Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 2022/C 199/10
Date: 2022-05-17
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Catalonia, Spain, consumer information, designation of origin, fortified wine, labelling, product designation, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, white wine, wine of superior quality








C_2022199EN.01001201.xml










17.5.2022   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 199/12






Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33
(2022/C 199/10)
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

‘Penedès’


PDO-ES-A1551-AM05


Date of communication: 18.2.2022


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Amendments to the description of quality sparkling wines

DESCRIPTION:
It has been added that sparkling wines made using the traditional long ageing method of at least 4 years from the tirage, and where cork stoppers are used in the tirage process, can be placed on the market without disgorgement. The use of adjuvants is prohibited. It is also specified which products can be used to make the expedition liqueur, in accordance with EU legislation.
This amendment concerns point 2.1.2 of the product specification but does not affect the single document.
It is considered to be a standard amendment as it does not correspond to any of the types listed in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
REASONS:
The aim is to protect quality sparkling wines that undergo long ageing on the lees after fermentation in the bottle. Provided that coadjuvants are not used, these wines can be placed on the market without being disgorged.
As for the expedition liqueur, all of the products permitted under EU law are covered.
2.   Addition of smaller geographical units

DESCRIPTION:
Ten smaller geographical units have been recognised and demarcated. Rules have been established for when the names of these smaller geographical units can be featured on labels (in particular, the vines must be located within said unit and be grown using organic winegrowing methods, as well as requirements pertaining to where and how they are made, etc.). Rules have also been added for how these names and the varieties used to make the wine should be stated on the labels.
Accordingly, new sections (points 4.2, 8.5.2 and 8.7.2) have been added to the product specification and points 6 and 9 of the single document have been amended.
It is considered to be a standard amendment as it does not correspond to any of the types listed in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
REASONS:
The aim of this amendment to the product specification is to establish rules for the 10 smaller geographical units into which the territory of the ‘Penedès’ PDO is divided. This work commenced in 2010 based on the differences between the wines produced in each of these smaller geographical units. A comprehensive study on the soils and climate of the entire area of the ‘Penedès’ PDO was carried out in 1995. This work consisted of dividing the whole area into 5-hectare units, establishing one trial pit per unit and conducting 12 soil analysis tests on each unit. This work was accompanied by an existing study on the climate of the ‘Penedès’ PDO. The aspect and slope of the vineyards was also taken into account, as well as the grape varieties and rootstocks found in each unit. This work was used to divide the geographical area into ten smaller geographical units between 2010 and 2018, based on all of these parameters.
The intention is to enhance the value of wines covered by the ‘Penedès’ PDO, by giving consumers information on the grapes from which they are made.
3.   Addition of the terms ‘Vino de Mas’ and ‘Gran Vino de Mas’

DESCRIPTION:
The labelling terms ‘Vino de Mas’ and ‘Gran Vino de Mas’ have been created and rules have been established for when they can be used (lower maximum yield per hectare, winemaking conditions and labelling requirements). Wines qualifying to use these terms will be subject to special conditions for verifying compliance with the product specification and an up-to-date list of their names will be kept.
This amendment concerns points 5.1, 8.5.3, 8.7.1, 8.7.3, 8.9.3 and 9.2.2 of the product specification and points 5.2 and 9 of the single document.
It is considered to be a standard amendment as it does not correspond to any of the types listed in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
REASONS:
This is a distinction for wines covered by the ‘Penedès’ PDO that are grown on holdings linked to the typical ‘maso’ (Catalan) or ‘masía’ (Spanish) farmsteads that are typical in the territory of the ‘Penedès’ PDO. These structures consist of a ‘masía’ (homestead with adjacent agricultural buildings) along with an agricultural holding. It is considered to have been the most common agricultural structure in the Penedès area prior to the arrival of the phylloxera blight.
There are currently a number of wines covered by the ‘Penedès’ PDO that are made from grapes grown on these traditional farmsteads. These wines are prestigious at local level and abroad.
The intention is for these new terms to add value to these wines by attesting to their prestige and traceability, as well as to the quality of the wine.
The purpose of the terms ‘Vino de Mas’ and ‘Gran Vino de Mas’ is to highlight that winegrowers and wineries are making wines produced at a traditional ‘mas’ farmstead and for consumers to be able to recognise these wines.
4.   New labelling rules

DESCRIPTION:
The requirement pertaining to the size of the font for the words ‘Denominación de Origen’ [Designation of Origin] in relation to that of ‘Penedès’ has been changed. Whereas before it had to be half the size, the requirement is now that it must not exceed 1.2 mm.
When the rectangular inspection mark with the official dimensions (60 x 13 mm) and including the words ‘Penedès Denominación de Origin’ is used, the requirement to include the name ‘Penedès’ on the main label can be waived.
The words ‘Clàssic Penedès’ must always be accompanied by ‘Penedès. Denominación de Origen’ [Penedès. Designation of Origin].
The term ‘no degollado’ [not disgorged] is established for quality sparkling wines made according to the traditional method that meet the conditions for non-disgorgement.
For sparkling wines, rules have been established for which varieties can go on the main label and which on the secondary label.
Point 8.7.1 of the product specification and point 9 of the single document have been amended accordingly.
It is considered to be a standard amendment as it does not correspond to any of the types listed in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
REASONS:
The aim of this amendment is to improve the presentation of wines covered by the ‘Penedès’ PDO and thus make them more easily identifiable to consumers.
5.   Improvements to the methodology of inspections

DESCRIPTION:
The requirement to verify the traceability of all wines bearing the terms ‘Finca Calificada’ [Qualified Estate] and ‘Gran Vino de Mas’ and of at least one wine bearing the term ‘Vino de Mas’ has been added to the annual audit. This is on top of the checks that are already mandatory for other wines.
This amendment concerns point 9.2.2 of the product specification but it does not concern the single document.
It is considered to be a standard amendment as it does not correspond to any of the types listed in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
REASONS:
The greater recognition given to wines bearing these terms must go hand in hand with tighter controls.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Penedès
2.   Geographical indication type

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







1.


Wine










3.


Liqueur wine










5.


Quality sparkling wine










8.


Semi-sparkling wine










16.


Wine of overripe grapes




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   WINE - White and rosé wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
White: APPEARANCE: Ranging from pale to dark yellow in colour. No cloudiness, clear and bright in appearance. In the case of wine produced with the ‘dulce de frío’ [ice wine] method: amber, golden, red and roasted colour. AROMA: Primary aromas of white, tropical fruit. If it has been kept in a barrel, it will present ripe fruit and tertiary aromas. For wines produced with the ‘dulce de frío’ [ice wine] method, aromas of candied fruits, unique to the variety. Notes of ageing and time spent in barrels. No bad odours or defects. TASTE: Fruity. Mildly acidic; smooth, fresh feel; ageing notes, if applicable. No defects.
Rosé: APPEARANCE: Ranging from pale pink to cherry red in colour. No cloudiness, clear and bright. AROMA: fruity aroma, of red fruits. No bad odours or defects. TASTE: Fruity, slightly acidic, smooth and fresh feel. No defects.






*


In the case of limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.










*


Wine made according to the ‘dulce de frío’ [ice wine] method must have an actual alcoholic strength of 9,5 % volume and a reducing sugar content of 70-150 g/l.










*


Wines that are aged or made in a barrel cannot have a volatile acidity of over 20 mEq/l. Wines made according to the ‘dulce de frío’ [ice wine] method cannot exceed 33,33 mEq/l.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


11,67




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   WINE - Red wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
APPEARANCE: Deep red colour for young wines. Roasted red colour for aged wines. No cloudiness, clear and bright. AROMA: red fruits. No bad odours or defects. TASTE: Fruity, slightly acidic, smooth feel, notes of ageing where applicable. No defects.






*


In the case of limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.










*


Wines that are aged or made in a barrel cannot have a volatile acidity of over 20 mEq/l.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


12




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


11,67




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




3.   LIQUEUR WINE

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
APPEARANCE: Yellow, amber, golden, red, roasted. No cloudiness, clean and bright appearance AROMA: aromas of candied fruits, specific to the variety. Notes of ageing, if it has spent time in barrels. No bad odours or defects.






*


In the case of limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


15




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




4.   QUALITY SPARKLING WINE

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
APPEARANCE: Ranging from yellow to pale pink in colour, but not reaching amber or cherry red. With continued effervescence, not tumultuous. No cloudiness, clear and bright. AROMA: primary aromas, white tropical fruit. No bad odours or defects. TASTE: Fruity, slightly acidic, smooth feel, notes of ageing where applicable. No defects.






*


In the case of limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11




Minimum total acidity


5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


185




5.   SEMI-SPARKLING WINE

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
APPEARANCE: Pale yellow or pale pink, with continued effervescence, not tumultuous. No cloudiness, clear and bright. AROMA: primary aromas, white tropical fruit. No bad odours or defects. TASTE: Fruity, slightly acidic, smooth feel, notes of ageing where applicable. No defects.






*


In the case of limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


9,5




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




6.   WINE FROM OVERRIPE GRAPES

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
APPEARANCE: Yellow, amber, golden, red, roasted. No cloudiness, clear and bright. AROMA: of ripe and candied fruit, specific to the variety. No bad odours or defects. TASTE: Fruity, slightly acidic, smooth, warm feel with no defects.






*


In the case of limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


12




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


33,33




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices


Growing practice

Irrigation may only be carried out with a view to improving the quality of the grape in circumstances where the water supply to the plots and the ecological conditions of the vine do not enable the optimum quality level to be achieved, meaning there is a need to ensure that the production and yields obtained are in line with the provisions of this specification. If the DO’s managing body considers that this practice adversely affects quality or may cause a breach of the rules, it may prohibit this practice in a specific plot.
The vine plots may be rebalanced in terms of water supply, in line with the moisture conditions of the soil as well as the environmental conditions of the vine.
Irrigation may in no event be authorised after the fruiting of the grapes.
The Forcada and Moneu varieties, in the case of vines newly planted after 1 August 2019, can only be grown using the traditional goblet training or semi-training methods. All Forcada and Moneu variety plantations must be certified by the Consell Català de la Producció Agrària Ecològica [Catalan Organic Farming Board] or another body that is duly accredited to certify organic products.
In the case of Forcada and Moneu varieties, harvesting must be carried out by hand.

Specific oenological practice

The extraction yield must not exceed 66,6 litres of wine for white varieties and 70 litres of wine for red varieties, for every 100 kg harvested.
5.2.   Maximum yields







1.


White varieties and quality sparkling wine
12 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare
79,92 hectolitres per hectare










2.


‘Vino de Mas’ and ‘Gran Vino de Mas’, white varieties and quality sparkling wine
10 200 kilograms of grapes per hectare
67,93 hectolitres per hectare










3.


Red grape varieties
9 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare
63 hectolitres per hectare










4.


‘Vino de Mas’ and ‘Gran Vino de Mas’, red varieties
7 650 kilograms of grapes per hectare
53,55 hectolitres per hectare










5.


Forcada variety
8 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare
53,28 hectolitres per hectare










6.


‘Vino de Mas’ and ‘Gran Vino de Mas’, Forcada variety
6 800 kilograms of grapes per hectare
45,29 hectolitres per hectare










7.


Moneu variety
7 650 kilograms of grapes per hectare
53,55 hectolitres per hectare










8.


‘Vino de Mas’ and ‘Gran Vino de Mas’, Moneu variety
6 503 kilograms of grapes per hectare
45,52 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

The production area is made up of the following municipalities of the Provinces of Barcelona and Tarragona, as indicated below:






—


Abrera (1)










—


Aiguamúrcia (2)










—


Albinyana(2)










—


L’Arboç(2)










—


Avinyonet del Penedès (1)










—


Banyeres del Penedès(2)










—


Begues (1)










—


Bellvei (2)










—


La Bisbal del Penedès(2)










—


Bonastre(2)










—


Les Cabanyes (1)










—


Calafell(2)










—


Canyelles (1)










—


Cabrera d’Igualada (1)










—


Castellet i la Gornal (1)










—


Castellví de la Marca (1)










—


Castellví de Rosanes (1)










—


Cervelló (1)










—


Corbera de Llobregat (1)










—


Cubelles (1)










—


Cunit(2)










—


Font-rubí (1)










—


Gelida (1)










—


La Granada (1)










—


Els Hostalets de Pierola (1)










—


La Llacuna (1)










—


Llorenç del Penedès(2)










—


Martorell (1)










—


Masquefa (1)










—


Mediona (1)










—


Montmell(2)










—


Olèrdola (1)










—


Olesa de Bonesvalls (1)










—


Olivella (1)










—


Pacs del Penedès (1)










—


Piera (1)










—


El Pla del Penedès (1)










—


Pontons (1)










—


Puigdàlber (1)










—


Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues (1)










—


Sant Esteve Sesrovires (1)










—


Sant Jaume dels Domenys(2)










—


Sant Llorenç d’Hortons (1)










—


Sant Martí Sarroca (1)










—


Sant Pere de Ribes (1)










—


Sant Pere de Riudebitlles (1)










—


Sant Quintí de Mediona (1)










—


Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (1)










—


Santa Fe del Penedès (1)










—


Santa Margarida i els Monjos (1)










—


Santa Maria de Miralles (1)










—


Santa Oliva (2)










—


Sitges (1)










—


Subirats (1)










—


Torrelavit (1)










—


Torrelles de Foix (1)










—


Vallirana (1)










—


El Vendrell (2)










—


Vilafranca del Penedès (1)










—


Vilanova i la Geltrú (1)










—


Vilobí del Penedès (1)










(1)


Barcelona Province










(2)


Tarragona Province




The names of the smaller geographical units that wineries can choose to use on an additional basis (in which case they must be featured on the label) depending on the origin of the grapes, are as follows:






 


Alts d’Ancosa










 


Conca del Foix










 


Costers de l’Anoia










 


Costers de Lavernó










 


Costers del Montmell










 


Marina del Garraf










 


Massís del Garraf










 


Muntanyes d’Ordal










 


Turons de Vilafrana










 


Vall Bitlles-Anoia




See the following link for a list of the parcels included in the above-mentioned smaller geographical units:
https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fincavi.gencat.cat%2F.content%2F005-normativa%2Fplecs-condicions-do-catalanes%2FArxius-plecs%2FUnitats-Geografiques-Menors-DOP-Penedes.xls&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccristina.aguilar%40gencat.cat%7Cece5eb52d2674b51591008d9efc0405a%7C3b9427dcd30e43bc8c06ff7253676fec%7C1%7C0%7C637804431255942038%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=w3r%2B0CrU5SoJ%2B8p7fukBEvO3MWDfG9LgQAWu1lMsabo%3D&amp;reserved=0
7.   Wine grapes variety(ies)







 


MACABEO - VIURA










 


MERLOT










 


PARELLADA










 


XARELLO




8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Wine

White Penedès wines are renowned for their fresh, acidic, fruity taste on account of the type of soil and the unique climate. The human factor of the people that work on the vines means that it is not possible to make the same wines using the same varieties in other areas. Only in the Penedès region can white Penedès grape varieties achieve the optimal ripening required to make these wines. The combination of soil, climate and wine-making practices only occurs in the Penedès region.
In the case of rosé wines of the Penedès region, the recognition they receive is due to the colouring, aroma and fruitiness unique to the varieties used in producing these wines thanks to the soil and climate. The work of the people that tend the vineyards and wineries also contributes towards ‘Penedès’ rosé wines having these unique characteristics.
The red wines of the Penedès region are characterised by their structure and body, anthocyanins, smooth tannins and, above all, intense aroma and a long taste and aftertaste.
The interplay between the climate and soil of the Penedès region allows for good ripening. The difference in temperature from night to day in the months of July and August also plays a part. As a result of these combined factors, red grapes grown in the Penedès region are high in anthocyanins and tannins when ripe, as well as being rich in aromas of red fruit. This means that the red wines produced in the Penedès region cannot be replicated in other areas.
8.2.   Quality sparkling wine

Quality sparkling wines of the Penedès PDO are unique and very different from those that are produced in other areas. This difference is due in part to the varieties, but above all due to the climate, sun and production methods used in the first and second fermentation. It is not possible to make these sparkling wines in other areas.
8.3.   Semi-sparkling wine

Semi-sparkling wines are traditional in the Penedès region. These wines are very well adapted to the varieties of the Penedès region, as well as to the area’s climate and soil.
8.4.   Liqueur wine

The climate of the Penedès region, together with the soil type and varieties, mean that ripe must can be used to make liqueur wines and wines from overripe grapes. The ageing involved in the method and the climate conditions at the vineyard mean it is possible to achieve sweet, mild, aged wines, preserving the ripe fruit flavour and the aromas that are typical of the ageing process.
8.5.   Wine from overripe grapes

The climate of the Penedès region, together with the soil type and varieties, allow, through human effort, for the grapes to be over-ripened, resulting in unique wines, with exclusive characteristics.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:
In national legislation
Type of further condition:
Packaging within the demarcated geographical area
Description of the condition:
Packaging must be carried out exclusively within the production area for ‘Penedès’ PDO wines. This is due to the fact that bulk-produced wines cannot be transported over long distances while ensuring that the exclusive quality and characteristics of the wines of the PDO are maintained. Once they are bottled, they maintain their characteristics and quality, which can be appreciated by consumers. This is why bottling must be carried out in the right conditions.
Legal framework:
In national legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
The characters used to indicate ‘Penedès’ must be between 3 mm (minimum) and 7 mm (maximum) in height. The wording ‘Denominación de Origen’ [Designation of Origin] must be less than 1,2 mm in height.
In general, when the mandatory wording is on the back of the bottle (on what is known as the secondary label), including the wording ‘PENEDÈS Denominación de Origen’ [PENEDÈS Designation of Origin], the main label with the trademark must feature the name ‘PENEDÈS’ in lettering between 3 mm and 7 mm high.
When the rectangular inspection mark with the official dimensions (60 x 13 mm) and including the words ‘Penedès Denominación de Origin’ is used, the requirement to include the name ‘Penedès’ on the main label can be waived. These inspection marks will be different for wines bearing the terms ‘Vino de Mas’ and ‘Gran Vino de Mas’.
If the mandatory wording is grouped together on the label along with the trademark and the wording ‘PENEDÈS Denominación de Origen’ [PENEDÈS Designation of Origin], it is not mandatory for the word ‘Penedès’ to also be included on the secondary label.
Labels may also provide information on the following: the varieties (only some varieties can be stated on the main label, in the case of quality sparkling wines), the vintage and the term ‘Vino de Finca’ [Estate wine], subject to certain conditions. Labels must state: details of the bottler/exporter, actual alcoholic strength, presence of sulphites, registration number of the bottler, vintage and date of disgorgement in the case of quality sparkling wines, batch number, ‘Vino de Mas’ or ‘Gran Vino de Mas’ (always to the front of the label and stating the vintage), ‘Classic Penedès’ (subject to conditions for use) and the words ‘No degollado’ [not disgorged] (in the case of quality sparkling wines made according to the traditional method and subject to certain conditions).
There are extensive rules on the conditions for use of smaller geographical units and the terms ‘Vino de Mas’ and ‘Gran Vino de Mas’.

Link to the product specification

http://incavi.gencat.cat/web/.content/03-denominacions-origen/documents/plecs/penedes/fitxers-binaris/plec-dop-penedes-mod-04.pdf


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.