Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2021/C 81/14)

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

COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘MOSCADELLO DI MONTALCINO’

PDO-IT-A1440-AM02

Date of communication: 10 November 2020

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Terms for product types – redrafting of the text

The terms for the product types have been standardised in order to make the labelling clearer and easier to read on the different wines with the ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ PDO. The grape varieties remain unchanged.

This formal amendment affects Articles 1 and 2 of the product specification but does not affect the single document.

2.   Description of the production area – redrafting of the text

The course of the production area boundary has been described in detail.

The redrafting does not amend the production area. The change was necessary, however, following the merger of the municipalities of Montalcino and San Giovanni d’Asso, which now form a single municipality known as Montalcino.

Indeed, the detailed description of the production area reflects the original PDO boundary. Obviously it does not include reference to the territory of the former municipality of San Giovanni d’Asso, now part of the municipality of Montalcino following the merger of the two.

This amendment affects Article 3 of the specification. Section 6 of the single document has consequently been amended.

3.   Requirements of the terrain – updates

Very wet terrain deep within valleys is excluded. The aim is to exclude areas that cannot meet the quality requirements of the designation.

The references to altitude requirements and to the geological configuration and origin have been removed. This is due to the changes in climate and to developments in mapping technology making it no longer necessary to describe the geological, morphological and altitude requirements for the terrain producing ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ wines.

Finally, the reference to the precaution of careful grape selection has been removed as the practice is no longer recognised at national level.

The amendment covering these updates, together with the other changes to the wording in Article 4 of the specification, do not affect the single document.

4.   Late harvest – changes to wording

For consistency, the provisions of the specification relating to the wine-making process have been moved from Article 6 to Article 5.

This does not affect the single document.

5.   Alteration to the description of the wines of PDO ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ – semi-sparkling type

The minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume for the semi-sparkling wines has been increased from 4,5 % to 7 % in order to comply with the provisions of Annex VII(II) to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.

The types of product covered by the designation are stated in order to differentiate their specific analytical and organoleptic characteristics.

This amendment affects Article 6 of the specification and section 4 of the single document.

6.   Requirement for cork stoppers deleted and exclusive use of glass bottles stipulated

Under the amendment, any closure permitted under current legislation may be used with the exception of crown caps. The amendment is due to technological advances in different types of bottle closures making it possible to maintain the high quality standards required for the designation ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’. It has been decided that only glass bottles may be used in order to provide the best conditions for keeping the product.

This amendment affects Article 7 of the specification and section 9 of the single document.

7.   Designations – additional references

Use of terms including ‘Collezione’ [collection] has been prohibited to avoid excessive additional references.

Use of the term ‘Cascina’ [farmhouse] has been prohibited as it is not part of the Tuscan tradition.

As an alternative form of the term ‘Vigna’ [vineyard] the term ‘Vigneto’ has been allowed, in compliance with the legislation in force.

These are formal amendments affecting Article 7 of the product specification but not affecting the single document.

8.   Link with the geographical area – formal amendment of the specification

The wording has been amended to reflect the content of the specification and the single document.

This is a formal amendment which does not invalidate the link referred to in Article 93(1)(a)(i) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.

This amendment affects Article 8 of the specification and section 8 of the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of the product

Moscadello di Montalcino

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

1.

Wine

8.	Semi-sparkling wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ – ‘Still’ type

Colour: straw yellow.

Aroma: characteristic, delicate, fresh and long.

Taste: aromatic, sweet, harmonious, characteristic of the Moscato variety.

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 10,5 %, of which at least a quarter should be potential alcoholic strength.

Minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume: 4,5 %.

Minimum sugar-free extract: 17 grams per litre.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum total acidity:	4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ – ‘Semi-sparkling’ type

Foam: fine and lively.

Colour: pale straw-yellow.

Aroma: characteristic, delicate, fresh and long.

Taste: aromatic, sweet, harmonious, characteristic of the Moscato grape variety.

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 10,5 %, of which at least a quarter should be potential alcoholic strength.

Minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume: 7 %.

Minimum sugar-free extract: 17 grams per litre.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum total acidity:	4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ – ‘Late Harvest’ type

Colour: from straw yellow to golden yellow.

Aroma: characteristic, delicate and long.

Taste: aromatic, sweet and harmonious.

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 15 %, of which 11,5 % is actual alcoholic strength by volume and 3,5 % is potential.

Minimum sugar-free extract: 24 grams per litre.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum total acidity:	4 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):	25
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

5.   Wine-making practices

a.   Specific oenological practices

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’, ‘Late Harvest’ type – Vinification

Specific oenological practice

The ‘Late Harvest’ type of ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ must undergo an ageing period of at least one year, starting from 1 January of the year following the harvest. It must not be released for consumption before 1 January of the second year following the harvest. All forms of enrichment are prohibited.

During ageing, the wine may undergo secondary fermentation which slows down in colder months.

b.   Maximum yields

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ – ‘Still’ and ‘Semi-sparkling’ types

10 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ – ‘Still’ and ‘Semi-sparkling’ types

65 hectolitres per hectare

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ – ‘Late Harvest’ type

5 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ – ‘Late Harvest’ type

22,5 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

For grapes suitable for making wine of the ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ PDO, the production area covers part of the municipality of Montalcino. It is demarcated as follows.

Starting from the confluence of the Serlate stream with the Sala drainage channel, going north to south, the boundary runs south-east, crossing the local Vodice road at spot elevation 152,0, following the winding course of the aforementioned Serlate, apart from four places where the boundary ‘expands’ west of the stream. At the last of these, the boundary continues at a height of around 150 metres above sea level, staying more or less parallel to the Cassia state road.

At about 250 metres from the Canapaccia villa (direction NNE) and the Galluzzo villa (direction NNW), at 157 metres above sea level and about 60 metres from spot elevation 157, the boundary departs from the course of the Serlate stream and changes direction towards ENE following a small drainage channel (registered in the Tuscan Regional database as GID 195830; IDRETLR79 TS21273) which starts immediately west of the road linking the Finestrina and Laugnano villas. The boundary climbs north to the source of the drainage channel, reaching 207 metres above sea level and meeting the private road linking the Finestrina and Laugnano villas.

Here it bends at an angle of nearly 90 degrees and continues parallel to the road, on the west side, in a NNE direction for approximately 110 metres until a few metres before spot elevation 239,4 where it again turns 90 degrees running east. The boundary continues east for about 250 metres and descends ESE along a small drainage channel (a natural run-off that empties into the Serlate stream, registered in the Tuscan Regional database as GID 195804; IDRETLR79 TS21183) until it reaches 180 metres above sea level.

Continuing at this height in a NNE direction, the boundary reaches another small drainage channel (which starts immediately east of the Laugnano villa, registered in the Tuscan Regional database as GID 195563; IDRETLR79 TS21025) and follows the channel to its confluence with the Serlate.

From this point of confluence, the boundary follows the course of the Serlate in a NNE direction to spot elevation 166,6 where it is joined by a small drainage channel (which starts from the Podernuovo villa and flows west, registered in the Tuscan Regional database as GID 195483; IDRETLR79 TS20950). The boundary follows the drainage channel for about 500 metres going east, and then turns about 90 degrees southwards and ascends the wooded slope of the hill on which stands the La Casella villa. It continues upwards along the divide between the wooded area and the farmland.

Reaching the hilltop, and therefore also the road between La Casella and Podernuovo, the boundary continues towards the Torre villa running south-east, parallel to the road at a distance of 40 metres. Where the road bends approximately 90 degrees south-east, the boundary joins it.

From the Torre villa, the boundary continues for about 140 metres along the municipal Vergelle road which leads to the Vigna winery, continuing SSE between spot elevations 322,6 and 319,5. Immediately above the Vigna winery, at 319,5 metres above sea level, the boundary descends the gently sloping cultivated area to the Traversa dei Monti provincial road (N. 14) at 260 metres above sea level.

It follows the road for about 50 metres NNE and then turns again at a right angle south-east to cross the Asciano-Monte Antico railway line and reach the Asso stream. The boundary then continues along the stream in a NE direction until it reaches the confluence with the Banditelli drainage channel at spot elevation 241,5.

Continuing NE, the boundary follows the drainage channel for about 300 metres and then ascends the slope in a SSE direction to 356,1 metres above sea level, crossing the road between the Mirabello and Mirabellaccio villas.

From this point, the boundary continues south for 580 metres to the confluence of the Pagaccina and Borgasso drainage channels at spot elevation 258,7.

From there, continuing clockwise, the boundary of the production area coincides with the boundary between the administrative territory of the municipality of Montalcino and the territories of the following municipalities: San Quirico d’Orcia, Castiglione d’Orcia, Castel del Piano, Cinigiano, Civitella Paganico, Murlo and Buonconvento, until it rejoins the confluence of the Serlate stream and Sala drainage channel, going north to south.

7.   Main wine grape variety(ies)

Moscato bianco B. – Moscato

8.   Description of the link(s)

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ PDO

The production area of ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ wine is situated in south-east Tuscany, 40 kilometres south of the city of Siena. It is a hilly area demarcated by the valleys of three rivers: the Orcia, Asso and Ombrone. The area rises from a height of about 120 metres to about 650 metres above sea level. The sea lies about 40 kilometres west as the crow flies. The Appenines, running down the centre of Italy, are located to the east.

The climate is Mediterranean, mainly dry. It also has the characteristics of a continental climate due to its location between the sea and the Central Apennines. Rainfall is mostly in the spring and autumn months. The average annual rainfall is about 700 millimetres. Snow is possible in winter above 400 metres. The mid-hill band is not affected by fog, late frost or ground frost and the frequent windy conditions ensure the best conditions for the health of the plants. Throughout the whole plant-growth phase, temperatures are predominantly mild with many clear, sunny days. This is ideal for ensuring that the grapes ripen gradually and fully.

Formed over different geological eras, the Montalcino hill has numerous soil types. These include sandstone, in some places mixed with limestone, Alberese and galestro, as well as soils of varying textures, sometimes tending towards sandy, other times towards clay. Limestone soils, generally low in organic matter and relatively lacking in moisture, enable the Moscato Bianco variety, and the other authorised grape varieties, to develop with a certain constrained vigour and, consequently, limited production. The air-flow and levels of sunshine allow the grapes to reach a perfect state of ripeness in terms of plant health.

For centuries, Montalcino has been known as the home of Moscadello. There are historical references dating back to the fifteenth century. In 1540, the writer Pietro Aretino sent a letter of thanks from Venice to a friend, praising him for the gift of a ‘keg of precious, delicate Moscadello, rounded, light, with that sparkling burst that seems to bite and kick and leaves the lips thirsting for more...’

Documents from the Vatican archives dating back to 1591 show that Moscadello was produced by share-croppers on the properties belonging to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. In the early decades of the 17th century, Pope Urban VIII praised it ‘for its vigour and flavour’ and very discerningly ‘often used to request it for himself and his Court’. In the travel books and accounts of famous travellers of the 17th, 18th, and even 19th century, there were frequent admiring references to ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ as being ‘among the finest and most renowned wines of Tuscany’.

There is a famous quote from Francesco Redi, the doctor and poet from Arezzo, a highly cultured man and distinguished scientist. In 1685, he wrote ‘Bacchus in Tuscany’ in honour of the best wines of his land, joyfully echoing the bacchanalian songs of ancient Greece. Of ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ he sang: ‘Of the charming/divine by nature/Moscadelletto/di Montalcino’.

There are many historical accounts of famous people bearing witness to the value of Moscadello. The most important was the great poet Ugo Foscolo. It was during his time in Florence, on the sunlit hill of Bellosguardo (1812-1813), in the most dramatic period of his life. Suffering economic hardship, surrounded by suspected anti-Bonapartists and rejects from Milanese literary society, Foscolo found relief from literary troubles with a nice glass of ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’, which he proudly offered to his friends.

In appearance, the semi-sparkling wine of PDO ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ is a pale straw-yellow. The colour is a little deeper in the still wine while, in the ‘Late Harvest’ type, it takes on the appearance of yellow shading to gold. On the nose, it has the characteristic balanced and fresh aroma of Moscato, with floral notes where raisined grapes are used. On the palate, the harmony of the sweet and aromatic still wine is pleasantly satisfying. The semi-sparkling has a delightfully fresh foam, while the ‘Late Harvest’ type has a pleasing roundness. The still and semi-sparkling wines of ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ are to be drunk young, while the ‘Late Harvest’ type can be kept for some years.

It is excellent at the end of a meal, served in medium-sized glasses at temperatures of between 10 and 12 °C, making a pleasant accompaniment to pastries and confectionery. It is also very good with blue cheese. In cooking, it can be used as the basis for sweet sauces to serve with elegant dishes.

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

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Bottling within the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

—	Decree 8/6/2010

—	Ministerial Decree 30/11/2011

—	Vinification within the demarcated area

Vinification, storage, ageing in wood, bottle ageing and bottling must be carried out within the production area in accordance with the product specification.

‘Moscadello di Montalcino’

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Wines with the controlled designation of origin ‘Moscadello di Montalcino’ must be made available for consumption in glass bottles with one of the following capacities: 0,375 litres, 0,5 litres, 0,75 litres, 1,5 litres, 3 litres, 5 litres.

Bottle closures can be any of the types permitted in the legislation in force, with the exception of crown caps.

Link to the product specification

https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/16136

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.