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

(2021/C 418/14)

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

COMMUNICATION OF STANDARD AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Huşi’

PDO-RO-A1583-AM02

Date of communication: 13 July 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Indication of specific labelling conditions

The specification has been supplemented with other vineyard names such as Colina Mănăstirii, La Schit and Dealul lui Moțoc, which may be used in the labelling of PDO wines if they have originated/been obtained from those locations.

Chapter III of the specification and point 9 of the single document are amended.

2. Introduction of new winemaking grape varieties into production

New wine grape varieties have been added to the specification for white/rosé/red wines, i.e. Grasă de Cotnari, Riesling de Rhin, Muscadelle and Semillon for white wines and Syrah, Zweigelt, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera for red wines. These varieties are preferred for rosé wines not only because they are aromatic varieties that may have aromatic accumulation (fruit in particular) and sugars, but also because rosé wines can have accumulation of coloured tannins along with concentration of aromas.

Chapter IV of the specification and point 7 of the single document are amended.

3. Amendment of the wine yield

Changes due to oenological factors, resulting from new wine-making equipment and use of new technical solutions in the field of wine-making materials, with this helping to increase the quantity and quality of ‘Huși’ wines.

Following extensive reconversion and restructuring projects for vineyards in the area, there have been significant changes in their density and purity, with increases compared to the average density of previous vineyards. The adaptation of the clonal selection and the use of an appropriate rootstock structure has contributed to a significant increase in the area’s wine and grape yields.

Converted/restructured vineyards, especially those where indigenous varieties such as Tămâioasa Românească, Busuioacă de Bohotin, Fetească regală, Fetească albă and Feteasca neagră, as well as foreign varieties such as Traminer roz, Riesling de Rhin, Chardonnay, Sauvignon or Cabernet Sauvignon, have been planted, have used clonal selections that lead to a much greater wine production in the Huși PDO area, where the climate is favourable (optimum solar radiation during the vegetation period for good grape ripening, a moderate climate in the hillier areas, moderate periods of frost as regards frequency and length, etc.). Moreover, these varieties have a significantly greater production potential.

As an indication of the climatic changes affecting the vineyards cultivated in the demarcated area from 1961 to 1990 and 1991 to 2018, and in line with the climate scenarios for Romania for 2001-2030, there is a steady increase in temperature between June and October of at least 1,4 °C/interval analysed, with a period of alternation of rainfall and periods of very high temperatures.

The conditions during the favourable climate years, in which the level of production is influenced, have also been added, so that wine yields can be exceeded at a maximum of 20 %.

Chapters V and VI of the specification and point 5 of the single document are amended.

4. Deletion of provisions on cultivation practices

A series of vineyard cultivation practices regarding fertilisation have been removed from the specification, as they are no longer necessary in the Huși PDO area.

Chapter VIII of the specification is amended, with no change to the single document.

5. Addition of a condition for harvested grapes

The condition has been added to the specification that, during years when the climate is unfavourable, the sugar content of the harvested grapes may be accepted at a level of 160 g/l, a value at which the quality of Huși PDO wines may be obtained by preserving the specific quality characteristics of the wines produced.

Chapter VII of the specification is amended, with no change to the single document.

6. Addition of conditions for the production of rosé wine

Provisions have been added to the specification with the possibility of producing white and rosé wines from Pinot Gris and Traminer Roz grape varieties as a consumer requirement for these wines; this meets the need to diversify the wines produced under this protected designation.

Chapter IX of the specification and point 5 of the single document are amended.

7. Derogation concerning the total alcoholic strength of the wines

A derogation has been added concerning the total alcoholic strength of the wines which have been produced without any enrichment in order to reach the value of 15 % vol. in the case of wines with the Huși PDO.

Chapter IX of the specification and point 5 of the single document are amended.

8. Addition of provisions on production technologies

The specification has been supplemented with an indication of the provisions whereby technological stages of production/oenological practices used in international practice and winemaking may also be allowed for the Huși PDO. However, their application should always preserve the specific quality of the PDO.

Chapter IX of the specification is amended, with no change to the single document.

9. Rewording of labelling/marketing conditions

Labelling of wines may be carried out in any way provided that the mandatory information is indicated in the same field of vision. The label and counter-label are not mandatory, labelling may be carried out in one or more components, have any shape and be made of any material and using any technique.

The labelling may also use the traditional term provided for in the legislation in force for wines which indicates the quality of the harvest as a result of the sugar content at harvest (when the grapes have noble rot).

Chapters XII and XIII of the specification and point 9 of the single document are amended.

10. Rewording of wine production conditions in case of non-compliance

Where an assessment of the production carried out by the producer at any stage of the production process, in terms of obtaining qualities/characteristics, finds that it is necessary to classify wine products in other categories, it is necessary to indicate in the specification the conditions under which production may be classified under other categories as laid down by the legislation in force.

Chapter XIV of the specification is amended, with no change to the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Huşi

2. Geographical indication type:

PDO - Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

1. Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

1. Organoleptic characteristics

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

1. Muscat Ottonel: straw yellow / intense yellow, typical aroma, harmonious, round.

2. Sauvignon: greenish-yellow, intense aroma of vine flowers, elderflower, green citrus, fruity, melon notes appear with age.

3. Pinot Gris: lemon yellow, greenish, scent of summer apples or freshly cut hay, slightly bitter.

4. Fetească regală: lemon yellow, golden, scent of field flowers, after ageing freshly cut hay, honey, fruity.

5. Fetească albă: straw yellow / greenish, typical aroma of vine in bloom, with typical natural subtlety.

6. Riesling italian: straw yellow, fine aroma of ripening grape, slightly acidic taste, lively, fruity, round, pleasant after-taste.

7. Zghihară de Huşi: greenish-yellow, fruity, aroma of green apple, citrus fruit, acidic taste.

8. Chardonnay: golden yellow, aroma of acacia flowers, hint of fresh butter, floral, balanced acidity.

9. Tămâioasă românească: greenish yellow/straw, distinct aroma of incense and basil.

10. Aligoté: straw yellow, slightly bitter after-taste.

11. Pinot noir: ruby red, aroma of cherries, strawberries, sour cherries, velvety.

12. Fetească neagră: garnet red, aroma with hints of prunes, full-bodied.

13. Cabernet Sauvignon: mauvish red, aroma of redcurrants, cranberries, blackberries, strongly herbal.

14. Merlot: bright red/dark red, aroma of ripe forest fruit, velvety.

15. Băbească neagră: bright red, floral bouquet, tannic.

16. Busuioacă de Bohotin: onion skin colour, scent of rose petals and basil, long.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume): 15 Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume): 10,5 Minimum total acidity: 4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre): 18 Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) 250

2. Organoleptic characteristics

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

General organoleptic characteristics of the wines obtained from white varieties Grasă de Cotnari, Muscadelle, Semillon, Riesling de Rhin:

The aromatic and semi-aromatic varieties have above-average aromatic notes, which could create an accumulation either of aromas or of sugars, leading to clear differentiation between the products offered to consumers.

General organoleptic characteristics of the wines obtained from red varieties Syrah, Zweigelt, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera:

the wines show an increased accumulation of coloured tannins and an equal concentration of their aromatic character. There are very high chances that this results from the change in the area’s climate in recent years.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume): 15 Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume): 10,5 Minimum total acidity: 4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre): 20 Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) 250

5. Oenological practices

5.1. Specific oenological practices

1. Cultivation practices

Cultivation practice

— minimum 3 000 plants/ha or minimum 75 % plants, compared to the projected vineyard.

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

— green harvesting - reducing the number of grape clusters at veraison when the potential production exceeds the maximum limits permitted under the specifications.

2. Production of the wines

Relevant restriction on making the wines

In certain climatic conditions which, in conjunction with the potential of certain varieties, have a positive impact on yields on plantations in the demarcated area, it would be possible to process wines which bear the Huși PDO also outside the demarcated area, in the neighbouring area where the wine centres offer the best capacity.

The neighbouring area designated for this purpose (for quick winemaking, fermentation at controlled temperature, preservation of the aromatic potential of certain varieties including Fetească regală, Sauvignon, Muscat Ottonel, Tămâioasă românească, Busuioacă de Bohotin) comprises the following towns and villages in Vrancea County:

— Panciu, Movilița;

— Odobești, Unirea, Jariștea, Bolotești;

— Obrejița, Tâmboiești, Popești, Budești, Cârligele, Vârteșcoiu, Câmpineanca.

3. White or rosé wine production

Specific oenological practice

White and rosé wines can be obtained from the Pinot gris and Traminer roz varieties, depending on the producer’s choices, using technologies that preserve the quality of the PDO of the grapes and the wines produced from these varieties.

5.2. Maximum yields

1. Aligoté, Fetească Regală, Zghihară de Huși, Crâmpoșie Selecționată, Francușă, Plăvaie, Donaris and Grasă de Cotnari varieties 16 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

2. Riesling Italian, Semillon, Băbească Gri, Codană and Portugais Bleu varieties 16 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

3. Riesling de Rhin, Muscadelle, Fetească Albă, Chardonnay, Aromat de Iași, Syrah, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera varieties 15 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

4. Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Tămâioasă Românească, Șarba, Traminer roz, Busuioacă de Bohotin, Merlot and Zweigelt varieties 13 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare

5. Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Neagră, Pinot Noir, Negru Aromat and Băbească Neagră varieties 12 600 kilograms of grapes per hectare

6. White and rosé wines, Aligoté, Fetească Regală, Zghihară de Huși, Crâmpoșie Selecționată, Francușă and Plăvaie varieties 123 hectolitres per hectare

7. White and rosé wines, Grasă de Cotnari, Donaris, Riesling Italian, Semillon, Băbească Gri, Codană and Portugais Bleu varieties 123 hectolitres per hectare

8. Red wines, Codană and Portugais Bleu varieties 119 hectolitres per hectare

9. White and rosé wines, Riesling de Rhin, Muscadelle, Fetească Albă, Chardonnay and Aromat de Iași varieties 115 hectolitres per hectare

10. Red wines, Syrah, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera varieties 111 hectolitres per hectare

11. White and rosé wines, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Tămâioasă Românească, Șarba and Traminer roz varieties 104 hectolitres per hectare

12. Red wines, Busuioacă de Bohotin, Merlot and Zweigelt varieties 100 hectolitres per hectare

13. Rosé wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Neagră, Pinot Noir, Negru Aromat and Băbească Neagră varieties 97 hectolitres per hectare

14. Red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Neagră, Pinot Noir, Negru Aromat and Băbească Neagră varieties

93 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The area demarcated for the production of wines with the ’HUȘI’ controlled designation of origin is situated in the following areas of Vaslui County:

1.1. Designation ‘HUȘI’: — Town of Huși; — Municipality of Duda-Epureni, Epureni, Duda villages; — Municipality of Pădureni, Pădureni, Văleni, Leoști, Ivănești, Rusca villages; — Municipality of Tătărăni, Tătărăni, Crăsnășeni, Bălțați, Manțu villages; — Municipality of Stănilești, Stănilești, Pogănești villages; — Municipality of Buneşti-Avereşti, Buneşti, Avereşti, Armăşeni, Tăbălăeşti, Plopi villages; — Municipality of Arsura, Arsura, Fundătura, Pâhnești villages; — Municipality of Drânceni, Drânceni, Ghermănești, Râșești villages; — Municipality of Boțești, Boțești, Gugești villages; — Municipality of Banca, Banca, Stoișești, Sârbi, Țifu villages; — Municipality of Fălciu, Fălciu, Bozia, Copăceana, Rânzești villages; — Municipality of Blăgești, Blăgești, Igești villages.

1.2. Subdesignation ‘VUTCANI’: — Municipality of Vutcani, Vutcani, Mălăiești villages; — Municipality of Roșiești, Roșiești, Gara Roșiești, Valea lui Darie villages; — Municipality of Şuletea, Şuletea, Râşcani, Fedeşti villages; — Municipality of Epureni, Horga village; — Municipality of Berezeni, villages of Berezeni, Rânceni, Mușata.

7. Main wine grape variety(-ies)

Aligoté B - Plant de trois, Plant gris, Vert blanc, Troyen blanc

Aromat de Iași B

Barbera N

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

Babeasca gri G

Băbească neagră N - Grossmuttertraube, Hexentraube, Crăcana, Rară neagră, Căldăruşă, Serecsia

Cabernet Sauvignon N - Petit Vidure, Bourdeos tinto

Chardonnay B - Gentil blanc, Pinot blanc Chardonnay

Codană N

Crâmpoşie selecţionată B

Donaris B

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

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

Fetească regală B - Königliche Mädchentraube, Königsast, Kiralyleanka, Dănășană, Galbenă de Ardeal

Frâncuşă B - Vinoasă, Mildweisser, Mustoasă de Moldova, Poamă creaţă

Grasă de Cotnari B - Dicktraube, Grasă, Köver szölö

Merlot N - Bigney rouge

Muscadelle B - Moscatello bianco, Mouscadet doux

Muscat Ottonel B - Muscat Ottonel blanc

Nebbiolo N

Negru Aromat N

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

Pinot Noir N - Blauer Spätburgunder, Burgund mic, Burgunder roter, Klăvner Morillon Noir

Pinot noir N - Spätburgunder, Pinot nero

Plăvaie B - Bălană, Plăvană, Poamă bălaie

Portugais Bleu N - Blauer Portugieser, Oporto, Portugieser

Riesling de Rhin B - Weisser Riesling, White Riesling

Riesling italian B - Olasz Riesling, Olaszriesling, Welschriesling

Sangiovese N - Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino

Sauvignon B - Sauvignon verde

Syrah N - Shiraz, Petit Syrah

Sémillon B - Semillon blanc

Traminer Roz Rs - Rosetraminer, Savagnin roz, Gewürztraminer

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

Tămâioasă românească B - Rumänische Weihrauchtraube, Tamianka

Zghihară de Huși B - Zghihară, Zghihară galbenă, Zghihară verde bătută

Zweigelt N - Blauerzweigelt, Negru de Zweigelt, Zweigelt blau

Şarba B

8. Description of the link(s)

Link with the demarcated area

The lithologic substrate forms a typologically diverse cover. There may be alternate steppe and forest steppe mollisols in clay-alluvial soil at forest level. Cambic chernozem and grey earth, the most widespread soils in the Huși Depression, are also the most valuable to vineyards, as their sandy/clay-like texture improves physical characteristics in combination with their basic bio-chemical properties: intense biological activity, significant humus content, high cation exchange capacity, neutral to slightly acidic reaction, high saturation of bases and nutrients.

The relief is formed by a series of wide round hills on the NW - SE axis. The hills have different orientations, morphological characteristics and gradients. This wine-growing area brings together different sub-units: one hilly area at around 300 m altitude and a lower foothill area with an average altitude of 150 m. The hills have different orientations, morphological characteristics and gradients which form the background for some of the vineyards in the area.

The Huși depression is delimited by high hills to the South, West and North and by the Prut valley to the East, and represents over 70 % of vineyards in the area. The valleys separating the hills of the region with slightly asymmetrical slopes begin in the coastal plain with hilly covering, forming a chain of depressions (Voloseni, Huși, Epureni, Novaci, Diuca, Fundătura, Arsura, Ghermănești) which, together with the higher hills of the depression, contain the most valuable vine-growing areas.

The climate is temperate continental with moderately continental aspects in the hills and hemiboreal in the Huși depression.

Global solar irradiance is approximately 120 kcal/CMP/year, the average duration of sunshine per year is 2 000 hours on high hills and over 2 100 hours in the Huși depression and the Prut valley. Considering the average annual radiative and solar thermal values, we note that they remain high throughout the growing season, which is beneficial for the development and the ripening of grapes.

The predominant winds are from the W, NW and N, which together account for over 60 % of annual winds and which have Föhn characteristics when blowing down the slopes of the hills to the depression. The NE wind, especially the Crivăț, increases frost, while the E and SE are hot and dry in the summer, increasing drought, both of which are felt intensively both in the Huși depression and the Prut floodplain.

The hydrographic network which drains the territory of the town is composed of two main arteries: the Drăslăvăț in the south and the Răiești, formed from the Turbata and the Șara in the north. They converge to the east of the town forming the river Huși. The Drăslăvăț and Răiești streams have torrential hydrographic characteristics. In spring, when the snow is melting rapidly as a result of increasing temperatures, or in summer after torrential rain, the streams carry large quantities of water, sometimes bursting their banks.

Wines produced in this area are dry to sweet or liqueur wines, white, rosé or red. They are generally light wines, not too extractive, with moderate alcohol content, slightly acidic in the north of the area with a ‘peak’ in acidity in the Averești area, where natural acidity can reach 11-12 grams of tartaric acid per litre in some years, making this area excellent for the production of sparkling wines.

Red wines are range from lightly coloured in the north of the area to intensely coloured in the south.

The first written documents referring to the existence of vineyards in the areas where today’s vineyards are located predates the first record naming the town of Huși. An act by Alexander the Good in 1415 sets out the boundaries of the old vineyard. Another document dated August 1436 shows that there were plantations of vines in the wine-growing areas of Epureni - Pâhnești - Huși. Contemporary documents state that vines were planted intensively in the Saca and Ochi vineyards between 1600 and 1662; the vines of Huși belonged to the local lord.

There are old records of the excellent quality of wines from Huși, written by foreign travellers in medieval Moldova, in particular Marco Bandinus in 1646: ‘Huși, an ancient settlement of Moldovan vineyards, produces a delicious and fragrant wine which is in high demand’. The great cartographer Dimitrie Cantemir, born in the village of Silișteni near Huși (the village has since been renamed in his honour) writes in ‘Descriptio Moldaviae’ that ‘the best wine is made in Cotnari, and that of Huși comes after’.

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

Labelling indication

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The HUŞI protected designation of origin may be supplemented, depending on the interests of the producers, by one of the following single vineyard names (wines produced exclusively from these holdings): DUDA-EPURENI, PĂDURENI, DEALUL LOHAN, DEALUL DOBRINA, DEALUL ŞARA, DEALUL OCHI, DEALUL GALBENA, DEALUL OGRADA, DEALUL PODGORIA, CERDACUL LUI VODĂ, DEALUL MĂNĂSTIRII, AVEREŞTI, PÎHNEŞTI, ARSURA, DEALUL DRAGALINA, DEALUL ROŞIORI, PODINA, ARMĂŞENI, DEALUL PRIBEASCA, BUNEŞTI, MOVILA LUI ANDREI, DEALUL CÂLCEA, COLINA MĂNĂSTIRII, LA SCHIT, DEALUL LUI MOȚOC.

Marketing conditions

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Labelling of wines may be carried out in any way provided that the mandatory information is indicated in the same field of vision. The label and counter-label are not mandatory, labelling may be carried out in one or more components, have any shape and be made of any material and using any technique.

The labelling may also use the traditional term provided for in the legislation in force for wines which indicates the quality of the harvest as a result of the sugar content at harvest (when the grapes have noble rot).

Link to the product specification

https://www.onvpv.ro/sites/default/files/caiet_de_sarcini_doc_husi_modif_cf_cererii_1422_14.06.2019_no_track_changes_0.pdf

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