Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33
Date: 2023-11-08
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Buzau, Romania, Vrancea, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, white wine








C_202300708EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
Series C













C/2023/708


8.11.2023






Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33
(C/2023/708)

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


                     ‘Coteşti’
                  


PDO-RO-A1577-AM04


Date of communication: 16 August 2023
                  


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT


Introduction of a new wine grape variety to wine production

The specification has been supplemented with the Cabernet Franc wine grape variety, to be allowed in the production of still wine in the demarcated area of Cotești, from which still red/rosé wines can be obtained.
The cultivation of the Cabernet Franc variety is admitted at national level by Order MADR No 273/2020 approving the List of wine grape varieties which may be planted, replanted and grafted in Romania for the purpose of wine production.
The following varieties are allowed for red/rosé wines: Fetească neagră, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Băbească neagră, Burgund mare, Cadarcă, Syrah and Cabernet Franc.
Projects financed with European funds have been implemented within the perimeter of the defined area, involving conversion/restructuring measures aimed at improving performance in terms of the wine-growing potential of the Cotești PDO by making use of the specific conditions of the area through the planting of mainly native varieties (Tămâioasă Românească, Busuioacă de Bohotin, Fetească Regală, Fetească Albă, Feteasca Neagră) and also some international varieties (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon, Muscat Ottonel).
The Cabernet Franc variety is one of the varieties planted under the conversion/restructuring programmes. The plantations are located within the area of the Dumbrăveni/Dragosloveni wine-growing centre, and the variety has been used for winemaking since 2022. Quality assessments of the grapes harvested ensure that the necessary conditions exist for them to be used for still wines of PDO quality.
This variety ensures that areas planted under the specific sectoral measures, taken to increase the percentage of PDO/GI wines produced by winegrowers, are included in the authorisation/registration system for PDO quality.
The production area has specific characteristics due to the soil type (predominantly alluvial chernozem, recent fluvial and fluvial-lacustrine deposits with sandy, loamy, clay-loam and clay textures), the relatively high number of days of sunshine which can lead to relatively high aromatic and colour accumulation, rich solar warmth, abundant radiative flux and average sunshine hours, all of which ensure optimal growth conditions for the Cabernet Franc variety. This variety has a long growing season, and needs to be harvested at full ripeness in order to develop its characteristic aromas (slightly spicy, fresh forest fruits) and accumulate a high sugar content.
Chapters III and IV of the product specification and points 5.2 and 7 of the single document have been amended.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Coteşti
2.   Geographical indication type

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







1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Analytical and organoleptic characteristics of wines when released for consumption

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Fetească albă – fine wine, aromatically neutral; when fermented at low temperatures, it may develop certain fermentation aromas.
Fetească regală – a mellow wine, with a delicate apple aroma, floral notes.
Galbenă de Odobeşti – delicate aroma, a wine with low alcoholic potential.
Tămâioasă românească – has aromatic richness in its first years, and an aroma of sweet roses; with ageing, it has an aroma of musk, raisins, honey and spices.
Șarbă – citrus, herbal notes, with liveliness, freshness, floral aromas of rose, basil.
Frâncușa – wines with moderate alcoholic strength and a neutral character.
Crâmpoșia – white-yellowish colour with greenish hues and a subtle aroma of fresh fruit.
Riesling – neutral taste.
Sauvignon – dry wines, with medium or high acidity, a marked freshness, herbal notes, or aromas of sweetish tropical fruit, often an aroma of vine flowers.
Chardonnay – different aromas, neutral, buttery, tropical; due to its acidity, it is a very good raw material for sparkling wine.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


15




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


9




Minimum total acidity


3,5 in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


20




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


250




2.   Analytical and organoleptic characteristics of wines when released for consumption

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Fetească neagră – austere character, winemaking to obtain semi-dry and semi-sweet wine emphasises the specific aroma of sun-dried plums, red-violet colour in young wines.
Băbească neagră – wine with alcoholic potential of 10-11 % by volume.
Cabernet Sauvignon – wine suitable for maturation and ageing, aromatic with wild, woodsy notes, aromas of green bell pepper and blackcurrants.
Merlot – medium-bodied, dominant raspberry, plum and blackcurrant aromas, preferred variety for coupage with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pinot noir – as a young wine, it has notes of cherries, plums and strawberries (ripe, red fruit); as it matures, it has notes of raisins, hay, tobacco, leather, mushrooms and black pepper, and a transparent brownish-red colour.
Syrah – a powerful taste of black forest fruits, spices, liquorice, dark chocolate and pepper. Its density is above average, and it usually has a high tannin content, a perfect partner for spicy food, lamb and game. In the winemaking process – often on its own, but also very often combined with other varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) – it results in an elegant wine with good longevity. It has a high sugar content, high alcohol content, a bright red colour with purplish highlights, aromas of pepper, black cherries, fresh forest fruits, a balanced acidity and velvety texture.
Cabernet Franc – wine with a high and well integrated alcoholic strength, bright red/intense colour, aromas of pepper, black cherries, fruity notes of fresh forest fruit, medium body, sustained acidity and interesting vegetable notes. Sometimes with sweet and spicy notes, most often as a single variety but may also be associated with other winemaking varieties.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


15




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


9




Minimum total acidity


3,5 in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


20




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


250




5.   Winemaking practices

5.1.   Specific wine-making practices

1.   Winemaking practices
Specific winemaking practice
White and rosé wines can be obtained from the Pinot gris and Traminer roz varieties depending on the producer’s technological choices.
5.2.   Maximum yields







1.


Sauvignon, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer aromat






 



                                    14 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare














2.


Tămâioasă românească, Busuioacă de Bohotin, Traminer roz






 



                                    14 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare














3.


Fetească albă, Riesling de Rhin, Băbească gri, Crâmpoșie selecționată, Șarba, Băbească neagră, Burgund mare, Cadarcă, Negru Aromat






 



                                    15 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare














4.


Fetească regală, Riesling italian, Aligote, Frâncușă, Galbenă de Odobești, Mustoasă de Măderat, Plăvaie, Furmint






 



                                    18 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare














5.


Syrah






 



                                    21 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare














6.


Fetească neagră, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc






 



                                    17 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare














7.


White wines, rosé wines






 


135 hectolitres per hectare














8.


Red wines






 


130 hectolitres per hectare








6.   Demarcated geographical area







 


Vrancea County






—


Municipalities: Vârteșcoiu, Câmpineanca, Pietroasa, Faraoanele, Râmniceanca, Beciu, Pietroasa, Olteni;










—


Municipalities: Broșteni, Căpătanu, Pitulușa, Arva;










—


Municipalities: Cârligele, Dălhăuți, Bonțești, Blidari;










—


Municipalities: Cotești, Budești, Valea Cotești, Goleștii de Sus;










—


Municipalities: Urecheşti, Popeşti, Tercheşti;










—


Municipalities: Dumbrăveni, Dragosloveni, Cândești, Alexandru Vlahuță, Dumbrăveni;










—


Municipalities: Bordești, Bordeștii de Jos;










—


Municipalities: Tâmboești, Slimnic, Trestieni, Pietroasa, Pădureni, Obrejița;










—


Municipalities: Slobozia Bradului, Sihlea, Coroteni, Valea Beciului, Cornetu, Olăreni;










—


Municipalities: Slobozia Ciorăști, Jiliște, Armeni.














 


Buzău County






—


Municipalities: Grebănu, Zăplazi, Livada, Livada Mică, Plevna, Homești;










—


Municipalities: Podgoria, Oraţia, Coţatcu, Tăbăcari;










—


Municipalities: Topliceni, Răducești.








7.   Wine grape variety(ies)







 


Aligoté B – Plant de trois, Plant gris, Vert blanc, Troyen blanc










 


Babeasca gri G










 


Băbească neagră N – Grossmuttertraube, Hexentraube, Crăcana, Rară neagră, Căldărușă, Serecsia










 


Cabernet Franc N










 


Cabernet Sauvignon N – Petit Vidure, Burdeos tinto










 


Cadarcă N – Schwarzer Kadarka, Rubinroter Kadarka, Lugojană, Gâmză, Fekete budai










 


Chardonnay B – Gentil blanc, Pinot blanc Chardonnay










 


Crâmpoşie selecţionată B










 


Fetească albă B – Păsărească albă, Poama fetei, Mädchentraube, Leanyka, Leanka










 


Fetească neagră N – Schwarze Mädchentraube, Poama fetei neagră, Păsărească neagră, Coada rândunicii










 


Fetească regală B – Konigliche Madchentraube, Konigsast, Ktralyleanka, Dănăşană, Galbenă de Ardeal










 


Frâncușă B – Vinoasă, Mildweisser, Mustoasă de Moldova, Poamă creață










 


Muscat Ottonel B – Muscat Ottonel blanc










 


Mustoasă de Măderat B – Lampau, Lampor, Mustafer, Mustos Feher, Straftraube










 


Negru Aromat N










 


Pinot Gris G – Affumé, Grauer Burgunder, Grauburgunder, Grauer Mönch, Pinot cendré, Pinot Grigio, Ruländer










 


Riesling italian B – Olasz Riesling, Olaszriesling, Welschriesling










 


Syrah N – Shiraz, Petit Syrah










 


Traminer Rose Rs – Rosetraminer, Savagnin Rose, Gewürztraminer










 


Șarba B




8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Details of the geographical area

The Cotești PDO area is located on the southern side of the Vrancea foothills to the east of the Carpathian and Sub-Carpathian Mountains, forming a continuation of the Panciu and Odobești vineyards, which are located to the north. Together, the three form the well-known ‘Vrancea Vineyards’ or the ‘Putna Vineyards’. It is arranged in rows running from north to south between the valleys of the Milcov and Râmna rivers. It overlays the biological, pedological and climate foothill transition zone between the ‘Câmpia Română’ (the Romanian Plain) to the east (altitudes below 100 m) and the Sub-Carpathian arc to the west (Deleanu Hill, 698 m and Căpățânei Hill, 592 m) at an altitude of over 300 m.
Rock type – Alternation of foothill sands and gravel of the Lower and Middle Pleistocene, covered by a mantle of clayish and sandy loess sediment. This continental Pleistocene deposit lies on top of the Pliocene marine clay, sand and marl sediments.
Relief – Wide, quasi-horizontal stretches between rivers, mainly exposed to sunshine on their southern and eastern sides, although the western slopes also benefit from sufficient sunshine and, as such, are suitable for the cultivation of vines, which explains the large proportion of vineyards.
Climate – The forest steppe found in this area specifically provides excellent conditions for the growth of high quality grape varieties, mainly due to rich solar warmth and a favourable rainfall regime. The abundant radiative flux and the average sunshine hours ensure optimal conditions for vine growth, grape ripening and sugar concentration in grapes.
8.2.   Details of the product, causal interaction

The red wines are intensely coloured, medium-bodied, with dominant aromatic hints of raspberries, prunes, currants, cherries, strawberries, raisins, mushrooms and black pepper, with balanced acidity, velvety.
The white wines are fresh, usually with aromas of citrus or tropical fruits, floral aromas of rose, basil, with a fresh taste, optimal acidity, sometimes also the aroma of fresh green apples.
Due to the acidity of the soil, the white wines have freshness and vinosity, with notes of fresh fruit.
The red wines are velvety with well-integrated tannins due to the specific forest-steppe climate with solar thermal resources. The average duration of sunshine ensures the optimal development of vines and concentration of sugar in the grapes.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Derogation on production
Legal framework:
In EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area
Description of the condition:
In certain climatic conditions which, in conjunction with the potential of certain varieties, have a positive impact on yields on plantations in the demarcated area, it is possible to process the musts and/or wines which bear the Cotești PDO also outside the demarcated area, in the neighbouring area where the wine centres offer the best capacity. The neighbouring area designated to this end for quick winemaking, winemaking at controlled temperature and fermentation at controlled temperature in order to preserve the aromatic potential of some varieties includes the following municipalities of: Vrancea County: Panciu, Movilița, Odobești, Unirea, Jariștea and Bolotești.
At each stage of the production process and following assessment of the characteristics and qualities of the product obtained, the producer can reclassify the wine products into the product categories provided for in the legislation in force, in order to maintain compliance.
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Legal framework:
In EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
Some indications referring to certain production methods may also be used on a voluntary basis, as follows:






 


the indications ‘fermentat in barrique [fermented in barrels]’, ‘maturat in barrique [matured in barrels]’, ‘fermentat în prezența așchiilor de stejar [fermented in the presence of oak chips]’ and ‘maturat în prezența așchiilor de stejar [matured in the presence of oak chips]’ may be shown on the labelling in Romanian, or terms in languages of international use may be used to inform the consumer that the said process is employed, such as any of the following indications:










 



                     ‘fume’ or ‘smoked’ or ‘toasted’ in English, whether or not accompanied by the term describing the intensity of the heat treatment applied to the oak wood used, i.e. ‘light’, ‘medium’ or ‘heavy’;










 



                     ‘fumé’ or ‘fumée’ in French, whether or not accompanied by the term describing the intensity of the heat treatment applied to the oak wood used, i.e. ‘légère’, ‘moyenne’, ‘forte’ or ‘petite fumé’, ‘demi fumé’, ‘intense fumé’.




These indications may be in any other language of international use or in the language of the country in which the wine product is intended to be marketed if the wine producer so chooses, informing the consumer of the use of practices applied throughout the world to obtain wines with distinct sensory characteristics.
For wines that undergo a period of maturation or ageing on the lees, the label may include terms such as ‘sur lie’, ‘bâttonnage’ or ‘aged on the lees’.

Link to the product specification

https://www.onvpv.ro/sites/default/files/caiet_sarcini_doc_cotesti_modificat_cf_cereri_473_01.03.2022_si_1033_24.05.2023_no_track_changes.pdf


(1)  
            OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2023/708/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)