EN Official Journal of the European Union C 390/25

Publication of an amendment application 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

(2015/C 390/08)

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).

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

‘BAYERISCHES BIER’

EU No: DE-PGI-0117-01220 — 4.4.2014

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

1. Applicant group and legitimate interest

Bayerischer Brauerbund e.V. Oskar-von-Miller-Ring 1 80333 Munich GERMANY Tel. +49 892866040 E-mail: brauerbund@bayerisches-bier.de

2. Member State or Third Country

Germany

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

— ☐ Name of product — ☒ Description of product — ☐ Geographical area — ☐ Proof of origin — ☐ Method of production — ☐ Link with the geographical area — ☒ Labelling — ☒ Other (National requirements/inspection bodies)

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)

(b) Description of product

1. The following amendments are made for the types of beer listed: Schankbier Colour (EBC): instead of 5-15 5-20 units Hop bitter content (EBC): instead of 25-30 10-30 units Hell/Lager Hop bitter content (EBC): instead of 8-25 10-25 units Pils % alcohol by volume: instead of 4,0-5,5 4,5-6,0 Hop bitter content (EBC): instead of 25-45 30-40 units Export % alcohol by volume: instead of 4,5-5,5 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC): instead of 10-50 5-65 units (light - dark) Dunkel Original wort (%): instead of 11,0-12,5 11,0-14,0 % alcohol by volume: instead of 4,5-5,5 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC): instead of 40-60 40-65 units Hop bitter content (EBC): instead of 20-35 15-35 units Schwarzbier Original wort (%): instead of 11,0-12,5 11,0-13,0 % alcohol by volume: instead of 5,0-5,5 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC): instead of 60-120 65-150 units Hop bitter content (EBC): instead of 10-30 15-40 units Märzen/Festbier % alcohol by volume: instead of 4,5-6,0 5,0-6,5 Bock % alcohol by volume: instead of 6,0-8,0 6,0-8,5 Colour (EBC): instead of 10-120 7-120 units (light - dark) Doppelbock % alcohol by volume: instead of 6,0-8,5 7,0-9,5 Colour (EBC): instead of 10-120 10-150 units (light - dark) Weizenschankbier Original wort (%): instead of 7,0-8,5 7,0-9,0 Hop bitter content (EBC): instead of 6-20 5-20 units Weizenbier Original wort (%): instead of 11,0-14,0 11,0-13,5 % alcohol by volume: instead of 4,0-5,5 4,5-5,5 Colour (EBC): instead of 10-60 5-65 units (light - dark) Kristallweizen Original wort (%): instead of 11,0-13,0 11,0-13,5 Colour (EBC): instead of 6-18 5-18 units Hop bitter content (EBC): instead of 10-20 5-20 units Rauchbier Original wort (%): instead of 12,0-14,5 11,0-14,5 % alcohol by volume: instead of 5,0-6,0 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC): instead of 40-60 30-60 units Kellerbier/Zwickelbier Original wort (%): instead of 11,0-13,0 11,0-13,5 % alcohol by volume: instead of 4,0-5,5 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC): instead of 10-30 5-60 units Hop bitter content (EBC): instead of 10-30 10-35 units Justification: A survey of our members has revealed that the values need to be adjusted because of the large number of breweries covered by the inspection system under Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. Meanwhile, we worked closely with our members to produce a comprehensive record of the relevant top and bottom fermentation values for all of the types of beer declared to the Bayerischer Brauerbund (Bavarian brewers’ association). These results are now available and are reflected in the requested amendments. Furthermore, over the last few years, enormous progress has been made in cultivating the agricultural raw materials required for beer production (malt, hops) both agronomically and in terms of quality. These achievements, combined with modern brewing technology, affect, in particular, the colour and hop bitter content values of the beers listed. Due to the consequent evolution of the brewing process, the analytical parameters of the finished beer are inevitably also shifting.

2. Moreover, the following sentence should be added: ‘These values are subject to the analytical tolerances laid down by law and recognised by the relevant food monitoring authorities in Bavaria.’ Justification: This statement is necessary as clarification for the inspection authorities and companies concerned.

(h) Labelling:

The text has been modified by replacing the term ‘beer category’ with ‘type of beer’.

‘The beer label bears one of the types of beer listed under b) together with the designation “Bayerisches Bier”.’

Justification:

The term ‘beer category’, which, under Article 3 of the German Beer Regulation, covers, for example, beer with a low original wort content or strong beer, was used by mistake.

The designation ‘Bayerisches Bier’ should actually be used in connection with a type of beer (e.g. Hell, Lager, Weizen, etc.).

(i) Others:

1. National requirements

The ‘Beer Regulation’ has been added to the national requirements.

Justification:

When the original application was drawn up, a reference to the German Beer Regulation of 2 July 1990 was mistakenly omitted. As the Beer Regulation lays down rules on the protection of the designation ‘beer’ and the identification of beer categories — and thus contains legal requirements for beer — it has to be mentioned for the sake of completeness.

2. Inspection structure(s):

For inspections of producers:

Name: Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft Institut für Ernährungswirtschaft und Märkte Address: Menzinger Str. 54, 80638 Munich, GERMANY Tel. +49 89178000 Fax +49 8917800313

For checks on abusive practices:

Name: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz Address: Rosenkavalierplatz 2, 81925 Munich, GERMANY Tel. +49 89921400 Fax +49 8992142266

Justification:

The names and addresses of the government bodies responsible for inspections of producers and checks on abusive practices need to be updated. The reference to Lacon GmbH needs to be deleted. Producers can currently choose between several authorised inspection bodies in Bavaria.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘BAYERISCHES BIER’

EU No: DE-PGI-0117-01220 — 4.4.2014

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

1. Name(s)

‘Bayerisches Bier’

2. Member State or Third Country

Germany

3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1. Type of product

Class 2.1. Beers

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

Schankbier

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 7,0-9,0 % alcohol by volume : 2,5-3,5 Colour (EBC) : 5-20 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 10-30 units

A full-bodied, soft, fizzy beer with fewer calories and less alcohol by volume than Vollbier (full-strength beer)

Hell/Lager

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 11,0-12,5 % alcohol by volume : 4,5-5,5 Colour (EBC) : 5-20 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 10-25 units

A slightly aromatic, light, full-bodied, mild beer

Pils

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 11,0-12,5 % alcohol by volume : 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC) : 5-15 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 30-40 units

A distinctive, slightly sharp beer with a bitter edge lent by the hops

Export

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 12,0-13,5 % alcohol by volume : 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC) : 5-65 units (hell - dunkel) Hop bitter content (EBC) : 15-35 units

A full-bodied, well-rounded bitter taste

Dunkel

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 11,0-14,0 % alcohol by volume : 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC) : 40-65 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 15-35 units

A full-bodied beer with a malty aroma

Schwarzbier

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 11,0-13,0 % alcohol by volume : 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC) : 65-150 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 15-40 units

A beer with a roasted aroma, a slight malty aroma and a bitter edge lent by the hops

Märzen/Festbier

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 13,0-14,5 % alcohol by volume : 5,0-6,5 Colour (EBC) : 7-40 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 12-45 units

A malty-flavoured beer with a slightly bitter edge lent by the hops

Bock

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 16,0-18,0 % alcohol by volume : 6,0-8,5 Colour (EBC) : 7-120 units (hell - dunkel) Hop bitter content (EBC) : 15-40 units

A full-bodied, malty-flavoured beer with a delicate aroma of hops

Doppelbock

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 18,0-21,0 % alcohol by volume : 7,0-9,5 Colour (EBC) : 10-150 units (hell - dunkel) Hop bitter content (EBC) : 15-35 units

A distinctly full-bodied, malty-flavoured beer with a hint of caramel

Weizenschankbier

Top-fermented

Original wort (%) : 7,0-9,0 % alcohol by volume : 2,5-3,5 Colour (EBC) : 7-30 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 5-20 units

A fizzy beer with the aroma of yeast

Weizenbier

Top-fermented

Original wort (%) : 11,0-13,5 % alcohol by volume : 4,5-5,5 Colour (EBC) : 5-65 units (hell - dunkel) Hop bitter content (EBC) : 10-30 units

A fruity beer with an aroma of wheat and a slightly malty flavour

Kristallweizen

Top-fermented

Original wort (%) : 11,0-13,5 % alcohol by volume : 4,5-5,5 Colour (EBC) : 5-18 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 5-20 units

A carbonated beer with the aroma of wheat

Rauchbier

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 11,0-14,5 % alcohol by volume : 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC) : 30-60 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 20-30 units

A full-bodied beer with a smoky flavour

Kellerbier/Zwickelbier

Bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 11,0-13,5 % alcohol by volume : 4,5-6,0 Colour (EBC) : 5-60 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 10-35 units

A beer with a slightly bitter edge lent by the hops, unfiltered, tapped from the lower part of the barrel, with a low carbon dioxide content

Eisbier/Icebier

bottom-fermented

Original wort (%) : 11,0-13,0 % alcohol by volume : 4,5-5,0 Colour (EBC) : 5-20 units Hop bitter content (EBC) : 10-25 units

Very mild and soft

These values are subject to the analytical tolerances laid down by law and recognised by the relevant food monitoring authorities in Bavaria.

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

For the most part, high-quality local raw materials (water, hops, malt) from Bavaria are used. The hops and malt are traditionally subject to continuous quality checks from scientific institutes, such as the Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan.

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

The entire production process takes place in the geographical area specified.

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

—

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

The beer label bears one of the types of beer listed under 3(2) together with the designation ‘Bayerisches Bier’.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area

Bavaria, subdivided into 7 government regions.

5. Link with the geographical area

The quality and reputation of ‘Bayerisches Bier’ can be attributed to a centuries-old brewing tradition under the 1516 Bavarian Purity Law. The production process to be followed has been laid down by law since the 15th century. Over the centuries, a large number of different recipes evolved as the Bavarian brewers’ expertise developed, which has led to a range of varieties that is unique worldwide. Bavaria is the birthplace of wheat beer and the site of the world’s largest wheat beer brewery. Weihenstephan is home to one of the most famous brewing institutions in the world. The ancient brewing tradition, the resulting range of varieties and the predominant use of top-quality raw materials from Bavaria mean that ‘Bayerisches Bier’ is generally highly regarded among consumers.

The conclusions of the EU institutions under the simplified declaration procedure on the link between ‘Bayerisches Bier’ and its renown were examined and confirmed by the European Court of Justice in Case C-343/07.

Reference to publication of the product specification

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

http://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/geo/detail.pdfdownload/40790

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