Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the 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 220/11
Date: 2023-06-22
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Abruzzi, Italy, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine








C_2023220EN.01006601.xml










22.6.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 220/66






Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the 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 220/11)
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

‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’


PDO-IT-A0723-AM03


Date of communication: 23 March 2023


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   New additional geographical units

Description: Four new sub-areas have been added where wines bearing the terms Superiore and Riserva can be produced: Terre di Chieti, Terre Aquilane / Terre de L’Aquila, Colline Pescaresi and San Martino sulla Marruccina. Furthermore, the Terre di Chieti sub-area includes four smaller additional geographical units: Colline Teatine / Teatino; Colline Frentane / Frentania / Frentano; Colline del Sangro; and Colline del Vastese / Hystonium.
Reasons: Allowing Superiore and Riserva wines to be produced in the four sub-areas helps maintain the quality level of the ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ designation in terms of both image and overall production strategy, with production organised in a pyramid shape with the Abruzzo region on top, followed by the individual provincial sub-areas, the additional geographical units corresponding to one or more municipalities, and finally wines labelled with the term Vigna.
The amendments concern Articles 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO product specification and the annexes to the specification regarding individual sub-areas, and points 4, 5, 8 and 9 of the single document.
2.   Grape production area – editorial amendment and simplification of boundaries

Description: Information about the location of the vineyards and land not suitable for winegrowing has been moved.
Reasons: All details about topography and growing conditions have been moved from Article 3 to Article 4 for greater coherence.
Description: The production area boundaries have been simplified by including the entire administrative territory of the municipalities covered, set out by province.
Reasons: The administrative demarcation of municipal areas has been extended to include the entire administrative territory of each municipality, making it easier to use a digital regional mapping system to draw up the boundaries.
This increase in area does not lead to an increase in the area under vines.
Description: For the province of Chieti, 15 municipalities have been added.
Reasons: The production areas of the PDO wines in the province of Chieti overlap due to their shared territory, vineyards and history.
The inclusion of these 15 new municipalities increases the size of the existing areas under vines by no more than 1 %.
The amendments concern Article 3 and 4 of the product specification and points 6 and 8 of the single document.
3.   Wine-growing rules – editorial amendment and indication of altitude

Description: Details have been added on the location of the vineyards, specifying an altitude of up to 600 metres above sea level, or exceptionally up to 700 metres above sea level, and on the conditions under which land is considered unsuitable for cultivation.
Reasons: All details about topography and growing conditions have been moved to Article 4 for greater coherence. The maximum altitude of the vineyards has been increased to 700 metres above sea level due to climate change and to restore and promote winegrowing at higher altitudes.
The amendments concern Articles 4 and 9 of the product specification and accordingly a formal change to point 8 of the single document.
4.   Wine-growing rules – vines per hectare

Description: The minimum number of vines per hectare has been reduced from 2 500 to 2 400.
Reasons: The number of vines per hectare has been adjusted to 2 400 to bring it into line with the requirements of the wine restructuring and conversion plan under the investment measure.
This amendment concerns Article 4 of the product specification but does not affect the single document.
5.   Variation in grape yield per hectare

Description: The grape yield per hectare has been increased from 14 to 15 tonnes per hectare for black grapes, while the maximum yield has been set at 12,5 tonnes per hectare for the four new subareas Terre di Chieti, Terre Aquilane / Terre de L’Aquila, Colline Pescaresi and San Martino sulla Marruccina.
Reasons: The yield of Montepulciano grapes has been increased to boost the quantity and overall quality of PDO wines across the region while reducing the amount of generic wine accordingly in line with the current rules of the product specifications and actual production levels.
The amendments concern Article 4 of the product specification and point 5.2 of the single document.
6.   Use of the terms Superiore and Riserva


Reasons: The pyramid-shaped classification of products allows more restrictive quality terms such as Superiore and Riserva to be used. Such wines must be placed on the market in the autumn of the year after the grape harvest.
The amendments concern Article 1, 6 7 and 9 of the product specification and points 4, 5, 8 and 9 of the single document.
7.   Physical and chemical parameters

Description: In the description of taste the term ‘dry’ has been deleted and the residual sugar value has been added. It has been set at a maximum of 9 grams per litre, provided that total acidity, expressed as grams of tartaric acid per litre, is not more than 2 grams below the residual sugar content.
Reasons: The word ‘dry’ has been deleted because current legislation requires the maximum residual sugar content to be specified. This concerns only ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO wine for which there is no reference to a sub-area.
The amendments concern Article 6 of the specification and point 4 of the single document.
8.   Packaging, materials, nominal volumes and closures

Description: ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ wine must be packaged in glass containers with a nominal capacity as provided for in current legislation. Containers of other food contact materials with a nominal capacity of not less than 2 litres may also be used, except for the types bearing the name of a sub-area or additional geographical unit.
Any type of closure allowed under current legislation, with the exception of crown caps and foils, is permitted for ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ wines, except those bearing the names of sub-areas and additional geographical units.
Reasons: Rules on the materials, nominal volumes and closures of the containers used have been set out in more detail.
The amendments concern Article 8 of the product specification and point 9 of the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
2.   Type of geographical indication

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







1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






—


Colour: deep ruby red slightly tinged with purple, tending to garnet with age;










—


Aroma: aromas of red fruit and spices, intense, redolent of ether;










—


Taste: full, harmonious, slightly tannic;










—


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,00 %;










—


Residual sugars: maximum 9 grams per litre, provided that total acidity, expressed as grams of tartaric acid per litre, is not more than 2 grams below the residual sugar content;










—


Minimum sugar-free extract: 21,00 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Terre dei Vestini and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Terre dei Vestini Riserva

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: deep ruby red slightly tinged with purple, tending to garnet with age;










 


Aroma: aromas of ripe red fruit, dry plants and spices, intense, redolent of ether;










 


Taste: full, dry, robust, harmonious and velvety;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,5 % (13 % for the Riserva type);










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 23 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




3.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Casauria / Terre di Casauria and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Casauria / Terre di Casauria Riserva

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: deep ruby red slightly tinged with purple, tending to garnet with age;










 


Aroma: aromas of ripe red fruit and spices, intense, redolent of ether;










 


Taste: full, robust, harmonious, slightly tannic;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13 % (13,5 % for the Riserva type);










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 23 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




4.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Alto Tirino and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Alto Tirino Riserva

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Colour: deep ruby red slightly tinged with purple, tending to garnet with age; Aroma: aromas of ripe red fruit and spices, intense, redolent of ether; Taste: lingering, flavoursome, full, robust, harmonious and slightly tannic; Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,5 % (13 % for the Riserva type); Minimum sugar-free extract: 25 g/l (28 g/l for the Riserva type).
Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


5,0 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Terre dei Peligni and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Terre dei Peligni Riserva

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Colour: deep ruby red slightly tinged with purple, tending to garnet with age; Aroma: aromas of ripe red fruit and spices, intense, redolent of ether; Taste: full, robust, harmonious, slightly tannic; Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,5 % (13 % for the Riserva type); Minimum sugar-free extract: 23 g/l (26 g/l for the Riserva type).
Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




6.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Teate and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Teate Riserva

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: deep ruby red slightly tinged with purple, tending to garnet with age;










 


Aroma: aromas of ripe red fruit and spices, intense, redolent of ether and with a hint of jam if the grapes have been partially raisined;










 


Taste: full, robust, harmonious, slightly tannic;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,5 % (13 % for the Riserva type);










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 26 g/l (28 g/l for the Riserva type). (For Riserva wines the minimum total acidity is 5,0 g/l.)




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




7.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Terre di Chieti Superiore

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






—


Colour: intense ruby red, tending to garnet with age;










—


Aroma: redolent of ether, aromas of red fruit and spices that become finer with ageing, and with hints of jam if the grapes have been partially raisined;










—


Taste: dry, harmonious, flavourful and slightly tannic, growing softer over time;










—


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,50 %, with a maximum reducing sugar content of 4,0 g/l;










—


Minimum sugar-free extract: 25,00 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




8.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Terre di Chieti Riserva

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






—


Colour: intense ruby red, tending to garnet with age;










—


Aroma: lingering and spicy;










—


Taste: dry, lingering and balanced;










—


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13,00 %, with a maximum reducing sugar content of 4,0 g/l;










—


Minimum sugar-free extract: 27,00 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




9.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Terre Aquilane / Terre de L’Aquila Superiore

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






—


Colour: intense ruby red, tending to garnet with age;










—


Aroma: redolent of ether, aromas of red fruit and spices that become finer with ageing, and with hints of jam if the grapes have been partially raisined;










—


Taste: dry, harmonious, flavourful and slightly tannic, growing softer over time;










—


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,50 %, with a maximum reducing sugar content of 4,0 g/l;










—


Minimum sugar-free extract: 25,00 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,50 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




10.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Terre Aquilane / Terre de L’Aquila Riserva

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






—


Colour: intense ruby red, tending to garnet with age;










—


Aroma: lingering and spicy;










—


Taste: dry, lingering and balanced;










—


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13,00 %, with a maximum reducing sugar content of 4,0 g/l;










—


Minimum sugar-free extract: 27,00 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




11.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Colline Pescaresi Superiore

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






—


Colour: intense ruby red, tending to garnet with age;










—


Aroma: redolent of ether, aromas of red fruit and spices that become finer with ageing, and with hints of jam if the grapes have been partially raisined;










—


Taste: dry, harmonious, flavourful and slightly tannic, growing softer over time;










—


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,50 %, with a maximum reducing sugar content of 4,0 g/l;










—


Minimum sugar-free extract: 25,00 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,50 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




12.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Colline Pescaresi Riserva

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






—


Colour: intense ruby red, tending to garnet with age;










—


Aroma: lingering and spicy;










—


Taste: dry, lingering and balanced;










—


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13,00 %, with a maximum reducing sugar content of 4,0 g/l;










—


Minimum sugar-free extract: 27,00 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,50




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




13.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area San Martino sulla Marruccina Superiore

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






—


Colour: deep ruby red slightly tinged with purple, tending to garnet with age;










—


Aroma: aromas of ripe red fruit and spices, intense, redolent of ether;










—


Taste: full, dry, harmonious and slightly tannic;










—


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,50 %;










—


Minimum sugar-free extract: 26 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




14.   Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area San Martino sulla Marruccina Riserva

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






—


Colour: intense ruby red, tending to garnet with age;










—


Aroma: lingering and spicy;










—


Taste: dry, lingering, balanced;










—


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13,00 %, with a maximum reducing sugar content of 4,0 g/l;










—


Minimum sugar-free extract: 28,00 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   
Specific oenological practices


—
5.2.   
Maximum yields








1.


Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
15 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare










2.


Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Casauria / Terre di Casauria
9 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare










3.


Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Terre dei Vestini
10 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare










4.


Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Alto Tirino
9 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare










5.


Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Terre dei Peligni
10 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare










6.


Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area Teate
12 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare










7.


Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-areas Terre di Chieti, Terre dell’Aquila / Terre Aquilane, Colline Pescaresi
13 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare










8.


Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sub-area San Martino sulla Marruccina
12 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare.




6.   Demarcated geographical area

The production area for ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO wine comprises the entire administrative territory of the following municipalities:






1)


Province of Chieti
Altino, Archi, Ari, Arielli, Atessa, Bomba, Bucchianico, Canosa Sannita, Carunchio, Casacanditella, Casalanguida, Casalincontrada, Carpineto Sinello, Casalbordino, Casoli, Castel Frentano, Celenza sul Trigno, Chieti, Civitella Messer Raimondo, Crecchio, Cupello, Dogliola, Fara Filiorum Petri, Fara San Martino, Filetto, Fossacesia, Francavilla, Fresagrandinaria, Frisa, Furci, Gessopalena, Gissi, Giuliano Teatino, Guardiagrele, Guilmi, Lama dei Peligni, Lanciano, Lentella, Liscia, Miglianico, Monteodorisio, Mozzagrogna, Orsogna, Ortona, Paglieta, Palmoli, Palombaro, Pennapiedimonte, Perano, Poggiofiorito, Pollutri, Pretoro, Rapino, Ripa Teatina, Roccascalegna, Roccamontepiano, Rocca San Giovanni, San Buono, Sant’Eusanio del Sangro, San Giovanni Teatino, Santa Maria Imbaro, San Martino sulla Marrucina, San Salvo, San Vito Chietino, Scerni, Tollo, Torino di Sangro, Tornareccio, Torrevecchia Teatina, Treglio, Tufillo, Vasto, Villalfonsina, Villamagna and Vacri;










2)


Province of L’Aquila
Acciano, Anversa degli Abruzzi, Balsorano, Bugnara, Canistro, Capestrano, Castel di Ieri, Castelvecchio Subequo, Civita d’Antino, Civitella Roveto, Cocullo, Corfinio, Fagnano Alto, Fontecchio, Fossa, Gagliano Aterno, Goriano Sicoli, Introdacqua, Molina Aterno, Morino, Ofena, Pacentro, Poggio Picenze, Pratola Peligna, Pettorano sul Gizio, Prezza, Raiano, Rocca Casale, San Demetrio nei Vestini, Sant’Eusanio Forconese, San Vincenzo Valle Roveto, Secinaro, Sulmona, Tione d’Abruzzi, Villa S. Angelo, Villa S. Lucia and Vittorito;










3)


Province of Pescara
Alanno, Bolognano, Brittoli, Bussi, Cappelle sul Tavo, Castiglione a Casauria, Catignano, Cepagatti, Città Sant’Angelo, Civitella Casanova, Civitaquana, Collecorvino, Corvara, Cugnoli, Elice, Farindola, Lettomanoppello, Loreto Aprutino, Manoppello, Montebello di Bertona, Montesilvano, Moscufo, Nocciano, Penne, Pianella, Pietranico, Picciano, Pescara, Pescosansonesco, Popoli, Rosciano, San Valentino, Scafa, Serramonacesca, Spoltore, Tocco da Casauria, Torre de’ Passeri, Turrivalignani, and Vicoli;










4)


Province of Teramo
Alba Adriatica, Ancarano, Atri, Basciano, Bellante, Bisenti, Campli, Canzano, Castel Castagno, Castellato, Castiglion Messer Raimondo, Castilenti, Cellino Attanasio, Cermignano, Civitella del Tronto, Colledara, Colonnella, Controguerra, Corropoli, Giulianova, Martinsicuro, Montefino, Montorio al Vomano, Morro d’Oro, Mosciano, Nereto, Notaresco, Penna S. Andrea, Pineto, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Sant’Egidio, Sant’Omero, Silvi, Teramo, Torano Nuovo, Tortoreto, Tossicia and Isola del Gran Sasso.




7.   Wine grape variety

Montepulciano N.
8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   
‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO and sub-areas


A)   Details of the geographical area

1.   Natural factors relevant to the link
The geographical area comprises all of Abruzzo’s coastal hills and foothills, with a section in the middle extending further inland to encompass the Alto Tirino plateau to the north, the Subequana valley to the north-west, the Peligna valley to the south and the Roveto valley to the south-west.
Vine cultivation takes place on hilly formations made up of Plio-Pleistocene deposits that filled the Periadriatic basin during a marine sedimentary cycle between the late Tertiary and early Quaternary, covering an area some 20-25 kilometres wide and 125 kilometres long between the rivers Tronto and Trigno, in addition to several basins located between mountains in the central part of the Abruzzo region. These formations show considerable variation in terms of soil particle size. In the upper layers, sandy clay is overlaid with fine to medium grain silica sands that are more or less clayey and yellowish in colour due to the degradation of iron oxides, and with mostly thin layers of cemented limestone or clay, often interlayered with lime, gravel and clay. In the vast majority of cases the soil has an even distribution of material, forming soils with a sandy-clayey structure. In the central and southern part of the area the soils are usually loose and of varying depth depending on the gradient and exposure, whereas in the north they tend to be more clayey. The basins between the mountains consist of ancient fluvial and alluvial terraces formed by low-gradient detrital deposits. This results in particularly loose soils of varying depth depending on the gradient and exposure. Water retention is generally medium to low with a low to moderate level of nutrients and humus. Vines may be cultivated at an altitude of up to 700 metres above sea level, on slopes of varying gradient and exposure, if the lie of the land and exposure at midday allow full phenolic ripening. Land on the damp valley floor is not used for winegrowing.
2.   Human factors relevant to the link
Vine cultivation and the production of good red wines in the defined production area date as far back as Polybius, a Greek historian who lived from 205 to 123 BC and who relates that Hannibal, after his victory at Cannae in 216 BC, praised these wines for curing the wounded and restoring men to health and strength. The Latin poet Publio Ovidio Nasone, born in Sulmona in 43 BC, also evokes his native land in his verses: ‘In Sulmona, in the third part of Peligna country, I have a piece of land, small but healthy for its pure spring water. Fertile soil for Cerere wheat, and even more for grapes; on some fields even the tree of Pallas, the olive tree, grows.’
Since then a great many writers have praised the qualities of wines produced in Abruzzo, but the first historical reference to the presence of the Montepulciano variety in the region can be found in Michele Torcia’s work Saggio Itinerario Nazionale pel Paese dei Peligni (a land survey of Peligni country) of 1792. The characteristics of this grape variety were later described in many historical texts and technical manuals. Some examples include ‘Monografia storica di Sulmona’ [Historical Monograph of Sulmona] by Panfilo Serafini (Sulmona, 1817-1864), published in the renowned illustrated Naples periodical Il Regno delle Due Sicilie [The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies] in 1854, where he writes: ‘Montepulciano vines, both the Primaticcio (early) and the Cordisco (late) varieties, are the most common…’; Professor Andrea Vivenza’s Brevi norme per fare il vino [Concise wine-making rules] of 1867; and the work of Edoardo Ottavi and Arturo Marescalchi entitled Vade-Mecum del commerciante di uve e di vini in Italia [Manual of Italian grape and wine traders in Italy], the first edition of which was published in 1897. The variety was initially grown only in inland areas, in particular the Peligna valley, to which it was perfectly acclimatised. In the late 19th century cultivation spread towards the coast, and since the Second World War it has become the region’s most widely grown red grape variety. Today, the variety is used to make ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO wine, the main and most appreciated Abruzzo wine and symbol of an entire wine-making region. The designation was recognised in 1968, and over the years the specification has been amended to better define the product and the terroir, among other things by identifying specific sub-areas.
8.2.   
‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO and sub-areas


B)   Details of the quality or characteristics of the product essentially or exclusively attributable to the geographical environment

The Montepulciano variety is considered to be a ‘native variety’ of Abruzzo on account of its centuries-old presence in and perfect adaptation to the region. Its specific qualities find their full expression in ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO wine, which, from an analytical and organoleptic point of view, has its own specific characteristics, described briefly and non-exhaustively in Article 6 of the specification.
In particular, the wine has a deep ruby red colour, slightly tinged with purple, tending to garnet with age; the aroma is typically of red fruit (cherry, blackberry), while hints of jam and spices (pepper, tobacco, liquorice) can be perceived in aged wines; and the taste is dry, slightly tannic, velvety and balanced.
C)   Description of the causal interaction between the details referred to in point A and those referred to in point B.

The geographical area is large, covering more than a third of the entire Abruzzo region. While the topography and soil conditions are quite homogeneous in this area, the climate changes slightly from north to south and from east to west, so that macro-areas can be identified based on certain climate features (rainfall, temperature, ventilation, etc.). This, together with differences in terrain and exposure, considerably influences the growth and fruit production capacity of the Montepulciano variety, the main, if not only, grape variety that has been used to make wine of that name in Abruzzo for more than two centuries. Studies to characterise ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ wines have allowed specific sub-areas to be distinguished. Besides Colline Teramane, which became a separate designation in 2003, the first five sub-areas were Terre di Casauria, Terre dei Vestini, Alto Tirino, Valle dei Peligni and Teate, to which four new sub-areas have been added, three of which correspond to the wine-growing area of a province (Pescara, Chieti and L’Aquila). There are therefore nine sub-areas in total, including three linked to provinces (Terre di Chieti, Terre Aquilane, Colline Pescaresi) and one linked to a municipality (San Martino sulla Marruccina), enabling the characteristics of each demarcated area to be highlighted.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)


‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO – Use of additional geographical units

Legal framework:
In EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
The sub-areas are as follows:






—


Casauria / Terre di Casauria










—


Terre dei Vestini










—


Alto Tirino










—


Terre dei Peligni










—


Teate










—


Terre Aquilane / Terre de L’Aquila










—


Colline Pescaresi










—


San Martino sulla Marrucina










—


Terre di Chieti, with the following smaller additional geographical units: Colline Teatine / Teatino; Colline Frentane / Frentania / Frentano; Colline del Sangro; Colline del Vastese / Hystonium.





‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO and sub-areas

Legal framework:
In EU legislation
Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:






—


Vintage




The labelling of ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO wines must indicate the year in which the grapes were produced.

‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ PDO

Legal framework:
In EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:






—


Materials and nominal volumes of containers
‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ DOC wine must be packaged in glass containers with a nominal capacity as provided for in current legislation.
Containers of other food contact materials with a nominal capacity of not less than 2 litres may also be used for wines referred to in the previous paragraph, except for the types bearing the names of sub-areas and additional geographical units.










—


Closures of containers
Any of the closures allowed under the legislation in force, with the exception of crown caps and foils, is permitted for ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ DOC wines, except those bearing the names of sub-areas and additional geographical units.





‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ with reference to sub-areas

Legal framework:
In EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
Sub-area Casauria / Terre di Casauria:






—


Materials and nominal volumes of containers
The wine may be sold to consumers only in glass containers with a nominal volume in litres of: 0,750 – 1,500 – 3,000 – 6,000.










—


Closures of containers
Standard cork stoppers must be used.




Sub-areas Terre dei Vestini, Alto Tirino, Terre dei Peligni:






—


Materials and nominal volumes of containers
The wine may be sold to consumers only in glass containers with a nominal volume in litres of: 0,375 - 0,750 - 1,500 - 3,000 - 6,000.










—


Closures of containers
Standard cork stoppers must be used.




Sub-area Teate:






—


Materials and nominal volumes of containers
Any of the containers provided for by current legislation may be used for the packaging of ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ wine, sub-area Teate.
‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ DOC wine, sub-area Teate, bearing the term Riserva must be packaged in containers with a nominal volume in litres of: 0,750 – 1,500 – 3,000 – 6,000.










—


Closures of containers
Any type of closure permitted by current legislation may be used. Only standard cork stoppers may be used for ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ DOC wine, sub-area ‘Teate’, bearing the term Riserva.
Sub-areas Terre di Chieti, Terre de L’Aquila / Terre Aquilane, Colline Pescaresi, San Martino sulla Marruccina










—


Materials and nominal volumes of containers
Only traditional glass bottles may be used with a nominal volume in litres of: 0,375 – 0,750 – 1,500 – 3,000 – 6,000, as well as special formats of a nominal volume of up to 27 litres.










—


Closures of containers
Only standard cork stoppers may be used for wine bearing the term Riserva.





‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ with reference to sub-areas

Legal framework:
In EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
Sub-areas Casauria / Terre di Casauria, Terre dei Vestini, Alto Tirino, Terre dei Peligni, Teate, Terre Aquilane / Terre de L’Aquila, Colline Pescaresi and San Martino sulla Marruccina:






—


Font and position on label
The name of specific sub-area (Casauria / Terre di Casauria, Terre dei Vestini, Alto Tirino, Terre dei Peligni, Teate, Terre Aquilane / Terre de L’Aquila, Colline Pescaresi or San Martino sulla Marruccina) must always appear directly before the name ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’, in letters of at least the same size as those used for the controlled designation of origin ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’.
Sub-area Terre di Chieti:










—


Font and position on label
The name of the sub-area Terre di Chieti must always appear directly before the name ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ in letters of at least the same size as those used for the controlled designation of origin ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’.
For wines of the ‘Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’ protected designation of origin, sub-area Terre di Chieti, the additional geographical units Colline Teatine / Teatino, Colline Frentane / Frentania / Frentano, Colline del Sangro and Colline del Vastese / Hystonium may be used.
The name of an additional geographical unit corresponding to more than one municipality must always appear below the name of the sub-area and in smaller letters.





Link to the product specifiation

https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/19401


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.