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 2023/C 138/07
Date: 2023-04-21
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Castile-Leon, Spain, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, white wine








C_2023138EN.01000901.xml










21.4.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 138/9






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
(2023/C 138/07)
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

‘Toro’


PDO-ES-A0886-AM05


Date of communication: 2.2.2023


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Improvement to the wording

Description
With regard to the categories of grapevine products included, the mention of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 has been replaced by a generic reference to EU legislation.
Point 1 of the specification has been amended but the single document is not affected.
It is a standard amendment as it is not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.
Reason
In order to avoid having to amend the specification if the aforementioned Regulation changes.
2.   Inclusion of new types of wine: semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet in Category 1 - Wine

Description
In addition to dry wine, which was already included, semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines (according to sugar content) have been added, with analytical and organoleptic descriptions.
This amendment concerns points 2(a) and (b) of the specification and point 4 of the single document.
Type of amendment: STANDARD (amendment concerns the single document). This amendment does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013. Finally, the characteristics and profile described in the link remain the same, and are a consequence of the interaction between natural and human factors.
Reason
These new types of wine have been included as a result of the previous amendment to the specification, which added historic white grape varieties such Moscatel de Grano Menudo and Albillo Real, as well as the option of producing single-variety wines from Garnacha Tinta. These wines were already being produced by wineries in the area, using grapes grown in vineyards included in the PDO, but they could not be placed on the market with the Toro PDO mentioned on the label.
Analysis has shown that these wines have a powerful floral or fruity flavour and a bold character in the mouth: they have structure. All of this is linked to the terroir. These characteristics are specific to the wines covered by the PDO. In short, they retain the specific character of the wines covered by the Toro PDO but with subtle variations due to their higher sugar content.
Similarly, it is necessary to establish their basic physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics, according to the requirements of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/34 laying down detailed rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
3.   Adaptation of wine production conditions (oenological practices: wine-making restrictions) in order to include the new types of wine

Description
The minimum probable alcoholic strength has been waived for grapes intended for semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines which cannot be used for any other purpose. The production method for sweet wines has been specified.
This amendment concerns point 3.b.1 of the product specification and point 5.1 of the single document.
Type of amendment: STANDARD (amendment concerns the single document). The essential characteristics of the product, wine with the Toro PDO, result from the combination of natural and human factors. The amendment does not involve changes to these characteristics as the newly included wines retain the specific character of the wines from the area, but with subtle variations due to their higher sugar content. The amendment does not affect the link and it is therefore not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) 1308/2013.
Reason
The oenological practices need to be adapted to take account of the new production methods for semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines. These new conditions are in line with the legislation and with market preferences.
4.   Additions to the link for semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines

Description
As new types of wine are involved, it is necessary to describe them. References to these wines have therefore been added to the following sub-sections: b) Product details and c) Causal link. These wines are made from the same varieties as the dry wines. They retain the same sensory, physical and chemical profile, with subtle variations due to the presence of sugar.
Corrections have also been made to the references to the white variety Malvasía, which now appears with its full name of Malvasía Castellana in order to avoid confusion with other varieties also known as Malvasía.
This amendment concerns Article 7 of the specification and point 8 of the single document.
Type of amendment: STANDARD (amendment concerns the single document). While the wording in the section on the link has been expanded, the causal link remains the same and unaffected. The section is only being enlarged to include the description of the new wines and to explain the causal link specifically for these wines. Therefore, this amendment cannot be classified into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.
Reason
These wines have always been made in the area but were not placed on the market with the Toro PDO. It was necessary to include these wines in the specification because they represent a high quality product, and an excellent expression of the authentic character of Toro wines, enhanced by the sugar content.
5.   Amendment to the provisions on bottling

Description and reasons
Packaging is in glass bottles only, and the type of closure is subject to regulation.
This amendment concerns point 8.b.2) of the specification but does not concern the single document.
Type of amendment: STANDARD. The essential characteristics of the product, wine with the Toro PDO, result from the combination of natural and human factors. The amendment does not involve changes to these characteristics. The amendment does not invalidate the link and it is therefore not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.
Reason
It is necessary to specify the type of material used in bottling, and the type of closure used, in order to preserve the quality and image of wines with the Toro PDO, in line with current market requirements for quality wines.
6.   Improvement to the wording of the labelling provisions

Description
This is an amendment to the wording only. It does not involve changes to the labelling provisions.
This amendment concerns point 8.b.3) of the specification and point 9 of the single document.
Type of amendment: STANDARD (amendment concerns the single document). As the change affects only the form, and not the content, it is not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.
Reason
Improvement to the wording.
7.   Update to the section on checks

Description
The contact details of the competent authority and delegated body have been updated. The mention of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 has been replaced by a generic reference to EU legislation.
This amendment concerns point 9 a) and b.1) of the specification but does not concern the single document.
Type of amendment: STANDARD (amendment does not concern the single document). It does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.
Reason
The Regulatory Board for the Toro PDO has obtained ISO/IEC 17065:2012 standard accreditation. Following this accreditation, the Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León [Castile and Leon Institute of Agricultural Technology] will delegate tasks pertaining to conformity checks to the Regulatory Board in accordance with Article 116a of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Toro
2.   Geographical indication type

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







1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Wine – dry white and rosé wines

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
White wines
Appearance: pale to golden yellow in colour, not cloudy. Aroma: bold with fruity and/or floral and/or grassy aromas and medium to medium-high intensity. Taste: light-bodied in the mouth, medium to long finish, medium to medium-high acidity and a good balance of alcohol and acidity.
Barrel-fermented or barrel-aged white wines
Appearance: pale to golden yellow in colour, not cloudy. Aroma: bold with fruity and/or floral and/or grassy aromas and tertiary aromas typical of barrel-ageing. Medium to medium-high intensity. Taste: medium to long finish, medium-high acidity and medium to full bodied in the mouth. Balanced tertiary aromas of wood.
Rosé wines
Appearance: pale to salmon pink in colour, not cloudy. Aroma: bold, with fresh (not overly ripe) red and/or black fruit aromas, medium to medium-high intensity. Taste: light-bodied in the mouth, medium to long finish, medium to medium-high acidity and a good balance of alcohol and acidity.






(*)


If the proportion of residual sugars in the wines is 5 grams/litre or more, the maximum amount of sulphur dioxide they can contain is 250 milligrams/litre.










(**)


In any event, the physical and chemical parameters established in this section must comply with the limits laid down in EU rules.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11 




Minimum total acidity


3,5  grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


18 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


200 




2.   Wine – dry red wines

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Young red wine
Appearance: cherry to ruby red in colour, not cloudy. Aroma: bold, with red and/or black fruit aromas and medium to medium-high intensity. Taste: medium to full bodied in the mouth, with a medium to medium-long finish and a good balance of alcohol and acidity.
Barrel-aged red wine (including those labelled ‘Roble’ [Oak], ‘Crianza’, ‘Reserva’ and ‘Gran Reserva’)
Appearance: cherry red to terracotta in colour, not cloudy. Aroma: bold, with red and/or black and/or ripe fruit aromas and medium intensity. Tertiary aromas typical of barrel-ageing, with medium to medium-high intensity, depending on ageing. Taste: medium to full bodied with a medium to long finish and well balanced.






(*)


In any event, the physical and chemical parameters established in this section will comply with the limits laid down in EU rules.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


12,5 




Minimum total acidity


3,5  grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


20 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


150 




3.   Semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines (white, rosé and red)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
White wines: pale to golden yellow in colour, not cloudy. Bold with fruity and/or floral and/or grassy aromas and medium to medium-high intensity. Body: medium (semi-dry wines), medium to medium-full (semi-sweet wines) and full (sweet wines); medium to long finish; acidity medium to medium-high (semi-dry and semi-sweet wines) and medium (sweet wines); balanced alcohol and acidity.
Rosé wines: pale to salmon pink in colour, not cloudy. bold, with fresh (not overly ripe) red and/or black fruit aromas, medium to high intensity (semi-dry wines) and medium to medium-high (semi-sweet and sweet). Body: medium (semi-dry wines), medium to medium-full (semi-sweet wines) and full (sweet wines); finish: medium to long (semi-dry and sweet wines) and medium to medium-long (semi-sweet wines); acidity: medium to medium-high (semi-dry and semi-sweet wines) and medium (sweet wines); and balanced alcohol and acidity.
Red wines: cherry to ruby red in colour, not cloudy. Bold, with red and/or black fruit aromas, medium to high intensity (semi-dry wines) and medium (semi-sweet and sweet wines). Body: medium (semi-dry and semi-sweet wines) and full (sweet wines); medium to long finish, balanced alcohol and acidity.






*


In any event, the physical and chemical parameters established in this section shall comply with the ceilings established in EU rules.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


9 




Minimum total acidity


3,5  grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


18 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


200 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Specific oenological practice







—


Minimum probable alcoholic strength of the grapes: 10,5 %, except for grapes intended for the production of semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines where it is 9 %. The aforementioned grapes cannot be used to make any other type of wine.










—


Maximum yield: 72 litres per 100 kilograms of grapes.










—


Sweet wines are made by retaining some of the natural sugars in the grapes through interrupting alcoholic fermentation, using methods authorised by the legislation in force. These do not include the addition of alcohol.




2.   Restriction relating to wine-making

The white wines must be produced exclusively from white varieties (Malvasía Castellana, Verdejo, Moscatel de Grano Menudo and Albillo Real).
The rosé wines must be produced from authorised red and white varieties (main and secondary varieties).
The red wines must be produced exclusively from the Tinta de Toro and Garnacha Tinta varieties, with production limited to two types of reds: red wine made with at least 85 % Garnacha Tinta grapes and red wine made with at least 75 % Tinta de Toro grapes.
3.   Cultivation method







—


Minimum planting density: 500 vines/hectare










—


The vine can be trained using the gobelet or espalier methods.










—


Mixed plantations that do not allow separate harvests for each variety are not permitted.




5.2.   Maximum yields







1.


Garnacha Tinta, Malvasía Castellana (Doña Blanca), Verdejo, Albillo Real and Moscatel de Grano Menudo.
9 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare










2.


 
64,80 hectolitres per hectare










3.


Tinta de Toro
7 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare










4.


 
54 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

The geographical area of ‘Toro’ PDO is located on the westernmost part of the Castile and Leon region, south-east of the province of Zamora, and includes part of the natural areas of Tierra del Vino, Valle del Guareña and Tierra de Toro. It borders the plains of Tierra del Pan and Tierra de Campos, covering 62 000 hectares of land.
It includes the following municipalities:
In the Province of Zamora:
Argujillo, La Bóveda de Toro, Morales de Toro, El Pego, Peleagonzalo, El Piñero, San Miguel de la Ribera, Sanzoles, Toro, Valdefinjas, Venialbo and Villabuena del Puente.
In the Province of Valladolid:
San Román de Hornija, Villafranca del Duero, the wine-growing districts of Villaester de Arriba and Villaester de Abajo and the municipality of Pedrosa del Rey.
7.   Wine grapes variety(ies)

DOÑA BLANCA – MALVASÍA CASTELLANA
TEMPRANILLO – TINTA DE TORO
VERDEJO
8.   Description of the link(s)

Climate conditions are extremely cold in winter with many hours of sunshine and extreme temperatures, limiting the vine productivity. The different soil types (sandy loam) determine which of the varieties the wine-growers plant. These factors, the neutral pH, limited organic matter and soil improvers added by wine-growers determine the aroma, structure and alcoholic strength of the wines, which is high. In addition, the high iron content of the soil, combined with the use of the gobelet vine training system and the considerable age of the vineyard, contribute to the striking amount of pigment in these wines.
Furthermore, for the sweet and semi-sweet wines, years of experience of producing these types of wine in the Toro PDO have proven their production capacity. The wines are made following the strictest quality standards and maintaining the classic organoleptic profile of the traditional Toro wines. These wines are an excellent expression of the authentic character of Toro wines, enhanced by the sugar content.
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:
The wine-making process includes bottling and subsequent ageing of the wines. Thus, the organoleptic and physical and chemical characteristics described in this specification can only be guaranteed if all of the wine handling operations take place in the area of production. The bottling of wines covered by the ‘Toro’ PDO is one of the factors critical to attaining the characteristics set out in the specification. As a consequence, and with a view to ensuring quality and providing a guarantee as to origin and control, bottling must take place in wineries located in bottling plants in the production area.
Legal framework:
In national legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
The traditional term ‘DENOMINACIÓN DE ORIGEN’ [DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN] and the initials ‘D.O.’ may be used on the label instead of ‘DENOMINACIÓN DE ORIGEN PROTEGIDA’.
The wines may include the references ‘ROBLE’ [OAK] and ‘FERMENTADO EN BARRICA’ [BARREL-FERMENTED] on their labelling. Red wines may use the traditional terms ‘CRIANZA’, ‘RESERVA’ and ‘GRAN RESERVA’, provided they comply with the conditions laid down in the legislation in force.

Link to the product specification

www.itacyl.es/documents/20143/342640/PCC+DO+TORO+Rev+en+vigor.docx/38b794e5-f14e-cd14-70d2-bcd031712969


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.