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 2022/C 183/10
Date: 2022-05-05
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Italy, Tuscany, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, white wine








C_2022183EN.01001901.xml










5.5.2022   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 183/19






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
(2022/C 183/10)
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

‘BOLGHERI’


PDO-IT-A1348-AM02


Date of communication: 8 February 2022


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Bolgheri Bianco - Indication of the grape varieties from which the wine is obtained

DESCRIPTION
Variety mix for the Bolgheri Bianco [white] type:






 


Vermentino: 0–70 %;










 


Sauvignon: 0–40 %;










 


Trebbiano Toscano: 0–40 %.




Other white-grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the Tuscany Region may also be used in vineyards, either alone or in combination, up to a maximum of 30 %.
This is amended as follows:
The ‘Bolgheri’ Bianco controlled designation of origin is reserved for wine obtained from grapes originating from vineyards where, within each holding, the following varieties are grown:






 


Vermentino: 0–100 %;










 


Sauvignon: 0–100 %;










 


Viognier: 0–100 %.




Other white-grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the Tuscany Region may also be used in vineyards, either alone or in combination, up to a maximum of 40 %.
REASONS:
The combination of varieties has been updated to reflect the current and real situation and to allow the development of a type such as Bolgheri Bianco.
Specifically, the Trebbiano variety has not been planted in Bolgheri for years, while Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier have become the two main white grapes after Vermentino. Therefore, after carrying out trials which produced excellent quality results, the two grape varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier were added to the combination of grape varieties for the ‘Bianco’ type.
SECTIONS OF THE SINGLE DOCUMENT AND PRODUCT SPECIFICATION AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT:






—


SINGLE DOCUMENT: Section 7 - Wine grape varieties.










—


PRODUCT SPECIFICATION: Article 2 - Combination of varieties - Point 1.




2.   Additional grape varieties

DESCRIPTION:
The following paragraph and the corresponding list of additional grape varieties that may be used to produce wines with the ‘Bolgheri’ PDO have been deleted.

‘Annex 1 lists the additional varieties that may be used to produce the above-mentioned wines, as entered in the national register of vine varieties for wine grapes approved by means of the Ministerial Decree of 7 May 2004 (published in Italian Official Gazette No 242 of 14 October 2004), as amended.’

REASONS:
Since the additional grape varieties that can be used to produce wines with the Bolgheri PDO are those listed as suitable for cultivation in the Tuscany Region, the list of these secondary varieties has been deleted from the product specification.
SECTIONS OF THE SINGLE DOCUMENT AND PRODUCT SPECIFICATION AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT:






—


SINGLE DOCUMENT: No sections are affected by the amendment.










—


PRODUCT SPECIFICATION: Article 2 - Combination of varieties - Point 5.




3.   Maximum yield of wine from the grapes processed

DESCRIPTION:
The following paragraph relates to the percentage of grapes processed into wine:

‘The maximum yield of finished wine from the grapes must not exceed 65 % for “Bolgheri” Bianco, Vermentino and Sauvignon. If it exceeds this limit, but does not exceed 70 %, the excess amount is not entitled to the controlled designation of origin. Above 70 %, entitlement to the controlled designation of origin is lost for the whole harvest.’

This is amended as follows:

‘The maximum yield of finished wine from the grapes must not exceed 70 % for “Bolgheri” Bianco, Vermentino and Sauvignon. If it exceeds this limit, but does not exceed 75 %, the excess amount is not entitled to the controlled designation of origin. Above 75 %, entitlement to the controlled designation of origin is lost for the whole batch.’

REASONS:
Increasing the yield from 65 % to 70 % for the white types acknowledges the reality that the grapes are highly productive, particularly Vermentino, as attested to by numerous studies and research, which have also shown that product quality is not affected by the higher yield. The 70 % processing yield is the same as the yield laid down for other major designations using the same vine varieties as those used to produce wines with the ‘Bolgheri’ PDO.
SECTIONS OF THE SINGLE DOCUMENT AND PRODUCT SPECIFICATION AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT:






—


SINGLE DOCUMENT: Section 5 - Subsection 5.2. - Maximum yields.










—


PRODUCT SPECIFICATION: Article 5 - Winemaking standards - Point 5 (last paragraph).




4.   Organoleptic characteristics

DESCRIPTION:
Description of the organoleptic characteristics, specifically the colour, of the following types when released for consumption:
‘“Bolgheri” Bianco [white]:






 


Colour: straw yellow;




Bolgheri Vermentino:






 


Colour: straw yellow;




Bolgheri Sauvignon:






 


Colour: straw yellow.’




These are amended as follows:
‘“Bolgheri” Bianco [white]:






 


Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow of varying intensity;




Bolgheri Vermentino:






 


Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow of varying intensity;




Bolgheri Sauvignon:






 


Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow of varying intensity.’




REASONS:
Over the years, the usual practice for processing the wines has been to favour very short periods in steel containers, in order to have wines ready in the year following the harvest. Recently, particularly for Bolgheri Bianco and other types with indication of a white grape variety, practices such as maceration with the skins and ageing in wood, including for longer periods of time, have become increasingly widespread. This has led not only to a higher concentration of colour, but also to deeper shades of yellow. In the light of this and also the increased use of other varieties in blend, mainly Viognier, it did not seem right to limit the colour spectrum to straw yellow only; this would be very restrictive in the current circumstances.
SECTIONS OF THE SINGLE DOCUMENT AND PRODUCT SPECIFICATION AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT:






—


SINGLE DOCUMENT: Section 4 - Description of the wines(s).










—


PRODUCT SPECIFICATION: Article 6 - Characteristics of wine for consumption




5.   Larger geographical unit in which the area of the protected designation of origin is located - Labelling

DESCRIPTION:
The obligation to put the name of the larger geographical unit ‘Toscana’ [Tuscany] on the label in addition to the ‘Bolgheri’ protected designation of origin has been added using the following wording:
‘Labels on bottles or other containers in which “Bolgheri” wines are packaged must bear the geographical term “Toscana” [Tuscany] as follows:






a)


The word “Toscana” must appear in lettering not larger than half of that used for the designation “Bolgheri”;










b)


The word “Toscana”:






—


must appear in the same field of vision as the mandatory information, immediately below the designation “Bolgheri”, the specific traditional term “denominazione di origine controllata” [controlled designation of origin] and the relevant term indicating the type (Superiore/Rosso/Vermentino/Bianco/Sauvignon);










—


where it additionally appears – optionally – outside the field of vision referred to above, must nevertheless be associated with the designation “Bolgheri” and be shown below the name “Bolgheri” and any other terms (specific traditional term “controlled designation of origin” and terms indicating the type).








However, firms which, as at the date of entry into force of the national amending decision, still hold stocks of labels not bearing the term “Toscana” may use these labels for packaging batches of wine obtained from the 2021 and earlier harvests.’
REASONS:
The possibility offered by Article 55 of Regulation (EU) 2019/33 has been applied. The addition makes it possible to provide the final consumer with precise information on the geographical origin of the wines. It was decided to make the use of the geographical term ‘Toscana’ mandatory in order to guarantee that products are consistently labelled.
SECTIONS OF THE SINGLE DOCUMENT AND PRODUCT SPECIFICATION AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT:






—


SINGLE DOCUMENT: Section 9 - Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements).










—


PRODUCT SPECIFICATION: Article 7 - Labelling, naming and presentation - Point 5.




6.   Control body

DESCRIPTION:
The control body has changed and is now the following:
Name and address:





VALORITALIA s.r.l




Via Venti Settembre 98/G




00185 Rome (RM)




ITALY




Operational office for the control activities in question:





Via Salita del Presidio 2




58054 Scansano (GR)




ITALY




REASONS:
This decision has been made by the association of producers of the Bolgheri PDO and has been adopted in accordance with EU and national law.
SECTIONS OF THE SINGLE DOCUMENT AND PRODUCT SPECIFICATION AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT:






—


SINGLE DOCUMENT: No sections are affected by the amendment.










—


PRODUCT SPECIFICATION: Article 10 - References to the control body.




SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name of the product

Bolgheri
2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin
3.   Categories of grapevine product









1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Bolgheri Bianco [white]

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow of varying intensity;
Aroma: fine, delicate;
Taste: dry, harmonious, flavourful;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11,00 %;
Minimum sugar-free extract: 16,0 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


4,50 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


18,00




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   Bolgheri Vermentino

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow of varying intensity;










 


Aroma: delicate, distinctive;










 


Taste: dry, harmonious, soft;










 


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










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 18,0 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


4,50 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


18,00




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 








3.   Bolgheri Sauvignon

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow of varying intensity;
Aroma: delicate, distinctive, slightly aromatic;
Taste: dry, harmonious;
Maximum total alcoholic strength: 10,50 %;
Minimum sugar-free extract: 18,0 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


4,50 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


18,00




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




4.   Bolgheri Rosato [rosé]

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Colour: pink;
Aroma: vinous, with a delicate fragrance;
Taste: dry, harmonious;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11,50 %;
Minimum sugar-free extract: 18,0 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


4,50  in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


18,00 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Bolgheri Rosso [red]

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: from ruby red to garnet;










 


Aroma: intensely vinous;










 


Taste: dry, harmonious;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11,50 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 22,0 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


4,50 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


20,00




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




6.   Bolgheri Rosso Superiore and Bolgheri with the ‘vigna’ indication

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: intense ruby red or garnet;










 


Aroma: vinous, rich and elegant;










 


Taste: dry, full, robust and harmonious, with a good elegant structure;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,50 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 24,0 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


4,50 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


20,00




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

—
5.2.   Maximum yields









1.


Bolgheri Bianco, Bolgheri Vermentino and Bolgheri Sauvignon
12 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare












2.


Bolgheri Bianco, Bolgheri Vermentino and Bolgheri Sauvignon
84 hectolitres per hectare












3.


Bolgheri Rosso, Bolgheri Rosato
9 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare












4.


Bolgheri Rosso, Bolgheri Rosato
63 hectolitres per hectare












5.


Bolgheri Rosso Superiore and Bolgheri with the ‘vigna’ indication
8 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare












6.


Bolgheri Rosso Superiore and Bolgheri with the ‘vigna’ indication
56 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes used to produce wines with the Bolgheri protected designation of origin must be grown within the administrative borders of the municipality of Castagneto Carducci, more specifically in the Bolgheri area, in the Province of Livorno, Tuscany Region, with the exception of the area west of the Aurelia national highway (old route).
7.   Wine grape varieties

Cabernet Franc N. - Cabernet
Cabernet Sauvignon N. - Cabernet
Merlot N.
Sangiovese N.
Sangiovese N. - Sangioveto
Sauvignon B.
Syrah N. - Shiraz
Vermentino B.
Viogner B.
8.   Description of the link(s)

BOLGHERI
Analysis of the soil and the bio-climatic indices shows that Bolgheri is on a par with the best terroirs in the world. The area stretches along the Tyrrhenian Coast and is surrounded by an amphitheatre-shaped row of hills offering protection from the cold in winter and enhancing the mitigating effect of the sea in summer. The soil is characterised by high variability, with 27 different soil types, which gives the wines a distinct complexity.
Although grapevines have been grown in this area for millennia, today’s oenological practices began to consolidate in the 1980s, mainly based on the cultivation of French vines brought to the region in 1944 by Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta.
Human activities in the Bolgheri area have made it possible to optimise the choice of ‘grape variety per basic terroir unit per type of soil’. In this respect, the varieties included in the combination of grape varieties in the specification, both white and red, have proven to be the best choice for the area in terms of quality. Furthermore, the human factor has influenced all cultivation choices, namely: the training system must not be extensive, but rather must involve trellising with spurred cordon or guyot pruning; planting distances must ensure a density that is high enough to contain excess production, as must the pruning method; genetic material is chosen taking into account the characteristics of the soil and the microclimate; authentic and unvarying cultivation practices of quality viticulture are employed; and, based on experience, only emergency irrigation may be carried out. The wine is made using traditional practices that have become well established over time in the local area for the production of red wines, suitably differentiating between basic ‘Bolgheri’ and the more structured wines of the Superiore type, the production of which involves specific periods of ageing and refining in barrels and bottles. White and rosé wines are made using practices suitable for obtaining fresh, flavourful and harmonious wines.
The specific topography of the Bolgheri area and the resulting agri-climatic characteristics allow the grapes to ripen fully and at a regular rate. Soil variability is the key factor in ensuring that the wines produced have the complexity and persistency that denote high-quality wines.
The quality of the wines from the Bolgheri area is always the result of the combined action of various production factors operating at different levels. When selecting the production areas, a distinction is made between the land most suitable for the production of red wines and that most suitable for the production of white wines. Factors connected to latitude and its effects on daily cyclicity and solar radiation combine with orographic factors (slope, exposure and aspect) to create the topoclimate.
The interaction between the human factor and the environment is thus confirmed, as the wines produced are the result of what has been obtained in the vineyards and are not affected by subsequent processing tending to standardise products irrespective of the environment.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Bottling within the demarcated geographical area
Legal framework:
EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Bottling within the demarcated geographical area
Description of the condition:
Bottling operations must be carried out within the administrative territory of the municipality of Castagneto Carducci. Bottling must take place in the above geographical area in order to safeguard quality and reputation, guarantee the origin of the product and ensure the effectiveness of checks.
In order to safeguard the pre-established rights of operators who have traditionally carried out bottling outside the municipality of Castagneto Carducci, individual permits may be granted under the conditions laid down by national legislation.
Name of the larger geographical unit in which the area of the designation of origin is located
Legal framework:
EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
Labels on bottles or other containers in which ‘Bolgheri’ PDP wines are packaged must bear the geographical term ‘Toscana’ [Tuscany] as follows:






a)


The word ‘Toscana’ must appear in lettering not larger than half of that used for the designation ‘Bolgheri’;










b)


The word ‘Toscana’:






—


must appear in the same field of vision as the mandatory information, immediately below the designation ‘Bolgheri’, the specific traditional term ‘denominazione di origine controllata’ [controlled designation of origin] and the relevant term indicating the type (Superiore/Rosso/Vermentino/Bianco/Sauvignon);










—


where it additionally appears – optionally – outside the field of vision referred to above, must nevertheless be associated with the designation ‘Bolgheri’ and be shown below the name ‘Bolgheri’ and any other terms (specific traditional term ‘controlled designation of origin’ and terms indicating the type).








Year in which grapes were produced
Legal framework:
EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
The year of grape production must be printed on the label of bottles or other containers containing wines with the ‘Bolgheri’ protected designation of origin.
Containers and closures
Legal framework:
EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
1 -   CONTAINERS:
‘Bolgheri’ wine may only be sold to the consumer in containers with the following capacities (in litres): 0,375, 0,750, 1,500, 3,000, 6,000, 9,000 and 12,000.
Dark-coloured, Bordeaux-type glass bottles must be used for ‘Bolgheri’ Rosso and Rosso Superiore wines.
Bottles or other containers with a capacity of less than 5 litres used as packaging when ‘Bolgheri’ wines are sold to the consumer must be befitting of fine wine, including in terms of presentation.
CLOSURES:
The containers used to sell ‘Bolgheri’ Rosso Superiore wines to the consumer must be closed with standard cork stoppers.
For all other types, the closure systems provided for in the legislation in force are permitted.

Link to the product specification

https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/17797


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.