Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the agricultural products and foodstuffs sector, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014
Date: 2024-01-09
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Italy, Veneto, consumer information, designation of origin, honey, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products




C_202400779EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
Series C













C/2024/779


9.1.2024






Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the agricultural products and foodstuffs sector, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014
(C/2024/779)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 6b(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (1).
COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF A PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN OR PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION ORIGINATING IN A MEMBER STATE

(Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012)



                     ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’
                  


EU No: PDO-IT-0776-AM01 – 28.9.2023
                  


PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name of product


               ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’
            
2.   Member State to which the geographical area belongs

Italy
3.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment

MASAF [Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry]
—
4.   Description of the approved amendment(s)


Explanation that the amendment(s) fall under the definition of a standard amendment as provided for in Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) 1151/2012

The amendments fall under the definition of a standard amendment as provided for in Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) 1151/2012 since






 


they do not concern the name of the designation










 


they do not alter the link










 


they do not entail any further restrictions on the marketing of the product.




1.   Amendment concerning Article 1 of the product specification.

Current wording:


                     ‘Article 1 Name of product
The protected designation of origin “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” is reserved for honey which complies with the conditions and requirements laid down in Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 and listed in this product specification.’
                  

New version:


                     ‘Article 1 Name of product
The protected designation of origin “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” is reserved for honey which complies with the conditions and requirements laid down in this product specification.’
                  

Reason
The reference to the now obsolete Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 has been deleted.
The amendment does not affect the single document.
2.   Article 2 of the product specification (Description of product); point 3.2 of the single document Addition of the Melata di Bosco (Forest Honeydew) and Melata di Abete (Silver Fir Honeydew) types of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’
                           

Product specification
Current wording:

                     ‘
                     “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” is produced from the nectar of flowers in the mountainous Belluno region by the local ecotype of Apis mellifera, which results from the natural cross breeding of various honey bee subspecies, predominantly the Italian bee and the Carniolan honey bee; over time, it has adapted particularly well to the characteristics of the mountain environment of the Belluno region and can provide good yields of honey.
Depending on the various botanical species which flower in different phases during the production period, a distinction is made between the following types of “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi”:






 


Millefiori (Wildflower),










 


Acacia (Acacia),










 


Tiglio (Lime),










 


Castagno (Chestnut),










 


Rododendro (Rhododendron)










 


Tarassaco (Dandelion).’
                        




New version:

                     ‘
                     “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” is produced from the nectar of flowers and from honeydew in the mountainous Belluno region by the local ecotype of Apis mellifera, which results from the natural cross breeding of various honey bee subspecies, predominantly the Italian bee and the Carniolan honey bee; over time, it has adapted particularly well to the characteristics of the mountain environment of the Belluno region and can provide good yields of honey.
Depending on the various botanical species which flower in different phases during the production period or give rise to honeydew, a distinction is made between the following types of “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi”:






 


Millefiori (Wildflower),










 


Acacia (Acacia),










 


Tiglio (Lime),










 


Castagno (Chestnut),










 


Rododendro (Rhododendron)










 


Tarassaco (Dandelion)










 


Melata di Bosco (Forest Honeydew)










 


Melata di Abete (Silver Fir Honeydew).’
                        




Single document
Point 3.2
Current wording:


                     ‘
                     “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” is produced from the nectar of flowers and from honeydew in the mountainous Belluno region by the local ecotype of Apis mellifera, which results from the natural cross breeding of various honey bee subspecies, predominantly the Italian bee and the Carniolan honey bee; over time, it has adapted particularly well to the characteristics of the mountain environment of the Belluno region and can provide good yields of honey. Depending on the various botanical species which flower in different phases during the production period and the consequent floral sources, a distinction is made between the following types of “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi”: Millefiori (Wildflower), Acacia (Acacia), Tiglio (Lime), Castagno (Chestnut), Rododendro (Rhododendron) and Tarassaco (Dandelion).’
                  

New version:


                     ‘
                     “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” is produced from the nectar of flowers and from honeydew in the mountainous Belluno region by the local ecotype of Apis mellifera, which results from the natural cross breeding of various honey bee subspecies, predominantly the Italian bee and the Carniolan honey bee; over time, it has adapted particularly well to the characteristics of the mountain environment of the Belluno region and can provide good yields of honey. Depending on the various botanical species which flower in different phases during the production period or give rise to honeydew, a distinction is made between the following types of “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi”: Millefiori (Wildflower), Acacia (Acacia), Tiglio (Lime), Castagno (Chestnut), Rododendro (Rhododendron), Tarassaco (Dandelion), Melata di Bosco (Forest Honeydew) and Melata di Abete (Silver Fir Honeydew).’
                  

Reason
This amendment adds the types of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ PDO obtained from the honeydew to be found in the wooded areas of the production area not included in the current product specification.
These types of honey were not included at the time of registration since there was little consumer interest in such products.
In recent years, however, there has been ever greater demand for these types of honey which is why the producers have decided to include them in the product specification.
This amendment affects the single document.
3.   Amendment concerning Article 2 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document

Product specification and single document
Current wording:






‘A.


Chemico-physical characteristics
The different types of “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” must display the following chemico-physical characteristics:






HMF content (on release for consumption)


<10 mg per kg’








New version:






‘A.


Chemico-physical characteristics
The different types of “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” must display the following chemico-physical characteristics:






HMF content (on packaging in jars)


≤10 mg/kg




Water


≤18 %’








Reason:
The point at which the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ PDO is measured has been changed to provide a better guarantee of the product’s freshness when packed in jars. The amount has also been changed and now stands at ≤10 mg/kg.
The water content has also been set at uniform level for all types of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ PDO, given that it varies very little between the different types concerned.
This amendment affects the single document.
4.   Amendment concerning Article 2 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document on chemico-physical characteristics

The following table has been deleted from the product specification and the single document














‘Honey type


Water
(%)


pH


Fructose + glucose (%)


Sucrose
(%)




 


Min


Max


Min


Max


Min


Max


Min


Max




Millefiori (Wildflower)


15 


18 


3,4 


4,4 


69 


78 


0 


3,8 




Acacia (Acacia)


15 


18 


3,7 


4,1 


61 


77 


0 


10 




Tiglio (Lime)


16,5 


17,8 


4,0 


4,1 


67 


70 


0,8 


4,6 




Castagno (Chestnut)


16,5 


18 


4,4 


5,8 


61 


74 


0 


2,4 




Rododendro (Rhododendron)


16 


17,7 


3,7 


4,2 


65 


72 


0,1 


0,7 




Tarassaco (Dandelion)


17 


18 


4,3 


4,7 


37,8 


38,5 


0,1 


0,4 ’





Reason:
The chemico-physical parameters for pH, fructose + glucose and sucrose have been deleted as, following a number of analytical tests over the years, the levels indicated in the table proved unsuitable for characterising ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ PDO adequately.
In addition, the levels found for these characteristics were spread over broader ranges than those indicated in the table, to the point that they were of limited significance for identifying and characterising ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ PDO.
This amendment affects the single document.
5.   Amendment concerning Article 2 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document on pollen characteristics

Product specification and single document
Current wording:






‘B.


Pollen characteristics
The general pollen spectrum is typical of that of mountain flora. Nevertheless, depending on the floral source, the pollen spectra of the various types of “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” must meet the following requirements:






Honey type


Pollen




Millefiori (Wildflower)


Predominantly dandelion, lime, chestnut, rhododendron and various labiacaea





Acacia (Acacia)


>30 % Robinia pseudoacacia L.





Tiglio (Lime)


>10 % Tilia spp.





Castagno (Chestnut)


>70 % Castanea sativa M.





Rododendro (Rhododendron)


>20 % Rhododendron spp.





Tarassaco (Dandelion)


>5 % <30 % Taraxacum spp.’








New version:







‘Honey type


Pollen




Millefiori (Wildflower)


typical of the geographical area of origin




Acacia (Acacia)


>15 % Robinia pseudoacacia L.





Tiglio (Lime)


variable percentages of Tilia spp. pollen, but almost always very low




Castagno (Chestnut)


>90 % Castanea sativa M.





Rododendro (Rhododendron)


>25 % Rhododendron spp.





Tarassaco (Dandelion)


>5 % Taraxacum spp.





Forest Honeydew


presence of honeydew indicators




Silver Fir Honeydew


presence of honeydew indicators’





Reasons:
The table summarising the pollen characteristics has been updated with the addition of a description of the requirements for the two new types of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ PDO and changes to the reference levels for all the other types based on the outcome of more recent analyses and, specifically for the acacia and chestnut honey, to bring them more closely into line with the levels laid down in the corresponding UNI standards (UNI 11382:2010, UNI 11376:2010 and UNI 11375:2010).
This amendment affects the single document.
6.   Amendment concerning Article 2 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document on organoleptic characteristics The description of the aroma of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ Millefiori (Wildflower) has been changed

Product specification and single document
Millefiori (Wildflower),
Current wording:







‘Aroma


faint; in some cases reminiscent of the prevalent nectar’





New version:


                     ‘Aroma: usually faint or of medium intensity; in some cases reminiscent of the prevalent nectar’
                  

Reasons:
Years of checks have prompted the producers to alter this parameter to adapt it better to their findings over the years which did not correspond in various instances.
This amendment affects the single document.
7.   Amendment concerning Article 2 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document on organoleptic characteristics The description of the appearance of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ Castagno (Chestnut) has been changed

Product specification and single document
Castagno (Chestnut)
Current wording:


                     ‘Initially liquid, then syrupy. Gives rise to large-size crystals with granulation.’
                  

New version:


                     ‘creamy, with late granulation and the formation of large and irregularly shaped crystals’
                  

Reasons:
The description no longer appears to reflect reality as recorded in years of checks which have pointed to various inconsistencies.
This amendment affects the single document.
8.   Amendment concerning Article 2 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document on organoleptic characteristics in relation to the two types of honey added

Product specification and single document
New version:


                     ‘Melata di Bosco (Forest Honeydew)






Colour


from dark amber to virtually black when liquid, brown if granulated




Flavour


medium intensity, lingers on the palate; limited or normal sweetness, occasionally with an acidic and salty note




Aroma


warm, often with hints of resin




Appearance


remains liquid for a long time, but can granulate; clean, sticky, runny




Melata di Abete (Silver Fir Honeydew).






Colour


from dark amber to virtually black, tending towards a blueish green at times




Flavour


limited or normal sweetness, normal acidity, medium intensity, reminiscent of malt, condensed milk panna cotta, and caramel




Aroma


distinctive, balsamic, woody, resinous, smoky, sooty




Appearance


remains liquid for a long time, may cloud on granulation, generally very sticky’





Reasons:
This amendment adds the organoleptic characteristics of the two new types of Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi PDO to the product specification.
This amendment affects the single document.
9.   Amendment concerning Article 5 of the product specification and, in particular, the harvesting stage

Current wording:


                     ‘Harvesting: At the beginning of the flowering period in the territory, honey supers are installed, and “queen excluders” must be fitted between the nest and the first honey super to prevent the queen from laying eggs in them. The honey can be harvested only after the honey stored in the honeycombs in the supers has been completely capped, provided that it has reached the correct moisture content. When the honey supers are collected, the bees can be kept away by methods that must not affect the quality of the product, such as escape boards or blowers, strictly avoiding the use of smokers or repellents that could impart a foreign taste or smell to the honey.’
                  

New version:


                     ‘Harvesting: At the beginning of the flowering period in the territory, honey supers are installed, and “queen excluders” must be fitted between the nest and the first honey super to prevent the queen from laying eggs in them. The honey is harvested from the honeycombs in the supers while the flowers of relevance to it are in bloom or thereafter, provided that it has reached the correct level of maturity. When the honey supers are collected, the bees can be kept away by methods that must not affect the quality of the product, such as escape boards or blowers, limiting the use of smokers which, while necessary for safe and effective management of the hive, are kept at the necessary distance from the supers to avoid imparting a foreign taste or smell to the honey. Pieces of jute, unprinted cardboard rolls, pine needles and hay may preferably be used in the smokers.’
                  

Reasons:
The reason for the amendment is that harvesting of the honeycombs from the supers cannot always take place once they have been completely capped, since certain types of honey granulate quickly and therefore have to be removed rapidly. It is also noted more precisely that the timing of the harvest depends on the honey reaching the correct level of maturity.
The possibility of using smokers to keep bees off is added, providing they are used at the necessary distance from the supers, and indications of materials for burning in the smokers are given.
The amendment does not affect the single document.
10.   Amendment concerning Article 5 of the product specification and, in particular, the after-harvesting stage

Current wording:


                     ‘Within at most five days of collecting the honey supers, the product must be extracted from the honeycombs; extraction must be strictly carried out by way of centrifugation only. Other methods of extraction are not permitted. The honey obtained in this way is placed in special stainless steel recipients, known as settling tanks, following filtration that allows all the pollen grains in the honey to pass through so that the botanical origin can be checked.’
                  

New version:


                     ‘After the honey supers have been collected, the product must be extracted from the honeycombs as soon as possible; extraction must be strictly carried out by way of centrifugation only. These steps are carried out in such a way as to prevent the risk of granulation and fermentation. Use of an atmospheric dehumidifier is advised.
Other methods of extraction are not permitted. The honey obtained in this way is placed in special stainless steel recipients, known as settling tanks, following filtration that allows all the pollen grains in the honey to pass through so that the botanical origin can be checked.’
                  

Reasons:
This amendment removes the five-day time limit for harvesting from the supers, since there is no scientific evidence to support this requirement. Harvesting from the supers must be carried out as soon as possible to prevent the risk of granulation of honeys with an abundance of glucose or the risk of fermentation where the moisture content is high.
The amendment does not affect the single document.
11.   Amendment concerning Article 5 of the product specification and, in particular, the addition of the dehumidification stage

Current wording:


                     ‘After extraction and purification, only purely technical processing operations that do not negatively affect the typical characteristics of the product are permitted, such as induced granulation and heating to fluidify the product, which must strictly never exceed 40 °C.’
                  

New version:


                     ‘After extraction and purification, only purely technical processing operations that do not negatively affect the typical characteristics of the product are permitted, such as dehumidification, induced granulation and heating to fluidify the product, which must strictly never exceed 40 °C.’
                  

Reasons:
The dehumidification process has been added to control the water content of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ PDO without negatively affecting the typical characteristics of the product.
The amendment does not affect the single document.
12.   Amendment to Article 8 of the product specification and point 3.6 of the single document

Product specification
Current wording:

                     ‘The label, which also acts as a seal, contains the following information:






☐


the product name “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi”;










☐


the acronym DOP [PDO] or the words Denominazione di Origine Protetta [Protected Designation of Origin];










☐


the net weight;










☐


the name and/or business name of the producer;










☐


the producer’s address and the place of product processing;










☐


production batch number; and










☐


the product’s use-by date.’




New version:

                     ‘The label, which also acts as a seal, contains the following information:






☐


the product name “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi”;










☐


the acronym DOP [PDO] or the words Denominazione di Origine Protetta [Protected Designation of Origin];










☐


the botanical variety;










☐


the net weight;










☐


the name and/or business name of the producer;










☐


the producer’s address and, if different, the place of product processing;










☐


production batch number;










☐


the date of minimum durability;










☐


the “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” PDO logo;










☐


the general EU PDO logo;










☐


other optional information to assist the consumer and/or nutritional and environmental information may also appear on the label.’




Single document
Current wording:


                     ‘The logo for “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” DOP is made up of an irregular-shaped ring laid out as follows: in the upper part, written in white letters on a green band are the words “MIELE DELLE DOLOMITI BELLUNESI”; inside the ring are three irregular stripes of yellow, blue and green, with a sketch of the three Lavaredo peaks rendered by drops of honey coming from a traditional honey dipper; at the bottom, “D.O.P.” is written in yellow letters as shown in the illustration. The additional wording “prodotto della montagna” [mountain product] may be added in accordance with national legislation.’
                  

New version:


                     ‘The logo for “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi” DOP is made up of an irregular-shaped ring laid out as follows: in the upper part, written in white letters on a green band are the words “MIELE DELLE DOLOMITI BELLUNESI”; inside the ring are three irregular stripes of yellow, blue and green, with a sketch of the three Lavaredo peaks rendered by drops of honey coming from a traditional honey dipper; at the bottom, “D.O.P.” is written in yellow letters as shown in the illustration.’
                  

Reasons:
The label markings have been updated with the addition of the botanical variety of the honey, the ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ DOP logo and the general EU PDO logo, and the best-before date has been replaced by the date of minimum durability. The possibility of including optional information for the consumer and/or of a nutritional and environmental nature has also been provided for.
In addition, the possibility of adding the wording ‘prodotto di montagna’ [mountain product] has been removed in line with national legislation, since this is now governed by EU rules.
This amendment affects the single document.
13.   Other packaging - Amendment to Article 8 of the product specification and point 3.5 of the single document

Product specification
Current wording:


                     ‘Glass containers of 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg, with metal tops sealed by the label supplied to those producers that have declared their full acceptance of this product specification and agreed to undergo checks are used to pack “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi”. Packaging of the honey in single-serving formats in glass, sachets, dishes or other containers in appropriate materials is also allowed.’
                  

New version:


                     ‘Glass containers with metal tops sealed by the label supplied to those producers that have declared their full acceptance of this product specification and agreed to undergo checks are used to package “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi”. Packaging of the honey in single-serving formats in glass, sachets, dishes or other containers in appropriate materials is also allowed.
Honey supplied to the food processing industry can be packaged in pails and drums.’
                  

Single document
Current wording:


                     ‘Glass containers of 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg, with metal tops sealed by the label are used to pack “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi”. Packaging of the honey in single-serving formats in glass, sachets, dishes or other containers in appropriate materials is also allowed.’
                  

New version:


                     ‘Glass containers with metal tops sealed by the label supplied to producers are used to package “Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi”. Packaging of the honey in single-serving formats in glass, sachets, dishes or other containers in appropriate materials is also allowed.
Honey supplied to the food processing industry can be packaged in pails and drums.’
                  

Reason:
This amendment introduces greater flexibility in the choice of containers to reflect changes in the packaging industry and to be able to meet any requests for containers of a different size from the food retail industry and the market.
The way in which the product can be packaged for the food processing industry has also been set out.
This amendment affects the single document.
14.   Other - Amendment to Article 7 of the product specification. References to the control body have been updated

Current wording:


                     ‘Article 7
References to the control body
The conformity of the product to the product specification is monitored by a control body, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 10 and 11 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006. This control body is: CSQA Certificazioni Srl – Via San Gaetano, 74 - 36016 Thiene (VI) – Tel. +39-044-531301,1 Fax +39-0445-313070, email csqa@csqa.it.’
                  

New version:


                     ‘Article 7 Control body
Pursuant to Article 37 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, a control body checks that the product meets the requirements of the product specification. This control body is: CSQA Certificazioni Srl – Via San Gaetano, 74 - 36016 Thiene (VI) – Tel. +390445313011, Fax +39-0445313070, email csqa@csqa.it, certified email csqa@legalmail.it.’
                  

Reason:
This amendment updates the reference to the legislation and adds to the details for the control body, correcting a number of errors.
The amendment does not affect the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT


                     ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’
                  


EU No: PDO-IT-0776-AM01 – 28.9.2023
                  


PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]


               ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’
            
2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy
3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product [listed in Annex XI]

Class 1.4. Other products of animal origin (eggs, honey, various dairy products except butter, etc.)
3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies


                  ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ is produced from the nectar of flowers and from honeydew in the mountainous Belluno region by the local ecotype of Apis mellifera, which results from the natural cross breeding of bee subspecies, predominantly the Italian bee and the Carniolan honey bee; it has adapted particularly well to the characteristics of the Alpine environment of the Belluno region and can provide good yields of honey. Depending on the various botanical species which flower or give rise to honeydew, a distinction is made between the following types of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’: Millefiori (Wildflower), Acacia (Acacia), Tiglio (Lime), Castagno (Chestnut), Rododendro (Rhododendron), Tarassaco (Dandelion), Melata di Bosco (Forest Honeydew) and Melata di Abete (Silver Fir Honeydew).
A.   Chemico-physical characteristics
All types of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ must have the following chemico-physical characteristics: HMF content (on packaging in jars) ≤10 mg/kg; Water: ≤18 %
B.   Pollen characteristics
The general pollen spectrum is typical of that of mountain flora. Nevertheless, depending on the floral source, the pollen spectra of the various types of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ must meet the following requirements: Millefiore (Wildflower) characteristic of the geographical area of origin; Acacia (Acacia) >15 % Robinia pseudoacacia; Tiglio (Lime) variable percentages of Tilia spp. pollen, but almost always very low; Castagno (Chestnut) >90 % Castanea sativa M.; Rododendro (Rhododendron) >25 % Rododendron spp.; Tarassaco (Dandelion) >5 % Taraxacum spp.; Melata di Bosco (Forest Honeydew) and Melata di Abete (Silver Fir Honeydew) presence of honeydew indicators.
C.   Organoleptic characteristics
Organoleptic characteristics depend on the floral source and thus differ for the various types of honey: Millefiori (Wildflower), or multiflora (multiflower): pale yellow to amber colour; sweet taste, soft, of varying intensity; faint aroma, in some cases reminiscent of the prevalent nectar; with pronounced tendency to granulate (fine and homogeneous). Acacia (Acacia) or Robinia (False Acacia): pale to amber colour, translucent; delicate, distinctive, very sweet taste; not particularly distinctive aroma, can be reminiscent of acacia flowers; typically liquid and slightly cloudy, when there are crystals, but never granulates completely. Tiglio (Lime): variable colour, from yellow to light green or even hints of brown; sweet, with slightly bitter, but barely perceptible aftertaste; fresh, distinctive aroma, minty, balsamic, reminiscent of lime flower tea; creamy appearance, with late granulation and the formation of large and irregularly shaped crystals. Castagno (Chestnut): dark brown, ranging from light walnut to almost black walnut; limited sweetness, bitter or very bitter, tannic, astringent; strong, aromatic, powerful, harsh aroma; initially liquid, then syrupy, gives rise to large-size crystals with granulation. Rododendro (Rhododendron): from practically colourless to straw yellow when liquid, light-coloured from white to light beige after granulation; distinctive, delicate, pleasant and mild flavour; persistent, leafy, fruity aroma, which can be reminiscent of the scent of flowers but also forest fruit preserves or even sugar syrup, initially liquid, granulating after a few months and becoming creamy and finely granulated. Tarassaco (Dandelion): tinged yellow when liquid, yellow and creamy when granulated, faint to normal sweetness, usually tart, slightly bitter and astringent; powerful, sharp and persistent aroma; granulates rapidly into fine, regularly shaped crystals, giving rise to a soft and creamy consistency. ‘Melata di Bosco (Forest Honeydew) from dark amber to virtually black when liquid, brown if granulated; medium intensity flavour, lingers on the palate, occasionally with an acidic and salty note; warm aroma, often with hints of resin, remains liquid for a long time, but can granulate, clean, sticky and runny. Melata di Abete (Silver Fir Honeydew). from dark amber to virtually black, tending towards a blueish green at times, limited or normal sweetness, normal acidity, medium intensity, reminiscent of malt, condensed milk, panna cotta and caramel; distinctive, balsamic, woody, resinous, smoky, sooty aroma, remains liquid for a long time, may cloud on granulation, generally very sticky.
3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

For any protein nutrition given to bee families, it is forbidden to use products containing pollen other than that of immediately local origin.
A commonly adopted practice involves harvesting pollen combs or just pollen by means of traps and drying it or storing it in a freezer during periods of high pollen production and then reusing it in periods when pollen is less readily available
3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area


                  ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ is produced, handled and processed in the geographical area indicated in 4.
The honey is produced in fixed hives which are periodically moved within the mountain production zone; the honey is drawn directly from the honeycombs by means of a centrifuge.
Honey harvesting is always carried out in successive phases, in relation to the flowering periods of plants, in order to obtain a differentiated monofloral product.
3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

Glass containers with metal tops sealed by the label supplied to producers are used to package ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’. Packaging of the honey in single-serving formats in glass, sachets, dishes or other containers in appropriate materials is also allowed.
Honey supplied to the food industry can be packaged in pails and drums.
3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

The logo for ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi DOP’ is made up of an irregular-shaped ring laid out as follows: in the upper part, written in white letters on a green band are the words ‘MIELE DELLE DOLOMITI BELLUNESI’; inside the ring are three irregular stripes of yellow, blue and green, with a sketch of the three Lavaredo peaks rendered by drops of honey coming from a traditional honey dipper; at the bottom, ‘D.O.P.’ is written in yellow letters as shown in the illustration.





4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ PDO covers the whole territory of Belluno Province, which is entirely located in a mountainous area, surrounded on all sides by mountain ranges which naturally separate the production area from the neighbouring provinces and regions and from Austria to the North.
5.   Link with the geographical area

The production area consists of a mountainous region, made up of valleys and high slopes with the characteristic soil, climate and ecological conditions of an Alpine area, with extensive woods and pastures.
Inside the production zone there are no major industrial installations, intensive agricultural activities or even significant transport routes, potential sources of pollution, including for bee products. These conditions make it possible to produce a clean, wholesome honey, untainted by heavy metals and environmental pollutants.
The climate and environmental conditions prevailing in the Belluno area, such as average temperatures and rainfall taken from the historical records, are very different from those in the surrounding lowland areas, and from the averages for the Veneto Region, and have a positive influence on nectar secretion, product quality and its shelf life.
Thanks to low temperatures and high rainfall, the Belluno region is pre-eminent for the extent of its meadows and pastures, which play a decisive role in supporting the area’s very diverse Alpine flora, growing, for the most part on the dolostone, limestone substrata, and which comprises over 2 200 species (one third of the plant species of the entire territory of Italy), enabling bees to choose the best plant sources from which to gather nectar and pollen.
The Belluno Dolomites achieved fame centuries ago for the floral wealth of their Alpine meadows and pastures; the extent and particular nature of that flora constitutes one of the main scientific reasons for the EU, national and regional recognition of the Belluno parks.
Of major importance among the high growing trees are the woods of larch, beech, Scots pine and red spruce which typify the area. Along the bottom of rock faces lie dense forests of broadleaf trees and conifers and high altitude meadows with a wealth of flora, including endemic species, such as rhododendrons, thistles, edelweiss and other mountain plants. In the valleys, the vascular plants of the Belluno area cover a significant variety comprising 1 400 entities, among which no small number warrant recording, as they are endemic, rare or of great importance for plant geography.
The mixed grassy and tree flora contains a broad range of species which are considered to be among the best in terms of beekeeping and pollen, such as the false acacia, the rhododendron, the dandelion, the lime, heather and clover, in addition to the long list of species entering into the composition of wildflower honey.
Beekeeping has always been a common activity in the Belluno mountains, even a very long time ago, when, with the use of rough skeps, honey harvesting demanded great skill on the part of producers in order to avoid destroying the whole colony of bees.
Even in more difficult times, beekeeping remained widely practised in the territory, with the predominant use of primitive hives. The innovative introduction of the Dadant hive facilitated honey production, but even now in the Belluno mountains beekeeping remains very much a cottage industry, demanding specific skills in positioning and regulating the hives, safeguarding and developing colonies, the means of harvesting and the choice of the period in order to differentiate between honey types of different floral sources, as well as storage techniques.
At present, most beekeepers operate in the Belluno and Feltrina valleys, in addition to which there are numerous high altitude producers making honey which is particularly appreciated, such as rhododendron honey.
The monofloral honey types reflect the species of the area, which are considered to be among the best from a beekeeping standpoint in terms of pollen and nectar production, such as acacia/false acacia, rhododendron, dandelion, lime and chestnut, most of which only exist in mountain territories and for this reason make the ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ appreciated. The Wildflower variety is produced using a wide variety of Alpine species, selected by the bees from among the more than 2 200 which characterise the Belluno mountains.
In addition to its ‘floral wealth’, the quality of ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ is based on other fundamental factors, like its purity, wholesomeness and lengthy shelf life, which is also attested to by its low HMF content. These factors are attributable to the geographical area and the know-how of local producers.
The Alpine mountain environment, characterised by low temperatures, high rainfall and dolomitic soil which allow for the growth of a diverse range of alpine flora, comprising trees and grasses of great interest from a beekeeping standpoint, make the Belluno region an ideal area to produce honey of value from plant species which are only or predominantly present in an Alpine, mountain environment.
The low temperatures throughout the year, much lower than the regional or national averages, also have a positive influence on the quality of the honey and its shelf life, since they prevent any anomalous fermentation and make it possible to retain the organoleptic qualities of the product and its ingredients for longer.
Limited human pressure (in terms of inhabitants, industry and transport routes), the typical state of isolation of the mountain area and, above all, the skill of the producers in carrying out what very much remains a craft give rise to a purer, more wholesome product than would be the case in lowland areas.
Beekeeping, which has always been widespread in the Belluno area, in addition to supplementing the income of its inhabitants, historically provided a reserve of energy to be used as food over the months of winter isolation and a sweetener for culinary purposes in the preparation of various traditional local recipes. ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ has been marketed under the name for over 35 years and, under the name, it has been entered in numerous local agricultural fairs and events in the mountains since the 1980s, as is demonstrated by the many diplomas, photos of producers at beekeeping gatherings and press articles from the 1980s. Photos from the same period attest to the reputation of the name ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ under various brands and labels. ‘Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi’ has always been used in a great many typical dishes, as an ingredient in characteristic Cadore and Ampezzo desserts and bread, as well as in the typical honey liqueur and as an accompaniment to local cheeses. The product is now much sought after by consumers, particularly tourists, who recognised the peculiarities which set it apart and buy it during their holidays to eat it all year round, taking it back with them to all the other regions of Italy.

Reference to publication of the product specification

https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/files/1/3/e/D.77c39e9f90679ca651d4/disciplinare__Miele_delle_Dolomiti_Bellunesi_06.23.pdf


(1)  
            OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 17.


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/779/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)