibited.

Any kind of enrichment is prohibited. Any heat treatment of the wine harvest or of the wine at a temperature below -5°C or above 40 °C is prohibited. All partial dealcoholisation of the wines is prohibited. The use of wood chips is prohibited. In addition to the above provisions, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at Community level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

Wines are aged at least until 15 June of the year following the harvest.

Growing method

The minimum vine planting density is 5,000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed two metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least one metre. The vines are pruned by 30 April at the latest; by the mixed pruning method, with a maximum of ten buds per plant, or by the cordon de Royat method, with a maximum of 12 buds per plant. At the phenological stage corresponding to 11 or 12 leaves, the number of fruit-bearing branches for the year by plant must be eight or less.

The height of the foliage when tied up is at least 0.6 times the space between the rows, with the height of the foliage when tied up being measured between the lower limit of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0.4 metres above the ground, and the upper limit of the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0.2 metres above the trellising wire.

Irrigation is prohibited.

The grapes are harvested by hand through at least two selections of bunches per plant. The use of grape harvesting machines is prohibited.

The use of conveyors is prohibited.

b.   Maximum yields

dry wines

35 hectolitres per hectare

semi-sweet and sweet wines

30 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

All stages of production take place in the geographical area encompassing the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Savennières.

7.   Main wine grapes

Chenin B

8.   Description of the link(s)

1   Information on the geographical area

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

‘Roche aux Moines’ is a reputed area under the ‘Savennières’ protected designation of origin. Situated a dozen or so kilometres to the west of Angers, it has always been considered one of the most highly regarded areas under this protected designation of origin. The slope adjoins a jagged, rocky overhang of the crystalline basement overlooking the Loire. It is bordered to the east by the Coulée de Serrant and to the west by a valley adjoining ‘les Forges’, which separates it from the slope of the ‘Moulin du Gué’. Its demarcated area totals around 35 hectares. The gentle, upper part of the slope is south facing. The slope becomes steeper in the lower part and in the part to the west of the ‘Moulin du Gué’.

The geological formations are part of the Massif Armoricain. The soils are mainly a result of the shale and sandstone and shale formations of the upper Ordovician to the lower Devonian series. In places, volcanic veins whose original acidic material has produced rhyolite appear on the surface. At one point on the slope, the hard rock that lent its name to the area rises impressively to the surface. The soil in some parcels situated at the edge of the plateau are lightly covered in quaternary sand carried by the wind. The bedrock appears very close to the surface most often on the slope. The soil is generally shallow, not very fertile and very stony. It has a considerable drainage capacity and a low water reserve.

The climate of the ‘Roche aux Moines’ is oceanic, which is typical of the vineyards of the Anjou region. The Mauges uplands to the west alter this oceanic trait through the Foehn effect. Mean annual precipitation is 600 millimetres, marked by sheltered, humid winds; it exceeds 800 millimetres over the Mauges uplands. This difference in average rainfall is even more marked during the vegetative cycle of the vineyards, especially from June until the grape harvest period. Average annual temperatures are relatively high, at around 12 °C. These traits are more pronounced at mesoclimatic level. The steep, south-facing slopes take advantage of the sun’s rays, restrict humidity in the air and guarantee that the parcels are well aerated.

The Loire, located below the prevailing winds, plays an important heat-regulating role on the nearby slopes, thus keeping night-time temperatures high. The river also plays an important role during the harvesting period by encouraging the formation of morning mists, which are essential for the development of Botrytis cinerea.

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

The name ‘Roche aux Moines’ dates back to the twelfth century and has been in constant, uninterrupted use since that time. It first appeared when the Chevalier Buhard estate was given to the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Nicolas d’Angers in around 1130; the monks then planted vineyards there. The first of the ‘Bouvines’ battles played out on 2 July 1214. The English knights, slowed down by the rows of vineyards, were defeated by Louis VIII’s troops. The ‘Roche aux Moines’ slopes remained the monastery’s property and wine-growing developed there in step with the religious community’s needs up until the Revolution. This prestigious site was then taken over by owners desirous to produce quality wines.

Pierre Guillory (1796-1878) was an inveterate moderniser and had an important impact on the life cycle of the vineyards. Open to new techniques and keen to share his results, he contributed to the renown of the ‘Roche aux Moines’. On those slopes he recreated the terraces that he had come across on the banks of Lake Geneva. He experimented with wire trellising and slate stakes to improve the ventilation of the Chenin B grapes. He also worked with sulphur and employed the early debudding method. His research on harvesting and pressing techniques was quickly adopted by other producers. In 1861, he wrote the following in an Angers Agricultural and Industrial Company Bulletin: ‘With very few exceptions, harvesting takes place in October, once the grapes are deemed perfectly ripe and at least a quarter of them are affected by noble rot.’ This is backed up by Count Odart, who, in 1845, stated the following in his ‘Wine variety treatise’: ‘We should also add the condition of not harvesting the grapes until around All Saints Day, when the grapes are over ripe and their skin sphacelous after being softened by the rains’. The producers were very quick to understand that this variety should be harvested at an advanced stage of ripeness and that very special attention should be paid to each bunch of grapes.

2   Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

The wines are white and most often dry.

Their pale yellow colour, at times golden with green highlights, is of a rare elegance. Their fine and complex nose often combines floral aromas with more fruity notes, crowned with a hint of minerality. They are generous on the palate and smooth with a touch of liveliness that means they are never heavy.

In some years, noble rot develops, giving producers the possibility of making wines with good keeping qualities with fermentable sugar, which, over time, develop a particular and complex bouquet associated with the development of Botrytis cinerea.

3   Causal interactions

The exceptional characteristics of this steep slope, looming over the Loire with its stony, thin soils, can only be improved on by its vineyards. With the appropriate human intervention (short pruning, yields set at 30 hectolitres per hectare, rigorous harvests by means of a careful selection of bunches), the Chenin B variety has found an ideal position on this slope. The terrain, with its shallow soils, requires mechanical maintenance or grass cover on the parcels and a controlled supply of vine protection products that could destroy the subsoil and put at risk the parcels’ suitability for wine-growing.

The practices, in particular the harvest, are testament to the experience gained by the producers. The establishment of a yield compatible with the soil’s potentiality and the prohibition of any enrichment reflect a desire to develop a strong identity. Maintaining the originality of this exceptional fine white wine requires the utmost strictness both in terms of pressing techniques, so as to preserve all the qualities of the raw material, and in terms of traditional wine-making methods, in order to guarantee the qualities of the end product.

In 1956, in his book ‘The Wines of the Loire’, Pierre Bréjoux wrote of the ‘Roche aux Moines’ wines as follows: ‘These are the lords and masters of the Loire and one of the splendours of the rich wine-making culture of France.’ The producers, conscious of the need to safeguard and future-proof the quality and repute of the protected designation of origin ‘Savennières Roche aux Moines’, have increased their collective efforts to make this wine one of the jewels of French production.

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

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

EU 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 processing and ageing of wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Val-du-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipality of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné).

Labelling

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The size of the letters of optional terms whose use, under Community provisions, may be regulated by the Member States, must not be larger, either in height or width, than half of the size of the letters forming the name of the Protected Designation of Origin.

The name of the protected designation of origin may be followed by the geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’, in accordance with the rules laid down in the specification. The size of the letters of the geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’ may not be larger, either in height or width, than two-thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the protected designation of origin;

Wines with a fermentable sugar content of more than or equal to 30 grams per litre must be described with the terms ‘semi-sweet’ or ‘sweet’ in all commercial documents, shipping documents and on labels according to the fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of the wine, as defined by EU legislation. These particulars are included on the labels in the same field of vision as the name of the protected designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-24d5c8a6-052c-4f0b-83a4-14034aaad14c

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

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| 10.2.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 44/29 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 44/29

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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 referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2020/C 44/09)

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

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

Anjou Villages

Reference number PDO-FR-A0493-AM01

Date of communication: 14 November 2019

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Geographical area

The geographical area has been amended as follows: ‘All stages in the production process take place in the geographical area encompassing the territory of the municipalities named below, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018:

| — | department of Deux-Sèvres: Bouillé-Loretz, Val en Vignes (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul and Cersay); |
| --- | --- |

—

department of Deux-Sèvres: Bouillé-Loretz, Val en Vignes (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul and Cersay);

| — | department of Maine-et-Loire: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Blaison-Gohier), Bouchemaine, Brissac Loire Aubance (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance and Coutures), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux, La Jumellière and Valanjou), Cléré-sur-Layon, Doué-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Brigné, Concourson-sur-Layon, Saint-Georges-sur-Layon and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Ingrandes), Lys-Haut-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné and Trémont), Mauges-sur-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Mesnil-en-Vallée, Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye), Passavant-sur-Layon, La Possonnière, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Savennières, Terranjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (formerly the delegated municipality of Ambillou-Château), Val-du-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay). |
| --- | --- |

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department of Maine-et-Loire: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Blaison-Gohier), Bouchemaine, Brissac Loire Aubance (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance and Coutures), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux, La Jumellière and Valanjou), Cléré-sur-Layon, Doué-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Brigné, Concourson-sur-Layon, Saint-Georges-sur-Layon and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Ingrandes), Lys-Haut-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné and Trémont), Mauges-sur-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Mesnil-en-Vallée, Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye), Passavant-sur-Layon, La Possonnière, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Savennières, Terranjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (formerly the delegated municipality of Ambillou-Château), Val-du-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay).

Maps showing the geographical area can be viewed on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO)’.

Editorial amendment: the new list of administrative entities takes into account any mergers or other changes in administrative boundaries that have occurred since the approval of the specification. For greater legal certainty, the list follows the current version of the Official Geographical Code, updated yearly by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE). The boundary of the geographical area remains entirely unchanged.

Finally, in the interests of better public information, the product specification now states that maps of the geographical area can be found on the website of the National Origin and Quality Institute (INAO).

Point 6 of the Single Document on the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

2.   Demarcated parcel area

In section IV(2) of Chapter 1 of the product specification, the words ‘and 19 January 2017’ have been added after ‘05 September 2007’.

The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the competent national authority approved a modification of 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 in question.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

3.   Area in immediate proximity

In point IV(3) of Chapter 1, the list of municipalities has been replaced by:

| — | department of Deux-Sèvres: Argenton-l’Église, Brion-près-Thouet, Louzy, Mauzé-Thouarsais, Oiron, Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Sainte-Radegonde, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Thouars, Tourtenay; |
| --- | --- |

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department of Deux-Sèvres: Argenton-l’Église, Brion-près-Thouet, Louzy, Mauzé-Thouarsais, Oiron, Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Sainte-Radegonde, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Thouars, Tourtenay;

| — | department of Indre-et-Loire: Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil ; |
| --- | --- |

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department of Indre-et-Loire: Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil ;

| — | department of Loire-Atlantique: Ancenis, Le Loroux-Bottereau, Le Pallet, La Remaudière, Vair-sur-Loire (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Anetz), Vallet; |
| --- | --- |

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department of Loire-Atlantique: Ancenis, Le Loroux-Bottereau, Le Pallet, La Remaudière, Vair-sur-Loire (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Anetz), Vallet;

| — | department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Saint-Sulpice), Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brézé, Brissac Loire Aubance (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Alleuds, Brissac-Quincé, Chemellier, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire, Saulgé-l’Hôpital and Vauchrétien), Brossay, Cernusson, Chacé, Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Denée, Dénezé-sous-Doué, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Doué-la-Fontaine, Forges, Meigné et Montfort), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Les Garennes sur Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Gennes-Val-de-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé, Jarzé Villages (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Cerqueux-sous-Passavant and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, Le Marillais, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine and Saint-Laurent-du-Mottay), Mazé-Milon (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels and La Varenne), Parnay, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rou-Marson, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Just-sur-Dive, Saint-Macaire-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Sigismond, Saumur, Soucelles, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Souzay-Champigny, Tuffalun (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine),Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Verrie, Verrières-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Pellouailles-les-Vignes and Saint-Sylvain-d’Anjou), Villevêque; |
| --- | --- |

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department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Saint-Sulpice), Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brézé, Brissac Loire Aubance (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Alleuds, Brissac-Quincé, Chemellier, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire, Saulgé-l’Hôpital and Vauchrétien), Brossay, Cernusson, Chacé, Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Denée, Dénezé-sous-Doué, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Doué-la-Fontaine, Forges, Meigné et Montfort), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Les Garennes sur Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Gennes-Val-de-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé, Jarzé Villages (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Cerqueux-sous-Passavant and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, Le Marillais, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine and Saint-Laurent-du-Mottay), Mazé-Milon (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels and La Varenne), Parnay, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rou-Marson, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Just-sur-Dive, Saint-Macaire-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Sigismond, Saumur, Soucelles, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Souzay-Champigny, Tuffalun (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine),Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Verrie, Verrières-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Pellouailles-les-Vignes and Saint-Sylvain-d’Anjou), Villevêque;

| — | department of Vienne: Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay, Les Trois-Moutiers. |
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department of Vienne: Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay, Les Trois-Moutiers.

This change takes into account the various mergers of municipalities that have occurred since the last version of the specification. The actual boundary of the area in immediate proximity remains unchanged.

Point 9 of the Single Document on additional conditions has been amended accordingly.

4.   Agro-environmental provision

The following has been added to point VI(2) of Chapter 1: ‘Controlled green cover, whether naturally occurring or sown, must be in place between the rows; where there is no such green cover, the grower must work the soil or justify the use of bio-control products approved by the public authorities for use in wine-growing. Where bio-control herbicides are used on a land parcel, the use of other herbicides is not permitted.’

This amendment reflects current developments in the practices of operators promoting conservation agriculture throughout the vineyards of Anjou. It takes into account growing concern for the environment as part of technical procedures. By encouraging plant cover, the use of mechanical methods for weeding, or the use of bio-control products, the amendment aims to reduce the use of chemical herbicides. The reduction in herbicides should strengthen the defences of wine-growing soils and preserve their natural properties such as fertility, bio-diversity and self-cleaning. This will contribute to the quality and authenticity of the wines and strengthen the sense of terroir.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

5.   Harvest declaration

At point VII(1) of Chapter 1 of the specification, the following sentence has been deleted: ‘The start date of the harvests is set in accordance with Article D. 645-6 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code’.

It is no longer necessary to set a start date for harvests, as operators have a large selection of tools at their disposal to enable them to gauge the ripeness of the grapes with the greatest possible accuracy. All operators have access to a certain number of machines and equipment, owned both privately and collectively, enabling them to accurately determine the ideal start date for harvesting each parcel based on the production objectives.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

6.   Sugar content

Under point IX(b) of Chapter 1, the words ‘of the wines, after fermentation’ have been added after glucose and fructose.

This amendment was made to avoid any confusion with the sugar content before fermentation, as it is important to specify that this content must be verified after fermentation.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

7.   Fermenting room capacity

Under point IX(1)(d) of Chapter 1, the sentence: ‘All operators have a fermenting room capacity for wine production equal to at least 1.4 times the average yield of their holding during the preceding five years’ is replaced by the sentence: ‘All operators have a fermenting room capacity for wine production equal to at least 1.4 times the average volume of wine produced during the preceding five years’.

The specification made reference not to volume capacity (expressed in hectolitres or cubic metres) but to yield, which is the harvest volume divided by the production area (expressed for example in hectolitres per hectare). The proposed amendment removes this inconsistency regarding measurements without making any substantial changes. The minimum capacity remains 1.4 times the average volume of wine produced by a holding in the preceding years.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

8.   Circulation of wines

Point 5(b) of section IX of Chapter 1 concerning the date of entry into circulation of the wines between authorised warehouses has been deleted.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

9.   Link with the geographical area

The link has been revised in order to update the number of municipalities involved (for example, for the department of Maine-et-Loire, 24 instead of 43).

Point 6 of the Single Document on the link has been amended accordingly.

10.   Transitional measure

The following has been inserted under point XI of chapter 1: ‘The provisions relating to the requirement for managed plant cover, either natural or planted, between rows, along with the provisions relating to the requirement for operators to work the soil or use bio-control products to ensure that naturally occurring plant growth is managed, do not apply to vineyard parcels already in existence at the time of accreditation of this specification and in which the spacing between rows is less than or equal to 1.70 metres’.

The transitional measure avoids the need to penalise existing vineyards currently using a training method not adapted to the agri-environmental provisions. In densely planted vineyards, where the spacing between rows is less than or equal to 1.7 metres, maintaining permanent grass cover or attempting to work the soil could, in effect, cause technical problems with machinery, materials or tools, for example. In low-growing vines, grass cover also increases the risk of spring frosts. Furthermore, the presence of vegetation cover significantly increases the pressure on the water supply to the vines in the more densely-planted vineyards. Nevertheless, any vines planted after the specification has been approved will have to comply fully with the new agri-environmental provisions, regardless of planting density and spacing between rows.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

11.   Record-keeping

Under point II(3) of Chapter 2, the word ‘potential’ has been replaced by ‘natural’.

In order to ensure consistency in the drafting across all specifications from the Anjou Saumur area, the formula ‘natural alcoholic strength by volume’ replaces ‘potential strength’ or ‘degree’. These amendments improve the readability of the product specifications. The harmonisation of record-keeping provisions is intended to make it easier to draw up inspection plans and check records.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

12.   Main points for checking

Chapter 3 has been revised to ensure consistency across the check-lists included in the different product specifications for Anjou Saumur wines.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of the product

Anjou Villages

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

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

1.

4.   Description of the wine(s)

These are still red wines with the following main analytical characteristics:

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11%.

After fermentation, the wines have a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) not exceeding 3 grams per litre.

Malolactic fermentation must be completed. Wines ready to be marketed in bulk or at the packaging stage have a malic acid content that does not exceed 0.4 grams per litre.

After enrichment, the wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 12.5%.

The total volatile acidity, total acidity and total sulphur dioxide contents are those laid down by EU legislation.

Wines are aged at least until 15 June of the year following that of the harvest.

The wine is generally a deep, steady ruby red in colour. Delicate notes of red fruits and flowers (iris, violet) are often detected in the nose, evolving towards more complex aromas, such as combinations of black fruits, spices, game or undergrowth. Ample and full-bodied in the mouth, the full range of aromas is preserved. Strong underlying tannins and a long finish. A generous wine that benefits from being left for a few years before tasting.

| 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

a.   Essential oenological practices

Planting density - Spacing

Growing method

The minimum vine planting density is 4,000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed 2.5 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metres. The controlled designation of origin may be used for the harvests of vineyard parcels with a density of fewer than 4 000 — but at least 3,300 — vines per hectare, subject to compliance with certain vine-training and foliage height rules laid down in the product specification. The spacing between the rows of the vines must not exceed 3 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre.

Rules on vine pruning and training

Growing method

The vines are pruned by 30 April at the latest using the rod and spur system. The maximum number of buds is 14 buds per plant, with a maximum of 8 buds on the rod.

The foliage on the trellis must reach a height of at least 0.6 times the distance between the rows. This height is measured as the distance between the lower limit of the foliage (which must be at least 0.40 m above ground level) and the upper trimming limit (which must be at least 0.20 m above the upper trellis wire).

In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3,300 but less than 4,000 plants per hectare, the following additional trellising rules apply: the minimum height of the trellising posts above the ground is 1.9 metres; there are four levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the highest wire is 1.85 metres above the ground.

Irrigation

Growing method

Irrigation is prohibited.

Specific oenological practice

Reductive methods of enrichment are permitted, with the maximum partial concentration rate set at 10% in relation to the volumes used. The use of wood chips is forbidden. After enrichment, the wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 12.5%.

In addition to the above provisions, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at Community level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

b.   Maximum yields

60 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

All stages of production take place in the geographical area encompassing the following municipalities, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018:

| — | department of Deux-Sèvres: Bouillé-Loretz, Val en Vignes (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul and Cersay); |
| --- | --- |

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department of Deux-Sèvres: Bouillé-Loretz, Val en Vignes (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul and Cersay);

| — | department of Maine-et-Loire: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Blaison-Gohier), Bouchemaine, Brissac Loire Aubance (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance and Coutures), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux, La Jumellière and Valanjou), Cléré-sur-Layon, Doué-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Brigné, Concourson-sur-Layon, Saint-Georges-sur-Layon and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Ingrandes), Lys-Haut-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné and Trémont), Mauges-sur-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Mesnil-en-Vallée, Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye), Passavant-sur-Layon, La Possonnière, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Savennières, Terranjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (formerly the delegated municipality of Ambillou-Château), Val-du-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay). |
| --- | --- |

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department of Maine-et-Loire: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Blaison-Gohier), Bouchemaine, Brissac Loire Aubance (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance and Coutures), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux, La Jumellière and Valanjou), Cléré-sur-Layon, Doué-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Brigné, Concourson-sur-Layon, Saint-Georges-sur-Layon and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Ingrandes), Lys-Haut-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné and Trémont), Mauges-sur-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Mesnil-en-Vallée, Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye), Passavant-sur-Layon, La Possonnière, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Savennières, Terranjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (formerly the delegated municipality of Ambillou-Château), Val-du-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay).

Maps showing the geographical area can be viewed on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO)’.

7.   Main wine grapes

Cabernet-Sauvignon N

Cabernet franc N

8.   Description of the link(s)

1   Information on the geographical area

a)   Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The geographical area is located in the western part of the geographical area for the ‘Anjou’ controlled designation of origin, essentially on the Precambrian and Paleozoic outcrops attached to the Armorican Massif, in places covered in gravelly formations or Cenomanian features such as the marl with oyster shell deposits to be found on its eastern boundary. In 2018 it includes the geographical areas for the controlled designations of origin ‘Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire’, ‘Coteaux du Layon’, ‘Savennières’ and some adjoining municipalities. It covers a territory that has been demarcated and selected because its natural environment is so well suited to the production of red wines. It spans 24 municipalities in the department of Maine-et-Loire and two in the department of Deux-Sèvres, to the south-east and south of the city of Angers. The landscape features rolling hills with variable aspects and altitudes ranging between 50 and 90 metres.

The parcel area specifically demarcated for the grape harvest mostly consists of parcels with good exposure and brown soils that have developed on shale, clayey-gravelly brown soils or on a very localised level, brown soils that have developed on marl with oyster shell deposits. These soils are often shallow with good irrigation and drainage, no signs of hydromorphy and typically low water reserves. They have good thermal performance and ensure optimal earliness in growth. The western part of the geographical area is studded with subvolcanic rocks formed of igneous rocks of an acidic (rhyolite) or basaltic (spilite) nature producing very stony soils.

The geographical area benefits from a temperate oceanic climate with temperature ranges that do not vary significantly, on the one hand because of the relative proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and on the other, because of the role that the Loire and its tributaries play in temperature regulation. The fact that the vines are planted on hills is also a factor. The north-west/ south-east facing slopes protect the vines from the westerly winds that often have a high moisture content. Therefore the geographical area has limited irrigation and benefits from a foehn effect, sheltered from maritime mists by the higher slopes of Choletais and Mauges. Annual rainfall is around 585 millimetres, compared with 800 millimetres in Choletais.

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

Vines are known to have been cultivated on a continuous basis in Anjou since the first century A.D. It is excellent vine-growing country, as evidenced by these lines of a poem by Apollonius (sixth century): ‘Not far from Brittany is a town located on a rock with extensive plantations devoted to Ceres and Bacchus and a name, Andecavi (Angers), which is derived from the Greek place name. ’Vine-growing developed in the Anjou area during the Middle Ages, under the auspices of the monasteries located on the banks of the Loire and around Angers. They became particularly renowned from the 7th and 8th century onwards. Thanks to the influence of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, wine from Anjou made its way to the most splendid tables.

Production developed significantly from the 16th century onwards with the arrival of Dutch merchants seeking wine for their country and colonies. The Dutch stocked up on the wines and trade was so brisk in the 18th century that the river Layon, which crosses the geographical area, was made navigable to make transportation easier.

The ‘Anjou’ region essentially owes it fame to the production of white wines made from the Chenin B variety. However, plantings of the Cabernet franc N variety or the ‘Breton plant’ as it was known (thus named because it had been introduced by boat through the Loire estuary, which belonged to the Breton region at the time) and of Cabernet-Sauvignon N a little later on spread significantly after the Phylloxera crisis from 1865 onwards.

In the early 20th century, wine-making efforts were mostly focused on making ‘rouget’, the local name for a light wine served in the cafés. This marked the first stage in the changes to the Anjou vineyards, with the production of emblematic rosé wines becoming significant. The second stage in these changes was based on the experience gained by producers in managing these crops. The monitoring and analysis of the best combinations of varieties and planting locations, the assessment of the potential offered by the vine harvests and the expertise acquired in wine-making techniques all led to the development of red wines from the 1960s onwards.

However, the region’s wine-makers realised that they had access to a territory and a level of expertise that could further enhance the originality of their red wine production. The ‘Anjou Villages’ controlled designation of origin was therefore recognised on 14 November 1991. In 2010 it consisted of 130 privately owned wineries and 2 cooperative wineries.

2   Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

The wine is generally a deep, steady ruby red in colour. Delicate notes of red fruits and flowers (iris, violet) are often detected in the nose, evolving towards more complex aromas, such as combinations of black fruits, spices, game or undergrowth.

Ample and full-bodied in the mouth, the full range of aromas is preserved. Strong underlying tannins and a long finish. A generous wine that benefits from being left for a few years before tasting.

3   Causal interactions

The combination of the shallow soils on clearly demarcated land parcels demonstrating the methods in use and the terrain which provides excellent exposure and encourages a regular water supply has enabled the Cabernet franc N and Cabernet-Sauvignon N varieties to achieve their full expression and originality. The location of the vineyards requires optimal management of the vines and their potential yield, in the form of vine training systems and strict pruning rules.

Winegrowers observe and analyse the behaviour of their vines in order to determine the right location for the vineyards, taking account of how well suited the two varieties are to the resources provided by the brown soils which developed on shale and the clay-limestone soils which developed over the Cenomanian deposits. By relying on the specific parcel demarcation, improving the vine training and pruning methods, harvesting the grapes at optimal ripeness, and making technical enhancements to temperature control and maceration times, producers have put strict production rules into place to ensure the production of well-structured red wine. The expertise of the operators ensures that grapes are harvested with a minimum sugar content of 189 grams per litre and having reached an optimal stage of phenolic ripeness.

Over the generations, the operators have successfully adapted their wine-making techniques to bring the best out of the grapes. It was very quickly decided to impose an ageing period in the tank after fermentation to enable the production of wine with complex aromas but in particular so that the tannins could become rounder and smoother. To achieve these goals, a minimum ageing period lasting until 15 June after the harvest year was defined in the Product Specification.

The ‘Anjou Villages’ controlled designation of origin is one of the most highly esteemed wines in the Anjou region.

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

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in the immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for the making, processing and ageing of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographic Code for 2018:

| — | department of Deux-Sèvres: Argenton-l’Église, Brion-près-Thouet, Louzy, Mauzé-Thouarsais, Oiron, Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Sainte-Radegonde, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Thouars, Tourtenay; |
| --- | --- |

—

department of Deux-Sèvres: Argenton-l’Église, Brion-près-Thouet, Louzy, Mauzé-Thouarsais, Oiron, Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Sainte-Radegonde, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Thouars, Tourtenay;

| — | department of Indre-et-Loire: Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil; |
| --- | --- |

—

department of Indre-et-Loire: Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil;

| — | department of Loire-Atlantique: Ancenis, Le Loroux-Bottereau, Le Pallet, La Remaudière, Vair-sur-Loire (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Anetz), Vallet; |
| --- | --- |

—

department of Loire-Atlantique: Ancenis, Le Loroux-Bottereau, Le Pallet, La Remaudière, Vair-sur-Loire (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Anetz), Vallet;

| — | department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Saint-Sulpice), Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brézé, Brissac Loire Aubance (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Alleuds, Brissac-Quincé, Chemellier, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire, Saulgé-l’Hôpital and Vauchrétien), Brossay, Cernusson, Chacé, Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Denée, Dénezé-sous-Doué, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Doué-la-Fontaine, Forges, Meigné et Montfort), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Les Garennes sur Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Gennes-Val-de-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé, Jarzé Villages (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Cerqueux-sous-Passavant and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, Le Marillais, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine and Saint-Laurent-du-Mottay), Mazé-Milon (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels and La Varenne), Parnay, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rou-Marson, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Just-sur-Dive, Saint-Macaire-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Sigismond, Saumur, Soucelles, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Souzay-Champigny, Tuffalun (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine),Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Verrie, Verrières-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Pellouailles-les-Vignes and Saint-Sylvain-d’Anjou), Villevêque; |
| --- | --- |

—

department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Saint-Sulpice), Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brézé, Brissac Loire Aubance (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Alleuds, Brissac-Quincé, Chemellier, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire, Saulgé-l’Hôpital and Vauchrétien), Brossay, Cernusson, Chacé, Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Denée, Dénezé-sous-Doué, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Doué-la-Fontaine, Forges, Meigné et Montfort), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Les Garennes sur Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Gennes-Val-de-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé, Jarzé Villages (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Cerqueux-sous-Passavant and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, Le Marillais, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine and Saint-Laurent-du-Mottay), Mazé-Milon (formerly a territory belonging to the delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels and La Varenne), Parnay, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rou-Marson, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Just-sur-Dive, Saint-Macaire-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Sigismond, Saumur, Soucelles, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Souzay-Champigny, Tuffalun (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine),Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Verrie, Verrières-en-Anjou (formerly territories belonging to the delegated municipalities of Pellouailles-les-Vignes and Saint-Sylvain-d’Anjou), Villevêque;

| — | department of Vienne: Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay, Les Trois-Moutiers. |
| --- | --- |

—

department of Vienne: Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay, Les Trois-Moutiers.

Labelling

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

All the voluntary indications are marked on the labels in letters that may not be larger, either in height or in width, than double the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

The name of the controlled designation of origin may be followed by the geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’, in accordance with the rules laid down in the specification.

The size of the letters of the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ may not be larger, either in height or in width, than two-thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Wines eligible for the controlled designation of origin may specify a smaller geographical entity on their labels, provided that it is a place name listed in the land registry and that it appears on the harvest declaration. The place name must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or in width, than half the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-b0f4fba4-e95f-4bf8-8e49-5b054d5d3e71

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

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| 10.2.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 44/37 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 44/37

---

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

(2020/C 44/10)

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

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

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

‘Aprutino Pescarese’

EU No: PDO-IT-1526-AM05 – 15 January 2018

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

Consorzio di tutela dell’olio extravergine di oliva Aprutino Pescarese [Aprutino Pescarese Extra Virgin Olive Oil Protection Association] with registered office at Piazza Garibaldi 7, 65019 Pianella (PE). This association fulfils the requirements laid down in Article 13(1) of Ministerial Decree No 12511.

2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy

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

☐ Name of product

☒ Description of product

☒ Geographical area

☒ Proof of origin

☒ Production method

☒ Link

☒ Labelling

☒ Other: The forms of packaging have been amended; references to the inspection body have been added; and the word ‘controlled’ has been replaced throughout the specification with the word ‘protected’ when referring to the designation of origin.

4.   Type of amendment(s)

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

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

5.   Amendment(s)

5.1.   Description of the product

The proposed amendments essentially originate from the use of updated vocabulary and references, such as references in Annex V to the organoleptic assessment of virgin olive oils as referred to in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1348/2013.

In particular, reference is made to the assessment of ‘fruitiness’.

The limit for the K270 parameter has been increased from 0.15 to 0.17 (still well below the legal limit of 0.22) as, given that this parameter reveals the presence of molecules with three conjugated double bonds, it can increase not only due to the presence of oxidised forms of unsaturated fatty acids, but also due to higher levels of phenols. In effect, given the high nutritional value of phenols, in recent times producers of extra virgin olive oil have tended to bring forward the harvest date so as to obtain an oil with a higher nutraceutical value.

The parameter for polyphenols, which the specification in force sets at ≥ 100 ppm, has been replaced by a phenol value (expressed in mg/kg of tyrosol) of ≥ 100 mg/kg in order to bring the methodology for determining these substances into line with that provided for by the International Olive Council in Document COI/T.15/NC No 3/.

The reference to the ability of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy to add further parameters has been removed as it refers to former national practices that are no longer in force.

The oleic acid value has been brought into line with the EU Regulation, reducing the upper limit from 85 % to 83 %.

Certain requirements and provisions have also been deleted, as the ministerial decrees from which they derive have been repealed and they are thus no longer relevant.

Therefore, the current wording of Article 6:

| — | colour: from green to yellow; |
| --- | --- |

—

colour: from green to yellow;

| — | aroma: medium to high fruitiness; |
| --- | --- |

—

aroma: medium to high fruitiness;

| — | taste: fruity; |
| --- | --- |

—

taste: fruity;

| — | total maximum acidity expressed as oleic acid, not exceeding 0,6 g per 100 g of oil; |
| --- | --- |

—

total maximum acidity expressed as oleic acid, not exceeding 0,6 g per 100 g of oil;

| — | points on the panel test: ≥ 6,5; |
| --- | --- |

—

points on the panel test: ≥ 6,5;

| — | peroxide value: ≤ 12 mEq O2/kg; |
| --- | --- |

—

peroxide value: ≤ 12 mEq O2/kg;

| — | K270: ≤ 0,15; |
| --- | --- |

—

K270: ≤ 0,15;

| — | oleic acid: 68-85 %; |
| --- | --- |

—

oleic acid: 68-85 %;

| — | polyphenols: ≥ 100 ppm |
| --- | --- |

—

polyphenols: ≥ 100 ppm

Other chemical/physical parameters that are not expressly mentioned must comply with current EU legislation.

In each olive crop year, the Protection Association identifies an appropriate number of representative samples of ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ PDO oil and preserves them under optimal conditions for use as reference standards when carrying out organoleptic tests.

At the request of stakeholders, the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Resources may introduce alternative physico-chemical and organoleptic parameters designed to better characterise the identity of the designation.

The designation of the oil at the packaging stage may only take place following completion of the procedure laid down in Ministerial Decree No 573 of 4 November 1993 with regard to physico-chemical and organoleptic testing.

has been replaced as follows:

| — | colour: from green to yellow; |
| --- | --- |

—

colour: from green to yellow;

| — | organoleptic assessment (panel test):






  — | low to medium levels of fruitiness (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0) with herbaceous notes and/or hints of green almond and/or artichoke and/or tomato; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

organoleptic assessment (panel test):

—

low to medium levels of fruitiness (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0) with herbaceous notes and/or hints of green almond and/or artichoke and/or tomato;

| — | low to medium levels of bitterness (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0); |
| --- | --- |

—

low to medium levels of bitterness (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0);

| — | low to medium levels of pungency (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0); |
| --- | --- |

—

low to medium levels of pungency (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0);

| — | absence of defects (median = 0,0); |
| --- | --- |

—

absence of defects (median = 0,0);

| — | free acidity expressed as oleic acid: not exceeding 0,6%; |
| --- | --- |

—

free acidity expressed as oleic acid: not exceeding 0,6%;

| — | peroxide value: ≤ 12 mEq O2/kg; |
| --- | --- |

—

peroxide value: ≤ 12 mEq O2/kg;

| — | K270: ≤ 0,17; |
| --- | --- |

—

K270: ≤ 0,17;

| — | oleic acid: 68-83 %; |
| --- | --- |

—

oleic acid: 68-83 %;

| — | phenols (expressed in mg/kg of tyrosol): ≥ 100 mg/kg. |
| --- | --- |

—

phenols (expressed in mg/kg of tyrosol): ≥ 100 mg/kg.

5.2.   Geographical area

The geographical area has been reformulated, removing all references to roads, ditches, etc. in favour of references to the entire administrative territory of the municipalities concerned, in order to provide a precise and unambiguous definition of the geographical area.

The production area has also been expanded to include the municipalities of Abbateggio, Brittoli, Bussi sul Trino, Ceramico Terme, Farindola, Lettomanopello, Nocciano, Pescara, Popoli, Roccamorice, Salle, Sant’Eufemia a Maiella, Serramonecesca and Villa Celiera.

The new municipalities have been added due to the need to amend the production area to include municipalities containing territories that, owing to historical reasons, soil and climate characteristics and territorial continuity, produce oil that is the same as ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ PDO. When the geographical area was delimited in 1998, these territories were not included as the olives being grown there were almost exclusively for growers’ own consumption, and producers were therefore not interested in being included in the PDO.

For years now, these territories have been experiencing a revival thanks to young farmers who have been growing olives as a business activity, and there has therefore been an increase in requests from producers in these municipalities to enlarge the production area.

5.3.   Proof of origin

| — | An article on proof of origin, which is not present in the specification in force, has been added and reads as follows:


  ‘Article 8
  Proof of origin

  1.   Each phase of the production process is monitored, recording the respective inputs and outputs. The traceability of the product is ensured in this way, as well as through the entry of the olive groves, producers, processors, intermediaries and packagers on lists kept for this purpose by the inspection body, the keeping of production, storage and packaging registers and the timely declaration of quantities produced to the inspection body.


  2.   All natural or legal persons entered on these registers will be inspected by the inspection body in accordance with the specification and the inspection plan.’ |
| --- | --- |

—

An article on proof of origin, which is not present in the specification in force, has been added and reads as follows:

‘Article 8

Proof of origin

1.   Each phase of the production process is monitored, recording the respective inputs and outputs. The traceability of the product is ensured in this way, as well as through the entry of the olive groves, producers, processors, intermediaries and packagers on lists kept for this purpose by the inspection body, the keeping of production, storage and packaging registers and the timely declaration of quantities produced to the inspection body.

2.   All natural or legal persons entered on these registers will be inspected by the inspection body in accordance with the specification and the inspection plan.’

5.4.   Growing characteristics

Growing characteristics

Article 4(2) of the specification has been amended, removing the restriction on the planting distance for new plantations, which according to the current specification must be 6x6 or 6x7.

The current wording:

2.   The planting distances and pruning methods must be those generally used or, in any case, they must not affect the characteristics of the olives or the oil. The planting distance for new plantations must be either 6x6 m or 6x7 m.

has been replaced as follows:

2.   The planting distances and the growing and pruning methods must be those generally used or, in any case, they must not affect the characteristics of the olives or the oil.

Removing this restriction meets the needs of producers for less strict olive grove management. In several producer surveys, they claimed that the density of olive trees present in any one hectare of olive grove varies greatly, and depends on multiple factors, such as the age of the trees, the variety, the growing and pruning methods used, the fertility of the soil, orientation, etc.

All these parameters can have a significant influence on the relationship between each individual tree and its competitors.

The same is true of the growing and pruning methods, which, in the case of olive trees, must be geared primarily towards maintaining the right balance between vegetal growth and grape yield.

It therefore seems restrictive to set a priori a precise planting distance or to single out specific growing methods, given the wide range of possible situations. It is more sensible to follow a general principle, specifically ‘to maintain a good balance between vegetal growth and grape yield’.

Article 4(3) has been amended.

The current wording:

3.   The maximum yield of olives per hectare may not exceed 9 000 kg.

has been replaced as follows:

3.   The maximum yield of olives from olive groves dedicated to the production of PDO extra virgin olive oil may not exceed 9 000 kg per hectare for specially planted groves, while in mixed groves the average yield per tree may not exceed 50 kg.

This amendment has been made due to the need to add a reference value for the yield per tree in order to better reflect the fact that mixed olives groves are very common in the geographical production area.

Article 4(4) has been amended, increasing the yield tolerance from 20 % to 22 %.

The current wording:

Even in exceptionally favourable years, the yield must undergo careful selection and the overall yield must not exceed the maximum limits stated above by more than 20 %.

has been replaced as follows:

Even in exceptionally favourable years, the yield must undergo careful selection and the overall yield must not exceed the maximum limits stated above by more than 22 %.

The changes in climate currently occurring in the defined geographical area have led to a significant increase in average winter temperatures and a more pronounced distribution of rainfall towards spring and summer. These factors are having an ever increasing impact on the olive-growing sector and there is a notable inconsistency in terms of yield, with some years generating significantly below average yields while others produce high yields.

In this context, in order to allow for the yield exceeding the maximum reference values to be milled during exceptionally strong years, we are proposing an increase in the tolerance from 20 % to 22 %.

Article 4(5) has been amended, linking the harvesting period to the start of the ripening period instead of a date.

The current wording:

The olives are harvested between 20 October and 10 December of each year.

has been replaced as follows:

The olives are harvested between the start of the ripening period and 10 December of each year.

The harvesting period has been amended due to the fact that, in recent years, it has become clear that climate change is bringing the ripening process forward, which is having a significant impact on the harvesting period. This is of great significance in terms of quality, with regard to both the characteristics of the olives (e.g. health) and the characteristics of the oil that can be obtained (richer in phenols).

For this reason, it is preferable to link the beginning of the harvest to a visual indicator, specifically when the olives begin to ripen, which is dependent each year on weather conditions. This decision is better suited to ensuring the overall quality of the oil that can be obtained.

It should also be noted that the two main varieties included in the product specification for ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ PDO, Leccino and Dritta, are characterised by early and mid-to-early ripening respectively, and there is therefore a greater need for a more flexible definition of the start of the harvesting period.

5.5.   Link

Link

| — | An article on the link that was not included in the current specification but is in the summary sheet has been added. |
| --- | --- |

—

An article on the link that was not included in the current specification but is in the summary sheet has been added.

The elements added to the article on the link therefore correspond to points (d), (e) and (f) of the summary sheet, the contents of which derive from the document entitled ‘Relazione Tecnica e Storica della D.O.P. Aprutino Pescarese’ [Technical and historical report on ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ PDO] included in the file used for registration. The point has also been supplemented by information illustrating the relationship between the product’s specific characteristics and the geographical area.

The new article reads as follows:

‘Article 10

Link with the area

Olives have been grown since ancient times in the province of Pescara, as attested to by historical evidence dating back to the Roman age. The growing of olives is represented on a number of old families’ coats of arms, which depict either the olive tree or one of its branches.

Olive-growing has played an integral part in the history, landscape and economy of the area. It should also be noted that an important modern-day testimony to the presence of olive-growing in the province of Pescara is contained in the literary works of Gabriele D’Annunzio.

The protected designation of origin for extra virgin olive oil in the area in question is justified not only by the strong presence of cultivation, but also by the widespread dissemination of the idea of oil as a basis of the culinary traditions in the province of Pescara.

Historically, the whole area was initially known as Aprutium, then Aprutina, from which the choice of the name Aprutino derives.

Furthermore, this age-old presence of olive growing in the area relies on the soil and climate conditions, which favour the natural growth of the tree.

Just a few kilometres from the coast there are gentle hills which are well suited to this crop. A system of mutual exchange and social, cultural and economic relationships has grown up around olive-growing in the area, including festivals, collaborative producer expositions and strongly interlinked oil mills, which create a fabric of valuable and beneficial activities.

Within just a few dozen kilometres, the production area for the ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ PDO extra virgin oil stretches from the coastal hillside to the highest of the inland foothills, thereby representing a typical olive-growing landscape in terms of its varietal structure and production characteristics.

The soils vary from the inland areas to the hilly areas and from there to the coastal strip. The foothill areas also contain calcareous soils, derived from the disintegration of highly permeable limestone from the Mesozoic era, and predominantly the Cretaceous period, which form the core of the Apennine ridge. The soils are generally coarse and shallow, with low fertility. The underlying hilly area, which sits on marl and Miocene clay formations in its higher section and Pliocene formations lower down, comprises predominantly stiff soils with moderate fertility, which contain, depending on the area, argillaceous limestone and compact clay, earthy limestone and sandstone. Finally, in the narrow coastal strip and along the valleys the soils are of a sandy and silicate-clay nature, and are deep, of medium density, fresh and have high fertility.

Numerous varieties of olive tree have acclimatised to and developed in this landscape, although the most important and widespread are the Leccino and Toccolana in the inland region and the Dritta in the most exposed coastal hills. These three varieties are therefore the main sources of raw material for the production of oil under the ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ PDO.

The climate also varies from the coast to the inland foothills, where the winter is characterised by colder conditions. The average annual temperature here is approximately 13,5 °C, while in the hilly and coastal areas, where conditions are somewhat more temperate, the average annual temperature is around 14,8 °C. These fairly mild conditions favour less synthesis of saturated fatty acids compared to oleic acid and other unsaturated acids. As a result, the oleic acid content makes up more than 75 % of the total acid content. The distribution of rainfall throughout the year is fairly heavily concentrated in the spring. The summer period is normally very dry, and is interrupted only very occasionally by rainstorms. The heaviest rainfall occurs in late autumn and between February and April. The average annual rainfall is around 700 mm. This provides the Toccolana and Dritta varieties with high levels of phenols, and enables the Leccino variety to achieve phenol levels far in excess of 100 mg/kg.

5.6.   Labelling

Labelling

Article 7 on the name and presentation has been amended.

Paragraph 3, which read as follows, has been deleted:

‘However, the use of names, company names and private brands is authorised, provided that they have no laudatory purport and are not such as to mislead the purchaser about geographical names, especially as regards geographical names referring to production areas of oils with a controlled designation of origin.’

It was decided to delete this paragraph as there have been many problems regarding its interpretation over the years, both for producers and for the inspection body.

A specific paragraph has been added concerning the use of the optional quality term ‘mountain product’ on the labelling.

It reads as follows:

‘With reference to Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 665/2014, the term “mountain product” may be used on labelling in territories that meet the requirements.’

5.7.   Other

Other

The requirement for producers to package the oil in containers made of specified materials and with a specified capacity has been removed.

The current wording:

‘“Aprutino Pescarese” extra virgin olive oil must be packaged for release for consumption in glass or tinplate containers with a maximum capacity of 5 litres.’

has been replaced as follows:

‘“Aprutino Pescarese” extra virgin olive oil may be packaged for release for consumption in any container permitted under the legislation in force with a maximum capacity of 5 litres.’

This amendment has been made due to the need of producers to adapt their forms of packaging to market requirements.

| — | An article on checks, which is not present in the specification in force, has been added and reads as follows:


  ‘Article 9
  Checks
  The conformity of the product to the specification is checked by an inspection body in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.
  The checks on the product’s conformity to the specification are carried out by the Pescara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture, with registered office at Via Conte di Ruvo 2, Pescara – Tel. +39 08545361, Email: agricoltura@pe.camcom.it, certified Email: cciaa.pescara@pe.legalmail.camcom.it.’ |
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An article on checks, which is not present in the specification in force, has been added and reads as follows:

‘Article 9

Checks

The conformity of the product to the specification is checked by an inspection body in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

The checks on the product’s conformity to the specification are carried out by the Pescara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture, with registered office at Via Conte di Ruvo 2, Pescara – Tel. +39 08545361, Email: agricoltura@pe.camcom.it, certified Email: cciaa.pescara@pe.legalmail.camcom.it.’

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Aprutino Pescarese’

‘Aprutino Pescarese’

EU No: PDO-IT-1526-AM05 – 15 January 2018

EU No: PDO-IT-1526-AM05 – 15 January 2018

PDO (X) PGI ( )

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s)

Name(s)

‘Aprutino Pescarese’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Member State or Third Country

Italy

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Type of product

Class 1.5. Oils and fats (butter, margarine, oils, etc.)

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

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

When released for consumption, ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ protected designation of origin extra virgin olive oil must have the following characteristics:

| — | colour: from green to yellow; |
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colour: from green to yellow;

| — | organoleptic assessment (panel test):






  — | low to medium levels of fruitiness (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0) with herbaceous notes and/or hints of green almond and/or artichoke and/or tomato; |
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organoleptic assessment (panel test):

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low to medium levels of fruitiness (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0) with herbaceous notes and/or hints of green almond and/or artichoke and/or tomato;

| — | low to medium levels of bitterness (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0); |
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low to medium levels of bitterness (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0);

| — | low to medium levels of pungency (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0); |
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low to medium levels of pungency (0,0 < median ≤ 6,0);

| — | absence of defects (median = 0,0); |
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absence of defects (median = 0,0);

| — | free acidity expressed as oleic acid: not exceeding 0,6%; |
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free acidity expressed as oleic acid: not exceeding 0,6%;

| — | peroxide value: ≤12 mEq O2/kg; |
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peroxide value: ≤12 mEq O2/kg;

2

| — | K270: ≤ 0,17; |
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K270: ≤ 0,17;

| — | oleic acid: 68-83 %; |
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oleic acid: 68-83 %;

| — | phenols (expressed in mg/kg of tyrosol): ≥ 100 mg/kg. |
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phenols (expressed in mg/kg of tyrosol): ≥ 100 mg/kg.

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

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

‘Aprutino Pescarese’ protected designation of origin must be obtained from the following olive varieties, accounting for at least 80 % of the trees in the olive groves either on their own or in combination: Dritta, Leccino and Toccolana.

The olive groves may contain other varieties, providing they do not account for more than 20 %.

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

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

All stages of the production process, i.e. cultivation, harvesting and oil extraction, must take place within the defined geographical area.

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

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

‘Aprutino Pescarese’ PDO oil must always be packaged within the area specified in point 4. This allows the preservation of the organoleptic and quality characteristics of the product.

Indeed, in order to retain its characteristics, the oil must not experience any sharp changes in temperature and must be kept in resting conditions with no oxygen, to allow natural settling and/or filtration to take place; movement and transport is avoided before packaging so as to minimise oxidation. These conditions are achieved with certainty in the area of origin at the end of the production process and make it possible for the organoleptic characteristics of the oil to be preserved.

‘Aprutino Pescarese’ PDO oil may be marketed for consumption only after it has been packaged appropriately.

Aprutino Pescarese’ extra virgin olive oil may be packaged for release for consumption in any container permitted under the legislation in force with a maximum capacity of 5 litres.

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

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

It is forbidden to add any description that is not expressly provided for in this product specification to the name ‘Aprutino Pescarese’, including the following adjectives: fine (fine), scelto (choice), selezionato (selected), superiore (superior) or genuino (genuine).

fine

scelto

selezionato

superiore

genuino

It is prohibited to use additional geographical references or geographical or topographical indications referring to municipalities, subdivisions of municipalities or geographical areas within the defined geographical area.

With reference to Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 665/2014, the term ‘mountain product’ may be used on labelling in territories that meet the requirements.

The use of names of undertakings, holdings and estates and reference to packaging at an olive holding or an association of olive holdings or a business located in the production area is permitted only if the product is made exclusively from olives harvested from the olive groves that are part of the undertaking.

The name of the ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ protected designation of origin must appear on the label in distinct, indelible lettering of a colour that strongly contrasts with that of the label itself and in such a way that it can be clearly distinguished from the other information given on the label.

The year of production of the olives from which the oil was made must be indicated on the label.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

Concise definition of the geographical area

Olives to be used in the production of ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ protected designation of origin extra virgin olive oil must be grown in territory of the province of Pescara suitable for the production of oil with the characteristics and quality laid down in this product specification.

This area includes the entire administrative territory of the following municipalities of the province of Pescara: Abbateggio, Alanno, Bolognano, Brittoli, Bussi sul Tirino, Caramanico Terme, Castiglione a Casauria, Cappelle sul Tavo, Carpineto della Nora, Catignano, Cepagatti, Città S.Angelo, Civitaquana, Civitella Casanova, Collecorvino, Corvara, Cugnoli, Elice, Farindola, Lettomanoppello, Loreto Aprutino, Manoppello, Montebello di Bertona, Montesilvano, Moscufo, Nocciano, Penne, Pescara, Pescosansonesco, Pianella, Picciano, Pietranico, Popoli, Roccamorice, Rosciano, S. Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore, Salle, Sant’Eufemia a Maiella, Scafa, Serramonacesca, Spoltore, Tocco da Casauria, Torre de’ Passeri, Turrivalignani, Vicoli and Villa Celiera.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Link with the geographical area

Olives have been grown since ancient times in the province of Pescara, as attested to by historical evidence dating back to the Roman age. The growing of olives is represented on a number of old families’ coats of arms, which depict either the olive tree or one of its branches.

Olive-growing has played an integral part in the history, landscape and economy of the area. It should also be noted that an important modern-day testimony to the presence of olive-growing in the province of Pescara is contained in the literary works of Gabriele D’Annunzio.

The protected designation of origin for extra virgin olive oil in the area in question is justified not only by the strong presence of cultivation, but also by the widespread dissemination of the idea of oil as a basis of the culinary traditions in the province of Pescara.

Historically, the whole area was initially known as Aprutium, then Aprutina, from which the choice of the name Aprutino derives.

Furthermore, this age-old presence of olive growing in the area relies on the soil and climate conditions, which favour the natural growth of the tree.

Just a few kilometres from the coast there are gentle hills which are well suited to this crop. A system of mutual exchange and social, cultural and economic relationships has grown up around olive-growing in the area, including festivals, collaborative producer expositions and strongly interlinked oil mills, which create a fabric of valuable and beneficial activities.

Within just a few dozen kilometres, the production area for the ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ PDO extra virgin oil stretches from the coastal hillside to the highest of the inland foothills, thereby representing a typical olive-growing landscape in terms of its varietal structure and production characteristics.

The soils vary from the inland areas to the hilly areas and from there to the coastal strip. The foothill areas also contain calcareous soils, derived from the disintegration of highly permeable limestone from the Mesozoic era, and predominantly the Cretaceous period, which form the core of the Apennine ridge. The soils are generally coarse and shallow, with low fertility. The underlying hilly area, which sits on marl and Miocene clay formations in its higher section and Pliocene formations lower down, comprises predominantly stiff soils with moderate fertility, which contain, depending on the area, argillaceous limestone and compact clay, earthy limestone and sandstone. Finally, in the narrow coastal strip and along the valleys the soils are of a sandy and silicate-clay nature, and are deep, of medium density, fresh and have high fertility.

Numerous varieties of olive tree have acclimatised to and developed in this landscape, although the most important and widespread are the Leccino and Toccolana in the inland region and the Dritta in the most exposed coastal hills. These three varieties are therefore the main sources of raw material for the production of oil under the ‘Aprutino Pescarese’ PDO.

The climate also varies from the coast to the inland foothills, where the winter is characterised by colder conditions. The average annual temperature here is approximately 13.5 °C, while in the hilly and coastal areas, where conditions are somewhat more temperate, the average annual temperature is around 14.8 °C. These fairly mild conditions favour less synthesis of saturated fatty acids compared to oleic acid and other unsaturated acids. As a result, the oleic acid content makes up more than 75% of the total acid content. The distribution of rainfall throughout the year is fairly heavily concentrated in the spring. The summer period is normally very dry, and is interrupted only very occasionally by rainstorms. The heaviest rainfall occurs in late autumn and between February and April. The average annual rainfall is around 700 mm. This provides the Toccolana and Dritta varieties with high levels of phenols, and enables the Leccino variety to achieve phenol levels far in excess of 100 mg/kg.

Reference to publication of the specification

Reference to publication of the specification

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

The full text of the product specification is available on the following Internet: http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335

or alternatively:

by going directly to the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Prodotti DOP IGP’ (at the top right of the screen), then on ‘Prodotti DOP IGP STG’ (on the left-hand side of the screen) and finally on ‘Disciplinari di Produzione all’esame dell’UE’.

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

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