Publication of the communication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a geographical indication in accordance with Article 5(4) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27
Date: 2026-02-05
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, white wine








C_202600738EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2026/738


5.2.2026






Publication of the communication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a geographical indication in accordance with Article 5(4) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27 (1)

(C/2026/738)

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT
(Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143)


                     ‘Mittelrhein’
                  


EU reference number: PDO-DE-A1269-AM03 – 6.11.2025
                  

1.   Name of product


               ‘Mittelrhein’
            
2.   Geographical indication type







☑


PDO










☐


PGI










☐


GI




3.   Sector







☐


Agricultural products










☑


Wines










☐


Spirit drinks




4.   Country to which the geographical area belongs

Germany
5.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment


Name

Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH)

Name

Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE)
6.   Qualification as standard amendment

The German authorities consider the application to meet the requirements of Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013 and (EU) 2024/1143.
The amendments to the product specification are standard amendments according to the definition laid down in Article 24(4) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
The application for an amendment to the ‘Mittelrhein’ PDO does not involve any of the three situations constituting a Union amendment. Specifically it does not:






(a)


include a change in the name or in the use of the name, or in the products or category of product designated by the geographical indication;










(b)


risk voiding the link to the geographical area;










(c)


entail further restrictions on the marketing of the product.




The German authorities therefore consider the application to be for a standard amendment.
7.   Description of the approved standard amendment(s)


Heading

Demarcated geographical area

Description

The following parcels have been added to the demarcated area of the Mittelrhein PDO:









Cadastral unit


Cadastral unit No


Parcel


Numerator


Denominator




Boppard


1820


20


76


1




Boppard


1820


20


86


64




Boppard


1820


20


106


74




Boppard


1820


20


109


77




Boppard


1820


20


110


78




Boppard


1820


20


113


80




Boppard


1820


20


114


80




Boppard


1820


20


116


82




Boppard


1820


20


117


82




Boppard


1820


20


121


86




Boppard


1820


20


122


86




Boppard


1820


20


601


81




Boppard


1820


20


602


81




Boppard


1820


20


606


80




Boppard


1820


20


655


79




Boppard


1820


20


656


79




Boppard


1820


20


705


86




Boppard


1820


20


706


86




Boppard


1820


20


714


83




Boppard


1820


20


715


83




Boppard


1820


20


718


74




Boppard


1820


20


719


74




Boppard


1820


20


843


79




Boppard


1820


20


993


84




Boppard


1820


20


994


84




Boppard


1820


20


995


85




Boppard


1820


20


996


85




Boppard


1820


20


1044


73




Hönningen


0326


6


383


255




Hönningen


0326


6


384


255




Hönningen


0326


6


764


260




Hönningen


0326


6


765


259




Obernhof


0832


4


66


13




Obernhof


0832


11


3


0




Obernhof


0832


11


4


0




Obernhof


0832


11


5


0




Obernhof


0832


11


8


0




Obernhof


0832


11


9


0




Obernhof


0832


11


10


0




Obernhof


0832


11


11


0




Obernhof


0832


11


12


0




Obernhof


0832


11


13


0




Obernhof


0832


11


14


1




Obernhof


0832


11


15


0




Obernhof


0832


11


17


1




Obernhof


0832


11


18


1




Obernhof


0832


11


19


1




Obernhof


0832


11


20


1




Obernhof


0832


11


21


0




Obernhof


0832


11


22


0




Obernhof


0832


11


23


0




Obernhof


0832


11


24


0




Obernhof


0832


11


25


0




Obernhof


0832


11


26


1




Obernhof


0832


11


27


1




Obernhof


0832


11


29


1




Obernhof


0832


11


29


2




Obernhof


0832


11


30


0




Obernhof


0832


11


31


2




Obernhof


0832


11


32


1




Obernhof


0832


11


33


0




Obernhof


0832


11


34


0




Obernhof


0832


11


35


0




Obernhof


0832


11


36


0




Obernhof


0832


11


37


1




Obernhof


0832


11


37


2




Obernhof


0832


11


37


3




Obernhof


0832


11


38


1




Obernhof


0832


11


38


2




Obernhof


0832


11


38


3




Obernhof


0832


11


39


2




Obernhof


0832


11


40


1




Obernhof


0832


11


40


2




Obernhof


0832


11


40


3




Obernhof


0832


11


40


4




Obernhof


0832


11


40


5




Obernhof


0832


11


40


6




Obernhof


0832


11


41


2




Obernhof


0832


11


42


0




Obernhof


0832


11


43


1




Obernhof


0832


11


44


1




Obernhof


0832


11


44


2




Obernhof


0832


11


45


0




Obernhof


0832


11


46


0




Obernhof


0832


11


47


1




Obernhof


0832


11


47


2




Obernhof


0832


11


47


3




Obernhof


0832


11


47


4




Obernhof


0832


11


48


5




Obernhof


0832


11


48


6




Obernhof


0832


11


49


0




Obernhof


0832


11


50


1




Obernhof


0832


11


51


0




Obernhof


0832


11


52


2




Obernhof


0832


11


53


1




Obernhof


0832


11


54


2




Obernhof


0832


11


54


3




Obernhof


0832


11


55


1




Obernhof


0832


11


56


3




Obernhof


0832


11


56


4




Obernhof


0832


11


57


1




Obernhof


0832


11


58


4




Obernhof


0832


11


58


5




Obernhof


0832


11


58


6




Obernhof


0832


11


59


2




Obernhof


0832


11


60


1




Obernhof


0832


11


61


1




Obernhof


0832


11


62


1




Obernhof


0832


11


62


2




Obernhof


0832


11


63


1




Obernhof


0832


11


63


2




Obernhof


0832


11


64


0




Obernhof


0832


11


65


0




Obernhof


0832


11


66


0




Obernhof


0832


11


67


0




Obernhof


0832


11


68


0




Obernhof


0832


11


69


0




Obernhof


0832


11


70


3




Obernhof


0832


11


71


1




Obernhof


0832


11


71


2




Obernhof


0832


11


72


0




Obernhof


0832


11


73


0




Obernhof


0832


11


74


0




Obernhof


0832


11


75


1




Obernhof


0832


11


75


2




Obernhof


0832


11


75


3




Obernhof


0832


11


75


4




Obernhof


0832


12


1


1




Obernhof


0832


12


1


3




Obernhof


0832


12


2


0




Obernhof


0832


12


4


0




Obernhof


0832


12


5


0




Obernhof


0832


12


6


0




Obernhof


0832


12


7


0




Obernhof


0832


12


8


0




Obernhof


0832


12


9


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


431


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


432


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


471


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


472


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


483


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


484


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


485


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


486


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


488


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


489


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


490


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


491


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


492


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


501


0




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


702


430




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


723


487




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


724


487




Rheinbreitbach


0291


6


756


427




Weinähr


0833


7


180


0




Weinähr


0833


7


181


0




Weinähr


0833


7


182


0




Weinähr


0833


7


183


0




Weinähr


0833


7


192


2




Weinähr


0833


7


193


2




Weinähr


0833


7


194


2




Weinähr


0833


7


195


2




Weinähr


0833


7


196


4




Weinähr


0833


15


1


0




Weinähr


0833


15


2


1




Weinähr


0833


15


3


0




Weinähr


0833


15


4


0




Weinähr


0833


15


5


0




Weinähr


0833


15


6


0




Weinähr


0833


15


7


0




Weinähr


0833


15


8


0




Weinähr


0833


15


9


0




Weinähr


0833


15


10


0




Weinähr


0833


15


11


0




Weinähr


0833


15


12


0




Weinähr


0833


15


13


0




Weinähr


0833


15


14


0




Weinähr


0833


15


15


0




Weinähr


0833


15


16


0




Weinähr


0833


15


17


0




Weinähr


0833


15


18


0




Weinähr


0833


15


19


1




Weinähr


0833


15


20


2




Weinähr


0833


15


21


0




Weinähr


0833


15


22


3




Weinähr


0833


15


22


4




Weinähr


0833


15


23


1




Weinähr


0833


15


24


1




Weinähr


0833


15


25


0




Weinähr


0833


15


26


0




Weinähr


0833


15


29


1




Weinähr


0833


15


30


0




Weinähr


0833


15


31


0




Weinähr


0833


15


32


0




Weinähr


0833


15


33


0




Weinähr


0833


15


34


0




Weinähr


0833


15


35


0




Weinähr


0833


15


36


0




Weinähr


0833


15


37


0




Weinähr


0833


15


38


0




Weinähr


0833


15


39


0




Weinähr


0833


15


40


0




Weinähr


0833


15


41


0




Weinähr


0833


15


42


0




Weinähr


0833


15


43


0




Weinähr


0833


15


44


0




Weinähr


0833


15


45


0




Weinähr


0833


15


46


0




Weinähr


0833


15


47


0




Weinähr


0833


15


48


0




Weinähr


0833


15


49


0




Weinähr


0833


15


50


0




Weinähr


0833


15


51


0




Weinähr


0833


15


52


0




Weinähr


0833


15


53


0




Weinähr


0833


15


54


0




Weinähr


0833


15


55


0




Weinähr


0833


15


56


0




Weinähr


0833


15


57


0




Weinähr


0833


15


58


0




Weinähr


0833


15


59


0




Weinähr


0833


15


60


0




Weinähr


0833


15


61


0




Weinähr


0833


15


62


0




Weinähr


0833


15


63


0




Weinähr


0833


15


64


0




Weinähr


0833


15


65


0




Weinähr


0833


15


66


0




Weinähr


0833


15


67


0




Weinähr


0833


15


68


0




Weinähr


0833


15


69


0




Weinähr


0833


15


70


0




Weinähr


0833


15


71


0




Weinähr


0833


15


72


0




Weinähr


0833


15


73


0




Weinähr


0833


15


74


0




Weinähr


0833


15


75


0




Weinähr


0833


15


76


0




Weinähr


0833


15


77


0




Weinähr


0833


15


78


0




Weinähr


0833


15


79


1




Weinähr


0833


15


79


2




Weinähr


0833


15


80


1




Weinähr


0833


15


80


2




Weinähr


0833


15


81


1




Weinähr


0833


15


81


2




Weinähr


0833


15


82


1




Weinähr


0833


15


83


1




Weinähr


0833


15


84


0




Weinähr


0833


15


85


0




Weinähr


0833


15


86


0




Weinähr


0833


15


87


0




Weinähr


0833


15


88


0




Weinähr


0833


15


89


0




Weinähr


0833


15


90


0




Weinähr


0833


15


91


0




Weinähr


0833


15


92


1




Weinähr


0833


15


92


2




Weinähr


0833


15


93


1




Weinähr


0833


15


93


2




Weinähr


0833


15


94


1




Weinähr


0833


15


94


2




Weinähr


0833


15


95


0




Weinähr


0833


15


96


0




Weinähr


0833


15


97


0




Weinähr


0833


15


98


0




Weinähr


0833


15


99


0




Weinähr


0833


15


100


1




Weinähr


0833


15


101


1




Weinähr


0833


15


102


0




Weinähr


0833


15


103


1




Weinähr


0833


15


104


0




Weinähr


0833


15


105


0




Weinähr


0833


15


106


0




Weinähr


0833


15


107


1




Weinähr


0833


15


108


0




Weinähr


0833


15


109


1




Weinähr


0833


15


110


1




Weinähr


0833


15


111


1




Weinähr


0833


15


112


1




Weinähr


0833


15


114


1




Weinähr


0833


15


115


1




Weinähr


0833


15


116


0




Weinähr


0833


15


117


0




Weinähr


0833


15


118


0




Weinähr


0833


15


119


0




Weinähr


0833


15


120


0




Weinähr


0833


15


121


0




Weinähr


0833


15


122


0




Weinähr


0833


15


123


0




Weinähr


0833


15


124


0




Weinähr


0833


15


125


0




Weinähr


0833


15


126


0




Weinähr


0833


15


127


0




Weinähr


0833


15


128


0




Weinähr


0833


15


129


0




Weinähr


0833


15


130


0




Weinähr


0833


15


131


0




Weinähr


0833


15


132


0




Weinähr


0833


16


1


0




Weinähr


0833


16


2


1




Weinähr


0833


16


2


2




Weinähr


0833


16


2


3




Weinähr


0833


16


2


4




Weinähr


0833


16


2


5




Weinähr


0833


16


2


6




Weinähr


0833


16


2


7




Weinähr


0833


16


2


8




Weinähr


0833


16


3


0




Weinähr


0833


16


4


0




Weinähr


0833


16


5


0




Weinähr


0833


16


6


0




Weinähr


0833


16


7


0




Weinähr


0833


16


8


0




Weinähr


0833


16


9


0




Weinähr


0833


16


10


0




Weinähr


0833


16


11


0




Weinähr


0833


16


12


1




Weinähr


0833


16


12


2




Weinähr


0833


16


13


0




Weinähr


0833


16


14


1










☐


The amendment affects the single document.





Heading

Wine grape varieties

Description

The following grape varieties have been added:
White varieties:
Calardis Musqué
Red varieties:
Cabaret Noir, Satin Noir
Moreover, errors in the spelling of certain varieties have been corrected and name changes taken into account.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Heading

Applicable requirements under EU or national legislation / requirements laid down by an organisation managing the PDO/PGI

Description

Editorial amendments have been made and provisions on the production of individual-vineyard wines added.

Individual vineyards and smaller geographical units – wine

Category: Wine
Names of individual vineyards or smaller geographical units which have been demarcated on the land-register map and entered in the vineyard register may be used only for products made from the wine grape varieties listed in point 8 of the product specification and labelled exclusively with one (or, as the case may be, several) of the following grape varieties (or their synonyms): Ruländer, Weißer Burgunder, Weißer Riesling and Blauer Spätburgunder. The products must meet the requirements for white/red wine.

Individual vineyards and smaller geographical units – quality sparkling wine and semi-sparkling wine

Category: Quality sparkling wine, semi-sparkling wine
Names of individual vineyards or smaller geographical units which have been demarcated on the land-register map and entered in the vineyard register may be used only for products made from the wine grape varieties listed in point 8 of the product specification and labelled exclusively with one (or, as the case may be, several) of the following grape varieties (or their synonyms): Ruländer, Weißer Burgunder, Weißer Riesling and Blauer Spätburgunder.

Additional provisions for Prädikatswein (wine with a special attribute)

Category: Wine
Provisions for Kabinett wine:
Weißer Riesling (or one of its synonyms) must be indicated on special-attribute wines classified as ‘Kabinett’. Blending with any of the white varieties authorised under point 8 of the product specification is permitted, up to a limit of 15 % of the blend, as long as it is not detrimental to the designation. Any quantity of grapevine products used for sweetening is not to be taken into account in this respect.
The total alcoholic strength of these wines must not exceed 96 g/l.
The special attribute ‘Kabinett’ may be used to characterise such wine only if the name of a municipality or municipal district, an individual vineyard or a smaller geographical unit under Section 23(1), point 2, of the Federal Wine Act (WeinG) is used when placing the product on the market.
Provisions for Spätlese wine:
The special attribute ‘Spätlese’ may be used to characterise such wine only if the name of a municipality or municipal district, an individual vineyard or a smaller geographical unit under Section 23(1), point 2, of the Federal Wine Act is used when placing the product on the market. Products bearing the special attribute ‘Spätlese’ must not be sold to the final consumer before 1 March of the calendar year following the vintage of the grapes used.

Entry into force

The rules on the grape varieties that must have been used to make the wine when indicating individual vineyards, smaller geographical units and the special attributes ‘Kabinett’ and ‘Spätlese’ apply to products from the 2026 vintage.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Heading

Control authorities

Description

The control authorities and their tasks have been removed from the product specification and listed in a separate document.






☐


The amendment affects the single document.




SINGLE DOCUMENT

Designations of origin and geographical indications of wine



                     ‘Mittelrhein’
                  


EU reference number: PDO-DE-A1269-AM03 – 6.11.2025
                  

1.   Name(s)


               ‘Mittelrhein’
            
2.   Geographical indication type







☑


PDO










☐


PGI










☐


GI




3.   Country to which the demarcated geographical area belongs

Germany
4.   Classification of the agricultural product in accordance with the Combined Nomenclature heading and code, as referred to in Article 6(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143


               2204  – Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must other than that of heading 2009
5.   Categories of grapevine product as listed in Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013







1.


Wine










5.


Quality sparkling wine










8.


Semi-sparkling wine




6.   Description of the wine or wines


Grapevine product

Qualitätswein (quality wine): white

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The colours generally vary from a pale yellow with green tints to straw yellow and golden yellow or even shades of amber. Depending on the grape variety and year, they may also present slight red tones.

Aroma

Depending on the grape variety, fresh notes of fruit and aromas of exotic fruit can dominate. In particular, depending on the grape variety and the cellar operations, the wines have floral and green aromas such as green peppers and green grass, or also scents of muscat and rose, honey and dried fruit, as well as spicy aspects such as hay, smoky and mineral notes. Depending on the winemaking process, the toasted wooden barrels may add vanilla, toasted and coconut aromas to the bouquet. Reductive maturation techniques may add aromas of flint and truffle, while oxidative maturation techniques may add oxidised apple and nutty aromas.

Taste

The wines usually have a harmonious balance between acidity and sweetness. They are usually characterised by a delicate to strong body combined with an elegant to racy acid structure. In particular, the Riesling varieties and Burgunder family varieties are able to express the terroir of the vineyard in the sensory elements of the wines they produce. For example, the impression of acidity, the degree of acidity buffering, and mineral notes make it possible to perceive the different types of rock and various residual soils of the Mittelrhein region.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

—

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Qualitätswein (quality wine): red

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The red colour tends to vary from a light cherry red to a pronounced dark elderberry, to bluish with brownish tints.

Aroma

The wines are above all characterised by notes of red fruit. They may also have green notes such as green peppers, rosemary and green stalk. Depending on the cellar operations and the wooden barrels used for ageing, the bouquet may also present spicy aromas, such as vanilla, toasted notes, chocolate and coconut, as well as reductive notes of flint and truffle.

Taste

These usually light and fruity to full-bodied wines are generally characterised by a velvety soft to noticeable acid structure. In particular, the Spätburgunder variety is able to express the terroir of the vineyard in the sensory elements of the wines it produces. For example, the impression of acidity, the degree of sensory acidity buffering, and mineral notes make it possible to perceive the different types of rock and various residual soils of the Mittelrhein region.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

—

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Qualitätswein (quality wine): rosé, Weißherbst, Blanc de Noir

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

Rosé and Weißherbst wines usually vary from pale rose to pink to a light red colour, while Blanc de Noir wines have the colour spectrum of white wines.

Aroma

As a result of the musts being aged like a white wine, fruity aromas of red berries and fruits tend to dominate, such as raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant and cherry, but also lemons, apple and grapefruit. Depending on the grape variety used, the wines may also present spicy notes and green pepper, herbal notes, and, if they are matured in wood, also vanilla, toasted and coconut notes. Blanc de Noir wines may also present subtle floral notes.

Taste

The wines tend to taste like white wines.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

These types of wine are produced from swiftly pressed red grape varieties.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Qualitätswein (quality wine): Rotling

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The Rotling wines generally have a faint to pronounced light-red colour.

Aroma

The aromas are usually fruity, occasionally even spicy, with notes of berries, pome fruit and citrus fruit.

Taste

The wines tend to have a delicate to rich flavour and a lively acid structure.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

—

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Prädikatswein Kabinett (wine with the special attribute ‘Kabinett’)

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

White Kabinett wines usually vary in colour from light yellow with green tints to a deeper yellow.

Aroma

Usually fruity and fresh, the wines tend to clearly express the characteristics of the grape varieties from which they are made. Depending on the cellar operations and desired degree of ageing, their variety-specific bouquet may also include mineral aromas and aromas reminiscent of flint or truffle.

Taste

The wines are generally characterised by a lively acidity. Kabinett wines with residual sugar in particular tend to have low alcoholic strength and an exciting balance between acidity and sweetness.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

These wines are generally characterised by low to moderate alcoholic strength.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


12,16




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

—






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Prädikatswein Spätlese (wine with the special attribute ‘Spätlese’)

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

White Spätlese wines usually vary in colour from light yellow to golden yellow, whereas red Spätlese wines mostly vary from a light cherry red to a pronounced dark elderberry.

Aroma

Spätlese wines tend to strongly express the characteristics of the grape variety. Their bouquet is generally characterised by ripe yellow fruit.

Taste

Spätlese wines are generally characterised by a mature, more harmonious acid structure. They are generally developed to obtain a distinctive sweetness, as far as possible from their own residual sugar.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

Due to higher must weights, and thus usually riper grapes, Spätlese wines tend to have more body and higher alcoholic strength.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Prädikatswein Auslese (wine with the special attribute ‘Auslese’)

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

White Auslese wines usually vary in colour from light yellow to golden yellow, whereas red Auslese wines mostly vary from a light cherry red to a pronounced dark elderberry.

Aroma

The use of fully ripe and overripe grapes essentially means the characteristics of the varieties used to make these wines are felt intensely. These wines typically have intense yellow fruit aromas, sometimes exotic. The presence of raisined grapes may also give rise to subtle honey-like and balsamic notes.

Taste

Auslese wines are generally developed to obtain a distinctive sweetness, as far as possible from their own residual sugar.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

As well as grapes that have ripened for longer on the vine, grapes that have become concentrated through noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) may also be used.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Prädikatswein Beerenauslese (wine with the special attribute ‘Beerenauslese’)

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

Beerenauslese wines generally have an intense, golden yellow to amber-like colour. For white wines in the Beerenauslese category, the colour typically varies from light yellow to all shades of amber.

Aroma

Their aromas tend to range from fruity to spicy or even herbal, with notes of ripe to overripe fruit, dried fruit, honey and spices.

Taste

In terms of taste, they are usually intensely sweet, with a moderate to powerful, distinct acid structure. Generally their alcoholic strength is moderate to very low.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

Mittelrhein wines with the special attribute ‘Beerenauslese’ are made from overripe, dried or botrytised berries and therefore generally have a high sugar content and a slightly oily texture. As Beerenauslese wines are generally developed with residual sugars, they are mainly white and rosé wines.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Prädikatswein Eiswein (wine with the special attribute ‘Eiswein’)

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The colour of white Eiswein wines typically varies from light yellow to amber.

Aroma

The respective varietal aromas are more pronounced, although the aromas tend to be fruity rather than characterised by noble rot.

Taste

Eiswein wines tend to have an intense sweetness and strong acidity, depending on the time it takes for the required low temperatures to be reached once the grapes are fully ripe.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

Mittelrhein wines with the special attribute ‘Eiswein’ are pressed from grapes that are naturally frozen at the time of harvesting and pressing, meaning that the grapes’ ingredients are highly concentrated and that there is sometimes slight rot from Botrytis cinerea.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Prädikatswein Trockenbeerenauslese (wine with the special attribute ‘Trockenbeerenauslese’)

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

White Trockenbeerauslese wines usually vary from light yellow to dark amber in colour.

Aroma

The aromas are similar to those of Beerenauslese wines but generally more intense.

Taste

Trockenbeerauslese wines tend to be particularly sweet and, depending on the grape variety, have highly concentrated acidity as well as moderate to very low alcoholic strength.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

These wines generally have an even higher sugar content than Beerenauslese wines due to the more concentrated botrytised grapes and the greater effort put into selecting them.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Quality sparkling wine

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The colour generally ranges from pale yellow with green tints to lime blossom yellow and sometimes to rosé colours with various tones of red.

Aroma

Sekt b.A. wines (quality sparkling wine from a defined region) are generally characterised by the base wine type, the grape varieties used, and the length of time the wine is kept on its lees during production. This can produce slightly nutty and brioche notes, depending on how long the wine is kept on its lees. Base sparkling wines aged in contact with oak wood may produce roasted and spicy aromas in the sparkling wine.
Crémant wines usually range from fruity and ripe to yeasty and spicy, influenced by the base wine type, the grape varieties used and the length of time that the wine is kept on its lees. The longer minimum time spent on the lees generally produces fine, creamy and balanced crémant wines.

Taste

The sparkling wines are usually fresh, fruity, acidic, yeasty and not markedly alcoholic. The residual sugar generally varies from barely noticeable to very sweet. In principle, they have a pronounced to powerful effervescence. The crémants generally have an intense effervescence and a soft structure.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

Quality sparkling wine usually reflects the moderate sugar content of the grapes. The gentle harvesting and pressing technique preserves the generally higher, more lively acid structure.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Semi-sparkling wine

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

In terms of colour, the wines generally range from pale yellow with greenish tints to lime blossom yellow, pink and red.

Aroma

The wines typically have a fruity, fresh aroma and distinct varietal characteristics, though the carbon dioxide usually gives them additional freshness and liveliness. The most commonly used aromatic varieties may produce floral aromas and notes of exotic fruit in particular, as well as notes of raspberries, cherries and strawberries.

Taste

Quality semi-sparkling wines generally have a fine effervescence.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

—

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Mittelrhein PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not mentioned in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.




7.   Winemaking practices

7.1.   Specific oenological practices used to make the wine or wines, relevant restrictions on making them

—
Not applicable
7.2.   Maximum yields


All wines/category/variety/type

All products
Maximum yield:






Maximum yield:


105




Maximum yield unit:


hectolitres per hectare




8.   List of the wine grape variety or varieties from which the wine or wines are produced







—


Accent










—


Acolon










—


Albalonga










—


Allegro










—


Arnsburger










—


Auxerrois – Auxerrois Blanc, Auxerrois blanc, Pinot Auxerrois










—


Bacchus










—


Baron










—


Blauburger










—


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










—


Blauer Limberger – Blaufränkisch, Lemberger, Limberger










—


Blauer Portugieser – Portugieser










—


Blauer Silvaner










—


Blauer Spätburgunder – Clevner, Pinot Noir, Pinot noir, Pinot Nero, Pinot nero, Samtrot, Spätburgunder










—


Blauer Trollinger – Trollinger, Vernatsch, Schiava Grossa










—


Blauer Zweigelt – Rotburger, Zweigelt, Zweigeltrebe










—


Blütenmuskateller










—


Bolero










—


Bronner










—


Cabaret Noir










—


Cabernet Blanc










—


Cabernet Cantor










—


Cabernet Carbon










—


Cabernet Carol










—


Cabernet Cortis










—


Cabernet Cubin










—


Cabernet Dorio










—


Cabernet Dorsa










—


Cabernet Franc










—


Cabernet Mitos










—


Cabernet Sauvignon










—


Cabertin










—


Calandro










—


Calardis Blanc










—


Calardis Musqué










—


Chardonnay










—


Dakapo










—


Deckrot










—


Divico










—


Domina










—


Donauriesling










—


Dornfelder










—


Dunkelfelder










—


Ehrenbreitsteiner










—


Ehrenfelser










—


Faberrebe – Faber










—


Felicia










—


Findling










—


Freisamer










—


Früher Malingre – Malinger










—


Früher Roter Malvasier – Früher Malvasier, Malvasier, Malvoisie










—


Färbertraube










—


Gelber Muskateller – Moscato, Muscat, Muskat, Muscat blanc, Muscat Blanc, Muskateller










—


Gm 643-10










—


Gm 643-17










—


Goldmuskateller










—


Goldriesling










—


Grüner Silvaner – Silvaner, Sylvaner










—


Grüner Veltliner – Veltliner










—


Hegel










—


Helfensteiner










—


Helios










—


Heroldrebe










—


Hibernal










—


Huxelrebe – Huxel










—


Hölder










—


Johanniter










—


Juwel










—


Kanzler










—


Kerner










—


Kernling










—


Merlot










—


Merzling










—


Monarch










—


Morio Muskat – Morio-Muskat










—


Muscaris










—


Muskat Ottonel – Muskat-Ottonel










—


Muskat Trollinger – Muskat-Trollinger










—


Müller Thurgau – Rivaner, Müller-Thurgau










—


Müllerrebe – Pinot Meunier, Pinot meunier, Schwarzriesling










—


Neronet










—


Nobling










—


Optima 113 – Optima










—


Orion










—


Ortega










—


Osteiner










—


Palas










—


Perle










—


Petite Arvine










—


Phoenix – Phönix










—


Pinotin










—


Piroso










—


Prinzipal










—


Prior










—


Reberger










—


Regent










—


Regner










—


Reichensteiner










—


Rieslaner










—


Rondo










—


Rosa Chardonnay










—


Rosenmuskateller










—


Rotberger










—


Roter Elbling – Elbling Rouge, Elbling rouge










—


Roter Gutedel – Chasselas Rouge, Chasselas rouge, Fendant Roux










—


Roter Muskateller










—


Roter Müller Thurgau – Roter Müller-Thurgau










—


Roter Riesling










—


Roter Traminer – Gewürztraminer, Traminer










—


Rubinet










—


Ruländer – Grauburgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Pinot Grigio, Pinot grigio, Pinot Gris, Pinot gris










—


Saphira










—


Satin Noir










—


Sauvignac










—


Sauvignon Blanc – Fumé Blanc, Muskat Silvaner










—


Sauvignon Cita










—


Sauvignon Gris










—


Sauvignon Gryn










—


Sauvignon Sary










—


Sauvitage










—


Savagnin Blanc – Weißer Traminer










—


Scheurebe










—


Schönburger










—


Septimer










—


Siegerrebe – Sieger










—


Silcher










—


Sirius










—


Solaris










—


Souvignier Gris










—


St. Laurent – Sankt Laurent, Saint Laurent










—


Staufer










—


Syrah – Shiraz










—


Tauberschwarz










—


Trebbiano di Soave – Verdicchio bianco










—


Villaris










—


We S 523










—


Weißer Burgunder – Pinot Bianco, Pinot bianco, Pinot Blanc, Pinot blanc, Weißburgunder










—


Weißer Elbling – Elbling, Kleinberger










—


Weißer Gutedel – Chasselas, Chasselas Blanc, Chasselas blanc, Fendant, Fendant Blanc, Gutedel










—


Weißer Riesling – Klingelberger, Riesling, Rheinriesling, Riesling Renano, Riesling renano










—


Wildmuskat










—


Würzer




9.   Concise definition of the demarcated geographical area

In Rhineland-Palatinate the PDO area comprises vineyards in the municipalities and municipal districts of Bacharach (Bacharach (3503), Steeg (3502)), Bad Ems (0950), Bad Hönningen (0326), Boppard (Boppard (1820), Hirzenach (1824)), Bornich (0905), Braubach (0934), Breitscheid (rural district of Mainz-Bingen) (0261), Brey (1388), Damscheid (1845), Dattenberg (0315), Dausenau (0947), Dörscheid (0904), Fachbach (0951), Filsen (0932), Hammerstein (Niederhammerstein (0328), Oberhammerstein (0329)), Kamp-Bornhofen (0931), Kasbach- Ohlenberg (Niederkasbach (0307)), Kaub (0902), Kestert (0918), Koblenz (Ehrenbreitstein (1416), Koblenz (1401), Niederberg (1413)), Lahnstein (Oberlahnstein (0961)), Langscheid (1207, 1843), Leubsdorf (0316), Leutesdorf (0330), Linz am Rhein (0310), Manubach (3504), Nassau (0837), Niederburg (1840), Niederheimbach (3507), Nochern (0914), Oberdiebach (3505), Oberheimbach (3506), Obernhof (0832), Oberwesel (Dellhofen (1842), Oberwesel (1841)), Osterspai (0933), Patersberg (0909), Perscheid (1844), Rheinbreitbach (0291), Rheinbrohl (0327), Rhens (1387), Sankt Goar (St. Goar (1837), Werlau (1836)), Sankt Goarshausen (Ehrenthal (0908), St. Goarshausen (0906), Wellmich (0907)), Spay (Oberspay (1390)), Trechtingshausen (3508), Unkel (Heister (0294), Scheuren (0292), Unkel (0293)), Urbar (1355, 1839), Vallendar (1352), Weinähr (0833).
In North Rhine-Westphalia the PDO area comprises vineyards in the cadastral units of Oberdollendorf, Niederdollendorf and Königswinter in the town of Königswinter, the cadastral unit of Honnef (Rhöndorf) in the town of Bad Honnef, and the cadastral unit of Kessenich in the city of Bonn.
The precise demarcation can be seen on the maps showing the vineyards in the above-mentioned municipalities, demarcated by parcel. The maps can be viewed at www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein.
Qualitätswein (quality wine), Prädikatswein (wine with a special attribute), Sekt b.A. (quality sparkling wine from a defined region) or Qualitätsperlwein b.A. (quality semi-sparkling wine from a defined region) bearing the protected name ‘Mittelrhein’ may be produced in an area other than the specified growing area in which the grapes were harvested and which is indicated on the labelling, provided that the production area is situated in the same federal state (Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia) or in a neighbouring federal state (Baden-Württemberg, Hessen, Saarland, Lower Saxony).
10.   Link with the geographical area


Category of grapevine product







1.


Wine





Summary of the link


All categories of grapevine product

The Mittelrhein winegrowing area is located between Bingen and Bonn, borders on the Siebengebirge uplands and is about 110 km long. The valley floor is narrow; only at an altitude of 200-220 m above sea level does the narrow V-shaped valley widen out into a plateau valley with levels which were formed long ago. The areas in the Middle Rhine Valley which are used for winegrowing range in altitude from about 55 m to 350 m above sea level; the vineyards’ average altitude is 170 m above sea level. The vineyards of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley face mainly south-east to south-west; winegrowing in the Lower Middle Rhine Valley is predominantly carried out on land facing south to south-west. Taking the Middle Rhine Valley as a whole, the vineyards’ average orientation is 168° (SSE). In the Middle Rhine Valley area, Devonian rocks predominate. Quartzite sandstone and slate are widespread; ferrous schist, schist with siliceous lenticles and quarzites are found to a lesser extent. Rocks from the Tertiary period are found only in the area around Königswinter. These comprise trachytes, trachytic tuffs, basalts and latites (volcanic effusion), which are evidence of past volcanic activity. The floodplains of the Rhine usually contain several metres of thick sands and clays, which are often calcareous. The vines in the Middle Rhine Valley are mainly rooted in soils with source rock of Devonian schist. Brown soils and regosols are the predominant soil types there. Para-brown soils are widespread on the fertile loess and loess loam. Winegrowing is also carried out on parts of the floodplains and lower terraces. In terms of soil typology, these areas are characterised by vegen and brown soils. On the Tertiary volcanic rock there are mainly brown soils, regosols and rankers. According to meteorological data, the annual average temperature is 9,7 °C, while the average temperature during the growing season is 14,2 °C. Average annual precipitation is 665 mm, about 60 % of which falls during the growing season. During that season, the vines in the Mittelrhein area benefit on average from approximately 615 000 Wh/m2 of direct sunshine. The long growing season, together with the particular topography of the growing area, the microclimatic conditions, the characteristic composition of the soil and the high level of human input, determine the typical characteristics of the wines. As the small-scale structure and steep slopes limit the use of machinery in the vineyards, tending them is very labour-intensive, which has a stabilising effect on yields. This contributes significantly to the quality of the harvest in terms of the wines’ natural minimum alcoholic strength and acid balance and the development of aromas. The human factor is based on a centuries-old winegrowing tradition. When cultivating the primary product (grapes) earmarked for the production of wine with special attributes, the winegrower may use special plant care measures during the growing season, such as defoliating the grape areas or thinning out the grapes, to achieve better quality and a more intense composition of constituents in the grape. Furthermore, various technology-related cellaring operations can, as an additional human factor, shape the wine with special attributes ultimately produced.
Wine
Quality wines must meet the minimum requirements as regards minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must weight for the relevant category of grape variety and may be enriched.
Wines with special attributes must meet the minimum requirements as regards minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must weight and must not be enriched.

Category of grapevine product







5.


Quality sparkling wine





Summary of the link

The base product must meet the minimum requirements as regards minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must weight. Depending on the growth stage and the location, grapes from selected vineyards used to make base wine intended for the production of sparkling wine must be harvested earlier so that they maintain the crisp acid structure that characterises quality sparkling wine from a defined region (‘Sekt b.A.’ or ‘Winzersekt’). 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 nine months.

Category of grapevine product







8.


Semi-sparkling wine





Summary of the link

For Qualitätsperlwein b.A. (quality semi-sparkling wine from a defined region) the base product must meet the minimum requirements for quality wine from the defined region as regards minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must weight. Part of the carbon dioxide derived naturally from fermentation is retained during fermentation.
11.   Further applicable requirements



Title of the requirement/derogation


Indication of traditional terms and smaller geographical units

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the requirement/derogation

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 a defined region) or ‘Sekt b.A.’ (quality sparkling wine from a defined region). 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 following traditional terms: ‘Qualitätswein’ (quality wine), whether or not supplemented by ‘b.A.’ (from a defined region); ‘Prädikatswein’, supplemented by ‘Kabinett’, ‘Spätlese’, ‘Auslese’, ‘Beerenauslese’, ‘Trockenbeerenauslese’ or ‘Eiswein’; ‘Qualitätsperlwein b.A.’ (quality semi-sparkling wine from a defined region); or ‘Sekt b.A.’/‘Winzersekt’ (quality sparkling wine from a defined region). The traditional terms ‘Classic’, ‘Riesling-Hochgewächs’ and ‘Weißherbst’ are optional. Statutory elements of a designation may be used in accordance with the applicable law.
Furthermore, the vineyard register provides the list of the names of areas, large-scale and individual 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). The register is managed by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the names are listed in the Regulation implementing the legislation on wine (WeinR-DVO NRW) of 12 December 2013. The vineyard register is established and maintained on the basis of:






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










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Section 29 of the Federal Wine Regulation (WeinV);










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Rhineland-Palatinate Act on the designation of sites and areas and the vineyard register (WeinLaG RP);










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North Rhine-Westphalia Regulation implementing the legislation on wine (WeinR-DVO NRW);










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Section 2(16) of the Rhineland-Palatinate Regulation on responsibilities in the area of wine legislation (WeinRZustV RP).




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


Title of the requirement/derogation


Indication of vine varieties, individual vineyards and smaller geographical units, and special attributes

Legal framework

Laid down by an organisation managing the PDO/PGI, where provided for by Member States

Type of further requirement/derogation

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the requirement/derogation


Labelling rule

Only actual names may be used on the labelling of Mittelrhein PDO products marketed with indication of the vine variety. Blending with new strains is permitted.
Where a product has been made exclusively from grapes from new strains, it must be marketed without indicating the vine variety on the label.

Individual vineyards and smaller geographical units – still wine

Category: Wine
Names of individual vineyards or smaller geographical units which have been demarcated on the land-register map and entered in the vineyard register may be used only for products made from the wine grape varieties listed in point 8 of the single document and labelled exclusively with one (or, as the case may be, several) of the following grape varieties (or their synonyms): Ruländer, Weißer Burgunder, Weißer Riesling and Blauer Spätburgunder. The products must meet the requirements for white/red wine.

Individual vineyards and smaller geographical units – quality sparkling wine and semi-sparkling wine

Category: Quality sparkling wine, semi-sparkling wine
Names of individual vineyards or smaller geographical units which have been demarcated on the land-register map and entered in the vineyard register may be used only for products made from the wine grape varieties listed in point 8 of the single document and labelled exclusively with one (or, as the case may be, several) of the following grape varieties (or their synonyms): Ruländer, Weißer Burgunder, Weißer Riesling and Blauer Spätburgunder.
Historically and qualitatively, the Weißer Riesling, Weißer Burgunder, Ruländer and Blauer Spätburgunder varieties in particular have proven their worth in terms of grape growing and the production of top wines.
Weißer Riesling is the dominant grape variety in the Middle Rhine area and has been grown there since the Middle Ages. It thrives on the steep schist and graywacke soils of the valleys shielded from harsh weather, producing highly aromatic wines that are typical of the terroir. Blauer Spätburgunder has also been grown on different soil types in the Middle Rhine area since the Middle Ages. It produces subtly aromatic red wines which are redolent of the terroir. Particularly through red wine production, it showcases the characteristics of individual vineyard sites. Weißer Burgunder and Ruländer grow mainly in the northern part of the Middle Rhine Valley and benefit from the favourable soil and climate conditions there. Both varieties are closely related to Blauer Spätburgunder and give rise to elegant wines which evoke the terroir.
These four varieties now account for a relatively large share of the grapes grown in the vineyards and typically also for a significant proportion of the wines labelled with an individual vineyard or a smaller geographical unit. This illustrates their value and importance for the Mittelrhein PDO.

Additional provisions for Prädikatswein (wine with a special attribute)

Category: Wine
Provisions for Kabinett wine:
Weißer Riesling (or one of its synonyms) must be indicated on special-attribute wines classified as ‘Kabinett’. Blending with any of the white wine-grape varieties authorised under point 8 of the single document is permitted, up to a limit of 15 % of the blend, as long as it is not detrimental to the designation. Any quantity of grapevine products used for sweetening is not to be taken into account in this respect.
The total alcoholic strength of these wines must not exceed 96 g/l.
The special attribute ‘Kabinett’ may be used to characterise such wine only if the name of a municipality or municipal district, an individual vineyard or a smaller geographical unit under Section 23(1), point 2, of the Federal Wine Act (WeinG) is used when placing the product on the market.
Provisions for Spätlese wine:
The special attribute ‘Spätlese’ may be used to characterise such wine only if the name of a municipality or municipal district, an individual vineyard or a smaller geographical unit under Section 23(1), point 2, of the Federal Wine Act is used when placing the product on the market. Products bearing the special attribute ‘Spätlese’ must not be sold to the final consumer before 1 March of the calendar year following the vintage of the grapes used.
The special attributes ‘Kabinett’, ‘Spätlese’ and ‘Auslese’ have long been used for Mittelrhein PDO wines, particularly those produced from Weißer Riesling. Stricter requirements on alcoholic strength and must weight are intended to enhance the special character, quality and value of wines with special attributes. At the same time, the effects of climate change have been taken into account.

Entry into force

The rules on the grape varieties that must have been used to make the wine when indicating individual vineyards, smaller geographical units and the special attributes ‘Kabinett’ and ‘Spätlese’ apply to products from the 2026 vintage.

Electronic reference (URL) to the publication of the product specification


https://www.ble.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Ernaehrung-Lebensmittel/EU-Qualitaetskennzeichen/Antraege/Mittelrhein_SAE/Produktspezifikation.pdf?__blob=publicationFile



(1)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27 of 30 October 2024 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council with rules concerning the registration and the protection of geographical indications, traditional specialities guaranteed and optional quality terms and repealing Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (OJ L, 2025/27, 15.1.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2025/27/oj).


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/738/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)