CELEX: 32017D0907(01)
Language: en
Date: 2017-08-28 00:00:00
Title: Commission Implementing Decision of 28 August 2017 on the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union of the single document referred to in Article 94(1)(d) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and of the reference to the publication of the product specification for a name in the wine sector (Mergelland (PDO))

7.9.2017   
            
            
               EN
            
            
               Official Journal of the European Union
            
            
               C 296/2
            
         COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION
   of 28 August 2017
   on the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union of the single document referred to in Article 94(1)(d) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and of the reference to the publication of the product specification for a name in the wine sector
   (Mergelland (PDO))
   (2017/C 296/02)
   THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (1), and in particular Article 97(3) thereof,
   Whereas:
   
               (1)
            
            
               The Netherlands has sent an application for protection of the name ‘Mergelland’ in accordance with Section 2 of Chapter I of Title II of Part II of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.
            
         
               (2)
            
            
               In accordance with Article 97(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 the Commission has examined that application and concluded that the conditions laid down in Articles 93 to 96, Article 97(1), and Articles 100, 101 and 102 of that Regulation are met.
            
         
               (3)
            
            
               In order to allow for the submission of statements of objection in accordance with Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, the single document referred to in Article 94(1)(d) of that Regulation and the publication reference of the product specification made in the course of the preliminary national procedure for examining the application for protection of the name ‘Mergelland’ should be published in the Official Journal of the European Union,
            
         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Sole Article
   The single document established in accordance with Article 94(1)(d) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 and the reference to the publication of the product specification for the name ‘Mergelland’ (PDO) are contained in the Annex to this Decision.
   In accordance with Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, the publication of this Decision shall confer the right to object to the protection of the name specified in the first paragraph of this Article within two months from the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
   
      Done at Brussels, 28 August 2017.
      
         
            For the Commission
         
         Phil HOGAN
         
            Member of the Commission
         
      
   
   
      (1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.
   
      ANNEX
      SINGLE DOCUMENT
      
         ‘MERGELLAND’
      
      
         PDO-NL-02114
      
      Date of application: 26.1.2016
      1.   Name(s) to be registered
      
      Mergelland
      2.   Geographical indication type
      
      PDO — protected designation of origin
      3.   Categories of grapevine products
      
      
               
                  1.
               
               
                  Wine
               
            
               
                  5.
               
               
                  Quality sparkling wine
               
            4.   Description of the wine(s)
      
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: White Auxerrois
      
      Grape varieties: Auxerrois
      Early-ripening, low acidity, low must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon yellow
      Taste: Ripe yellow apples, pears, mild acidity, light, fruity
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: White Chardonnay
      
      Grape: Chardonnay
      Late-ripening, high acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon to golden yellow
      Taste: Lemon, butter, toast, vanilla, medium body
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: Red Dornfelder
      
      Grape: Dornfelder
      Medium ripening time, low acidity, average must density
      Organoleptic characteristics
      Colour: intense ruby red to purple
      Taste: Cherries, blackberries, elderberries
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: White Gewürztraminer
      
      Grape: Gewürztraminer
      Medium ripening time, low acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon yellow
      Taste: Exotic fruit (e.g. lychee), flowers, citrus, spices
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcohol content
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: White Rivaner/Müller-Thurgau
      
      Grape: Rivaner/Müller-Thurgau
      Very early-ripening, low acidity, low must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon yellow
      Taste: Apples, stone fruits, muscat
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: White Pinot Blanc
      
      Grape: Pinot Blanc
      Medium-late-ripening, medium acidity, high must density, average yield
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: Bright lemon yellow
      Taste: Yellow fruits, pears, melon, linden
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: White Pinot Gris
      
      Grape: Pinot Gris
      Medium-late-ripening, medium acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon to golden yellow
      Taste: Pear, honey, nuts
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: Red Pinot Noir
      
      Grape: Pinot Noir
      Medium-late-ripening, medium acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: rather light pomegranate to ruby red colour
      Taste: Red berries, raspberries, strawberries, vanilla and other woody tones, light in colour
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: Rosé Pinot Noir
      
      Grape: Pinot Noir
      Medium-late-ripening, medium acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: salmon-pink
      Taste: Raspberries, strawberries, sometimes ripe tomatoes, light in colour
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: White Pinot Noir
      
      Grape: Pinot Noir
      Medium-late-ripening, medium acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon to golden yellow
      Taste: Pears, yellow fruits, sometimes a hint of strawberries and raspberries
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: White Riesling
      
      Grape: Riesling
      Late-ripening, high acidity, low to average must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon yellow
      Taste: White stone fruits (peaches), apples, pears
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 1 Wine: Rosé Dornfelder
      
      Grape: Dornfelder
      Medium ripening time, low acidity, average must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: deep pink
      Taste: cherries, blackberries, raspberries
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 5 Quality sparkling wine: White Auxerrois
      
      Grape varieties: Auxerrois
      Early-ripening, low acidity, low must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon yellow
      Taste: Ripe yellow apples, pears, mild acidity, light, fruity
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 5 Quality sparkling wine: White Chardonnay
      
      Grape: Chardonnay
      Late-ripening, high acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon to golden yellow
      Taste: Lemon, butter, toast, vanilla, medium body
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 5 Quality sparkling wine: White Gewürztraminer
      
      Grape: Gewürztraminer
      Medium ripening time, low acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon yellow
      Taste: Exotic fruit (e.g. lychee), flowers, citrus, spices
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 5 Quality sparkling wine: White Rivaner/Müller-Thurgau
      
      Grape: Rivaner/Müller-Thurgau
      Very early-ripening, low acidity, low must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon yellow
      Taste: Apples, stone fruits, muscat
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 5 Quality sparkling wine: White Pinot Blanc
      
      Grape: Pinot Blanc
      Medium-late-ripening, medium acidity, high must density, average yield
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon yellow
      Taste: Yellow fruits, pears, melon, linden
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcohol content
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 5 Quality sparkling wine: White Pinot Gris
      
      Grape: Pinot Gris
      Medium-late-ripening, medium acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon to golden yellow
      Taste: Pear, honey, nuts
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcohol content
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 5 Quality sparkling wine: Rosé Pinot Noir
      
      Grape: Pinot Noir
      Medium-late-ripening, medium acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: salmon-pink
      Taste: Raspberries, strawberries, sometimes ripe tomatoes, light in colour
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcohol content
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 5 Quality sparkling wine: White Pinot Noir
      
      Grape: Pinot Noir
      Medium-late-ripening, medium acidity, high must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon to golden yellow
      Taste: Pears, yellow fruits, sometimes a hint of strawberries and raspberries
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcohol content
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 5 Quality sparkling wine: White Riesling
      
      Grape: Riesling
      Late-ripening, high acidity, low to average must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: bright lemon yellow
      Taste: White stone fruits (peaches), apples, pears
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcohol content
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      
         Wine category 5 Quality sparkling wine: Rosé Dornfelder
      
      Grape: Dornfelder
      Medium ripening time, low acidity, average must density
      Organoleptic characteristics:
      Colour: deep pink
      Taste: cherries, blackberries, raspberries
      Analytical characteristics: The following characteristics are described using the definitions in effect in EU regulations/Dutch ministerial orders:
      
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total alcohol content
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum volatile acidity
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum total sulphur dioxide
               
            
                  —
               
               
                  Maximum enrichment, deacidification and, subject to approval, acidification
               
            The minimum must density is 1 070 g/l (70 ° Oechsle), corresponding to a natural total alcohol content by volume of 9 %.
      5.   Wine-making practices
      
      a.   
            Essential oenological practices
         
      
      
         White Auxerrois
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Aroma by cold fermentation in steel
      For quality sparkling wine:
      Secondary fermentation and maturation in accordance with the rules on quality sparkling wine using traditional method.
      
         White Chardonnay
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Secondary aromas often by malolactic fermentation and ageing in wooden casks
      For quality sparkling wine:
      Secondary fermentation and maturation in accordance with the rules on quality sparkling wine using traditional method.
      
         Red Dornfelder
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Sometimes aged in wooden casks
      
         White Gewürztraminer
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Aroma by cold fermentation in steel
      For quality sparkling wine:
      Secondary fermentation and maturation in accordance with the rules on quality sparkling wine using traditional method.
      
         White Rivaner/Müller-Thurgau
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Aroma by cold fermentation in steel
      For quality sparkling wine:
      Secondary fermentation and maturation in accordance with the rules on quality sparkling wine using traditional method.
      
         White Pinot Blanc
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Aroma by cold fermentation in steel
      For quality sparkling wine:
      Secondary fermentation and maturation in accordance with the rules on quality sparkling wine using traditional method.
      
         White Pinot Gris
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Aroma by cold fermentation in steel; sometimes aged in wooden casks
      For quality sparkling wine:
      Secondary fermentation and maturation in accordance with the rules on quality sparkling wine using traditional method.
      
         Red Pinot Noir
      
      Specific oenological practice
      To retain fruitiness, fermentation is not too warm, and is often prolonged in wooden casks.
      
         Rosé Pinot Noir
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Aroma by cold fermentation in steel
      For quality sparkling wine:
      Secondary fermentation and maturation in accordance with the rules on quality sparkling wine using traditional method.
      
         White Pinot Noir
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Aroma by cold fermentation in steel
      For quality sparkling wine:
      Secondary fermentation and maturation in accordance with the rules on quality sparkling wine using traditional method.
      
         White Riesling
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Aroma by cold fermentation in steel
      For quality sparkling wine:
      Secondary fermentation and maturation in accordance with the rules on quality sparkling wine using traditional method.
      
         Rosé Dornfelder
      
      Specific oenological practice
      Aroma by cold fermentation in steel
      For quality sparkling wine:
      Secondary fermentation and maturation in accordance with the rules on quality sparkling wine using traditional method.
      b.   
            Maximum yields
         
      
      
         White Auxerrois
      
      80 hectolitres per hectare
      
         White Chardonnay
      
      80 hectolitres per hectare
      
         Red Dornfelder
      
      85 hectolitres per hectare
      
         White Gewürztraminer
      
      80 hectolitres per hectare
      
         White Rivaner/Müller-Thurgau
      
      85 hectolitres per hectare
      
         White Pinot Blanc
      
      80 hectolitres per hectare
      
         White Pinot Gris
      
      80 hectolitres per hectare
      
         Red Pinot Noir
      
      60 hectolitres per hectare
      
         Rosé Pinot Noir
      
      75 hectolitres per hectare
      
         White Pinot Noir
      
      75 hectolitres per hectare
      
         White Riesling
      
      80 hectolitres per hectare
      
         Rosé Dornfelder
      
      85 hectolitres per hectare
      6.   Demarcated area
      
      The territory of the Dutch municipalities of Maastricht, Meerssen, Nuth, Simpelveld, Voerendaal, Vaals, Gulpen-Wittem, Eijsden-Margraten and Valkenburg aan de Geul.
      The total area of the territory, excluding clay soils, is approximately 250 km2.
      The planted area that complies with the requirements is 70 ha.
      The defined area includes only vineyards situated on ground consisting of loess arable soil.
      7.   Main wine grapes
      
      
                   
               
               
                  Riesling B
               
            
                   
               
               
                  Pinot noir N
               
            
                   
               
               
                  Pinot gris G
               
            
                   
               
               
                  Pinot blanc B
               
            
                   
               
               
                  Müller-Thurgau B
               
            
                   
               
               
                  Gewürztraminer Rs
               
            
                   
               
               
                  Dornfelder N
               
            
                   
               
               
                  Chardonnay B
               
            
                   
               
               
                  Auxerrois B
               
            8.   Description of the link(s)
      
      
         Definition of geographical area
      
      The composition of soil, geography and climate, unique in the Netherlands, makes Mergelland pre-eminently suited to wine cultivation. Wine was actually cultivated in this area on a wide scale in the early Middle Ages. The earliest evidence for viniculture in Mergelland dates from AD 968. Wine continued to be cultivated here even in the Little Ice Age (15th-19th centuries), due to the favourable conditions. During the period of French rule in the time of Napoleon, the cultivation of wine ceased for political reasons. Commercial wine cultivation started again in the region in 1970, and Mergelland is considered the birthplace of modern Dutch viniculture. What is typical for the region — and distinct from the rest of the Netherlands — is the predominance of classical grape varieties from Northern France (Pinot Noir, Gris and Blanc, Chardonnay and Auxerrois) and Germany (Riesling, Rivaner/Müller-Thurgau, Gewürztraminer and Dornfelder).
      
         Composition of the soil
      
      The soil is composed of a layer of loess arable soil, with marl underneath (formations of Maastricht and Gulpen) and local occurrences of pleistocene and tertiary formations, such as old Maas gravel and the formations of Rupel, Tongeren, Holset and Hoogcruts.
      The analytical and organoleptic characteristics of the wine are dominated by the loess, and to a lesser extent by the marl and gravel. Loess is a light soil type; the silt fraction is typically between 50 and 60 %; the sand fraction 20 to 30 %; and the clay fraction is below 20 %. The airy structure means loess warms up quickly, but also cools quickly. This amplifies the diurnal differences in temperature, which are already greater in Mergelland due to its inland location. This helps the development of fruitiness.
      
         Causal link
      
      Loess is mainly rich in chalk and the marl underneath it in the defined area is almost pure chalk. Chalk-rich soils preserve the fresh acidity in the wines, and often also give the wine a slight shimmer. Research shows that of the nine soil types examined, the combination of loess and chalk clearly scored highest for ‘Fruit’: fruitiness.
      Loess, and the marl beneath it, retain water well and withstand aridity well, so any loss of fruit and acidity thereby caused is rare.
      The slope and the gravel ensure adequate drainage. Together with an average potential rainfall shortage of 100 mm in the growing season, this soil structure ensures a slight shortage of water overall. Various studies have shown this to be optimal for the wine quality.
      
         Climate and topology
      
      Despite its northern location, Mergelland is warm enough for the grapes to ripen well, thanks to its geography and soil. The relatively cool climate is rather favourable. Mergelland grapes can reach full physiological ripeness without too rapid an increase in sugar content prompting too early a harvest. Excessive alcohol content — a growing problem in southern wine regions — is not an issue. The long ripening period (from veraison to harvesting) allows the grapes adequate time to develop aroma, minerals and extract.
      For the grapes to ripen on time, they need adequate warmth and sunshine during the daytime, while cool nights are very important for the taste profile of the wine. If the nights are warm, metabolism works rapidly. When there is no sunlight, the grapes use malic acid as a source of energy. If the nights are cool, malic acid is burned up more slowly, so that the wine will have enough acidity when mature. The acid adds freshness to the wine and plays a key part in the formation of aromas (esters) during fermentation.
      In summary: Wines from Mergelland are characterised by a typical combination of fruitiness, fresh elegance and minerality. This stems from the interaction between the grape varieties selected, the soil, geography and climate, an interaction which is unique for the Netherlands.
      9.   Essential further conditions
      
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         Link to the product specification
      
      https://www.rvo.nl/sites/default/files/Productdossier%20Mergelland.pdf