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 224/08
Date: 2023-06-27
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Community of Valencia, Spain, consumer information, designation of origin, fortified wine, labelling, product designation, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, white wine








C_2023224EN.01001501.xml










27.6.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 224/15






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 224/08)
This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).
COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Valencia’


PDO-ES-A0872-AM04


Date of communication: 3.4.2023


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Categories of grapevine products Improvement to the wording

Description:
The references ‘white wine’, ‘red wine’ and ‘rosé wine’ have been replaced by the term ‘wine’. The ‘Wine’ category includes white, rosé and red wines, as defined in Part II ‘Categories of grapevine products’ of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
This amendment concerns point 2 of the specification but it does not concern the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
Article 4(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 provides that ‘The description of the grapevine products shall indicate the relevant category or categories of grapevine products from amongst the categories set out in Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013’.
This amendment is needed in order to bring the wording into line with the regulatory provisions and comply with this requirement.
2.   The maximum actual alcoholic strength has been introduced for white, rosé and red wines labelled with the term ‘Petit Valencia’

Description:
The maximum limit for actual alcoholic strength (% volume) for wines labelled with the term ‘Petit Valencia’ has been set at 9 % by volume, i.e. a range between 4,5 % and 9 % by volume would be allowed.
This amendment concerns point 2(a) of the specification and point 4 of the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
It has been deemed necessary to specify that for white, red or rosé wines labelled with the term ‘Petit Valencia’, the range is between 4,5 % and 9 % by volume, to avoid confusion with the other white, red or rosé wines.
3.   Changes to the volatile acidity of red, white and rosé wines with an actual alcoholic strength by volume of more than 12,5 %

Description:
It has been specified that the limit for the volatile acidity of red wines, on the one hand, and of white and rosé wines, on the other, with an actual alcoholic strength by volume of more than 12,5 % by volume, is to be below 1,2 g/l for reds, and 1,08 g/l for the rest.
This amendment concerns point 2(a) of the specification and point 4 of the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
Compliance with Part C of Annex I to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2019/934 of 12 March 2019 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
4.   Correction to references to sugar content

Description:
The references to the sugar content of quality aromatic sparkling wines have been corrected as they were misspelled [in the Spanish version]: the words ‘Bruto’ and ‘Natural’ have been replaced by the words ‘Brut’ and ‘Nature’ respectively.
This amendment concerns point 2(a) of the specification but it does not concern the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
Corrigendum.
5.   Introduction of the organoleptic description for aged rosé wines

Description:
An organoleptic description has been added for rosé wines aged in wood (previously omitted by mistake).
This amendment concerns point 2(b) of the specification but it does not concern the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
As rosé wine can be aged in wood, it has been deemed appropriate to include an organoleptic description for this case.
6.   Varieties used to produce quality aromatic sparkling wines

Description:
The section on specific oenological practices now includes the names of the varieties listed in point 6 of the specification that may be used to produce quality aromatic sparkling wines.
This amendment concerns point 3 of the specification and point 5(1) of the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
Compliance with the appendix in Annex II to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2019/934 of 12 March 2019 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, according to which not all varieties may be used to make this type of sparkling wines.
7.   Production yield for Moscatel de Alejandría grapes

Description:
A maximum production per hectare of 16 000 kg and 121,60 hectolitres has been defined for Moscatel de Alejandría grapes.
This amendment concerns point 5 of the specification and point 5(2) of the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
The Moscatel de Alejandría grape variety is perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean climate of Valencia and it has high yields.
With the modernisation of cultivation techniques, the yield of parcels where this variety is planted has been seen to increase, without this affecting the quality or typical characteristics of the resulting products.
In order to adapt to this situation, it is necessary to differentiate between the maximum yield of the Moscatel de Alejandría variety and that of other white varieties, raising it to 16 000 kg per hectare in accordance with the data on and experience with the designation of origin.
8.   Improvement to the wording of the section on the Link with the geographical area

Description:
The description of the entire section 7 on the link with the geographical area has been amended.
This amendment concerns point 7 of the specification and point 8 of the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO) and it only entails an improvement to the wording of the section on the link. The link itself remains unchanged.
Reason:
Following judgments Nos 958/2021 and 959/2021 of the Administrative Disputes Division of the Supreme Court, the entire specification dating from 2011 had been redrafted. However, it is now necessary to refine the wording of the section on the link to take account of the observations made by the Commission at the time, particularly its description for each product category.
9.   Introduction of the possibility for winemaking to take place in proximity to the demarcated area

Description:
A derogation from the requirement for the wine to be made within the demarcated area has been introduced, in accordance with Article 5(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2019/33, for the municipalities in the Autonomous Community of Valencia that are adjacent to those within the geographical area.
This amendment concerns point 8(b)(iii) of the specification and point 9 of the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
It entails availing of the possible derogations set out in Article 5 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 of 17 October 2018 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards applications for protection of designations of origin, geographical indications and traditional terms in the wine sector, the objection procedure, restrictions of use, amendments to product specifications, cancellation of protection, and labelling and presentation.
10.   Improvement of the wording of the section on control over the co-existence of wines

Description:
The sentence ‘To this end, the Regulatory Board, through its Control Body, shall establish the control measures it deems necessary’ has been deleted as it does not add anything to the text.
This amendment affects point 8(b)(iv) of the specification but does not concern the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
It is obvious that the existing control body will, in each case, be responsible for establishing the necessary control procedures, not only to verify the co-existence of different wines, but also all other aspects of the specification.
11.   Update to regulatory references

Description:
References to the previous CMO have been replaced by references to the one that is currently in force.
This amendment affects point 8(b)(v) of the specification but does not concern the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
Other aspects of the product specification have been amended to update the regulatory references.
12.   Applicable requirements – Labelling terms: ‘Moscatel de Valencia’ or ‘Vino de licor Moscatel de Valencia’

Description:
The purpose of this amendment is to distinguish between two ways of producing Moscatel liqueur wine. If must including lees and grapeskins is used in making the liqueur wine, the term ‘Tradicional’ must be included. If not, this term must be omitted. It has been clarified that in both cases, the grapes used must be 100 % Moscatel de Alejandría.
This amendment concerns points 8(b)(v) and (vi) of the specification and point 9 of the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
This type of wine has been traditional in this designation of origin since its inception and was included in the first rules on the designation of origin, which date from 1957.
It is necessary to distinguish between the two production methods used to make Moscatel liqueur wines under the ‘Valencia’ PDO, which consist of using clarified or whole must.
13.   Update to details of the competent authority

Description:
The contact details of the competent authority have been updated.
This amendment affects point 9(a) of the specification but does not concern the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
It has been decided to update this information, coinciding with the amendments to other sections of the specification.
14.   Correction to the scope of checks

Description:
The scope of the checks to verify compliance with the specification has been amended to specify that it includes the production process and the product itself.
This amendment affects point 9(b)(i) of the specification but does not concern the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
It has been decided to correct this omission, coinciding with the amendments to other sections of the specification, because it is obvious that the scope of the checks includes the production process and the product itself.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Valencia
2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin
3.   Categories of grapevine product







1.


Wine










3.


Liqueur wine










6.


Quality aromatic sparkling wine










8.


Semi-sparkling wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   White wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Mainly yellow tones, ranging from pale to golden yellow. May be aged in wooden containers. Clean nose with good intensity and fruity notes. In the mouth, good acidity, fresh and fruity with a long finish.
Maximum sulphur dioxide: 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 300 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.
Maximum volatile acidity, if the actual alcoholic strength is > 12,5 % by volume: 18 milliequivalents per litre.






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)


13,33 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   Rosé and red wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
The rosé wines have pink tones with raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant or salmon tints. Clean, intense nose with fruity aromas predominating. In the mouth, good acidity, bold and balanced. Long finish. The red wines tend to be dark in colour, mainly red tones with violet, purple, garnet, cherry or ruby tints. Nose with good intensity and high fruitiness.
Maximum sulphur dioxide: for rosés, 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 250 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above; for reds. 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.
Maximum volatile acidity, if the actual alcoholic strength is > 12,5 % by volume: 18 milliequivalents per litre.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


9,5 




Minimum total acidity


3,5  grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




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

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Deeper colours than the base wine. More intense yellow in the case of white wines. Approaching brick-red tones in the case of red wines. A balance between fruitiness and woody aromas in the nose. Good retronasal sensations in the mouth.
Maximum sulphur dioxide: for whites and rosés, 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 300 mg/l for whites and 250 mg/l for rosés if it is 5 g/l or above; for reds, 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.
Maximum volatile acidity, if the actual alcoholic strength is > 12,5 % by volume: 18 milliequivalents per litre.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


12 




Minimum total acidity


3,5  grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




4.   White, rosé and red liqueur wine

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






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


15 




Minimum total acidity


1,5  grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


20 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   White, rosé and red quality aromatic sparkling wine

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






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


6 




Minimum total acidity


3,5  grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


185 




6.   White, rosé and red semi-sparkling wine

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






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


7 




Minimum total acidity


3,5  grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




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

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
The characteristics will be similar to those described for white, rosé and red wines.
Maximum sulphur dioxide: for whites and rosés, 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 300 mg/l for whites and 250 mg/l for rosés if it is 5 g/l or above; for reds, 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.
Maximum actual alcoholic strength: 9 % volume






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


4,5 




Minimum total acidity


3,5  grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,33 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices
1.    
Specific oenological practice
Sufficient pressure must be applied to extract the wine and separate it from the marc, so that the yield does not exceed 82 litres of must or 76 litres of wine per 100 kilograms of grapes. Under no circumstances may batches of wine obtained by applying unsuitable pressure be used to make protected wines.
The wooden containers used in the ageing processes must be made of oak and have a capacity that complies with the volume limits laid down by the legislation in force for the use of certain traditional terms.
The following varieties are to be used for the production of quality aromatic sparkling wines: Albariño, Gewürztraminer, Macabeo, Alarije (Malvasía Riojana, Subirat Parent), Moscatel de Alejandría, Moscatel de Grano Menudo and Verdejo.
5.2.   Maximum yields

1.   Red grape varieties
9 100 kilograms of grapes per hectare
2.   White grape varieties
12 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare
3.   Red grape varieties
69,16 hectolitres per hectare
4.   White grape varieties
91,20 hectolitres per hectare
5.   Moscatel de Alejandría variety
16 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare6.    
121,60 hectolitres per hectare
6.   Demarcated geographical area

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






a)


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










b)


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










c)


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










d)


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




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

GARNACHA TINTORERA
MACABEO - VIURA
MERSEGUERA
MONASTRELL
MOSCATEL DE ALEJANDRÍA
VERDIL
8.   Description of the link(s)

Wines bearing the ‘Valencia’ PDO are known for their high aromatic intensity, which is due to the water stress endured by the vines in spring and summer. This happens because temperatures are high in those seasons and there is more evapotranspiration.
These wines are also distinguished by their strong colour intensity due to the thermal range. Liqueur wines bearing the ‘Valencia’ PDO are noted for their high aromatic intensity, which is a consequence of the mild average temperatures throughout the year and the water stress experienced in spring and summer.
Quality aromatic sparkling wines bearing the ‘Valencia’ PDO are known for being characteristically fruity, light and balanced. These features are the result of the Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year.
Finally, semi-sparkling wines bearing the ‘Valencia’ PDO are fruity, light and balanced, due to the mild average temperatures.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:






 


In national legislation




Type of further condition:






 


Additional provisions relating to labelling




Description of the condition:






 


The designation ‘VALENCIA’ must feature prominently. A sub-area may be indicated if all of the grapes [used to make the wine] were grown there. The name of the grape variety may only be used for wines made using at least 85 % of the variety in question. The exception is ‘Moscatel de Valencia’ and ‘Moscatel tradicional de Valencia’ liqueur wine, for which the requirement is that only the Moscatel de Alejandría variety may be used.




Possible terms on labelling:






 


The term ‘VINO PETIT VALENCIA’ may feature on young wines with an actual alcohol content > 4,5 % and a total alcohol content > 9 % by volume, made using natural methods.










 


The terms ‘MOSCATEL DE VALENCIA’, or ‘VINO DE LICOR MOSCATEL DE VALENCIA’ may be used on wine from 100 % Moscatel de Alejandría grapes and made in accordance with the 4th indent of point 3(c) of Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of 17 December 2013. If must containing lees and grapeskins is used in winemaking, the term ‘Tradicional’ must feature on the label.










 


‘VINO DULCE’ on liqueur wines made in accordance with the 4th indent of point 3(c) of Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of 17 December 2013.










 


The traditional term ‘Primero de Cosecha’ (First harvest) may be used on red, white and rosé wines made from grapes picked in the first ten days of the harvest and bottled within the thirty days following the end of the harvest, with the obligation that the vintage be indicated on the label.




Legal framework:






 


In national legislation




Type of further condition:






 


Derogation on the production in the demarcated geographical area




Description of the condition:






 


The winemaking and ageing facilities must be located within the production area. They may also be located in those municipalities of the Autonomous Community of Valencia that are adjacent to those within the demarcated geographical area.





Link to the product specification

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


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.