COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

(Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143)

‘Cviček’

EU reference number: PDO-SI-A1561-AM01 – 21.10.2025

1.   Name of product

‘Cviček’

2.   Geographical indication type

☑

PDO

☐

PGI

☐

GI

3.   Sector

☐	Agricultural products

☑

Wines

☐	Spirit drinks

4.   Country to which the geographical area belongs

Slovenia

5.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment

Name

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food

6.   Qualification as standard amendment

The standard amendments at national level to the specification for Cviček do not have an impact on the aspects regulated at European Union level in accordance with Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. In particular, these comments do not concern restrictions on the marketing of the product or the introduction of new product categories falling under the procedure for the amendment of a specification at Union level.

7.   Description of the approved standard amendment(s)

Title

Cviček

Description

When aligning the product specification for Cviček with the current single document, we found that some information in the existing specification was missing in comparison with the requirements of the single document and, in addition to changes in varietal composition, yield per hectare and chemical-physical parameters, we also entered the missing data.

Amendments in the varietal composition mean that the range of varieties from which Cviček wine is produced needs to be narrowed and the required proportions of the varieties that must be present need to be adjusted. The amendment in the yield per hectare means that the authorised quantity of wine produced needs to be increased from 8 000 litres to 10 000 litres per hectare. The amendments in the chemical-physical parameters concern minimum adjustments that still fulfil all the conditions set out in EU regulations.

There is also an amendment to the indication of the institutions responsible for verifying compliance, as the national legislation currently in force is referred to directly.

☑	The amendment affects the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

Names of origin and geographical indications of wine

‘Cviček’

EU reference number: PDO-SI-A1561-AM01 – 21.10.2025

1.   Name(s)

‘Cviček’

2.   Geographical indication type

☑

PDO

☐

PGI

☐

GI

3.   Country to which the defined geographical area belongs

Slovenia

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

6.   Description of the wine or wines

Grapevine product

Light red wine

Organoleptic characteristics:

Visual appearance:

Still wine, light red to ruby in colour.

Aroma:

Fruity aroma of small berries.

Taste:

Dry, mild tannin taste, without pronounced varietal characteristics. Light, fresh tasting and drinkable.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics:

Cviček has the character of red wine, the proportion of red varieties must be at least 75 % and the proportion of white varieties must be at least 10 % and not more than 25 %.

The varietal composition of Cviček is as follows:

—	45 % to 75 % Žametovka;

—	10 % to 25 % Kraljevina and/or Laški rizling and/or Rumeni plavec;

—	15 % to 30 % Modra frankinja;

—	up to 10 % of the other varieties (Rdeča žlahtnina, Portugalka, Šentlovrenka, Zweigelt, Gamay, Zeleni silvanec, Bela žlahtnina, Beli pinot, Sivi pinot, Chardonnay, Ranina, Ranfol).

Analytical characteristics:

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):	10,00
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):	8,5
Minimum total acidity:	5,5
Minimum total acidity unit:	in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):	0,6
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):	120

Additional information regarding analytical characteristics:

The chemical analysis, which is used to measure the characteristic properties of Cviček, and the required content of its components are as follows:

—	natural alcohol: minimum 8,5 % vol.;

—	total sugars expressed in terms of fructose and glucose: up to 2,5 g/l;

—	total acidity (expressed as tartaric acid): 5,5 g/l to 9,5 g/l;

—	sugar free extract: at least 17 g/l;

—	ash: at least 1,4 g/l.

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

7.   Wine making practices

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

Wine making practice:

General oenological practices

Type of oenological practice:

Specific oenological practice

Description:

Wine-making practices must comply with Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 606/2009.

Cviček is produced in accordance with the practices set out in the List and description of the files of the OIV Code of Oenological Practices referred to in Article 3(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/934 (OJ C 409, 5.12.2019, p. 1).

In the production of Cviček, the grapes of red varieties are first destemmed and then macerated. Maceration must not exceed four days. The maceration temperature must not be higher than 22 °C. If white and red grapes are pressed together, the process is the same as for grapes of red varieties.

It must be ensured that the solid part of the mash (the cap) is in contact with the grape must.

The Cviček production method does not permit the interruption of alcoholic fermentation, maceration of the mash using SO2, sweetening of the wine or the addition of potassium sorbate.

7.2.   Maximum yields

All wines/category/variety/type:

Yield per hectare

Maximum yield:

Maximum yield:	100
Maximum yield unit:	hectolitres per hectare

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

—	Bela žlahtnina

—	Beli pinot – Weissburgunder

—	Chardonnay

—

Gamay

—	Kraljevina

—	Laški rizling

—	Modra frankinja – Frankinja

—	Portugalka

—	Ranfol – Štajerska belina

—	Ranina – Radgonska ranina

—	Rdeča žlahtnina

—	Rumeni plavec

—	Sivi pinot

—	Zeleni silvanec

—

Zweigelt

—	Šentlovrenka

—

Žametovka

9.   Concise definition of the demarcated geographical area

Cviček is produced only within the Dolenjska wine-growing region, in vineyards located at altitudes more than 210 metres above sea level.

The boundary of the Dolenjska wine-growing region runs from the Obrežje border crossing along the road with the route Obrežje-Čatež-Velike Malence-Dolenja Pirošica-Bušeča vas-Dobrava ob Krki-Podbočje-Slivje-Kostanjevica na Krki-Dobrava pri Kostanjevici-Šentjernej, including the Šmalčja vas settlement, and continuing along the Šentjernej-Ratež-Sela pri Ratežu road. The boundary then runs through the peak of Nova gora hill, goes around Smolenja vas then along the Smolenja vas-Mali Slatnik road, following the Slatenski potok stream, along the Veliki Slatnik-Hrušica-Šentjošt-Črmošece pri Stopičah road, along the southern boundary of the cadastral municipality of Gotna vas, along the Birčna vas-Škrjanče pri Novem mestu road, following the stream northwards, along the Novo Mesto-Srebrniče-Vavta vas road, crossing the river Krka. It then runs along the Gorenja Straža-Podgora-Prečna road, along the western and northern border of the cadastral municipality of Bršljin to the east, along the Trebnje-Otočec-Čatež ob Savi road to the settlement of Gmajna, along the Smednik-Rimš-Topol-Gorenja vas pri Leskovcu-Leskovec pri Krškem-Krško-Boštanj-Vrhovo-Radeče road, alongside the river Savi to the southern border of the cadastral municipality of Podkraj and then west, along the western boundary of the cadastral municipality of Svibno, along the southern boundary of the cadastral municipality of Podkum, following the streams Sopota and Globočnjak. It then runs around the settlement of Mamolj, along the Zgornji Mamolj-Gradišče-Gradiške Laze-Šmartno road, along the northern and western borders of the cadastral municipality of Vintarjevec, along the road towards the village Debeče, along the road with the route Debeče-Mala Goričica-Metnaj-Stična-Ivančna Gorica-Muljava-Gabrovčec-Marinča vas-Zagradec-Žužemberk-Dvor-Soteska-Dolenje Polje. Crossing the river Krka, it runs along the road to the settlement of Dolenjske Toplice, along the Dolenjske Toplice-Podturn-Občice road, along the northern borders of the cadastral municipalities of Stare Žage and Pribišje to a contour line 450 m above the settlement of Gornje Laze, then along the 450 m contour line on the Gorjanci hill slopes to the national border with Croatia (at Vrbje nad Kostanjevico). The boundary then runs along the national border with Croatia to the settlement of Slovenska vas and along the road through the settlement of Nova vas to the Obrežje border crossing.

The Dolenjska wine-growing region also includes the following areas:

1.	Kal pri Ambrusu, within a boundary which runs from the Zagradec-Ambrus road at Šibar along the forest under the Kamni vrh hill to the settlement of Kamni Vrh pri Ambrusu, along the track to Lazar, along the track to the west up to the Ambrus-Zagradec road then along that road to Šibar;

2.

Gradenska gora-Stara gora, within a boundary which runs from the Stranska vas pri Žužemberku-Gradenc road at Črnagoj in a south-easterly direction along the edge of the forest under the Trški boršt peak to Komanca, along the track to the south-west, south-east via the Stara gora peak, south-east along the edge of the forest under Primož hill to the settlement of Lašče, along the Lašče-Klopce road, along the Klopce-Žvenglovec-Malo Lipje track, along the road to Gradenski Gori and north-westerly along the track past the settlement of Gradenska Gora to Črnagoj.

The Dolenjska wine-growing region is divided into four smaller wine-growing areas as follows: the Krško, Gorjanci, Novo Mesto and Trebnje-Krmelj wine-growing areas.

10.   Link with the geographical area

Category of the grapevine product

1.

Wine

Summary of the link

Rainfall, temperature conditions, sunshine and other climatic factors have a significant impact on the growth and fertility of the vines. The vineyards have very different microclimatic characteristics, chiefly due to the highly varied nature of the relief, altitude, exposure and inclination of the terrain, proximity of water, forests, etc. The Dolenjska region is characterised by a moderate continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The continental climate has a greater impact on the eastern part of the region, which therefore experiences more marked extremes of temperature and more frequent summer storms. The western part of the region is characterised by the occasional influence of the Atlantic climate, temperatures are less extreme and total annual rainfall is slightly higher. The sub-Mediterranean climate affects the region less frequently, being felt mainly in winter when occasionally there are warm southerly winds. The accumulated effective temperature during the growing season varies between 1 100 °C in the west and 1 300 °C in the east of the region. Given that the vineyards are at altitudes more than 200 m above sea level and are generally the most exposed to the sun, it can be concluded that the sums of effective temperatures in the Dolenjska region wine-growing areas are 10-15 % higher, varying from 1 250 °C to 1 490 °C. The average total annual rainfall is between 1 100 mm and 1 200 mm and is suitable for vine growth. The annual distribution of precipitation is also favourable, with an average of over 100 mm per month during the growing season. The total average rainfall during the growing season in the Dolenjska wine-growing region is around 781 mm (more than 65 % of the total annual rainfall) and can fluctuate by around 100 mm from year to year. An increased amount of precipitation occurring at harvest time (September, October) is less favourable as this has a harmful effect on the health of certain grape varieties (rot), on the sugar content of the grapes and on the technical quality of the harvest overall.

In geological terms, the Dolenjska region is extremely diverse. The geological map shows that most of the vineyards known for the production of good Cviček are found on a lithological base of Early Cretaceous brown and sandy marls and slab limestones with chert. These are located in the vicinity of the Gorjanci, Krško, Novo Mesto and Trebnje/Mokronog areas. In the Novo Mesto area, the Škocjan-Šmarješke vineyards are located on a more recent (Miocene) base of grey, white and sandy brown marls and, in part, sandstones and Tertiary Lithothamnion limestones. In some places around Šentjernej, older, triad grey layered dolomites are also found. Some of the vineyards in the Gorjanci, Krško and Novo Mesto areas are also partly located on grey layered dolomites with chert. In the Krško area, the vineyards around Raka have the particularity of being located on Tertiary Lithothamnion limestones.

Causal link between the geographical area of production and the characteristics of the product resulting primarily or exclusively from this geographical environment:

The temperate continental climate, the favourable annual precipitation pattern and the specific geological conditions in the Dolenjska wine-growing region shape the specific and typical character of Cviček, the essential organoleptic characteristics of which are its light red to ruby colour, fruity aroma of small berries, lightness and freshness of taste, and drinkability.

The selection of varieties used for the production of Cviček and the maceration of the mash, which is limited to no more than four days at a temperature below 22 °C, give the wine a typical fresh character and a typical low alcoholic strength of 8,5 % to 10,00 % vol. of actual alcohol.

11.   Further applicable requirements

Title of the requirement/derogation

Preparation of the blend

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation:

Derogation on production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the requirement/derogation:

The grape varieties from which Cviček is obtained may be blended as grapes, musts or wine.

Title of the requirement/derogation

Wine on the market

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation:

Derogation on production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the requirement/derogation:

Only Cviček in its original packaging may be placed on the market, except within the Dolenjska wine-growing region, where Cviček that is not in its original packaging may be offered to final consumers exclusively by producers on condition that:

—	they are registered as producers of grapes and wine in accordance with the law on wine and

—	they offer wine from their own grape and wine production in their own production plant, which has been entered in the register of grape and wine producers.

Cviček must be placed on the market at the latest by the end of the calendar year two years after the vintage year indication.

Bulk Cviček intended for direct consumption may be marketed until the end of the calendar year one year after the vintage year marking.

Title of the requirement/derogation

Bottling of the wine

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation:

Packaging within the demarcated geographical area

Description of the requirement/derogation:

Cviček is packaged in bottles or larger containers.

Cviček is packaged in bottles with volumes of 0,187, 0,375, 0,75, 1 or 1,5 litres. The bottles are sealed with screw caps or cork stoppers.

Cviček is packaged in larger containers with volumes of between 20 litres and 50 litres. This packaging must allow the wine to be extracted by means of a dispenser using increased pressure or an appropriate pump so as to prevent the oxidation of the wine.

Title of the requirement/derogation

Organoleptic assessment of the wine

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation:

Derogation on production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the requirement/derogation:

The wine must have been awarded an organoleptic assessment of at least 15,5 by an authorised wine evaluation organisation in order to be allowed to use the designation Cviček.

Title of the requirement/derogation

Enrichment

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation:

Derogation on production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the requirement/derogation:

In years when weather conditions for ripening the grapes are unfavourable and grapes fail to ripen, the must for the production of Cviček may be enriched with a maximum of 2 % vol. of alcohol.

Only sucrose and rectified grape must and concentrated grape must from grape varieties permitted for producing Cviček, irrespective of the vintage, may be used for enrichment of the must. The grapes must be produced within the Dolenjska wine-growing region and are not included in the calculation of the varietal composition of Cviček.

Title of the requirement/derogation

Vintage year

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation:

Derogation on production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the requirement/derogation:

The indication of the vintage year of Cviček is the year in which the grapes intended for the production of Cviček were harvested.

Title of the requirement/derogation

Traditional term

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation:

Derogation on production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the requirement/derogation:

A traditional term used in addition to the name ‘Cviček’ under national law is: vino s priznanim tradicionalnim poimenovanjem (vino PTP).

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

https://www.gov.si/novice/2025-09-22-ministrstvo-potrdilo-spremembo-specifikacije-za-vino-cvicek/

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(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).