Publication of an application for a Union amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector pursuant to Article 97(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 2023/C 272/06
Date: 2023-08-01
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Blagoevgrad region, Bulgaria, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, white wine








C_2023272EN.01000901.xml










1.8.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 272/9






Publication of an application for a Union amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector pursuant to Article 97(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council
(2023/C 272/06)
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.
APPLICATION FOR A UNION AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

‘Мелник’


PDO-BG-A1472-AM01


Date of application: 24.3.2021

1.   Applicant and legitimate interest

‘Pirin’ Regional Vine and Wine Chamber (RLVK)
‘Pirin’ RLVK is registered in accordance with the Wine and Spirit Drinks Act and includes members who are producers with a legitimate interest in amending the specification for ‘Мелник’ PDO.
2.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)







☐


Name of product










☐


Category of the grapevine product










☒


Link










☐


Marketing restrictions




3.   Description and reasons for amendment

3.1.   Enlargement of the geographical area

The demarcated area for the production of ‘Мелник’ PDO wine currently includes only the village of Drangovo in the municipality of Petrich, region of Blagoevgrad. The area has only a small number of vineyards, which have limited production and a small market share. The current demarcation is preventing the area from positioning itself on the market as necessary and tapping the added value for wines labelled as ‘Мелник’ PDO. The area needs to be reviewed so that it is correctly defined, taking account of the fact that the soil and climatic characteristics are identical over a wider area, where varieties are available that produce wines with specific organoleptic characteristics. Under these conditions, the area can recover its market reputation and gain a market share commensurate with the quality of the wines. In order to prepare this application, a broad study into the area has been carried out, including from a historical perspective. The soil characteristics have been studied, a climate map has been drawn up, and a document showing the parcels planted with the varieties listed and distributed in the area has been enclosed. Broadening the area has an impact on the link without invalidating it, as the area’s specific soil and climatic features, as well as the impact of the human factor on the production of ‘Мелник’ PDO wine, are not affected. The following localities in the region of Blagoevgrad are added:






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in the municipality of Sandanski, the villages of Lehovo, Novo Hodzhovo, Piperitsa, Petrovo, Yanovo, Vranya, Katuntsi, Kalimantsi, Harsovo, Zlatolist, Zornitsa, Vinogradi, Hotovo, Lozenitsa, Levunovo, Novo Delchevo, Damyanitsa, Spatovo, Sklave, Leshnitsa, Polenitsa, Ploski, Debrene, Dzhigurovo, Laskarevo, Ladarevo, Lyubovka, Gorna Sushitsa, Rozhen, Kovachevo, Chereshnitsa, Gorno Spanchevo and Belevehchevo, and the town of Sandanski;










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in the municipality of Petrich, the villages of Kulata, Chuchuligovo, Dolno Spanchevo, Marino Pole, Topolnitsa, Drangovo, Kapatovo, Mitino, Marikostinovo, Kromidovo, Novo Konomladi, General Todorov, Rupite, Starchevo, Karnalovo, Mihnevo and Belasitsa, and the town of Petrich;










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in the municipality of Strumyani, the villages of Ilindentsi, Drakata, Mikrevo and Kamenitsa;










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in the municipality of Kresna, the town of Kresna and the village of Dolna Gradeshnitsa.




This amendment affects point 3 ‘Area for the production of “Мелник” PDO wine’ of the product specification and point 6 ‘Demarcated geographical area’ of the single document.
3.2.   Inclusion of new wine grape varieties

Over the last 20 years, the territorial distribution of vineyards in the proposed wider area of Melnik has undergone significant changes. The varietal structure has also changed. A deep and sustained interest has been observed in cultivating and vinifying local wine grape varieties, as well as grape varieties that are new to Bulgaria. It has been established that the varieties are perfectly suited to the conditions in the area, and that there is an increasing market interest in the wines produced from them. This change will make it possible to broaden the range of wines offered in response to consumer demand. The following varieties are proposed for inclusion:






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for white wines: Misket Sandanski, Keratsuda, Tamyanka, Muscat Ottonel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Gris;










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for red and rosé wines: Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Ranna Melnishka Loza (Melnik 55), Melnik 82, Melnik 1300, Rubin, Ruen, Melnishki Rubin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Grenache.




This amendment affects point 5 ‘Wine grape varieties authorised for production of “Мелник” PDO wine’ of the product specification and point 7 ‘Main wine grape variety(ies)’ of the single document.
3.3.   Addition of white wine production

In view of the broadened varietal structure and market demand, the production of white wines in the area has been authorised. The white wines are distinctive and of high quality, as the white varieties are well adapted to the terroir. The white wines complement the specificity of the area, and their distinctiveness is due to the soil and climate characteristics and human factors. This amendment affects points 2 ‘Wine produced, characteristics’ and 6 ‘Link to the geographical area’ of the product specification and points 4 ‘Description of the wine(s)’, 5 ‘Wine-making practices’ and 8 ‘Description of the link(s)’ of the single document.
3.4.   Change in the cultivation practices applied

As a result of the newly established vineyards and the restructuring of existing ones, and in order to take account of the specific climate and improve the performance of the wine produced, the following new training methods may be used: Guyot and goblet. Due to the change in the vineyard structure, the permitted vineyard density is up to a maximum of 500 vines per decare, or 5 000 vines per hectare. This amendment affects point 6 ‘Link to the geographical area’ of the product specification and point 5 ‘Wine-making practices’ of the single document.
3.5.   Maximum wine yield from 100 kg of grapes (wine obtained after vinification of 100 kg of grapes)

As white wine production has been authorised, a 60 l maximum yield (wine obtained after vinification of 100 kg of grapes) has been added for white wines. This amendment affects point 6 of the product specification and point 5 ‘Wine-making practices’ of the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name of product

Мелник
2.   Geographical indication type

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

Category 1. Wine
4.   Description of the wine(s)


White wine

The white wines are produced from the Misket Sandanski, Keratsuda, Tamyanka, Muscat Ottonel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Gris varieties, either as single-varietal wines or as cuvée wines produced from several varieties. They are full-bodied with a clear straw to vibrant golden colour, a rich palette of aromas ranging from notes of white flowers to delicate citrus, and fruity aromas of quince jam, cherry and peach. The provisions of Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 apply to the maximum total alcoholic strength.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


10,5




Minimum total acidity


4,0 g/l, expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,3




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


200





Red wine

The red wines are produced from the Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Ranna Melnishka Loza (Melnik 55), Melnik 82, Melnik 1300, Rubin, Ruen, Melnishki Rubin, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Grenache varieties, either as single-varietal wines or as cuvée wines produced from several varieties. They are ruby to dark red in colour, with intense aromas and a wide range of flavours from forest fruits to exotic spices such as cloves, cinnamon and dry herbs. They are tannin and extract-rich, full-bodied and have considerable potential for long-term ageing. The provisions of Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 apply to the maximum total alcoholic strength.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11,5




Minimum total acidity


4,0 g/l, expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


15




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


150





Rosé wine

The rosé wines are produced from the Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Ranna Melnishka Loza (Melnik 55), Melnik 82, Melnik 1300, Rubin, Ruen, Melnishki Rubin, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Grenache varieties, either as single-varietal wines or as cuvée wines produced from several varieties. They have a rich colour palette ranging from delicate pale to raspberry tones. Aromas of ripe strawberries and juicy raspberries are intertwined with mineral citrus notes, a tender freshness, a strong flavour of strawberries and a long fruity finish. The provisions of Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 apply to the maximum total alcoholic strength.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


10,5




Minimum total acidity


4,0 g/l, expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,3




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


200




5.   Wine making practices

a.   Specific oenological practices

Yield (wine obtained after vinification of 100 kg of grapes)
Relevant restriction on making the wines
The wine is produced using the traditional method of producing red, white and rosé wines. Ageing in oak barrels is permitted.
Maximum wine yield from 100 kg of grapes (wine obtained after vinification of 100 kg of grapes)






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65 l for red wines (65 %);










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60 l for white wines (60 %);










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60 l for rosé wines (60 %).




Cultivation requirements
Cultivation method
The requirements for cultivating the vines are:






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training: umbrella, Moser, mid-wire bilateral cordon, Guyot or goblet;










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pruning: combined and low pruning, retaining up to 54 buds per vine;










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planting distances: from 2,0 to 3,4 m between rows and a spacing of 1,0 to 1,5 m within rows, up to a maximum of 500 vines per decare, or 5 000 vines per hectare.




b.   Maximum yields

9 000 kg of grapes per hectare
6.   Demarcated geographical area

The demarcated area for the production of ‘Мелник’ PDO (GKNP – guaranteed and controlled appellation of origin) wine is within the boundaries of the following localities:






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in the municipality of Sandanski, the villages of Lehovo, Novo Hodzhovo, Piperitsa, Petrovo, Yanovo, Vranya, Katuntsi, Kalimantsi, Harsovo, Zlatolist, Zornitsa, Vinogradi, Hotovo, Lozenitsa, Levunovo, Novo Delchevo, Damyanitsa, Spatovo, Sklave, Leshnitsa, Polenitsa, Ploski, Debrene, Dzhigurovo, Laskarevo, Ladarevo, Lyubovka, Gorna Sushitsa, Rozhen, Kovachevo, Chereshnitsa, Gorno Spanchevo and Belevehchevo, and the town of Sandanski;










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in the municipality of Petrich, the villages of Kulata, Chuchuligovo, Dolno Spanchevo, Marino Pole, Topolnitsa, Drangovo, Kapatovo, Mitino, Marikostinovo, Kromidovo, Novo Konomladi, General Todorov, Rupite, Starchevo, Karnalovo, Mihnevo and Belasitsa, and the town of Petrich;










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in the municipality of Strumyani, the villages of Ilindentsi, Drakata, Mikrevo and Kamenitsa;










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in the municipality of Kresna, the town of Kresna and the village of Dolna Gradeshnitsa.




7.   Wine grape variety(ies)







 


Viognier










 


Grenache










 


Cabernet Sauvignon










 


Cabernet Franc










 


Keratsuda










 


Melnik 82










 


Melnik Yubileen 1300










 


Melnishki Rubin










 


Merlot










 


Misket Sandanski - Muscat Sandanski










 


Mourvèdre










 


Muscat Ottonel










 


Pinot Gris










 


Pinot Noir










 


Ranna Melnishka Loza - Melnik 55










 


Rubin










 


Ruen










 


Syrah - Shiraz










 


Sauvignon Blanc










 


Tamyanka - Temenuga










 


Chardonnay










 


Shiroka Melnishka Loza - Melnik




8.   Description of the link(s)

The vineyards in the demarcated area are located in south-western Bulgaria in the Struma valley, along the Melnik River, the southern part of the Kresna Gorge and in the foothills of the Osogovo-Belasitsa mountains. The area has a transitional Mediterranean climate, and the warmth of the Aegean, which is channelled by the Struma River, can be felt throughout the year. The winter is short, mild and without snowfall, the summer is hot, and the autumn is long and warm. The average annual temperature is between 12,5 and 14 oC. The period of sustained temperatures over 5 oC in low-altitude areas lasts 280-290 days, during which the temperature sum reaches 4 800 oC. The period of temperatures over 10 oC lasts 225-230 days, with a temperature sum of 4 300 to 4 400 oC. Annual rainfall is between 470 and 670 mm. The average daily temperature of the warmest month is 24,9 oC. The soil types are: moderate to heavy sandy-clayey, rendzina and pararendzina, colluvial, and alluvial meadow and brown forest soils.
The typical climate of the area influenced by the Aegean Sea channelled by the Struma River, the proximity of the Osogovo-Belasitsa mountains, the favourable soil conditions, as well as the restrictions imposed by human intervention, result in the wines typical of the area. The role of the human factor is reflected in the selection of varieties, the cultivation practices applied to the vines, the limitation of the grape and wine yields and the wine production methods.
The wines produced in the area are distinguished, and their organoleptic characteristics influenced, by the specific climate and soil composition of the area. Thanks to the soil and climate conditions, the wines produced stand out for being extract-rich, and for their excellent structure and high aromatic content. The wines owe their distinctive structure and organoleptic characteristics to the appropriate selection of varieties adapted to the soils typical of the area – brown forest soils formed on ancient quaternary deposits, colluvial soils formed on colluvium, rendzina formed on limestone, pararendzina formed on underlying limestone materials, and alluvial soils formed on river alluvium. The soils and subsoils in the area are very deep, have a medium to heavy sandy-clayey mechanical composition, and good water retention and drainage capacity. This allows the roots of the vines to penetrate deep into the ground and supply the plant with the necessary nutrients, factors which have a direct bearing on the extract-rich nature of the wines. The high average temperatures in the area mean that the grapes ripen very well, which guarantees high quality when the fruit is processed. With temperatures exceeding 10 oC on more than 220 days per year and around 209 frost-free days per year, even the latest ripening varieties have the temperatures they need to ripen perfectly. These features determine the typical organoleptic characteristics of the wines produced in the area.
9.   Specific further requirements (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:
In national legislation
Type of further condition:
Derogation from production in the demarcated geographical area
Description of the condition:
Vinification and processing take place in the demarcated area and in an area in the immediate proximity of the demarcated area in question. For the purposes of demarcating the area for the production of ‘Мелник’ PDO wines, the area in the immediate proximity is understood to cover the territory of the administrative region of Blagoevgrad.

Link to the product specification

https://eavw.com/updocs/2323031679562021_PDO_Melnik_Specification-NEW.pdf


(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.