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

(2021/C 476/10)

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

‘delle Venezie / Beneških okolišev’

PDO-IT-02360-AM01

Date of communication: 30 August 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Types of product

Description:

The wording ‘Rosato/Rosé or Ramato’ has been added for the following wines: ‘delle Venezie’ Pinot Grigio, ‘delle Venezie’ Pinot Grigio Frizzante and the ‘delle Venezie’ Pinot Grigio Spumante.

Reasons:

This is to better define the colour, which is, moreover, already present in the product specification. Pink- or copper-coloured Pinot Grigio has always been produced in the area of the ‘delle Venezie’ designation and is linked to the grape skin properties of the Pinot Grigio grape variety.

Adding the terms Rosato, Rosé or Ramato to the label makes it possible to promote the various coloured versions that can be recognised by consumers on the global markets. These coloured versions are the result of techniques applied both in the vineyard and in the wine cellar, while ensuring the quality of the product.

The amendment concerns Articles 1, 6 and 9 of the product specification and section 4 (Description of the wines), points 1, 2 and 3, and section 8 (Description of the Link(s)) [of the single document].

2. Updating the references to the national legislation in force

Description:

In Article 4(6) of the product specification, the reference ‘by Article 14(10) and (11) of Legislative Decree No 61/2010’ has been replaced by ‘by Articles 38 and 39 of Law No 238/2016’.

Reason:

This is an editorial amendment to bring the specification into line with the national legislation currently in force, namely Law No 238/2016, which replaced Legislative Decree No 61/2010.

The amendment concerns Article 4(6) of the product specification. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

3. Use of the term ‘Vigna’

Description:

The following sentence has been deleted:

‘However, the term “Vigna” followed by the relevant place name may be used.’

Reasons:

This is an editorial change due to the fact that Article 31(10) and (13) of national Law No 238 of 12 December 2016 lays down detailed rules for the use and recognition of the term ‘Vigna’, meaning that it is unnecessary to mention it in the product specification.

The amendment concerns Article 7(4) of the product specification. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

4. Labelling - Use of the synonym ‘Rosé’

The following provision has been added:

‘For Rosato or Ramato types, the term “Rosé” may also be used.’

Description:

Using the synonym ‘Rosé’ on the label makes it possible to more clearly specify the Rosato or Ramato versions of the Pinot Grigio, Pinot Grigio Frizzante and Pinot Grigio Spumante types.

The amendment concerns Article 7(6) of the product specification and section 9 of the single document.

5. Labelling - Obligation to specify the grapes’ year of production

Description:

The following provision has been added:

‘The year the grapes were grown must be indicated in the presentation and description of the wines referred to in Article 1, with the exception of the sparkling and semi-sparkling types without the “Millesimato” (vintage) indication.’

Reasons:

This is an editorial amendment to take account of Article 31(10) of Italian Law No 238 of 12 December 2016, which provides that for wines with a designation of origin, with the exception of liqueur wines, sparkling wines not labelled as ‘Millesimato’ and semi-sparkling wines, the year in which the grapes were grown must be indicated on the label.

The amendment concerns Article 7(7) of the product specification and section 9 of the single document.

6. Packaging

Description:

The following section:

‘Delle Venezie’ DOC wines must be released for consumption in glass bottles of up to 6 litres, closed with a cork or a screw cap with a long skirt. For volumes from 2 to 6 litres, alternative containers may be used of a material other than glass, consisting of a wine skin of polyethylene or polyester multi-layered plastic enclosed in a box made of cardboard or any other rigid material.

has been amended as follows:

‘Delle Venezie’ DOC wines must be released for consumption in glass bottles of up to 6 litres, closed with a cork or a screw cap with a long skirt. For volumes up to 6 litres, alternative containers may be used of a material other than glass, consisting of a wine skin of polyethylene or polyester multi-layered plastic enclosed in a box made of cardboard or any other rigid material, in accordance with the provisions of the European Union and national legislation in force.

Reasons:

This is a simplification concerning the minimum volumes of non-glass containers in order to bring the provisions of the specification into line with the relevant national legislation.

The amendment concerns Article 8(1) of the product specification and section 9 of the single document.

7. Reference to the inspection body

Description:

The address of the inspection body has been updated:

TRIVENETA CERTIFICAZIONI Srl Palazzo Altan Via Antonio Altan 83/3 33078 San Vito al Tagliamento (PN)

Tel. +39 (0)49 9941068

info@triveneta.wine

Reasons:

This is a correction of the inspection body’s address. The amendment is purely editorial.

It concerns Article 10 of the product specification and does not affect the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name of the product

delle Venezie

Beneških okolišev

2. Geographical indication type

PDO - Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine product

1. Wine

4. Sparkling wine

5. Quality sparkling wine

8. Semi-sparkling wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

‘delle Venezie’ Pinot Grigio, Pinot Grigio Rosato or Pinot Grigio Ramato - Category: Wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

— Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow, pink or copper;

— Aroma: fruity, intense, characteristic of Pinot Grigio, occasionally slightly aromatic with floral notes;

— Taste: fresh, harmonious; dry to medium dry;

— Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11,00 %;

— Minimum sugar-free extract: 15,0 g/l.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):

—

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):

—

Minimum total acidity:

4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):

—

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

—

‘delle Venezie’ Pinot Grigio Frizzante, Pinot Grigio Frizzante Rosato or Pinot Grigio Frizzante Ramato

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

— Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow, pink or copper;

— Foam: fine and evanescent;

— Aroma: fruity, intense, characteristic of Pinot Grigio, occasionally slightly aromatic with floral notes;

— Taste: fresh, with a balanced acidic component, harmonious, from dry to medium dry;

— Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11,00 %;

— Minimum sugar-free extract: 15,0 g/l.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):

—

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):

—

Minimum total acidity:

4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):

—

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

—

‘delle Venezie’ Pinot Grigio Spumante, Pinot Grigio Spumante Rosato or Pinot Grigio Spumante Ramato

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

— Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow, copper or pink;

— Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow, pink or copper;

— Foam: fine and long-lasting;

— Aroma: fruity, intense, characteristic of Pinot Grigio, occasionally slightly aromatic with floral notes;

— Taste: fresh, with a balanced acidic component, harmonious, in the dosaggio zero to dry versions;

— Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11,00 %;

— Minimum sugar-free extract: 14,0 g/l.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):

—

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):

—

Minimum total acidity:

5,0 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):

—

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

—

‘delle Venezie’ Bianco (white) - Category: Wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

— Colour: from greenish-yellow to golden yellow;

— Aroma: fruity, with hints of white-fleshed and ripe fruit in relation to the varietal composition, intense, sometimes with slightly aromatic notes of white flowers;

— Taste: from dry to medium dry, harmonious, structured, sometimes with fresh notes associated with the acidic component;

— Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume (in % volume): 11,00 %;

— Minimum sugar-free extract (g/l): 14,0 g/l.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):

—

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):

—

Minimum total acidity:

4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):

—

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

—

5. Wine-making practices

5.1. Specific oenological practices

—

5.2. Maximum yields

Bianco (Category: Wine); Pinot Grigio (Categories: Wine, Sparkling wine, Quality sparkling wine, Semi-sparkling wine)

18 000 kg of grapes per hectare

Bianco (Category: Wine); Pinot Grigio (Categories: Wine, Sparkling wine, Quality sparkling wine, Semi-sparkling wine)

126 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes used in the production of ‘delle Venezie’ DOC wines are grown in an area that comprises the Autonomous Province of Trento and the Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto Regions.

7. Main wine grape variety(ies)

Chardonnay B.

Garganega B. - Garganego

Müller Thurgau B. - Riesling x Sylvaner

Pinot Bianco B. - Pinot

Pinot Grigio - Pinot

Pinot Grigio - Pinot Gris

Tocai Friulano B. - Friulano

Tocai Friulano B. - Tai

Verduzzo Friulano B. - Verduzzo

Verduzzo Trevigiano B. - Verduzzo

8. Description of the link(s)

8.1. ‘delle Venezie’ - Categories: Wine, Sparkling wine, Quality sparkling wine, Semi-sparkling wine

Natural factors relevant to the link: The area of the ‘delle Venezie’ DOC covers the administrative territories of the Autonomous Province of Trento and of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto Regions. The territory is characterised by a mountainous arc to the north, which surrounds and encloses the production area, protecting it from cold currents from the north and north-east, and is crossed by a number of significant steady-flowing rivers and streams: the cradle of winegrowing. The main rivers are: the Adige, the Brenta, the Piave, the Tagliamento and the Isonzo. The climate is characterised by average annual temperatures of 10-14 °C. The coldest months are December and January, while the warmest are July and August with an average temperature range of 20-25 °C. Average annual rainfall in the area is 700 - 1 300 mm. Despite the high rainfall, the soils have adequate drainage capacity. Thanks to the precipitation and good available water capacity, the area does not have problems of water shortage. Other factors which characterise the climate in the ‘delle Venezie’ DOC territory are the combined action of the mitigating effects from the Alpine region and the Alpine foothills to the north and the Adriatic to the south, which has a significant influence on the temperature, alleviating the extremes of summer and winter temperatures. The effect produced by air masses influenced by the Adriatic Sea passing over and the mountain system regulate the flow and thus the resulting precipitation. In particular, the change in direction of the winds throughout the day during the months of August and September produce the optimum temperature fluctuations for the ripening process of the grapes. Therefore, the three components of the Alpine region and Alpine foothills, the Adriatic Sea and the network of rivers crossing the entire area from north to south serve to make the entire DOC area homogenous.

From the point of view of the soils, the Alpine foothills and hills are mainly composed of calcareous or calcareous-dolomitic formations from the Mesozoic period, with a soil texture suitable for the drainage of water.

The lowland areas are made up of alluvial deposits from the materials carried by various rivers which cross the whole territory and have soils with a texture ranging from sandy loam to sandy silt loam, sometimes with deep clay-silt sediments, characterised overall by good drainage capacity and particularly suited to winegrowing.

Historical and human factors relevant to the link: The first vineyards in the north-east of Italy date back to the seventh and fifth centuries BC. However, the unifying element in the history of growing ‘delle Venezie’ wine is the existence of the Republic of Venice.

From the mid-14th century until around 1700, Venetian merchants controlled almost the whole market for quality wine from the Eastern Mediterranean right up to the prosperous regions of Northern Europe. At that time, the Republic regulated not only maritime and commercial activities but also forestry and agricultural management. Advancing up the rivers, the Venetian noble classes progressively took possession of the area, developing farm management in accordance with the innovative practices of the time. Venetian properties could be recognised by their large country houses, which are still typical of the ‘delle Venezie’ DOC geographical area.

At the time, wines were not identified only by their colour (white or greenish) but also by reference to the name of the grape variety from which they were produced and the places from which they originated. The words ‘ramato’ and ‘rosato’ also started to be found in documents from this period.

Modern winegrowing owes its origins to the training and dissemination of new winegrowing and oenological techniques by the schools of San Michele all’Adige and Conegliano. The contribution of the winegrowers in the DOC area, who introduced innovative processes and management methods combining environmental and economic sustainability, has been essential. The existence of land improvement cooperatives, which for a long time have managed important water distribution networks addressing the exceptional rainfall shortages, has also been important.

At the end of the 19th century with the introduction of Chardonnay and the Pinots, the area became the country’s principal cultivation and production area for both still wines and semi-sparkling and sparkling wines. In particular, Pinot Grigio has found ideal conditions in the ‘delle Venezie’ area, given that the quality characteristics of the grapes and their specific oenological characteristics are represented at their best in that environment. From 1977 to date, winegrowers have marketed the wines concerned essentially with the geographical indication ‘delle Venezie’.

8.2. ‘delle Venezie’ - Categories: Sparkling wine (4), Quality sparkling wine (5), Semi-sparkling wine (8)

Information on the quality/characteristics of wines essentially attributable to the geographical environment:

The colour of the ‘delle Venezie’ Pinot Grigio wines in the sparkling wine, quality sparkling wine and semi-sparkling wine categories essentially varies from straw yellow to golden yellow, sometimes with coppery or pink reflections (in the typical tone of the variety). The foam in the semi-sparkling wines is essentially fine and evanescent, while in the sparkling wines it is fine and lingering, also in relation to the different pressure.

In the Rosato/Ramato type, depending on the fermentation activity, the colour becomes more pronounced, with shades ranging from deep golden to a more intense pink or copper.

The aroma of the wine is characteristic of the variety and is fruity, with hints of white-fleshed fruit, such as pear and apple, and even tropical fruit, intense, sometimes with slightly aromatic notes of white flowers and nuts due to the autoclave process.

In terms of taste, both the sparkling and semi-sparkling versions of the wines are harmonious, with fresh notes and a balanced acidic component; furthermore, the sugar content of the wines in the sparkling categories ranges from ‘dosaggio zero’ to ‘dry’, while in the semi-sparkling category it ranges from ‘dry’ to ‘medium dry’.

Causal interaction between the elements of the geographical area and the quality and characteristics of the product essentially attributable to the geographical environment:

The specific characteristics of the sparkling and semi-sparkling wines described above derive from the combined action of the soil and climate conditions of the production area and the human factors which have had and continue to have to this day an impact on the oenological potential of the grapes and the traditional processing techniques.

In particular, the geographical environment of the production area is characterised by a temperate, fresh and windy climate and well-drained land with sufficient and evenly distributed water supply, which enables the bunches of grapes to ripen regularly. Moreover, the marked variation in day- and night-time temperatures during the ripening of the bunches brings out and retains the acidic and aromatic structure of the grapes and the resulting freshness of the wines.

Furthermore, the sensitivity of the Pinot Grigio variety to cryptogams as well as to environmental and climatic factors, such as excessive heat and water imbalances, requires a significant commitment from operators in order to obtain grapes that are, first of all, healthy, and that have the right balance between the sugar and aromatic components, taking into account the subsequent processing into sparkling and semi-sparkling wines with appropriate acidity values. The contribution made by operators in how they manage the vineyard, from the choice of rootstock to the growing method, and from the management of the foliage to the regulation of water supplies, is crucial.

All of this is essential in order to obtain grapes suitable to make up the batches for processing into sparkling or semi-sparkling wine, with the aim of producing wines with the typical organoleptic characteristics of the variety.

The ‘delle Venezie’ sparkling and semi-sparkling wines are also the result of technological innovation in the autoclave process, which has helped make the yeast transformation process more efficient, thus enhancing the aromatic profile and pleasant nature of the wines produced. This makes it possible to bring out the wines’ specific organoleptic characteristics, in particular by setting off the fresh and floral notes which derive primarily from the grapes and reflect the ideal environment for the production of Pinot Grigio wines.

The uniqueness and distinctiveness of the sparkling and semi-sparkling Pinot Grigio wines from the DOC area are therefore the result of the pH and acidic balance, which brings out the pleasing aroma and therefore the overall elegance of the wines, which are the final result of suitable winemaking processes.

8.3. ‘delle Venezie’ - Category: Wine

Information on the quality/characteristics of the wine essentially attributable to the geographical environment:

The colour of the ‘delle Venezie’ Pinot Grigio wines varies from pale straw yellow to shades which may sometimes have coppery to pink reflections (in the typical tone of the variety) as a result of the fermentation process.

In the Rosato/Ramato type, as a result of the fermentation activity, the colour becomes more pronounced, with shades ranging from deep golden to a more intense pink or copper.

The aroma of the wine has the characteristic notes of the variety, with fruity notes that are, among other things, reminiscent of hints of white-fleshed fruit, such as pear and apple, and even tropical fruit; it is intense, sometimes with slightly aromatic notes of white flowers. The taste of the wine is fresh and harmonious, and the versions vary from dry to medium dry; it is distinguished by its pleasant freshness characterised by a note of acidity typical of the variety.

In relation to the soil and climate conditions in the production area, the wines reflect the typical ‘fresh’ notes which are essentially due to the substantial acidic component and the balanced aromatic component of the grapes and thus of the wine produced.

The colour of the ‘delle Venezie’ white wine varies from greenish-yellow to golden yellow. The wine has a fruity aroma and there are hints of white-fleshed and ripe fruit in relation to the varietal composition; the fragrance is intense, sometimes with slightly aromatic notes of white flowers. The taste is harmonious, varying from dry to medium dry, and the wine is structured, sometimes with fresh notes associated with the acidic component.

Causal interaction between the elements of the geographical area and the quality and characteristics of the product essentially attributable to the geographical environment:

The specific characteristics of the ‘delle Venezie’ Pinot Grigio and Bianco wines described above derive from the combined action of the soil and climate conditions of the production area and the human factors which have had an impact on the oenological potential of the grapes and the processing technologies in the past and up to the present day.

In particular, the geographical environment of the production area is characterised by a temperate, fresh and windy climate, well-drained land with good and well distributed water supply which enables the bunches of grapes to ripen regularly, thus obtaining grapes with a significant acidity. The marked variation in day and night-time temperatures during the ripening of the bunches brings out and retains the acidic and aromatic structure of the grapes and the resulting freshness of the wines.

In addition, given that the varieties used to produce the wines in question are sensitive to cryptogams and to climatic and environmental factors, the contribution made by operators in how they manage the vineyard, from the choice of rootstock to the growing method, and the management of the foliage, is essential for the final result, so as to obtain healthy grapes and the right balance between the sugar, acidic and aromatic components.

The specific skills of the winegrowers are influential up until the grapes enter the cellar and the winemaking operations are carried out, which are essential to maintain the specific organoleptic properties of the wines, thus producing harmonious wines with typical fresh notes which is the distinctive style of the ‘delle Venezie’ DOC area’s wines.

Pinot Grigio is not a ubiquitous variety; in fact, environments with prolonged high temperatures and water scarcity in the growing season result in the typical organoleptic characteristics of the variety not being fully expressed.

In relation to the specific organoleptic characteristics of the grapes, whether Pinot Grigio or certain other varieties making up the cuveé of the Bianco type, the grape pressing cycles, as well as the temperature and duration of fermentation, are aimed at obtaining wines with the characteristics described above.

In particular, the organoleptic characteristics of ‘delle Venezie’ Pinot Grigio wine, which have now come to represent the reference organoleptic style, and thus the factor that makes it unique and distinct from Pinot Grigios from other areas, are the result of the interaction between these environmental factors and the combination of human factors resulting from the experience and knowledge gained over time by the winegrowers.

Even in the case of the ‘delle Venezie’ Bianco, the specific qualitative and organoleptic characteristics, and balanced acidic and aromatic profile, which bring out the pleasing aroma and therefore the overall elegance of the wines, are the result of the interaction between these environmental factors and the combination of human factors.

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

Use of the term ‘Rosé’

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

For Rosato or Ramato types, the term ‘Rosé’ may also be used.

Obligation to indicate on the label the year in which the grapes were produced

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

‘The year the grapes were grown must be indicated in the presentation and description of the ‘delle Venezie’ PDO wines, with the exception of the sparkling and semi-sparkling types without the ‘Millesimato’ (vintage) indication.

Containers

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

1. ‘Delle Venezie’ PDO wines must be released for consumption in glass bottles of up to 6 litres, closed with a cork or a screw cap with a long skirt. For volumes up to 6 litres, alternative containers may be used of a material other than glass, consisting of a wine skin of polyethylene or polyester multi-layered plastic enclosed in a box made of cardboard or any other rigid material, in accordance with the provisions of the European Union and national legislation in force.

2. Pinot Grigio Spumante wine with the ‘delle Venezie’ controlled designation of origin must be released for consumption only in glass bottles of up to 18 litres.

The relevant EU and national rules apply to stoppers for sparkling wines, with the exception of plastic caps. However, for bottles with a capacity of up to 0,200 litres, the use of screw caps, possibly with a flanged top, or tear-off plastic caps, is also permitted.

Link to the product specification

https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/17296

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