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: 2024-01-08
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Germany, Rhineland-Palatinate, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, white wine








C_202400579EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
Series C













C/2024/579


8.1.2024






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/2024/579)

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


                     ‘Rheinhessen’
                  


PDO-DE-A1274-AM02


Date of communication: 26.10.2023
                  

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT
1.   Description of the changes

(a)   Analytical and/or organoleptic characteristics

The indication of the minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum natural must weight will in future be linked by the conjunction ‘and’. The following sentence on cellar accounting is inserted for clarification: ‘The must weight in the fermentation container must be documented.’
               
(b)   Wine grape varieties

The following grape varieties have so far been indicated in point 8 of the product specification:
White wine:
Albalonga, Arnsburger, Auxerrois (Auxerrois blanc, Pinot auxerrois), Bacchus, Blauer Silvaner, Bronner, Cabernet Blanc, Calardis Blanc, Chardonnay, Ehrenbreitsteiner, Ehrenfelser, Faberrebe (Faber), Felicia, Findling, Freisamer, Früher Malingre (Malinger), Früher Roter Malvasier (Malvasier, Früher Malvasier, Malvoisie), Gelber Muskateller (Blanc, Muskateller, Moscato, Muscat), Goldmuskateller, Goldriesling, Grüner Silvaner (Silvaner, Sylvaner), Grüner Veltliner (Veltliner), Helios, Hibernal, Hölder, Huxelrebe (Huxel), Johanniter, Juwel, Kanzler, Kerner, Kernling, Merzling, Morio-Muskat, Müller-Thurgau (Rivaner), Muscaris, Muskat-Ottonel, Nobling, Optima 113 (Optima), Orion, Ortega, Osteiner, Perle, Phoenix (Phönix), Prinzipal, Regner, Reichensteiner, Rieslaner, Rosa Chardonnay, Roter Elbling (Elbling, Elbling Rouge), Roter Gutedel (Gutedel, Chasselas, Chasselas Rouge), Roter Müller-Thurgau, Roter Muskateller (Muskateller, Moscato, Muscat), Roter Riesling, Roter Traminer (Gewürztraminer, Clevner, Traminer), Ruländer (Grauer Burgunder, Grauburgunder, Pinot gris, Pinot grigio), Saphira, Sauvignon blanc, Sauvignon Cita, Sauvignon Gryn, Sauvignon Sary, Sauvitage, Scheurebe, Schönburger, Septimer, Siegerrebe (Sieger), Silcher, Sirius, Solaris, Souvignier Gris, Staufer, Trebbiano di Soave, Villaris, Weißer Burgunder (Weißburgunder, Pinot blanc, Pinot bianco), Weißer Elbling (Elbling), Weißer Gutedel (Gutedel, Chasselas, Fendant Blanc), Weißer Riesling (Riesling, Rheinriesling, Riesling renano, Klingelberger), Würzer.
Red and rosé wine:
Accent, Acolon, Allegro, Baron, Blauburger, Blauer Frühburgunder (Frühburgunder, Pinot noir Précoce, Pinot Madeleine, Madeleine Noir), Blauer Limberger (Lemberger, Blaufränkisch, Limberger), Blauer Portugieser (Portugieser), Blauer Spätburgunder (Spätburgunder, Pinot noir, Pinot nero, Samtrot), Blauer Trollinger (Trollinger, Vernatsch), Blauer Zweigelt (Zweigeltrebe, Rotburger, Zweigelt), Bolero, Cabernet Cantor, Cabernet Carbon, Cabernet Carol, Cabernet Cortis, Cabernet Cubin (Cubin), Cabernet Dorio (Dorio), Cabernet Dorsa (Dorsa), Cabernet franc, Cabernet Mitos (Mitos), Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabertin, Calandro, Dakapo, Deckrot, Domina, Dornfelder, Dunkelfelder, Färbertraube, Hegel, Helfensteiner, Heroldrebe, Merlot, Monarch, Müllerrebe (Schwarzriesling, Pinot Meunier), Muskattrollinger, Neronet, Palas, Pinotin, Piroso, Prior, Reberger, Regent, Rondo, Rosenmuskateller, Rotberger, Rubinet, Saint-Laurent (Sankt Laurent, St. Laurent), Syrah (Shiraz), Tauberschwarz, Wildmuskat.
AMENDMENTS:
In future, ‘white wine’ and ‘red and rosé wine’ will be replaced by ‘white grape varieties’ and ‘red grape varieties’.
The following varieties have been added:
White grape varieties:


                     ‘Adelfränkisch, Alvarinho, Blütenmuskateller, Chenin blanc, Cumdeo Blanc, Dalkauer, Donauriesling, Donauveltliner, Früher Leipziger, Furmint, Gelber Kleinberger, Gelber Orleans, Glera, Gm 324-58, Gm 6423-12, Gm 6427-5, Gm 789-10, Gm 7926-1, Gm 7941-11, Grünfränkisch, Jakob Gerhardt Blanc, Manzoni Bianco, Mariensteiner, Marsanne blanche, Muscabona, Orangentraube, Petit Manseng, Pollux, Rheinfelder, Rinot, Roter Veltliner, Sauvignac, Sauvignon gris, Savagnin Blanc, Semillon, VB 32-7, Viognier, Weißer Räuschling, We S 503.’
                  

Red grape varieties:


                     ‘Alegrillo Negro, Barbera, Bettlertraube, Blauer Gänsfüßer, Blauer Hängling, Blauer Muskateller, Cabaret noir, Cabernet Jura, Calabrese, Carménère, Chatus, Cumdeo Rouge, Divico, Gamay noir, Gm 6421-2, Gm 6421-15, Gm 674-1, Gm 7217-5, Gm 8210-1, Grenache Noir, Hartblau, Kleiner Fränkischer Burgunder, Lagrein, Laurot, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Petite Syrah, Petit Verdot, Pinotage, Pinot nova, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Satin Noir, Schwarzblauer Riesling, Schwarzer Heunisch, Schwarzer Urban, Süßschwarz, Tannat, Tempranillo, VB 91-26-5, We 70-281-37, We 94-26-37.’
                  

The synonyms have been deleted.
(c)   Applicable requirements

Applicable requirements under national legislation:
The provision on designation has been added, according to which legally regulated elements of a designation may be used in accordance with the applicable law.
(d)   Control authorities

Correction of the fax number of the Chamber of Agriculture.
(e)   Other

In the paragraph ‘Link with the area’, the descriptions of the categories ‘wine’, ‘semi-sparkling wine’ and ‘quality sparkling wine’ have been clarified and reformulated. There is no need to submit a Union amendment, as the link with the geographical area is not voided by the amendments (cf. Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2019/33).
The following amendments have been made:
An addition has been made to point 9.4.1 of the product specification, ‘Wine’ category. The sentence in question originally read as follows: ‘
                  “Prädikatsweine” (wines with special attributes) must meet at least the criteria set out in point 3.2.’ It will now read: ‘
                  “Prädikatsweine” (wines with special attributes) must meet at least the criteria set out in point 3.2 and must not be enriched.’
               
A sentence in point 9.4.2 of the product specification, ‘Semi-sparkling wine’ category, has been reformulated. The sentence to be amended reads as follows: ‘Production is carried out by fermentation or the addition of endogenous carbonic acid’. After amendment, it will read: ‘Part of the carbon dioxide derived naturally from fermentation is retained during fermentation.’
               
The first fermentation has been added in point 9.4.3 of the product specification, ‘Quality sparkling wine’ category. Until now, according to the description, quality sparkling wine could be produced only by means of a second fermentation of the sparkling base wine. The amendment extends the possibility of producing quality sparkling wines to include the first fermentation.
2.   Reasons for the changes

(a)   Analytical and/or organoleptic characteristics

The removal of the conversion table means that there is no longer any legal basis for indicating the minimum natural must weight. However, as producers in practice work with the Öchslegrade (must weight scale), this will continue to feature in the product specification. The indication of the minimum natural alcoholic strength and the indication of the minimum natural must weight will therefore be combined by the conjunction ‘and’. This clearly shows that both the value of the minimum natural alcoholic strength and the value of the minimum natural must weight must be observed by producers if they are to market products as ‘Rheinhessen PDO’. In order to avoid misunderstandings with regard to cellar accounting, the protection association (Schutzgemeinschaft) has decided to insert a sentence clarifying that only must weight has to be recorded in the winery records.
(b)   Wine grape varieties

The list of grape varieties is incomplete and has been supplemented, since all previously classified varieties under cultivation should be mentioned, as these varieties have already proved their worth in the region. The wines produced from these varieties comply with the requirements of the product specification.
In future, the grape varieties will be listed under the headings ‘white grape varieties’ and ‘red grape varieties’ instead of ‘white wine’ and ‘red and rosé wine’, as the list of grape varieties in the product specification determines whether varieties can or cannot be cultivated, not the end product. The synonyms have been deleted, as the list of grape varieties in the product specification is essentially a ‘planting permit’, not a labelling requirement.
(c)   Applicable requirements

Applicable requirements under national legislation: The new rules on designations are intended to clarify concepts of designation in national law which are not protected by eAmbrosia.
(d)   Control authorities

The fax number of the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture has changed.
(e)   Other

Point 9.4.1 of the product specification, ‘Wine’ category, has been reworded in order to distinguish Prädikatsweine (wines with special attributes) from Qualitätsweine (quality wines).
Point 9.4.2 of the product specification, ‘Semi-sparkling wine’ category, is reworded to reflect the actual procedures involved in semi-sparkling winemaking.
The first fermentation has been added to point 9.4.3 of the product specification, ‘Quality sparkling wine’ category, since, under the previous description of the category, such a wine could be produced only by secondary fermentation. This is no longer in line with current practice, since it is now possible to produce quality sparkling wine by first fermentation.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Rheinhessen
2.   Geographical indication type

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







1.


Wine










5.


Quality sparkling wine










8.


Semi-sparkling wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Qualitätswein (quality wine), white
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Most of the wines are single-variety wines, which reflect the characteristics of the different grape varieties from which they are made. These wines are usually pale to straw yellow in colour, often with green tints. The gentle winemaking process means they have primary aromas of yellow and tropical fruit, occasionally also with floral nutmeg notes, and a finely balanced sweetness and acidity. They leave a clear and fresh impression on the senses.
Riesling wines reflect the differences between the various terroirs of Rheinhessen particularly well. They are generally characterised by a crisp acidity and combine minerality with elegant fruit. In particular, wines aged in oak barrels or casks are often marked by malolactic fermentation and present fine toasted aromas. Wines made from blends of grape varieties are often semi-sweet due to residual sugar.
Only blends in which at least 70 % of the grapes are of the Riesling, Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau or Kerner varieties, and thus whose flavour is dominated by those varieties, may bear the designation ‘Liebfrau(en)milch’.
The total alcoholic strength of ‘Rheinhessen’ PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   Qualitätswein (quality wine), red
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
These wines are produced as single-variety and blended wines. They are red to deep red in colour, often with bluish, violet tints, and are characterised by aromas of red fruit and berries. Medium-bodied wines have a soft acidity and a discreet tannic structure, with a high degree of fruitiness. As well as concentrated aromas of red fruit, full-bodied wines may also present spicy and smoky aromas.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




3.   Qualitätswein (quality wine), rosé, Weißherbst, Blanc de Noir

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
These wines are pale to bright red in colour or, in the case of Blanc de Noir wines, the colour of white wine. They are pressed exclusively from red grapes. They are usually medium-bodied with subtle aromas of red fruit and berries and a fresh, lively acidity.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




4.   Qualitätswein (quality wine), Rotling
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
These wines are pale to bright red in colour, and are made by blending white and red grapes or must. They are usually medium-bodied and combine aromas of yellow and red fruit in the mouth.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Prädikatswein Kabinett (wine with the special attribute ‘Kabinett’)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
These are fine and lively wines that generally have a moderate alcoholic strength, fresh acidity, and pronounced vinosity.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




6.   Prädikatswein Spätlese (wine with the special attribute ‘Spätlese’)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
The use of fully ripened grapes produces wines that are harmoniously rich and have an intense, bold character incorporating yellow fruit, often underpinned by a marked fruity sweetness. They are usually straw yellow in colour, sometimes tending towards gold.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




7.   Prädikatswein Auslese (wine with the special attribute ‘Auslese’)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
These wines are usually a golden-yellow colour, owing to the use of grapes that are fully ripe to overripe but ideally still healthy. They have a bold yellow- and tropical-fruit flavour and may even present aromas of dried fruit, which grow stronger with ageing. Particularly in the case of Riesling wines, the generally high residual sugar content is accompanied by a clearly perceptible acidity.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




8.   Prädikatswein Beerenauslese (wine with the special attribute ‘Beerenauslese’)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
These wines are made from overripe, dried or botrytised grapes and generally have an intense golden colour, which may turn amber with ageing. Their flavour is usually characterised by a robust sweetness and a low to moderate alcoholic strength. Concentrated aromas of raisins, dried fruit and honey are common, as well as spicy notes.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




9.   Prädikatswein Eiswein (wine with the special attribute ‘Eiswein’)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
These wines are made from largely healthy, ripe grapes which are frozen at the time of harvesting and pressing on account of the weather conditions. This gives them a very high natural alcoholic strength without the influence of noble rot, given that the grapes’ ingredients are highly concentrated. Accordingly, the wines are usually straw yellow in colour, with a high degree of fruity sweetness and concentrated acidity.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




10.   Prädikatswein Trockenbeerenauslese (wine with the special attribute ‘Trockenbeerenauslese’)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
These wines are made from overripe, dried or botrytised grapes and generally have an intense golden colour, which may turn amber with ageing. Their flavour is usually characterised by a robust sweetness and a low to moderate alcoholic strength. Concentrated aromas of raisins, dried fruit and honey are common, as well as spicy notes. Trockenbeerenauslese wines differ from Beerenauslese wines in that they are more highly concentrated and their aromas are more strongly influenced by noble rot.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




11.   Quality sparkling wine
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
The sparkling wines are usually made from single-variety wines. Their flavour is characterised by the variety used and they have a delicately sparkling appearance.
Sparkling wines designated as ‘Cremant’ often have a soft, creamy structure with an elegant body and very fine bubbles.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




12.   Semi-sparkling wine
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Semi-sparkling wines are lively, fruity and fresh. They are usually made from aromatic varieties, which characterise their flavour.
The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Winemaking practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   All products
Specific oenological practice
The current legislation applies.
2.   All products
Winemaking restrictions
The current legislation applies.
3.   All products
Cultivation practices
The current legislation applies.
5.2.   Maximum yields







1.


 




105 hectolitres per hectare
6.   Demarcated geographical area

The PDO area comprises vineyards in the following municipalities: Albig, Alsheim, Alzey, Appenheim, Armsheim, Aspisheim, Badenheim, Bechenheim, Bechtheim, Bechtolsheim, Bermersheim (Alzey-Worms), Bermersheim vor der Höhe, Biebelnheim, Biebelsheim, Bingen am Rhein 1, Bodenheim, Bornheim (Alzey-Worms), Bubenheim (Mainz-Bingen), Budenheim, Dalheim, Dexheim, Dienheim, Dintesheim, Dittelsheim-Heßloch, Dolgesheim, Dorn-Dürkheim, Eckelsheim, Eich, Eimsheim, Engelstadt, Ensheim, Eppelsheim, Erbes-Büdesheim, Esselborn, Essenheim, Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Flonheim, Flomborn, Framersheim, Frei-Laubersheim, Freimersheim (Alzey-Worms), Frettenheim, Friesenheim, Fürfeld, Gabsheim, Gau-Algesheim, Gau-Bickelheim, Gau-Bischofsheim, Gau-Heppenheim, Gau-Odernheim, Gau-Weinheim, Gensingen, Gimbsheim, Grolsheim, Gumbsheim, Gundersheim, Gundheim, Guntersblum, Hackenheim, Hahnheim, Hangen-Weisheim, Harxheim, Heidesheim am Rhein, Hillesheim (Mainz-Bingen), Hochborn, Hohen-Sülzen, Horrweiler, Ingelheim am Rhein, Jugenheim in Rheinhessen, Kettenheim, Klein-Winternheim, Köngernheim, Lörzweiler, Lonsheim, Ludwigshöhe, Mainz, Mauchenheim, Mettenheim, Mölsheim, Mörstadt, Mommenheim, Monsheim, Monzernheim, Nack, Nackenheim, Neu-Bamberg, Nieder-Hilbersheim, Nieder-Olm, Nieder-Wiesen, Nierstein, Ober-Flörsheim, Ober-Hilbersheim, Ober-Olm, Ockenheim, Offenheim, Offstein, Oppenheim, Osthofen, Partenheim, Pfaffen-Schwabenheim, Pleitersheim, Sankt Johann (Mainz-Bingen), Saulheim, Schornsheim, Schwabenheim an der Selz, Selzen, Siefersheim, Sörgenloch, Spiesheim, Sprendlingen, Stadecken-Elsheim, Stein-Bockenheim, Sulzheim, Tiefenthal (Bad Kreuznach), Udenheim, Uelversheim, Undenheim, Vendersheim, Volxheim, Wachenheim, Wackernheim, Wahlheim, Wallertheim, Weinolsheim, Welgesheim, Wendelsheim, Westhofen, Wintersheim, Wöllstein, Wörrstadt, Wolfsheim, Wonsheim, Worms, Zornheim, Zotzenheim.

Qualitätswein (quality wine), Prädikatswein (wine with a special attribute), Sekt b.A. (quality sparkling wine from defined regions) or Qualitätsperlwein (quality semi-sparkling wine) bearing the protected name ‘Rheinhessen’ must be produced in the growing area, in another growing area in Rhineland-Palatinate or in a growing area in a neighbouring federal state.
7.   Wine grape variety/-ies







 


Accent










 


Acolon










 


Adelfränkisch – Grüner Adelfränkisch










 


Albalonga










 


Alegrillo negro










 


Allegro










 


Alvarinho – Albarino










 


Arnsburger










 


Auxerrois – Auxerrois blanc, Pinot Auxerrois










 


Bacchus










 


Barbera










 


Baron










 


Bettlertraube – Grüne Bettlertraube










 


Blauburger










 


Blauer Frühburgunder – Pinot Noir Précoce, Pinot Madeleine, Madeleine Noir, Frühburgunder, Pinot Madelaine










 


Blauer Gänsfüßer










 


Blauer Hängling










 


Blauer Limberger – Lemberger, Blaufränkisch, Limberger










 


Blauer Muskateller – Muskateller, Schwarzblauer Muskateller; Muscat Noir, Schwarzer Muskateller, Muscat a petits grains noirs










 


Blauer Portugieser










 


Blauer Silvaner










 


Blauer Spätburgunder










 


Blauer Trollinger – Trollinger, Vernatsch










 


Blauer Zweigelt – Zweigeltrebe, Rotburger, Zweigelt










 


Blütenmuskateller










 


Bolero










 


Bronner










 


Cabaret Noir










 


Cabernet Blanc










 


Cabernet Cantor










 


Cabernet Carbon










 


Cabernet Carol










 


Cabernet Cortis










 


Cabernet Cubin










 


Cabernet Dorio










 


Cabernet Dorsa










 


Cabernet Franc










 


Cabernet Jura










 


Cabernet Mitos










 


Cabernet Sauvignon










 


Cabertin










 


Calabrese – Nero d’Avola










 


Calandro










 


Calardis Blanc










 


Carménère










 


Chardonnay










 


Chatus










 


Chenin Blanc










 


Cumdeo blanc










 


Cumdeo rouge










 


Dakapo










 


Dalkauer










 


Deckrot










 


Divico










 


Domina










 


Donauriesling










 


Donauveltliner










 


Dornfelder










 


Dunkelfelder










 


Ehrenbreitsteiner










 


Ehrenfelser










 


Faberrebe










 


Felicia










 


Findling










 


Freisamer










 


Früher Leipziger










 


Früher Malingre – Malinger










 


Früher Roter Malvasier – Malvasier, Früher Malvasier, Malvoisie










 


Furmint










 


Färbertraube










 


Gamay noir










 


Gelber Kleinberger










 


Gelber Muskateller










 


Gelber Orleans – Orleans










 


Glera










 


GM 324-58










 


Gm 6421-15










 


Gm 6421-2










 


Gm 6423-12










 


Gm 6427-5










 


Gm 674-1










 


Gm 7217-5










 


Gm 789-10










 


Gm 7926-1










 


Gm 7941-11










 


Gm 8210-1










 


Goldmuskateller – Muskateller










 


Goldriesling










 


Grenache noir – Grenache










 


Grüner Silvaner – Silvaner, Sylvaner










 


Grüner Veltliner – Veltliner










 


Grünfränkisch










 


Hartblau










 


Hegel










 


Helfensteiner










 


Helios










 


Heroldrebe










 


Hibernal










 


Huxelrebe – Huxel










 


Hölder










 


Jakob Gerhardt Blanc – Jakob Gerhardt blanc










 


Johanniter










 


Juwel










 


Kanzler










 


Kerner










 


Kernling










 


Kleiner Fränkischer Burgunder –Burgunder fränkisch Kleiner










 


Lagrein – Blauer Lagrein, Lagrain










 


Laurot










 


Malbec










 


Manzoni bianco – Manzoni bianco










 


Mariensteiner










 


Marsanne blanche – Marsanne










 


Merlot










 


Merzling










 


Monarch










 


Morio Muskat










 


Mucabona










 


Muscaris










 


Muskat Ottonel – Muskat-Ottonel










 


Muskat Trollinger










 


Müller Thurgau – Rivaner










 


Müllerrebe – Schwarzriesling, Pinot Meunier










 


Nebbiolo










 


Neronet










 


Nobling










 


Optima 113 – Optima










 


Orangentraube










 


Orion










 


Ortega










 


Osteiner










 


Palas










 


Perle










 


Petit Manseng










 


Petit Verdot










 


Petite Syrah










 


Phoenix – Phönix










 


Pinot Nova










 


Pinotage










 


Pinotin










 


Piroso










 


Pollux










 


Primitivo – Zinfandel, Blaucher Scheuchner










 


Prinzipal










 


Prior










 


Reberger










 


Regent










 


Regner










 


Reichensteiner










 


Rheinfelder










 


Rieslaner










 


Rinot










 


Rondo










 


Rosenmuskateller – Muskateller










 


Rosé Chardonnay – Chardonnay, Rosa Chardonnay, Chardonnay Rosé










 


Rotberger










 


Roter Elbling – Elbling Rouge










 


Roter Gutedel – Chasselas Rouge, Fendant Rouge










 


Roter Muskateller – Muskateller, Muscat, Moscato










 


Roter Müller-Thurgau










 


Roter Riesling










 


Roter Traminer – Clevner, Traminer










 


Roter Veltliner










 


Rubinet










 


Ruländer – Pinot Grigio, Grauburgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Pino Gris










 


Saint Laurent – St. Laurent, Sankt Laurent










 


Sangiovese










 


Saphira










 


Satin Noir










 


Sauvignac










 


Sauvignon Blanc – Muskat Silvaner










 


Sauvignon Cita










 


Sauvignon Gris










 


Sauvignon Gryn










 


Sauvignon Sary










 


Sauvitage










 


Savagnin Blanc – Weißer Traminer










 


Scheurebe










 


Schwarzblauer Riesling










 


Schwarzer Heunisch










 


Schwarzer Urban










 


Schönburger










 


Semillon










 


Septimer










 


Siegerrebe










 


Silcher










 


Sirius










 


Solaris










 


Souvignier Gris










 


Staufer










 


Syrah










 


Süßschwarz










 


Tannat










 


Tauberschwarz










 


Tempranillo










 


VB 32-7










 


VB 91-26-5










 


Verdicchio bianco – Trebbiano di Soave










 


Villaris










 


Viognier










 


We 70-281-37










 


We 94-26-37










 


We S 503










 


Weißer Burgunder – Pinot Bianco, Weißburgunder, Pinot Blanc










 


Weißer Elbling – Elbling, Kleinberger










 


Weißer Gutedel – Chasselas Blanc, Fendant Blanc, Fendant










 


Weißer Riesling – Riesling renano, Rheinriesling, Klingenberger, Riesling










 


Weißer Räuschling










 


Wildmuskat










 


Würzer




8.   Description of the link(s)
8.1.    
The Rheinhessen wine-growing area coincides almost exactly with the area comprising the Rheinhessische Tafel- und Hügelland (Rhenish-Hessian plateau and uplands) and the Mainz Basin. Its landscape is characterised by plateaus of resistant limestone cut through by broad depressions with gentle hills and lowlands. The highest plateau areas are between 250 and 300 metres above sea level, while the lowlands are 100 to 150 metres above sea level. Winegrowing is concentrated on the hillsides, although the average gradient is only about 7 %. Steep-slope winegrowing is found in particular in the area around Nierstein and in Bingen. On average, the vines grow at an altitude of 175 metres above sea level. Most of the vineyards face south-east to south-west.
The Rheinhessen wine-growing area consists mainly of Tertiary and Quaternary sediments lying on a base of Rotliegend rocks. The Rotliegend rocks appear on the surface of the earth only in the extreme south-west of the area and near Nierstein (the Niersteiner Horst). Most of the area rests on Tertiary rocks that are predominantly overlaid with Quaternary sediments (loess derivatives, river terraces, watercourse sediments, slope sediments). The plateau areas in Rheinhessen consist of Tertiary limestone, while the slope, hill and lowland areas consist of softer Tertiary marls. The limestone of the plateau areas is usually overlaid with loess, the limes and marls of the slopes are often concealed by loess or slope sediments, and the marls of the lowland areas are covered by watercourse, terrace or redistributed sediments. Devonian quartzites and slate are found in the north-western part of the Rheinhessen wine-growing area near Bingen. As regards soil formation, loess and loess derivatives constitute the main parent substrate. The climate of the Rheinhessen wine-growing area is as follows: The average annual temperature is about 9,9 °C. The average temperature during the growing season is 14,6 °C. The areas with the lower average annual temperatures are located in the south-west of the growing area, on the border with the Saar-Nahe Basin. The medium temperatures occur on the Rheinhessische Tafel- und Hügelland, while the highest average annual temperatures are reached towards the Upper Rhine Plain. The area receives an average of 500 mm (approx.) of precipitation each year, 65 % (355 mm) of which generally falls during the growing season. On average, the vines in Rheinhessen receive approximately 650 000 Wh/m2 of direct sunshine during the growing season.
The winegrowers farm large, connected parcels, which means that mechanisation works well and the areas can be cultivated in a cost-effective way. They set great store by the range of vine varieties and the potential for growing them, as made possible by the various soil profiles. This results in a broad palette of flavours for the consumer. The wine sector has gained particular momentum in the last 20 years. The increasing number of top young producers is proof of this momentum. The human factor is based on a centuries-old wine-growing tradition.
8.2.   Wine

The links mentioned under points 9.1 to 9.3 of the product specification relate to the production of basic products from grapes which differ in character owing to the variety of soils and processing methods.
Following the harvest, they are classified into the appropriate wine production quality grade.
Quality wines must meet the minimum requirements per category of grape variety laid down in point 3.2 of the product specification and may be fortified.

                  ‘Prädikatsweine’ (wines with special attributes) must meet at least the criteria set out in point 3.2 of the product specification and must not be enriched. For obtaining the basic grape product used in the production of wine with special attributes, winegrowers can achieve better quality as a result of a more acute composition of constituents in the grape, by carrying out special maintenance measures during the growing season, such as leaf removal around the grape or cluster thinning. Furthermore, various cellar technology-related maturation methods can, as an additional human factor, shape the wine with special attributes which is ultimately produced.
8.3.   Semi-sparkling wine

For quality semi-sparkling wine from defined regions, the basic product must meet the minimum requirements for quality wine in the region in question set out under point 3.2 of the product specification. Part of the natural fermentation carbonic acid is retained during fermentation.
8.4.   Quality sparkling wine

The basic product must meet the criteria set out in point 3.2 of the product specification. Depending on their growth stage and location, grapes from selected vineyards used to make basic wine intended for the production of sparkling wine must be harvested earlier so that they maintain the crisp acid structure of quality sparkling wine from defined regions. The wine is produced by first or second fermentation in the tank or bottle. Where production is by the special traditional bottle fermentation method, the product must have undergone a second alcoholic fermentation in the bottle to become sparkling wine. In this case the product must be matured in the bottle for at least 9 months.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
The wines must pass an official inspection in order to be labelled with the traditional terms Qualitätswein (quality wine), Prädikatswein (wine with a special attribute), Qualitätsperlwein b.A. (quality semi-sparkling wine from defined regions) and Sekt b.A. (quality sparkling wine from defined regions). The inspection number issued in this context (amtliche Prüfungsnummer) must be indicated on the label. It replaces the batch number. In addition to the existing protected wine name, wine and wine products must be labelled with one of the traditional terms listed in point 5(a) of the product specification. The use of the traditional terms listed in point 5(b) of the product specification is optional.
Statutory elements of a designation may be used in accordance with the applicable law.
Moreover, the vineyard register provides the list of the names of areas, large-scale and single vineyards and open-field systems that may be used as smaller geographical units.
It indicates the boundaries of the sites and areas in terms of cadastral references (cadastral unit, cadastral subunit, open-field system, parcel). It is managed by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture.
The vineyard register is established and maintained on the basis of:






—


Section 23(3) and (4) of the Federal Wine Act (Weingesetz);










—


Section 29 of the Federal Wine Regulation (Weinverordnung);










—


Rhineland-Palatinate Act on the designation of sites and areas and the vineyard register (Vineyards Act) (Landesgesetz über die Festsetzung von Lagen und Bereichen und über die Weinbergsrolle (Weinlagengesetz));










—


Section 2, point (16), of the Rhineland-Palatinate Regulation on responsibilities in the area of wine legislation (Landesverordnung über Zuständigkeiten auf dem Gebiet des Weinrechts).




The boundaries of smaller geographical units may be changed only with the agreement of the competent organisation under Section 22g of the Federal Wine Act, which must, also under that section, notify any changes to the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE).

Link to the product specification

http://www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein


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


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/579/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)