Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 2023/C 113/13
Date: 2023-03-28
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Alba, Romania, Sibiu, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, white wine








C_2023113EN.01003101.xml










28.3.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 113/31







Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33
(2023/C 113/13)

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


                     ‘Sebeş-Apold’
                  


PDO-RO-A0371-AM02


Date of communication: 4 January 2023
                  


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Introduction of new wine grape varieties as main production varieties

The product specification has been amended to include new wine grape varieties that can be used to produce the wines, namely for white wines the Furmint and Iordan varieties and for red wines the Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Fetească neagră, Syrah and Merlot varieties.
Given the climatic particularities of the demarcated area, and the use of its biological potential, it is possible to produce quality red wines under optimum conditions for maturation, accumulation, etc.
Chapters IV, V, VIII, and XII of the product specification and points 4 and 7 of the single document have been amended.
2.   Addition of technological specifications for making red wines

The introduction of new wine grape varieties for red wine production requires certain aspects of the relevant technological winemaking practices to be included in the specification.
Chapters VIII and XII of the product specification and points 4 and 7 of the single document have been amended.
3.   Amendment of grape and wine yields to increase them

Following changes in vineyard structures for biotic (clonal structure, rootstock) and oenological reasons (the use of new winemaking technologies), yields have to be increased, while still ensuring compliance with the quality parameters specific to the wines produced in the Sebeș-Apold PDO area.
Vineyard conversion/restructuring projects have significantly altered the planting densities, i.e. the density of newly planted vineyards has significantly increased (around 4 500 vines/hectare), which has also led to an increase in grape production (the quantity of grapes produced may differ from one variety to another depending on its vigour, but must comply with the quality parameters specific to the PDO).
Some of the varieties planted (both Romanian and international) come from a wide range of clones with a minimal risk of not thriving that are designed to give the quantity and quality of grapes required to produce the wine. These clones combined with the appropriate rootstock and planting density are producing yields that are at least 25-35 % higher than initial estimates.
Chapters V and VI of the product specification and point 5.2 of the single document have been amended accordingly.
4.   Addition of a derogation regarding winemaking

The specification has been supplemented with a derogation regarding winemaking within the Sebeș-Apold PDO area. This derogation is needed as there are not sufficient suitable premises within the area offering optimal conditions for the necessary steps of clarification, bottling, etc., and to protect the quality of the grapes produced by the wine grape varieties planted in this PDO area (the south-west gateway to the Transylvanian Plateau, one of the most important wine-growing regions). For these reasons, some of the stages following production need to be carried out in an area adjacent to the production area, namely in Alba County, a neighbouring administrative unit and also a part of the Târnave PDO production area (adjacent administrative units for the production and processing of quality wines). Alba County has more premises available to complete the winemaking steps prior to marketing, while still preserving the specific quality of wines obtained in the Sebeș-Apold area.
By carrying out the steps following the production of the Sebeș-Apold wine in the adjacent area (Alba County) and by notifying the completion of these steps to the relevant control authority, producers ensure an optimal level of control of the Sebeș-Apold PDO wine production, while the specificity of the production area is guaranteed by the characteristics of the wine produced.
Chapter IX of the product specification and point 9 of the single document have been amended.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Sebeş-Apold
2.   Geographical indication type

PDO - Protected Designation of Origin
3.   Categories of grapevine products







1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Characteristics of the white wines

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
The white wines are characterised by fruitiness, vinosity, typical freshness due to higher acidity, liveliness, aromas of fruits, honey, musk, almonds, and gooseberries, balanced acidity, which sometimes gives the wine a distinctive fruitiness, or higher acidity, which can impart notes of fruit (grapefruit, pomelo, green bell peppers) and have secondary aromas from fermentation of banana and papaya. Higher alcoholic strength and glycerol make them full bodied, rich and well suited for ageing in wooden barrels or in the bottle. The specific colour is usually straw yellow tending to yellow-green, or yellow-green with tints of gold.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


15,00




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11,00




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


18




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


200




2.
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Red wines – ruby red or deep ruby red, with subtle aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries or mint, and also a hint of vanilla when barrel-aged. Full-bodied, with aromas of raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, sour cherries and prunes, and also with notes of smoke or, sometimes, chilli. When aged in barrels, the wine takes on hints of vanilla or tobacco from the oak. When their acidity is low, they can be consumed young; when matured for short time in a barrel, they turn a clear ruby red colour, acquire aromas of ripe bitter cherries and citrus fruits, and have soft tannins.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


15,00




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11,00




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


20




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


150




5.   Winemaking practices

5.1.   Specific winemaking practices









1.


Winemaking practices
Cultivation method






—


irrigation: permitted only in years of drought and with ONVPV (National Office of Vine and Wine) notification;










—


plantation density - minimum 3 000 vines/hectare;










—


green harvesting – reducing the number of grape clusters at veraison (the onset of ripening), when the potential production exceeds the maximum limits admitted under the specifications for wines bearing a controlled designation of origin.








5.2.   Maximum yields









1.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Fetească regală and Riesling Italian varieties

                     14 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare












2.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Iordană variety

                     17 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare












3.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Fetească albă variety

                     13 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare












4.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, Riesling de Rhin, Neuburger, and Furmint varieties

                     12 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare












5.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Muscat Ottonel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Fetească neagră, Merlot, and Syrah varieties

                     12 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare












6.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Traminer roz variety

                     11 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare












7.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Fetească regală and Riesling Italian varieties
94 hectolitres per hectare












8.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Iordană variety
119 hectolitres per hectare












9.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Furmint variety
87 hectolitres per hectare












10.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Sauvignon, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Riesling de Rhin, Neuburger, Traminer roz, and Muscat Ottonel varieties
80 hectolitres per hectare












11.


harvested at full maturity, DOC-CMD, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Fetească neagră, Merlot, and Syrah varieties
78 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

Alba county:






—


town of Sebeș: Sebeș and Rahău localities;










—


municipality of Daia Română: village of Daia Română;










—


municipality of Câlnic: villages of Câlnic, Cut and Deal;










—


municipality of Gârbova: villages of Gârbova, Reciu and Cărpiniş;










—


municipality of Şpring: villages of Vingard and Şpring;




Sibiu county:






—


municipality of Miercurea Sibiului: villages of Miercurea Sibiului, Apoldu de Sus and Dobârca;










—


municipality of Ludoş: villages of Ludoş and Guşu;










—


municipality of Apoldu de Jos: villages of Apoldu de Jos and Săngătin;










—


municipality of Cristian: village of Cristian;










—


municipality of Sălişte: villages of Aciliu, Amnaş and Sălişte;










—


municipality of Loamneş: villages of Loamneş, Alămor, Armeni, Haşag, Mândra and Sădinca;










—


municipality of Păuca: villages of Păuca, Bogatu Român, Broşteni and Presaca.




7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)

Cabernet Sauvignon N - Petit Vidure, Burdeos tinto
Chardonnay B - Gentil blanc, Pinot blanc, Chardonnay
Fetească albă B - Păsărească albă, Poama fetei, Mädchentraube, Leanyka, Leanka
Fetească neagră N - Schwarze Mädchentraube, Poama fetei neagră, Păsărească neagră, Coada rândunicii
Fetească regală B - Königliche Mädchentraube, Königsast, Kiralyleanka, Dănășană, Galbenă de Ardeal
Furmint B - Furmin, Şom szalai, Tokay, Szegszolo
Iordană B - Iordovană, Iordan
Merlot N - Bigney rouge, Plant Medoc
Muscat Ottonel B - Muscat Ottonel blanc
Neuburger B - Neuburg
Pinot Gris G - Affumé, Grauer Burgunder, Grauburgunder, Grauer Mönch, Pinot cendré, Pinot Grigio, Ruländer
Pinot noir N - Blauer Spätburgunder, Blauer Burgunder, Burgund mic, Burgunder roter, Klăvner Morillon Noir
Pinot noir N - Spätburgunder, Pinot nero
Riesling Italian B - Olasz Riesling, Olaszriesling, Welschriesling
Syrah N - Shiraz, Petit Syrah
Traminer Rose Rs - Rosetraminer, Savagnin Rose, Gewürztraminer
8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Link with the demarcated area – details of the area

The vineyards are located in the hilly depressions of Sebeş-Secaş and Apold, where the Secaș Plateau meets the Șurian-Cindrel Mountains.
The topography comprises hilly piedmont interfluves, the northern extensions of the Orăștie and Gârbova Hills at the foot of the Cindrel Mountains and the southern extensions of the plateau and surrounding hills of the Secaș Plateau.
The sculpted hilly terrain is associated with the relief that progressively formed along the main valleys: terraces, colluvial and proluvial plains and wide riverbeds. This land is ideal for growing grapes.
The vineyards are usually planted on the southern, south-eastern or south-western slopes, and in the valleys between the hills, where the vines can find warmth and light.
Average recorded precipitation is 550-600 mm/year (550 in the Mureș Corridor, 569 in Sebeș, 600-650 on the hilly peaks and in the Apold Valley), reaching a maximum in May-August and a minimum from September to winter, when snow generally prevails for 30 to 60 days.
The relative air humidity is between 60 % and 80 %, offering optimal conditions for the vines to grow and bear fruit.
8.2.   Link with the demarcated area – product details

The white wines are characterised by fruitiness, vinosity, typical freshness due to higher acidity, liveliness, aromas of fruits, honey, musk, almonds, and gooseberries, balanced acidity, which sometimes gives the wine a distinctive fruitiness, or higher acidity, which can impart notes of fruit (grapefruit, pomelo, green bell peppers) and have secondary aromas from fermentation of banana and papaya.
They are well suited for ageing in wooden barrels or in the bottle. The specific colour is usually pale yellow tending to yellow-green, or yellow-green with tints of gold.
Red wines – ruby red or deep ruby red, with subtle aromas of blackcurrants or blueberries, and also a hint of vanilla when barrel-aged. Full-bodied, with aromas of raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, sour cherries and prunes, and also with notes of smoke or chilli. When aged in barrels, the wine takes on hints of vanilla or tobacco from the oak.
When matured for short time in a barrel, they turn a clear ruby red colour, acquire aromas of ripe bitter cherries and citrus fruits, and have soft tannins.
8.3.   Link with the demarcated area - causal interaction

The climate is a standard temperate one, moderately continental in the hills, with some extremes at the base of the Mureș and Sebeș-Secaș corridors, characterised by harsh and frosty winters, relatively warm summers, early springs, and a warm autumn season lasting well into October, which fosters good growth; the grape ripen and the sugars accumulate slowly, thus allowing the aromas to develop and preserving the specific freshness and liveliness by means of the slightly higher acidity, particularly for the wines with distinctive floral and fruity aromas.
During the period when the grapes are ripening, average daytime temperatures are around 23oC and average night-time temperatures around 12oC, which results in a continuous increase in sugar content, while acidity is reduced, remaining constant or almost constant.
This vineyard has a wide variety of soil types and subtypes: luvisols, comprising brown and podzolic illuvial clay soils, interspersed with pseudorendzinas on terraces along the valleys, chernozem mollisols and cambic chernozem soils, that are gleyic in parts. The slopes exposed to more intense erosion and the azonal soils have regosols and eroded soils. These soils are preferred for viticulture, because of the vine’s soil-fixing role due to deep roots, terracing and fertilisation.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)


Derogation concerning winemaking

Legal framework:
In EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area
Description of the condition:
By way of derogation, musts and/or wines that are made of grapes harvested exclusively in vineyards located in the demarcated area of the Sebeș-Apold PDO and that will be covered by the Sebeș-Apold PDO can be processed in premises located in a neighbouring administrative unit that has the requisite winemaking capacity (thus ensuring that the quality of the wine obtained in the Sebeș-Apold PDO area is preserved), namely Alba County, which is a neighbouring administrative unit and also a part of the Târnave PDO production area (adjacent administrative units for the production and processing of quality wines).

Winemaking

Legal framework:
In EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area
Description of the condition:
By way of exception, wine clarification and bottling may take place outside the grape production area, provided that the competent authority in charge of the Sebeș-Apold PDO is notified, and subject to the approval of the local producer organisation for wines with controlled designation of origin. In such cases, it is mandatory to indicate the bottler and the bottling site on the label.

Link to the product specification

https://www.onvpv.ro/sites/default/files/caiet_sarcini_doc_sebes-apold_modif_cf_cerere_1155_25.07.2014_si_1475_22.07.2022_no_track_changes_1.pdf


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