This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’

PGI-DE-A1304-AM01

Date of communication: 13.11.2023

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Description of the amendment

a)   Description of the wine

The descriptions of the wine have been reduced to the main points.

The minimum natural alcoholic strength of ‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ has been listed under a separate point. Due to the reference to current legislation the following content has been changed: the authorised total sugar content has been increased to cover semi-sweet and sweet. The upper enrichment threshold for white wine has been increased to 12,5 % and for red wine to 13 % of the total alcoholic strength.

b)   Specific oenological practices

The analytical values listed to date meet the requirements under EU and national law. A general reference has been included stating: ‘The current legislation applies’.

c)   Demarcation of the area

The demarcation of the area has been extended to cover agricultural land in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein. The demarcation can be seen on maps which may be viewed at www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein.

d)   Wine grape varieties

The list of white varieties has been extended to include the following varieties currently under cultivation: Felicia, Grauer Burgunder, Hibernal, Muscaris, Riesel, Sauvitage, Seyval Blanc, Souvignier Gris and Weißer Burgunder. The list of red varieties has been extended to include: Cabaret Noir, Cabernet Cantor, Leon Millot, Marechal Foch and Pinotin.

e)   Applicable requirements under EU or national law/requirements laid down by an organisation which manages the PGI

The existing rule whereby at least 85 % of grapes used in production must come from the geographical area, is line with requirements under EU and national law. A general reference has been included stating: ‘The current legislation applies’.

f)   Control authority

The information concerning the control authority has been updated.

g)   Other

Editorial changes in line with EU requirements. These include all changes which reflect current legislation. This was done by making reference to the current legislation or deleting the relevant passage. The link to the area has been clarified in a few instances.

2.   Justification of the amendment

a)   Description of the wine

The existing description of the wine and organoleptic characteristics is very comprehensive and contains some repetition, not all of which is necessary for it to be understood. It can therefore be reduced. The minimum natural alcoholic strength has been listed under a separate point to make the product specification clearer. Furthermore, use has been made of the legal possibilities for increasing enrichment and the authorised total sugar content.

b)   Specific oenological practices

As there are no stipulations going beyond applicable EU or national law, the reference to current legislation offers sufficiently precise rules.

c)   Demarcation of the area

‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ acquires its characteristics from the sandy alluvial soils with varying amounts of clay found in Schleswig-Holstein, which were shaped by the Weichselian ice age. The maritime influence helps to ensure that physiological maturity is reached slowly and therefore contributes to a balanced fruitiness in the wine. Climate change over the last 10 years has favoured and strengthened the development of this type of wine throughout Schleswig-Holstein.

The production area is subject to a maritime influence and encompasses a range of different terroirs characterised by predominantly sandy alluvial soils, interspersed with varying amounts of clay. Furthermore, the typical characteristics of the wines are determined by the microclimatic conditions and characteristic composition of the soil. Such a link is to be found for all agricultural land in Schleswig-Holstein.

By extending the area to include all agricultural land in Schleswig-Holstein, the link to the area described in the product specification is retained. Wine produced on the newly added land complies with the product specification.

d)   Wine grape varieties

The varieties listed here for the first time are under cultivation in the Schleswig-Holstein growing area and have already proven their worth in terms of maturity and characteristics. The wines made from the grape varieties comply with the product specification, are typical of the ‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ PGI, and round off the existing uniqueness of the wine.

e)   Applicable requirements under EU or national law/requirements laid down by an organisation which manages the PGI

As there are no stipulations going beyond applicable EU or national law, the reference to current legislation offers sufficiently precise rules.

f)   Control authority

The name and address of the control authority have changed. It is therefore necessary to include and adapt the information applicable at present.

g)   Other

Certain points contain duplication and repetition, which add no additional meaning and may therefore be deleted. Editorial changes have to be made in order to comply with EU requirements.

The link to the area has been clarified in a few instances. These changes are considered standard amendments in accordance with Article 14 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 as they do not void the link to the geographical area.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein

2.   Geographical indication type

PGI – Protected geographical indication

3.   Categories of grapevine product

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Wine, white

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ is a wine typical of northern Germany, with a flawless appearance, bouquet and taste. Where the labelling includes a vine variety and/or vintage, the sensory characteristics typical of that variety or vintage must be recognisable.

White and red wines in particular, but also rosé wines, are produced in Schleswig-Holstein. Light, fruity wines with a strong acid impression are characteristic of products from Schleswig-Holstein. The specific soils from the ice age, as described in the paragraph ‘Details bearing out the link with the area’, give the wines their characteristics.

The delicate fruity character comes from the prevailing geological properties and the influence of the Atlantic climate, with mild temperatures and minimal day/night fluctuations during grape ripening.

The colour of the white ‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ ranges from pale green to yellow. Depending on the grape variety or the composition in a blend of grape varieties, the bouquet reveals a variety of fruit aromas. These aromas are wide-ranging and may evoke peach, apricot or banana. ‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ has a very noticeable acidity, with a light body overall.

For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum total acidity
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

2.   Wine, rosé

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ is a wine typical of northern Germany, with a flawless appearance, bouquet and taste. Where the labelling includes a vine variety and/or vintage, the sensory characteristics typical of that variety or vintage must be recognisable.

White and red wines in particular, but also rosé wines, are produced in Schleswig-Holstein. Light, fruity wines with a strong acid impression are characteristic of products from Schleswig-Holstein. The specific soils from the ice age, as described in the paragraph ‘Details bearing out the link with the area’, give the wines their characteristics.

The delicate fruity character comes from the prevailing geological properties and the influence of the Atlantic climate, with mild temperatures and minimal day/night fluctuations during grape ripening.

Rosé-coloured ‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ is produced exclusively from softly pressed red grape varieties. Its colour spectrum ranges from pale onion skin to pink to pale red. The bouquet contains fruit aromas characteristic of the variety, subtly evoking aromas of red fruit. The rosé wines are fresh and light in style, and characterised by a low tannin content.

For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum total acidity
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

3.   Wine, red

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ is a wine typical of northern Germany, with a flawless appearance, bouquet and taste. Where the labelling includes a vine variety and/or vintage, the sensory characteristics typical of that variety or vintage must be recognisable.

White and red wines in particular, but also rosé wines, are produced in Schleswig-Holstein. Light, fruity wines with a strong acid impression are characteristic of products from Schleswig-Holstein. The specific soils from the ice age, as described in the paragraph ‘Details bearing out the link with the area’, give the wines their characteristics.

The delicate fruity character comes from the prevailing geological properties and the influence of the Atlantic climate, with mild temperatures and minimal day/night fluctuations during grape ripening.

Depending on the grape variety and ageing method, red ‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ is pale red to dark red in colour. Elegant fruit aromas which may evoke, in particular, strawberry, blueberry, elderberry and cherry, are integrated into the subtle fruit-specific tannins. Ageing and/or storage in wooden barrels of different sizes may also bring out various vanilla and toasted aromas.

For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum total acidity
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Specific oenological practice

The current legislation applies.

2.   Relevant restrictions on making the wines

White wine grapes and the mash, must and wines produced from white wine grapes must not be blended with red wine grapes or the mash, must and wines produced from red wine grapes.

3.   Cultivation practices

The current legislation applies.

5.2.   Maximum yields

90 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The Landwein-producing region of Schleswig-Holstein lies between two seas. Bounded to the west by the North Sea and to the east by the Baltic Sea, the landscape comprises eastern uplands, sandy heathlands, and marshes. The protected geographical indication comprises vineyards on agricultural land in Schleswig-Holstein authorised to be under vines or temporarily without vines. The demarcation can be seen on maps which may be viewed at www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein.

‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ must be made in the Landwein-producing region of Schleswig-Holstein or in one of the following neighbouring Länder: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony or Hamburg.

7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)

Cabaret Noir

Cabernet Cantor

Cabernet Cortis

Felicia

Helios

Hibernal

Johanniter

Léon Millot

Maréchal Foch - Marechal Foch

Merzling

Muscaris

Müller Thurgau - Rivaner

Ortega

Phoenix - Phönix

Pinotin

Reberger

Regent

Riesel

Rondo

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

Sauvitage

Seyval Blanc

Solaris

Souvignier Gris

Weißer Burgunder - Pinot Bianco, Weißburgunder, Pinot Blanc

8.   Description of the link(s)

Description of the link(s)

‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ acquires its characteristics from the specific soils in Schleswig-Holstein which were shaped by the Weichselian ice age. The predominantly sandy alluvial soils, interspersed with varying amounts of clay, influence the wine’s light body. The selection of varieties and optimal choice of harvest date stabilise and improve the quality of the grape harvest in terms of the minimum natural must content. The maritime influence helps to ensure that physiological maturity is reached slowly and therefore contributes to a balanced fruitiness in the wine. Furthermore, the typical characteristics of the wines are determined by the microclimatic conditions and characteristic composition of the soil.

Geographical conditions

Landscape and morphology:

The Landwein-producing region of Schleswig-Holstein lies between two seas in the Land of Schleswig-Holstein. Bounded to the west by the North Sea and to the east by the Baltic Sea, the landscape comprises eastern uplands, sandy heathlands, and marshes. The surface of the landscape was strongly defined by the last two ice ages and by the maritime influence.

Winegrowing occurs on flat land with elevations from sea level up to 10 m above sea level. Furthermore, there are vineyards in the eastern uplands, at between 30 m and 80 m above sea level, on predominantly flat hillsides.

Geology:

The Landwein-producing region of Schleswig-Holstein lies within the North German Plain. The west of the Landwein-producing region on the North Frisian islands is geologically classified as coastal Holocene, a landscape of postglacial coastal deposits. Postglacial processes such as sea-level rise, tidal and river sedimentation, and organic sediment characterise the prevailing ‘Dwogmarsch’ and ‘Knickmarsch’ soil type. Winegrowing occurs here on sand, (slightly) loamy sand, but also on sandy loam. In the eastern uplands where the Weichselian ice age glaciers left behind loose glacial till and calcareous, loamy unconsolidated rock in the form of moraines, the powerful meltwater flows from the melting of the glaciers settled the washed out gravel and sand over large areas. Para brown and brown podzolic soils were formed. Vines thrive here on the sand and sandy loam. The good warming potential, aeration and rapid availability of nutrients in these soils favour the development of a subtle fruitiness in the wines and give them a delicate structure.

Climate:

The climate in Schleswig-Holstein is subject to the maritime influence of the surrounding seas. Its hallmarks are mild, rainy winters with no notable risk of winter frost or late frost, and moderately warm summers with favourable rainfall distribution. Weather data shows an annual average of 1 600 hours of sunshine and 750 mm of precipitation. The microclimate of each individual vineyard parcel – which is determined by its orientation, radiation load, soil moisture and exposure to wind – has a considerable influence on wine quality. The maritime influence helps the fruity aromas in the wine to develop.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

For the ‘Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landwein’ indication to be used on the labelling, the bottler must have been included in the system of annual inspections regarding compliance with the product specification.

Link to the product specification

www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein

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(1)   OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.