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 2021/C 193/07
Date: 2021-05-20
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Emilia-Romagna, Italy, consumer information, designation of origin, food additive, fresh fruit, labelling, nut, product designation, quality control of agricultural products








C_2021193EN.01001001.xml










20.5.2021   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 193/10






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
(2021/C 193/07)
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


‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’


EU No: PGI-IT-1523-AM01 - 22. 1.2020


PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

Consorzio Castanicoltori di Castel del Rio [Association of Castel del Rio Chestnut-Growers]
Based in the municipality of Castel del Rio:
Via Montanara 1, 40022 Castel del Rio, Bologna
The Association of Castel del Rio Chestnut-Growers is entitled to submit an amendment application in accordance with Article 13(1) of Decree No 12511 of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy of 14 October 2013.
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










☒


Method of production










☒


Link










☒


Labelling










☒


Other [control]










☐


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




4.   Amendment(s)


Description of product

Article 6 of the current product specification:
When released onto the market, ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ must have the following characteristics:






—


never more than three nuts per husk (or bur);










—


medium to large size (normally no more than 90 nuts per kilogram);










—


predominantly ellipsoid shape, with an apex that is not particularly pronounced and has some tomentum, terminating in what remains of the flower style (the ‘tuft’), with the tomentum typical of this species, tending to be flat on one side and roundly convex on the other, and with a markedly quadrangular hilum (seed scar) that is small enough to avoid spreading onto the sides of the nut, which are generally flat;










—


a thin, reddish-brown shell that has 25 to 30 darker, raised streaks running lengthwise and is easily peeled from the pellicle, which is dark beige and rarely extends into the kernel’s main grooves;










—


a kernel – usually one per nut – with crisp, white flesh, a pleasant, sweet taste, and an almost groove-free surface.




has been revised and merged with Article 2, which now reads as follows:
The Protected Geographical Indication ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ is produced from chestnut groves of the species Castanea sativa Mill. – the European or sweet chestnut – represented by the following three biotypes, officially known in Italy, for varietal identification purposes, as the ‘Marrone domestico’ [‘domestic chestnut’], ‘Marrone nostrano’ [‘local chestnut’] and ‘Marrone di S. Michele’ [‘St Michael’s chestnut’].
‘Marrone domestico’ is the only biotype that may be used for new plantations.
‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ must have the following characteristics:






(a)


nuts intended for direct consumption:






—


never more than three nuts per husk (or bur);










—


medium to large in size (no more than 110 nuts per kilogram);










—


predominantly ellipsoid shape, with an apex that is not particularly pronounced and has some tomentum, terminating in what remains of the flower style (the ‘tuft’), with the tomentum typical of this species, tending to be flat on one side and roundly convex on the other, and with a markedly quadrangular hilum (seed scar) that is small enough to avoid spreading onto the sides of the nut, which are generally flat;










—


a thin, reddish-brown shell that has 25 to 30 darker, raised streaks running lengthwise and is easily peeled from the pellicle, which is dark beige and rarely extends into the kernel’s main grooves;










—


a kernel – usually one per nut – with crisp, white flesh, a pleasant, sweet taste, and an almost groove-free surface.














(b)


nuts intended for use as an ingredient in compound, prepared or processed products must have the same commercial properties as nuts intended for direct consumption, with the following exceptions:






—


the limit of 110 nuts per kilogram can be exceeded;










—


the shell does not have to be whole.








The following changes have been made:






—


The description of the product characteristics currently given in Article 6 has been merged with Article 2.










—


The words ‘when released onto the market’ have been deleted because they are no longer appropriate now that the nuts are being divided into two categories according to their intended use: (a) direct sale to consumers; and (b) to be used as an ingredient in compound, prepared or processed products.










—


The description of nuts intended for direct sale to consumers has been improved by deleting the word ‘normally’, so the reference to the number of nuts per kilogram is now objective and no longer subject to any discretion. Moreover, the number of nuts per kilogram has been increased to 110 due to the fact that the size of the product has decreased significantly in recent years as a result of an increase in average temperatures combined with changes in rainfall quantity and distribution. Nuts that do not meet the size requirements laid down in the product specification are currently excluded, despite being no less appreciated by consumers than those that meet the agreed size for ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ PGI and (aside from the size) having the very same characteristics.










—


The characteristics of chestnuts intended for processing are described under the new heading (b) nuts intended for use as an ingredient in compound, prepared or processed products. These characteristics are the same as those applicable to chestnuts intended for direct consumption, with the following exceptions:






—


chestnuts smaller than the minimum size specified for the direct consumption category are also admissible (albeit subject to a maximum limit of 110 nuts per kilogram), as the size of the nuts does not have a perceptible or decisive impact on their suitability for processing (being merely an aesthetic aspect which, given the product’s intended use, does not diminish its value);










—


the shell ‘does not have to be whole’, since not having an intact shell – which is a part of the product that is not actually used – does not alter the nuts’ suitability for processing.








The amended text has been included under point 3.2 of the single document.

Geographical area

The following changes have been made to Article 3:






a)


A error whereby the place-name Tossignano had been misspelt as ‘Tassignano’ has been corrected. The amended text has been included under point 4 of the single document.










b)


In order to group together the rules on where the different stages of the process take place, the following passage has been moved from Article 4 to Article 3, making the text easier to read but without altering the content:




The sorting, sizing and ‘curing’ of the chestnuts in cold and/or hot water, depending on the local tradition, should take place within the municipalities of Castel del Rio, Fontanelice, Casalfiumanese and Borgo Tossignano. However, taking into account established local traditions, these processes can also take place throughout the municipality of Imola.

Proof of origin

Article 5 of the product specification:






 


The Emilia-Romagna regional authorities are responsible for checking that the technical conditions established in Article 4 are met.










 


The technical bodies from the Emilia-Romagna regional authorities are required to check, by conducting the necessary inspections, that chestnut groves are suitable, with specific reference to the area concerned, checking land registry references, the exact variety grown, the number of trees used for production, and all other useful information to ensure the correct use of the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’.










 


Chestnut groves that are suitable for the production of ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ must be listed on a special register that is kept, updated and published by the Bologna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture.










 


A copy of this register must be deposited with all municipal authorities covered by the production area.




has been replaced with the following:






 


Each stage of the production process is monitored and all inputs and outputs recorded. This, along with the compilation of specific registers managed by the control body that list the land registry references of the parcels on which the product is grown and the producers and packagers are located, as well as the declaration of the quantities produced to the inspection body, ensures product traceability.










 


All individuals and legal entities listed in the relevant registers are subject to checks by the control body in accordance with current legislation, the product specification and the corresponding control plan.










 


This Article has been brought into line with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. Checks on compliance with the production specification are in not in fact verified by the regional authorities but by a control body designated by the Ministry.





Method of production

The following sentence from Article 4:






 


All crop-forcing practices, including the use of synthetic fertilisers and plant protection products during the production process, are prohibited.










 


has been amended as follows:










 


The use of synthetic fertilisers and plant protection products during the production process is prohibited.










 


In order to ensure that the rule on banned cultivation practices is objective, the generic reference to ‘crop-forcing’ practices has been deleted, since this expression is open to differing interpretations. The banned practices are made sufficiently clear by stating that the ‘use of synthetic fertilisers and plant protection products during the production process’ is not permitted.




The following sentence from Article 4:






 


The maximum permissible yield of ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ is 1,5 tonnes of chestnuts per hectare.




has been amended as follows:






 


The maximum permissible yield of ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ is 2,5 tonnes of chestnuts per hectare.




The information relating to the maximum yield has been changed, increasing it from 1,5 to 2,5 tonnes per hectare, since:






—


the limit currently specified is sufficient for trees located at higher altitudes within the production area, but has proved to be too low for trees planted at lower altitudes, which benefit from better environmental and climatic conditions and are therefore capable of producing higher yields (if not every year, at least in high-cropping years);










—


the current limit does not take into account the positive results achieved by the recovery and care of chestnut groves whose potential had not previously been fully harnessed;










—


the amendment to Article 2 and consequent prospect of bringing batches of product that are currently excluded (precisely because they do not meet the minimum size requirement) into the supply chain also means that this point needs to be updated, taking into account the new quantities that will enter the supply chain and therefore contribute to increasing yields.




The following has been deleted from Article 4:






 


Within this limit, taking into account seasonal trends and environmental conditions of cultivation, each year the Emilia-Romagna regional authorities set an average unit yield for ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’, as well as the date on which the chestnut harvest should begin, after consulting professional organisations, bodies and institutes within the sector.










 


This amendment consists of eliminating a provision that is not among the contents that should be covered by a product specification.





Link

Some purely editorial changes have been made to the description of the link, improving it by adding specific references that demonstrate the product’s current reputation, but without altering the contents of the link itself. These changes consist of the addition of the following passage to point 5 of the Single Document, which otherwise remains unchanged:
The reputation enjoyed by ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’, which has been gradually consolidated over the last few decades of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first, can be seen from how frequently it is mentioned in various types of publications on food and wine discovery routes that are being developed in the production areas. For example, you can read that ‘Castel del Rio is renowned for its eponymous chestnuts, celebrated with a festival every October’ (text quoted from flyers published by the Association ‘Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori – Colli d’Imola’ [‘Wine and Flavour Route – Colli d’Imola’]), during which the product isconsidered a ‘precious treasure’ for the town (text quoted from ‘Sapori e valori – Emilia Romagna’ [‘Flavours and Values – Emilia-Romagna’], published by the Product Promotion Service at the Emilia-Romagna Department of Agriculture, 2008). Chestnuts are also referred to as a ‘delicacy’ that ‘thrives in the ideal environment of Castel del Rio’ (from a booklet entitled ‘I sapori dell’Emilia Romagna si esaltano in autunno’ [‘The flavours of Emilia-Romagna come to fruition in autumn’]). According to another publication, ‘the end of the chestnut harvest in Castel del Rio is marked each year with a traditional chestnut market, exhibitions, technical conferences, lectures and organised excursions along the educational “chestnut trail” and to the chestnut groves’. The same publication then goes on to say that ‘local specialities made using “Marrone di Castel del Rio” can be tasted at the various culinary stands and at local restaurants and trattorias’ (‘Qualiguida – Itinerario ristoranti DOP’ [‘Qualiguide – PDO restaurant route’], 2011). ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ is also part of an ‘absolutely delectable itinerary showcasing many typical products’ described in a publication (‘Agriturismo e dintorni 2014-2015’ [‘Rural tourism establishments and their surroundings, 2014-2015’], Sustainable Food, Agri-Environment and Energy Agency, 2014) which also stresses the importance of the chestnut to Castel del Rio, explaining that ‘the local product par excellence is the “Marrone di Castel del Rio”, distinguishable from more common chestnut varieties by its size and its sweeter and more fragrant taste [...] Part of the Palazzo Alidosi even houses a museum dedicated to the chestnut (Museo del Castagno). A chestnut festival, “La Sagra del Marrone”, is held annually in October’ (‘Viaggi golosi in Emilia Romagna – Guida ai tesori enogastronomici’ [‘Mouth-watering trips through Emilia-Romagna – A guide to the region’s gourmet gems’] Emilia-Romagna Tourism Agency, 2010). The museum is mentioned in other publications, too: ‘part of the Palazzo Alidosi in Castel del Rio – “chestnut city” – houses a museum dedicated to this prized nut’, including the ‘delicious “Marrone di Castel del Rio”’ (‘Musei del Gusto dell’Emilia-Romagna – Un viaggio tra storia, testimonianze e curiosità’ [‘Emilia-Romagna’s Gourmet Museums – travelling through time, local testimony and trivia’], Emilia Romagna Department of Agriculture). It has indeed been written that ‘the history of Castel del Rio is intertwined with that of the chestnut’ (‘Agricoltura’ [‘Agriculture’], June 2017 supplement, Emilia-Romagna Agriculture, Hunting and Fishing Department, 2017). This is confirmed by a fascinating study, according to which ‘hundreds of varieties of chestnut flourish or persevere in Italy; and there is one particular group of cultivars, known as marroni, that definitely represent the best of domestic and European production – we need only mention [...] the “Marrone di Castel del Rio” from Emilia-Romagna’ (‘Il castagneto, risorsa paesaggistica ed economica delle aree rurali’ [‘The chestnut groves, a resource for both the landscape and the economy in rural areas’], GAL Antola & Penna Leader s.r.l., 2001). Finally, the product is mentioned in the most authoritative wine and food encyclopaedias, with the entry for ‘marrone’ referring to the reputation of ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ chestnuts (‘Cucina Garzanti’ culinary encyclopaedia from the Le Garzantine collection, 2010). Some guides even have a specific entry for ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ with a description of this chestnut (‘Dizionario delle cucine regionali italiane’ [‘Dictionary of Italian regional gastronomy’], Slow Food, 2008) and the assertion that they have been ‘known since ancient times’ (‘La Cucina Italiana – Grande Dizionario Enciclopedico’ [‘Italian Cuisine – Complete Encyclopaedia’], Corriere della Sera, 2008).

Labelling









1.


Article 8, which reads as follows:






 


‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ must be marketed in bags made of a suitable fabric weighing 1, 2, 5 or 10 kg and bearing the PGI logo, consisting of the Ponte Alidosi bridge printed in green on a white background, matching the logo appearing in Annex 1 to this product specification.








has been amended as follows:






 


‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ intended for direct consumption must be marketed in containers made of suitable food-grade material, with a maximum weight of 10 kg per pack, bearing the PGI logo as described below.










 


In order to specify that the rules on how ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ should be marketed concern solely chestnuts sold directly to the end consumer, this amendment adds the words ‘intended for direct consumption’.










 


The reference to ‘bags’ made of ‘fabric’ has been replaced with ‘containers’ and ‘material’, in order to allow for the possibility of exploiting technological innovations as a result of which new formats and materials that cannot be described as ‘bags’ or ‘fabric’, respectively, may become available, allowing operators to present the product in a modern and captivating way that meets consumers’ functional and aesthetic requirements.










 


‘Food-grade’ has been added after ‘suitable’ to make this requirement more specific.










 


The words ‘weighing 1, 2, 5 or 10 kg’ have been replaced by ‘with a maximum weight of 10 kg’ in order to:remove the requirement to sell the product only in packages of a rigidly pre-established weight.










 


This constraint has been preventing producers from satisfying the market’s ever-changing needs: in recent years demand has quite clearly been tending towards smaller package weights than the minimum currently established (1 kg), and often towards weights that fall in between the categories that are currently allowed.










 


The words ‘and bearing’ have been replaced by ‘bearing’ for linguistic reasons.










 


The wording ‘consisting of the Ponte Alidosi bridge printed in green on a white background, matching the logo appearing in Annex 1 to this product specification’ refers to an image not included in the text and whose graphic characteristics are not described. This text has therefore been replaced by the words ‘described below’, referring to a detailed analytical description of the graphic composition of the logo provided in the same Article.










 


The amended text has been included under point 3.6 of the single document.










 


As the ways in which product specifications can be amended are laid down in Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the following provision has been deleted: The Emilia-Romagna regional authorities may, by decree and in compliance with international standards on weights and measures, authorise packaging of weights other than those established in this product specification.




The following passage has been inserted:






 


‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ for use as an ingredient in compound, prepared or processed products must be sold in containers of any weight capacity and made of suitable food-grade material, bearing the PGI logo as described below.










 


The purpose of this insertion is to provide a specific description of the containers to be used for packaging chestnuts to be used as ingredients in compound, prepared or processed products.










 


For reasons of logistics and practicality, it would be inappropriate and, above all, unreasonable for this category of product to be subject to the same product packaging rules as chestnuts intended for direct consumption. This text has been included under point 3.6 of the single document.




The following section:






 


The words ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ and ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [Protected Geographical Indication] must appear on the packaging in characters of a uniform size. The packaging must also provide details of:










 


the (company) name and address of the packer;










 


year of production of the chestnuts in the package;










 


gross weight at the point of origin.




has been amended as follows:






 


The words ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ and ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [Protected Geographical Indication] or the acronym ‘IGP’ [PGI] must appear on the packaging in characters of a uniform size, as well as details of the (company) name and address of the packer.




The amendments consist of:






—


inserting the words ‘or the acronym “IGP”’ in order to adapt the rules to Article 12(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, which provides this option;










—


eliminating the requirement to state the year of production of the chestnuts contained in the package, the gross weight at the point of origin and the indication ‘produced in Italy’, for batches intended for export, since operators within the sector are already required to comply with both the general rules on the labelling of agri-food products and those specifically regulating fruit and vegetable labelling (in particular, Regulation (EU) No 543/2011);




The amended text has been included under point 3.6 of the single document.
The following image of the PGI logo has been inserted, along with the text below, which describes the graphic characteristics of the logo associated with the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’:



The ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ PGI logo (shown below) is a rectangle (landscape) with a ratio of 1:2 (short side to long side), outlined by a GREEN (C 100 % - M 0 % - Y 70 % - K 0 %) frame with rounded corners against a WHITE background. A stylised depiction of the emblematic Ponte Alidosi bridge is shown in GREEN (C 100 % - M 0 % - Y 70 % - K 0 %) within this frame, and the words ‘MARRONE DI CASTEL DEL RIO’ (in Agenda bold font, upper case, +10 character spacing, 98 % horizontal scale, and 0,25pt thick) appear in GREEN (C 100 % - M 0 % - Y 70 % - K 0 %) within the image of the bridge, placed immediately below the upper line and following its characteristic ‘humpback’ contour. Underneath the line depicting the arch beneath the bridge, in the centre of the space, is a stylised depiction of a chestnut in BROWN (C 1 % - M 69 % - Y 100 % - K 43 %), below which there is a GREEN (C 100 % - M 0 % - Y 70 % - K 0 %) line, slightly curved at each end, representing the water flowing past. Below this line, centrally positioned and parallel to the bottom of the rectangle, are the words ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [Protected Geographical Indication] (in Leelawadee Regular font, with the initials ‘I’, ‘G’ and ‘P’ in upper case, +20 character spacing, 0,25 pt thickness) in BROWN (C 1 % - M 69 % - Y 100 % - K 43 %). The proportions of the logo can be adjusted to meet different usage requirements.

Other


Control

The entire text of Article 7:






 


The Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Resources checks compliance with the product specification. It can, by ministerial decision, entrust the task of supervising the production and sale of ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ to a voluntary association of producers that:






(a)


includes among its members at least 40 % of the sector operators, representing at least 51 % of total ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ production;










(b)


is governed by a statute that allows any producer, whether individual or collective, as well as industrial operators handling the product, to join the association, without discrimination and with equal rights;










(c)


guarantees through its composition, as well as the financial means available to it, the efficient and impartial performance of the tasks entrusted to it.














 


Applications to be entrusted with the task of supervising the production and sale of ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’, which are first published in the Official Gazette of the Emilia-Romagna region, must be made by the association’s legal representative to the Directorate-General for National Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Resources, accompanied by the following documentation to prove that the conditions referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) are met:






—


the list of members, accompanied by certificates from the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture of Bologna demonstrating fulfilment of the requirements referred to in point (a);










—


certified copies of the association’s statute and regulations;










—


a report on the association’s technical and administrative organisation and the financial means available for carrying out inspections.










—


The association is entrusted with the task of ensuring the correct use of the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’, as well as checking that the logo is affixed during the product packaging stage, in accordance with the product specification. The association entrusted with this task is subject to supervision by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Resources, which can withdraw this authorisation at its own initiative. Authorisation must be withdrawn in the event of insufficient or irregular performance that is detrimental to the fulfilment of the assigned task. The association staff with the remit of carrying out inspections are empowered to investigate criminal offences. Any amendment to the association’s statute must be approved in advance by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Resources.








is replaced by the following:






 


Product specification compliance checks are to be carried out in accordance with Article 37 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. The control body entrusted with this task is Checkfruit s.r.l., which has its registered offices at Via dei Mille 24, 40121 Bologna; Tel. +39 051 6494836; info@checkfruit.it, checkfruit-do@pec.it.










 


Through this amendment, rules on the activities of protection associations that are not provided for in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 have been removed from the product specification. The new wording is in line with Article 7(g) of that Regulation.




Article 9
The protection association referred to in Article 7, entrusted with the task of overseeing the proper use of the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’, is also responsible for checking that the logo of the geographical indication, as defined in Annex 1, is affixed during the product packaging stage in compliance with this product specification.
has been deleted, as it is not considered relevant content for a product specification as defined by current legislation.
Article 10
The use of the name ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ for produce that does not comply with the conditions and requirements established in this product specification, or for marketing such a product or using it in processing, will be penalised in accordance with the applicable laws in force relating to fraud and adulteration.
has been deleted, as it is not considered relevant content for a product specification as defined by current legislation.
SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘MARRONE DI CASTEL DEL RIO’


EU No: PGI-IT-1523-AM01 - 22 January 2020


PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name

‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’
2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy
3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.6. Fruit, vegetables and cereals fresh or processed
3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ is produced from chestnut groves of the species Castanea sativa Mill. – the European or sweet chestnut – represented by the following three biotypes, officially known in Italy, for varietal identification purposes, as the Marrone domestico [‘domestic chestnut’], Marrone nostrano [‘local chestnut’] and Marrone di S. Michele [‘St Michael’s chestnut’]. Marrone domestico is the only biotype that may be used for new plantations.
‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ intended for direct consumption has the following characteristics:






—


never more than three nuts per husk (or bur);










—


medium to large in size (no more than 110 nuts per kilogram);










—


predominantly ellipsoid shape, with an apex that is not particularly pronounced and has some tomentum, terminating in what remains of the flower style (the ‘tuft’), with the tomentum typical of this species, tending to be flat on one side and roundly convex on the other, and with a markedly quadrangular hilum (seed scar) that is small enough to avoid spreading onto the sides of the nut, which are generally flat;










—


a thin, reddish-brown shell that has 25 to 30 darker, raised streaks running lengthwise and is easily peeled from the pellicle, which is dark beige and rarely extends into the kernel’s main grooves;










—


a kernel – usually one per nut – with crisp, white flesh, a pleasant, sweet taste, and an almost groove-free surface.




‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ intended for use as an ingredient in compound, prepared or processed products must have the same commercial properties as nuts intended for direct consumption, with the following exceptions:






—


the limit of 110 nuts per kilogram can be exceeded;










—


the shell does not have to be whole.




3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)
—
3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ is grown in the areas defined under point 4.
3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

The sorting, sizing and ‘curing’ of the product in cold and/or hot water, depending on local tradition, should take place within the municipalities of Castel del Rio, Fontanelice, Casalfiumanese and Borgo Tossignano. However, taking into account established local traditions, these processes can also take place throughout the municipality of Imola.
3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

No additional descriptor or qualifier may be added to the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’. This includes the adjectives extra (‘extra’), fine (‘fine’) selezionato (‘choice’), superiore (‘superior’) and similar descriptions.
The use of names, trade names and brand names is permitted, provided that they have no laudatory purport and are not such as to mislead the purchaser.
‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ intended for direct consumption must be marketed in containers made of suitable food-grade material, with a maximum weight of 10 kg per pack, bearing the PGI logo as described below. Containers must be sealed in such a way that the contents cannot be removed without breaking the seal.
‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ intended for use as an ingredient in compound, prepared or processed products must be marketed in containers made of suitable food-grade material bearing the PGI logo shown below.
Imperial measurements can be used on the packaging of produce intended for markets in which the imperial system is used.
The words ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ and ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [Protected Geographical Indication] or the acronym ‘IGP’ [PGI] must appear on the packaging in characters of a uniform size, as well as details of the (company) name and address of the packer.



4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area for ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ comprises all or part of the territory of the following municipalities in the province of Bologna: Castel del Rio, Fontanelice, Casal Fiumanese and Borgo Tossignano. This area is defined as follows:






—


the entire area of the municipality of Castel de Rio located to the right of the Sillaro stream;










—


the entire territory of the municipality of Fontanelice;










—


the portion of the municipality of Casalfiumanese wedged between the municipalities of Fontanelice and Castel del Rio, with its western boundary formed by following the Sillaro stream from the point where it leaves the municipality of Castel del Rio up to where it meets the Firola river, then following this river as far as the Sillaro provincial road (no. 22), following this road up to the junction with the ‘Mediana Montana’ provincial road (no. 24) and finally following this road up to the border with the municipality of Fontanelice;










—


the portion of the municipality of Borgo Tossignano demarcated as follows: from the border with the province of Ravenna and the municipality of Fontanelice, the boundary line follows the latter municipal border up to the Sgarba river, then up to the Tramusasso gorge; it then follows the mule track that passes through Le Banzole as far as the border with the province of Ravenna.




The sorting, sizing and ‘curing’ of the product in cold and/or hot water must take place within the municipalities of Castel del Rio, Fontanelice, Casalfiumanese, Borgo Tossignano and Imola (Bologna).
5.   Link with the geographical area

The registration of this name is based on its reputation: the cultivation of these chestnuts in the Castel del Rio area and neighbouring municipalities has played a decisive role over the centuries in defining not just the local landscape but also the economy and social relations. In the Middle Ages, La Massa – the town now known as Castel del Rio – was transformed into a hub of commerce, changing its name to Marcatale (as the town was referred to in various fifteenth-century documents from the nearby town of Imola, although this place name certainly dates back to the fourteenth century) and consolidating its reputation as a lively place of exchange in the ensuing period. As early as the beginning of the seventeenth century, Rodrigo Alidosi (1589-1623), Lord of Castel del Rio, claimed that the town hosted ‘the most beautiful market in Romagna every week’. One example that demonstrates the territory’s ancient and deep-rooted vocation for producing and selling chestnuts is a report from 1618 found in the State Archives of Florence, which, among many other interesting facts, states that ‘a market is held there on Wednesdays, which draws crowds of people from the surrounding areas (...) and also chestnuts, a great many of which they export, while they dry then grind most of the crop, and, thanks to its great reputation, it always sells at a slightly higher price than wheat’. Plenty of other documents illustrate how important chestnut production has been for centuries for the local population, including the ‘Edict on the cutting of chestnut trees’ [Editto sopra l’incisione dei castagni], conserved in the municipal archives of Castel del Rio, compiled in 1694 and signed by the Governor Antonio Maria Manzoni. This document contains a set of rules on cutting chestnut trees, annulling and replacing the previous text, dated 1584. From the opening words of this document (‘As the fruit of the chestnut tree provides a large part of income generated by the territory of Castel del Rio…’) we can see just how essential this activity was in those places even then. It would later become necessary to hold three markets a week during the autumn in Castel del Rio – the only one of the towns populating the valley upstream from Imola to do so, and a practice documented as far back as the early decades of the nineteenth century. The building of the mountain road along the valley between 1829 and 1882 and the advent of the railway increased the product’s reach throughout Italy and abroad, consolidating its importance for the local area, which was increasingly turned over to growing this crop. The very first quantification of the area occupied by chestnut groves dates back to 1885, when the mayor of Castel del Rio, prompted by a request from the prefect of Ravenna, sent a report on local agricultural production which shows that out of 3 900 hectares of cultivated land, 40% – that is to say, 1 450 hectares – was occupied by chestnut plantations. In subsequent years, chestnuts continued to hold considerable importance for the area’s economy, as pointed out by local historian Giuseppe Fortunato Cortini, who wrote in 1932 that ‘the speciality of Castel del Rio are its chestnuts, which are also highly prized at foreign marketplaces’. Lastly, it is worth mentioning the renowned chestnut festival which has been held in Castel del Rio every October since 1946, with numerous events, including the traditional chestnut market, product demonstrations, and technical conferences and lectures.
The reputation enjoyed by ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’, which has been gradually consolidated over the last few decades of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first, can be seen from how frequently it is mentioned in various types of publications on food and wine discovery routes that are being developed in the production areas. For example, you can read that ‘Castel del Rio is renowned for its eponymous chestnuts, celebrated with a festival every October’ (text quoted from flyers published by the Association Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori – Colli d’Imola [‘Wine and Flavour Route – Colli d’Imola’]), during which the product is considered a ‘precious treasure’ for the town (text quoted from Sapori e valori – Emilia Romagna [‘Flavours and Values – Emilia-Romagna’], published by the Product Promotion Service at the Emilia-Romagna Department of Agriculture, 2008). Chestnuts are also referred to as a ‘delicacy’ that ‘thrives in the ideal environment of Castel del Rio’ (from a booklet entitled I sapori dell’Emilia Romagna si esaltano in autunno [‘The flavours of Emilia-Romagna come to fruition in autumn’]). According to another publication, ‘the end of the chestnut harvest in Castel del Rio is marked each year with a traditional chestnut market, exhibitions, technical conferences, lectures and organised excursions along the educational “chestnut trail” and to the chestnut groves’. The same publication then goes on to say that ‘local specialities made using “Marrone di Castel del Rio” can be tasted at the various culinary stands and at local restaurants and trattorias’ (Qualiguida – Itinerario ristoranti DOP [‘Qualiguide – PDO restaurant route’], 2011). ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ is also part of an ‘absolutely delectable itinerary showcasing many typical products’ described in a publication (Agriturismo e dintorni 2014-2015 [‘Rural tourism establishments and their surroundings, 2014-2015’], Sustainable Food, Agri-Environment and Energy Agency, 2014) which also stresses the importance of the chestnut to Castel del Rio, explaining that ‘the local product par excellence is the “Marrone di Castel del Rio”, distinguishable from more common chestnut varieties by its size and its sweeter and more fragrant taste [...] Part of the Palazzo Alidosi even houses a museum dedicated to the chestnut (Museo del Castagno). A chestnut festival, “La Sagra del Marrone”, is held annually in October’ (Viaggi golosi in Emilia Romagna – Guida ai tesori enogastronomici [‘Mouth-watering trips through Emilia-Romagna – A guide to the region’s gourmet gems’] Emilia-Romagna Tourism Agency, 2010). The museum is mentioned in other publications, too: ‘part of the Palazzo Alidosi in Castel del Rio – “chestnut city” – houses a museum dedicated to this prized nut’, including the ‘delicious “Marrone di Castel del Rio”’ (Musei del Gusto dell’Emilia-Romagna – Un viaggio tra storia, testimonianze e curiosità [‘Emilia-Romagna’s Gourmet Museums – travelling through time, local testimony and trivia’], Emilia Romagna Department of Agriculture). It has indeed been written that ‘the history of Castel del Rio is intertwined with that of the chestnut’ (Agricoltura [‘Agriculture’], June 2017 supplement, Emilia-Romagna Agriculture, Hunting and Fishing Department, 2017). This is confirmed by a fascinating study, according to which ‘hundreds of varieties of chestnut flourish or persevere in Italy; and there is one particular group of cultivars, known as marroni, that definitely represent the best of domestic and European production – we need only mention [...] the “Marrone di Castel del Rio” from Emilia-Romagna’ (Il castagneto, risorsa paesaggistica ed economica delle aree rurali [‘The chestnut groves, a resource for both the landscape and the economy in rural areas’], GAL Antola & Penna Leader s.r.l., 2001). Finally, the product is mentioned in the most authoritative wine and food encyclopaedias, with the entry for marrone referring to the reputation of ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ chestnuts (Cucina Garzanti culinary encyclopaedia from the Le Garzantine collection, 2010). Some guides even have a specific entry for ‘Marrone di Castel del Rio’ with a description of this chestnut (Dizionario delle cucine regionali italiane [‘Dictionary of Italian regional gastronomy’], Slow Food, 2008) and the assertion that they have been ‘known since ancient times’ (La Cucina Italiana – Grande Dizionario Enciclopedico [‘Italian Cuisine – Complete Encyclopaedia’], Corriere della Sera, 2008).

Reference to publication of the product specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)
The consolidated text of the product specification can be consulted by visiting: 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 ‘Qualità’ (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’.


(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.