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 2023/C 103/04
Date: 2023-03-20
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Community of Valencia, Spain, consumer information, designation of origin, fortified wine, labelling, product designation, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, white wine








C_2023103EN.01000901.xml










20.3.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 103/9






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
(2023/C 103/04)
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

‘Valencia’


PDO-ES-A0872-AM03


Date of communication: 29.8.2022


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Change to wording of description of wines

Description
It has been specified that category 1 wines may be white, red or rosé wines.
This amendment concerns point 2 of the specification but it does not concern the single document.
It is a standard amendment as it is not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
Reasoning
In judgments 958/2021 and 959/2021, the Administrative Disputes Division of the Supreme Court ruled that the version of the specification published in Orders 13 and 3 of 2011 (updated to include the minor amendments approved since then) was still in force, with the exception of the paragraphs on the territorial scope, which were deemed void by the Supreme Court. This means that some sections of the specification need to revert to the wording used in the version published in 2011.
2.   Demarcation of the geographical area

Description
Certain municipalities included in the scope of the ‘Utiel-Requena’ and ‘Alicante’ PDOs have been deleted from the geographical area.
This amendment concerns point 4 of the product specification and point 6 of the single document.
It is a standard amendment as it is not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
Reasoning
In judgments 958/2021 and 959/2021, the Administrative Disputes Division of the Supreme Court ruled that certain paragraphs concerning the territorial scope were void, as there was no detailed explanation confirming the link between the municipalities in question and the protected product. The wording of the specification must therefore be brought into alignment with the content of those judgments.
3.   Inclusion of synonyms in grape varieties used for wine-making

Description
The main name (Alarije) and a synonym (Malvasía Riojana) have been included for the ‘Subirat Parent’ variety, which was already on the list.
This amendment concerns point 6 of the specification but it does not concern the single document because it is a secondary grape variety.
It is a standard amendment as it is not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
Reasoning
Including references to all the possible names of a variety already on the list provides greater clarity as to the varieties used, given that the synonym Malvasía Riojana is more widely known and used.
4.   Link with the geographical area

Description
The description of the entire section 7 on the link with the geographical area has been amended.
This amendment concerns point 7 of the product specification and point 8 of the single document.
It is a standard amendment as it is not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
Reasoning
In judgments 958/2021 and 959/2021, the Administrative Disputes Division of the Supreme Court ruled that the version of the specification published in Orders 13 and 3 of 2011 (updated to include the minor amendments approved since then) was still in force, with the exception of the paragraphs on the territorial scope, which were deemed void by the Supreme Court. This means that some sections of the specification need to revert to the wording used in the version published in 2011.
5.   Inclusion of traditional term ‘primero de cosecha’ [first harvest]

Description
The traditional term ‘primero de cosecha’ (first harvest) has been restored.
This amendment concerns point 8 of the product specification and point 9 of the single document.
It is a standard amendment as it is not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
Reasoning
The original version of the specification stated that this traditional term could feature on wine labels but it was deleted by mistake in the various amendments.
6.   Inclusion of grape variety on wine labels

Description
The name of the grape variety may only be used for wines made using at least 85 % of the variety in question (formerly 100 %). The exception is ‘Valencia’ liqueur wine made from Moscatel grapes, for which the requirement is that only the Moscatel de Alejandría variety may be used.
This amendment concerns point 8 of the product specification and point 9 of the single document.
It is a standard amendment as it is not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
Reasoning
The possibility of the grape variety being included on the label if it accounted for at least 85 % of the wine content was mistakenly deleted in one of the various amendments to the specification.
This amendment is to correct this mistake concerning the inclusion of grape variety names on wine labels.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Valencia
2.   Geographical indication type

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







1.


Wine










3.


Liqueur wine










6.


Quality aromatic sparkling wine










8.


Semi-sparkling wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   White wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Mainly yellow tones, ranging from pale to golden yellow. May be aged in wooden containers. Clean nose with good intensity and fruity notes. In the mouth, good acidity, fresh and fruity with a long finish.
Maximum sulphur dioxide: 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 300 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


9




Minimum total acidity


3,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   Rosé and red wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
The rosé wines have pink tones with raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant or salmon tints. Clean, intense nose with fruity aromas predominating. In the mouth, good acidity, bold and balanced. Long finish. The red wines tend to be dark in colour, mainly red tones with violet, purple, garnet, cherry or ruby tints. Nose with good intensity and high fruitiness.
Maximum sulphur dioxide: For rosés, 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 250 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above; For reds, 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


9,5




Minimum total acidity


3,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




3.   Wines bearing the terms ‘Crianza’, ‘Reserva’ and ‘Gran Reserva’

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Deeper colours than the base wine. More intense yellow in the case of white wines. Approaching brick-red tones in the case of red wines. A balance between fruitiness and woody aromas in the nose. Good retronasal sensations in the mouth.
Maximum sulphur dioxide: for whites and rosés, 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 300 mg/l for whites and 250 mg/l for rosés if it is 5 g/l or above; for reds, 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


12




Minimum total acidity


3,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




4.   White, rosé and red liqueur wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
In the case of white liqueur wine, mainly yellow tones, ranging from pale to golden yellow. Rosé liqueur wine has pink tones with raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant or salmon tints. Red liqueur wine has red tones with violet, purple, garnet or ruby tints. Good intensity in the nose, particularly when made from Moscatel grapes. Sweet and appetising, balanced with a powerful aftertaste.
Maximum sulphur dioxide: 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


15




Minimum total acidity


1,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


20




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   White, rosé and red quality aromatic sparkling wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
If the base wine is white, mainly yellow tones, ranging from pale to golden yellow. If the base wine is rosé, pink tones with raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant or salmon tints. If the base wine is red, red tones with violet, purple, garnet, cherry or ruby tints. Clean, intense nose with the aromas specific to the variety. Good acidity and intensity in the mouth. Fresh wines with well-integrated carbon dioxide.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


6




Minimum total acidity


3,5 in 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




6.   White, rosé and red semi-sparkling wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
If the base wine is white, mainly yellow tones, ranging from pale to golden yellow. If the base wine is rosé, pink tones with raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant or salmon tints. If the base wine is red, red tones with violet, purple, garnet, cherry or ruby tints. Clean, intense nose with the aromas specific to the variety. Fresh, fruity and intense in the mouth, with well-integrated carbon dioxide.
Maximum sulphur dioxide: for whites and rosés, 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 250 mg/l for both types if it is 5 g/l or above; for reds, 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is [5 g/l] or above.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


7




Minimum total acidity


3,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




7.   White, rosé and red wine bearing the term ‘Petit Valencia’ on the label

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
The characteristics will be similar to those described for white, rosé and red wines.
Maximum sulphur dioxide: for whites and rosés, 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 300 mg/l for whites and 250 mg/l for rosés if it is 5 g/l or above; for reds, 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


4,5




Minimum total acidity


3,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices
1.    
Specific oenological practice
Sufficient pressure must be applied to extract the wine and separate it from the marc, so that the yield does not exceed 82 litres of must or 76 litres of wine per 100 kilograms of grapes. Under no circumstances may batches of wine obtained by applying unsuitable pressure be used to make protected wines.
The wooden containers used in the ageing processes must be made of oak and have a capacity that complies with the volume limits laid down by the legislation in force for the use of certain traditional terms.
5.2.   Maximum yields







1.


Red varieties
9 100 kilograms of grapes per hectare










2.


White varieties
12 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare










3.


Red varieties
69,16 hectolitres per hectare










4.


White varieties
91,20 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

The production area covered by the ‘Valencia’ PDO consists of the land located in the province of Valencia and falling within the smaller geographical units, or ‘sub-areas’ covered by the PDO, consisting of the following municipalities:






a)


ALTO TURIA sub-area: Alpuente, Aras de los Olmos, Benagéber, Calles, Chelva, La Yesa, Titaguas and Tuéjar.










b)


VALENTINO sub-area: Alborache, Alcublas, Andilla, Bétera, Bugarra, Buñol, Casinos, Cheste, Chiva, Chulilla, Domeño, Estivella, Gestalgar, Godella, Godelleta, Higueruelas, Llíria, Losa del Obispo, Macastre, Montserrat, Montroy, Náquera, Paterna, Pedralba, Picaña, Real, Riba-roja de Túria, Torrent, Turís, Vilamarxant, Villar del Arzobispo and Yátova.










c)


MOSCATEL DE VALENCIA sub-area: Catadau, Cheste, Chiva, Godelleta, Llombai, Montroy, Montserrat, Real, Torrent, Turís and Yátova.










d)


CLARIANO sub-area: Atzeneta d’Albaida, Agullent, Albaida, Alfarrasí, Anna, Aielo de Malferit, Aielo de Rugat, Ayora, Barx, Bèlgida, Bellreguard, Bellús, Beniatjar, Benicolet, Benigánim, Benissoda, Benisuera, Bicorp, Bocairent, Bolbaite, Bufali, Castelló de Rugat, Carrícola, Chella, Enguera, Fontanars dels Alforins, Guardamar de la Safor, La Font de la Figuera, Guadasequies, La Llosa de Ranes, Llutxent, Mogente, Montaverner, Montesa, Montichelvo, L’Olleria, Ontinyent, Otos, El Palomar, Pinet, La Pobla del Duc, Quatretonda, Ráfol de Salem, Rugat, Salem, Sempere, Terrateig, Vallada and Xàtiva.




The production area also comprises parcels entered in the vineyard register and managed by members of cooperatives or owners of wineries entered on the Regulatory Board registers, which have traditionally been used for the production of wines covered by the ‘Valencia’ PDO and which are located in the following places in the municipalities of Almansa and Caudete in the province of Albacete: Campillo, Estación, Casa Pino, Casa Pina, Mojón Blanco, Moleta, Molino Balsa, Prisioneros, Canto Blanco, La Venta, Derramador, Montalbana, Casa Alberto, Escribanos, Escorredores, Capitanes, Pandos, Venta del Puerto, Torre Chica, Torre Grande, Casa Blanca, El Pleito, Herrasti and Casa Hondo, in the municipality of Almansa, and Vega de Bogarra, Derramador and El Angosto, in the municipality of Caudete.
The production area includes parcels belonging to members of the La Viña Coop V wine cooperative in the town of Villena, which are entered on the Wine Register and have traditionally been used for the production of wines covered by the ‘Valencia’ PDO.
7.   Wine grapes variety(ies)







 


Garnacha Tintorera










 


Macabeo – Viura










 


Merseguera










 


Monastrell










 


Moscatel de Alejandría










 


Verdil




8.   Description of the link(s)

The mild climate and rainfall in the Valentino sub-area results in white and red wines with higher alcoholic strength.
The continental features of Alto Turia result in a more delicate white wine.
The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and higher rainfall are responsible for the Moscatel wine being highly aromatic.
The temperature range and varied relief in the Clariano sub-area result in very intense and fruity red wines.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:
In national legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
The designation ‘VALENCIA’ must feature prominently. A sub-area may be indicated if all of the grapes [used to make the wine] were grown there. The name of the grape variety may only be used for wines made using at least 85 % of the variety in question. The exception is ‘Valencia’ liqueur wine made from Moscatel grapes, for which the requirement is that only the Moscatel de Alejandría variety may be used.
The term ‘VINO PETIT VALENCIA’ may feature on young wines with an actual alcohol content > 4,5 % and a total alcohol content > 9 % by volume, made using natural methods. The terms ‘MOSCATEL DE VALENCIA’ or ‘VINO DE LICOR MOSCATEL DE VALENCIA’ may be used on wine from 100 % Moscatel de Alejandría grapes and made in accordance with the 4th indent of point 3(c) of Annex XI b to Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007. The term ‘VINO DULCE’ may be used on liqueur wines made in accordance with the 4th indent of point 3(c) of Annex XI b to Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007. The traditional term ‘Primero de Cosecha’ (First harvest) may be used on red, white and rosé wines made from grapes picked in the first ten days of the harvest and bottled within the thirty days following the end of the harvest, with the obligation that the vintage be indicated on the label.

Link to the product specification

https://agroambient.gva.es/documents/163228750/0/DOPVLC-P2022.pdf/


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.