Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 2023/C 208/12
Date: 2023-06-15
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Central Portugal, Portugal, consumer information, designation of origin, fortified wine, labelling, product designation, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, white wine








C_2023208EN.01008001.xml










15.6.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 208/80






Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council
(2023/C 208/12)
This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within two months from the date of this publication.
REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

‘Beira Interior’


PDO-PT-A1546-AM01


Date of application: 21.3.2017

1.   Rules applicable to the amendment

Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 – Non-minor modification
2.   Description and reasons for amendment

2.1.   Update to information - Information concerning the applicant

Description: Update to information concerning the applicant.
Reasons: The information is out of date so an update is required. This is necessary to ensure that the single document and specification comply with the applicable legislation and to clarify the previous description provided.
Amended sections in single document: This amendment does not concern the single document.
Sections amended (product specification): 'Other information' - Details of the applicant.
2.2.   Updating of information - information on stakeholders

Description: Deletion of information concerning stakeholders.
Reasons: Due to a misunderstanding, the details of the applicant had been mistakenly entered in this field. This information has now been deleted. This is necessary to ensure that the single document and specification comply with the applicable legislation and to clarify the previous description provided.
Amended sections in single document: This amendment does not concern the single document.
Sections amended (product specification): ‘Other information’- Stakeholders.
2.3.   Update to information - Information concerning control bodies

Description: Update to information concerning control bodies
Reasons: The information is out of date so an update is required. This is necessary to ensure that the single document and specification comply with the applicable legislation and to clarify the previous description provided.
Amended sections in single document: This amendment does not concern the single document.
Sections amended (product specification): ‘Other information’ – Information concerning control bodies.
2.4.   Update to information - Information concerning competent supervisory authorities

Description: Update to information - Information concerning competent supervisory authorities
Reasons: The information is out of date so an update is required. This is necessary to ensure that the single document and specification comply with the applicable legislation and to clarify the previous description provided.
Amended sections in single document: This amendment does not concern the single document.
Sections amended (product specification): ‘Other information’ – Information concerning competent supervisory authorities.
2.5.   Main grape varieties - inclusion of new varieties

Description: Amendment/adaptation of list of grape varieties
Reasons: The grape varieties defined for the production of wines in the Beira Interior region have to be brought into line with the new legal framework of the national list of grape varieties suitable for wine production in Portugal, including new varieties that have proven to be significant in determining the characteristics of the region’s wines.
The varieties added are as follows: Alvarinho, Azal, Batoca, Chasselas, Códega-do-Larinho, Moscatel-Galego-Branco, Nebbiolo, Rabigato, Sangiovese, Tinta-Francisca, Tinta-Negra, Verdejo, Verdelho, Vinhão, Viognier and Viosinho. These varieties feature on the traditional varietal map for the geographical area, so including them does not entail a change to the distinctiveness of ‘Beira Interior’ PDO wines;
Sections amended (single document): ‘Main grape varieties’
Sections amended (product specification): “Main grape varieties”.
2.6.   Title Product category - addition of new category of grapevine product

Description: The 'Liqueur wine' category has been added.
Reasons: The intention is to enhance the economic value of a product that already exists in the region, by applying for it to be recognised under the PDO.
This product type, which is noted for its quality and distinctiveness, is already being made by the producers in accordance with the traditional practices in the region. The decision to include this new product under the “Beira Interior” PDO acknowledges its importance and quality and the value it adds for producers.
Sections amended (single document): “Categories of grapevine product”, Description of the wine(s)’, ‘Specific oenological practices’, ‘Link with the geographical area’ and ‘Further conditions’.
Sections amended (product specification): “Categories of grapevine product”, Description of the wine(s)’, ‘Specific oenological practices’, ‘Link with the geographical area’ and ‘Further conditions’.
2.7.   Amendment to demarcated geographical area

Description: the boundaries of the demarcated geographical area are correct and there has been no change to the geographical area.
Reasons: The boundaries of the production area have to be brought into line with the reorganisation of the territory of the administrative parishes. This adaptation does not entail any change to the geographical area, as only the names of the geographical administrative units at parish level are being amended.
Sections amended (single document): ‘Demarcated geographical area’
Sections amended (product specification): ‘Demarcated geographical area’.
2.8.   Title Amendment to growing practices

Description: the requirements in terms of growing practices have been simplified.
Reasons: the requirements in terms of growing practices have been simplified and now they only refer to the training method (single-variety vines, low-trained, using the gobelet or Royat cordon methods) and the type of soils. This is an amendment to reflect the most common and most efficient practices in the region, which does not entail any change in terms of the distinctive characteristics of ‘Beira Interior’ PDO wines, but rather helps to optimise them.
Sections amended (single document): ‘Winemaking practices’
Sections amended (product specification): ‘Winemaking practices’.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name of product

Beira Interior
2.   Geographical indication type

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







1.


Wine










3.


Liqueur wine










5.


Quality sparkling wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Wine ( whites and rosés)

White wines - citrine or straw-yellow in colour, medium intensity. Medium aroma typically dominated by citrus and white fruit. Mineral and vegetal notes balanced with tropical fruit and stone fruit and slightly floral hues. Long in the mouth with medium body, fresh, with acidic notes balanced with the alcohol.
Rosé wines - hues ranging from red, cherry-red to pale pink, clear and brilliant. Red fruits are predominant in the aromas, with evident floral notes in the young wines. In terms of taste, fruity with red fruits and mineral notes. Fresh and acidic, with balanced alcoholic strength.
For the other analytical parameters, the values laid down in the legislation apply.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   Wine (reds)

Red wines - Medium colour intensity with hues ranging from cherry-red and violet, clear and brilliant. Aromas of spices and red fruits, with mineral notes. Medium to high structure, slow maturing, leading to wines with evident tannins (moderate to marked) that are fine and persistent. Dryness and astringency in balance with the alcohol and notes of sweetness.
For the other analytical parameters, the values laid down in the legislation apply.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


12




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




3.   Liqueur wine

Colour ranging from cherry red to garnet, of medium intensity, acquiring more open tones and golden tints when aged. Aromas of citrus fruits, with honey and dried fruits, when aged. Markedly fresh, with medium to high acidity, these wines are quite balanced with a good finish.
For the other analytical parameters, the values laid down in the legislation apply.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


15




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




4.   Quality sparkling wine

White wines - Greenish-white to straw-yellow in colour, clear appearance and fine, persistent bubbles. Primary aromas of white and tropical fruits. Fruity, acidic and fresh taste, with noticeable minerality. May feature notes from ageing, in particular ripe apple and dried fruits. Good long finish.
Reds - colours range from bright red to ruby and these wines are clear in appearance, with fine, persistent bubbles. Primary aromas of red fruits and fruity, acidic and fresh taste, with noticeable minerality. Good long finish.
Rosés - colours range from cherry red to pale pink and these wines are clear in appearance, with fine, persistent bubbles. Primary aromas of red fruits and fruity, acidic and fresh taste, with minerality. Good long finish.
For the other analytical parameters, the values laid down in the legislation apply.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Wine making practices

a.   Essential oenological practices

1.   Wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines - vine-training and soils
Cultivation methods
Vines to be used in making grapevine products entitled to use the ‘Beira Interior’ PDO must be single varieties and be low-trained using the gobelet or Royat cordon techniques.
Vines intended for making grapevine products entitled to use the ‘Beira Interior’ PDO must be planted or be already growing in soils with the following characteristics:
Brown or red Mediterranean soils derived from metamorphosed schists and gneisses;
Brown or red Mediterranean soils derived from Pre-Cambrian schists or greywackes;
Granite and migmatite non-humic lithosols;
2.   Wine and quality sparkling wine - natural alcoholic strength by volume
Relevant restriction on making the wines
Musts to be used in making ‘Beira Interior’ PDO wines and sparkling wines are required to have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume that is equal to the minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume required.
3.   Liqueur wines – production
Relevant restriction on making the wines
The liqueur wine is made from must from grapes suitable for making ‘Beira Interior’ PDO products, in the early stage of fermentation, to which wine distillate with an actual alcoholic strength of 77 % by volume is added, in accordance with the characteristics laid down in the applicable legislation, up to the limit of 20 % by volume for the maximum actual alcoholic strength.
4.   Quality sparkling wine - method
Specific oenological practice
The technological method used in making quality sparkling wines entitled to use the ‘Beira Interior’ PDO is classic fermentation in the bottle.
5.   Quality sparkling wine - minimum ageing period
Specific oenological practice
Quality sparkling wine is required to remain on the bottler’s premises for a minimum period of 9 months after the date of bottling for placement on the market.
b.   Maximum yields

Wine, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wine
55 hectolitres per hectare
6.   Demarcated geographical area

The geographical area where ‘Beira Interior’ PDO is produced comprises:






—


In the municipality of Almeida, the parishes of Almeida, Castelo Bom, União das freguesias de Junça e Naves, and Malpartida in the União das Freguesias de Malpartida e Vale de Coelha;










—


In the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, the parishes of Castelo Rodrigo, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Mata de Lobos, Vermiosa, União das freguesias de Algodres, Vale de Afonsinho e Vilar de Amargo, União das freguesias de Almofala e Escarigo, União das freguesias de Freixeda do Torrão, Quintã de Pêro Martins e Penha de Águia, União das Freguesias do Colmeal e Vilar Torpim and União das freguesias de Cinco Vilas e Reigada.- The municipalities of Belmonte, Castelo Branco, Covilhã, Fundão, Manteigas and Penamacor;










—


In the municipality of Guarda, the parishes of Benespera, Famalicão, Gonçalo, Valhelhas and Vela;










—


In the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, the parishes of Aldeia de Santa Margarida, Medelim, Oledo, São Miguel de Acha, and União das freguesias de Monsanto e Idanha-a-Velha;










—


In the municipality of Sabugal, the parishes of Bendada and Casteleiro, and Santo Estêvão in União das freguesias de Santo Estêvão e Moita;










—


In the municipality of Vila Velha de Ródão, the parish by the same name.










—


Municipality of Pinhel;










—


In the municipality of Celorico da Beira, the parishes Baraçal, Forno Telheiro, Lajeosa do Mondego, Maçal do Chão, Minhocal, Ratoeira, União das freguesias de Açores e Velosa, and Celorico (Santa Maria) and Celorico (São Pedro) in União das freguesias de Celorico (São Pedro and Santa Maria) e Vila Boa do Mondego;










—


In the municipality of Guarda, the parishes of Avelãs da Ribeira, Codesseiro, Porto da Carne, Sobral da Serra and Vila Cortês do Mondego;










—


In the municipality of Mêda, the parishes of Barreira, Coriscada, Marialva, Rabaçal, and Carvalhal and Vale Flor in União das freguesias de Vale Flor, Carvalhal e Pai Penela;










—


In the municipality of Trancoso, the parishes of Cogula, Cótimos, Granja, Moimentinha, Póvoa do Concelho, Tamanhos, Valdujo, União das freguesias de Freches e Torres, União das freguesias de Vale do Seixo e Vila Garcia, União das freguesias de Vila Franca das Naves e Feital, União das freguesias de Vilares e Carnicães e Trancoso (São Pedro) and Souto Maior in União das freguesias de Trancoso (São Pedro and Santa Maria) e Souto Maior.




7.   Main wine grapes variety(ies)

Alfrocheiro - Tinta-Bastardinha
Alicante-Bouschet
Alicante-Branco
Alvarinho
Aragonez - Tinta-Roriz; Tempranillo
Arinto - Pedernã
Arinto-do-Interior
Azal
Baga
Bastardo - Graciosa
Batoca - Alvaraça
Bical - Borrado-das-Moscas
Cabernet-Sauvignon
Caladoc
Camarate
Castelão - João-de-Santarém(1); Periquita
Cercial - Cercial-da-Bairrada
Chardonnay
Chasselas
Códega-do-Larinho
Encruzado
Fernão-Pires - Maria-Gomes
Folgasão - Terrantez
Folha-de-Figueira - Dona-Branca
Fonte -Cal
Gouveio
Grand-Noir
Jaen - Mencia
Malvasia-Fina - Boal; Bual
Malvasia-Rei
Marufo - Mourisco-Roxo
Merlot
Moscatel-Galego-Branco - Muscat-à-Petits-Grains
Mourisco
Nebbiolo
Petit-Bouschet
Petit-Verdot
Pinot-Noir
Rabigato
Rabo-de-Ovelha
Riesling
Rufete - Tinta-Pinheira
Sangiovese
Sauvignon - Sauvignon-Blanc
Semillon
Syrah - Shiraz
Síria - Roupeiro, Códega
Tamarez - Molinha
Tinta -Barroca
Tinta -Carvalha
Tinta-Francisca
Tinta Negra Mole, Saborinho
Tinto-Cão
Touriga-Franca
Touriga-Nacional
Trincadeira - Tinta-Amarela, Trincadeira-Preta
Verdejo
Verdelho
Vinhão - Sousão
Viognier
Viosinho
8.   Description of the link(s)

Wine, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wine
Details of the geographical area relevant to the link.
The geographical area where the wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines entitled to use the ‘Beira Interior’ PDO are made is located inland in the centre/ north of Portugal. It is the highest winegrowing region in the country, with vines planted at an altitude of between 300 and 750 metres. The main features in the relief of the region are the Estrela, Gardunha, Açor, Marofa and Malcata mountains.
The northern tip of the region extends into part of the hydrographic basin of the rivers Côa and Águeda. and the far south by the Zêzere and Alto Tejo (upper Tagus) river basins.
Most soils are granitic in origin, the remainder being mainly schist, with some seams of quartz between the two, originating soils.
The climate is continental, characterised by cold, severe winters with negative temperatures and hot, dry summers. Average annual precipitation is between 400 and 700 mm/m2, but concentrated in the winter and spring months. This usually gives rise to excess water in the soil during this period. In summer, on the other hand, it hardly rains. The months of July and August are the driest of the year, with an average rainfall of less than 10 mm/m2. Due to the altitude, there are significant variations in temperature in summer, with hot days and cool nights.
The geographical area has been closely associated with vineyards and wine production since before Roman times. The presence of presses carved in the granite is clear proof that wine has held major significance and importance for this region ever since Roman times. In the 12th century, the religious orders that moved to the region were responsible for the flourishing of winegrowing.
The characteristics of the wines are attributable to the range of varieties used in the region and to these being well adapted to the local climate and soils, which is reflected in the expertise accumulated over the years as well as from more recent experiences.
Specific characteristics of the products associated with the geographical area:
The wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines are fresh and aromatic, with noticeable minerality and acidity.
Link with the geographical area:
‘Beira Interior’ PDO wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines are strongly influenced by the altitude.
In the ‘Beira Interior’ PDO vineyards, the extreme temperatures in the summer months are moderated by the effect of the altitude. The altitude means that the atmosphere is less dense and the atmospheric pressure is low, which has the effect that the heat of the sun’s rays is not retained as efficiently, meaning that for every 100 metre increase in altitude, the temperature drops by around 0,65 oC.
In a climate characterised by cold, severe winters and hot, dry summers, altitude is a crucial factor in the most critical stage of ripening of the grapes (July and August), as it alleviates the heat shocks. On the other hand, the lower atmospheric density determines the temperature range from day to night: the cool summer nights allow the grapes to ripen in a slower and more balanced way, resulting in a lower sugar content and ensuring a good level of natural acidity in the grapes. This gives the ‘Beira Interior’ PDO wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines their characteristic freshness and balanced acidity.
The slow ripening of the grapes is also of major importance for the development of the phenolic compounds and aromatic precursors in the grapes, resulting in more aromatic wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines.
The mostly granitic soils are key factors in the noticeable minerality of ‘Beira Interior’ PDO wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines.
The link between soil and climatic factors on the one hand and the region's grape varieties on the other gives rise to wines with distinctive characteristics, marked by minerality, acidity and freshness.
The human factor, which preserves traditions going back thousands of years and is reflected in the choice of varieties that have adapted best to the conditions in the geographical area, is of decisive importance in producing grapes that give ‘Beira Interior’ PDO wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines their distinctive characteristics.
9.   Essential further conditions


Wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines

Legal framework:
In national legislation.
Type of further condition:

Derogation on production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:
‘Beira Interior’ PDO wines can be produced from grapes grown in the Beira Interior region and made into wine outside its boundaries, subject to permission being granted on a case-by-case basis by the certification body, as long as all the following conditions are met:






—


The winery is located with 10 km of the boundary of the ‘Beira Interior’ PDO area;










—


Permission is granted by the certification body in the neighbouring region where the grapes are to be made into wine.





Wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines

Legal framework:
In national legislation.
Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:
Assessment of labelling prior to placement on the market.
The trade mark must be registered with the INPI [National Institute for Industrial Property], but is not exclusive to the PDO.

Wine (whites and reds) - bearing the term ‘Seleção’

Legal framework:
In national legislation.
Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:
Of the list of varieties in the region, the following may be used to make wines entitled to bear the term ‘Seleção’:
Aragonez (Tinta -Roriz, Tempranillo)
Arinto (Pedernã)
Bastardo
Bical (Borrado -das -Moscas)
Malvasia -Fina
Rufete (Tinta -Pinheira)
Síria (Roupeiro, Códega)
Tamarez (Molinha)
Touriga -Nacional
Trincadeira (Tinta -Amarela, Trincadeira -Preta)
White wine (entitled to bear the term ‘Seleção’):






—


Requires a minimum ageing period of 6 months;










—


The actual alcoholic strength by volume must be at least 12 %.




Red wine (entitled to bear the term ‘Seleção’):






—


Requires a minimum ageing period of 12 months;










—


The actual alcoholic strength by volume must be at least 13 %.





Link to the product specification

https://www.ivv.gov.pt/np4/8617.html


(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.