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

(2022/C 130/17)

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

COMMUNICATION OF STANDARD AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Mittelrhein’

PDO-DE-A1269-AM01

Date of communication: 28.12.2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Description of the wine/grapevine products and analytical and/or organoleptic characteristics

Description:

Amendment of the minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must weight (which have been moved from point 5.1 to point 3.2 of the product specification) for quality wine (Qualitätswein) made from the Dornfelder grape variety in years with exceptional weather conditions.

Standard values for quality wine made from the Dornfelder variety: 8,8 % vol. total alcohol/68 °Oechsle.

ADDITION:

‘The minimum natural alcoholic strength/minimum must weight of the Dornfelder grape variety may be set at 8,3 % vol. total alcohol/65 °Oechsle in years with exceptional weather conditions, by decision of the board of the recognised Schutzgemeinschaft Mittelrhein [Association for the protection of “Mittelrhein” wine]. Such arrangements apply exclusively to the vintage for which the decision was taken. The protection association’s decision will be announced through an appropriate means of publication.’

The different products are identified by name, with information about their minimum natural alcoholic strength/minimum must weight and a description of their organoleptic characteristics.

ADDITION:

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

Reasons for the amendment:

The aim of the slight reduction in the minimum alcoholic strength/minimum must weight of the Dornfelder variety is to allow harvesting to take place earlier, in order to minimise the negative effects of new harmful organisms. In 2014, for example, the cherry vinegar fly became a threat to early-ripening red grape varieties. Deferring the harvest on account of the minimum must weight that has been applicable to date risks significantly reducing the quality and volume of grapes harvested in such years.

The descriptions of the organoleptic characteristics have been made more nuanced in order to better reflect the different products.

Adding the total alcoholic strength of wines produced without any enrichment makes use of the opening clause in the EU Regulation.

2. Demarcation of the area

Description:

The ‘Mittelrhein’ PDO area has been demarcated anew.

ADDITION:

The individual municipalities, including the districts and district numbers, have been listed.

The precise demarcation can be seen on the maps showing the vineyards in the aforementioned municipalities, demarcated by parcel. The maps can be viewed at www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein.

Reasons for the amendment:

This amendment regarding the area demarcation is not arbitrary but necessary in order to prevent significant disadvantages for winegrowing and agriculture, the general public and the ecosystem, and the cultivated landscape of the region of Mittelrhein which has developed over time.

The reasons for the demarcation of the area are explained in more detail below:

Enclosed vineyards are necessary for quality assurance purposes, particularly with regard to plant protection measures.

Plant protection measures are necessary in winegrowing, but are not always compatible with other crops. Juxtaposing vineyards with land with other uses (e.g. pastureland, arable farming, fruit or vegetable cultivation) often causes problems which should be avoided as far as possible:

The fewer points of contact between land used for winegrowing and land with other uses (arable farming, fruit growing, pastureland, etc.), the fewer associated negative effects on the wines’ cultivation and quality.

This is due to the specific management requirements in the area of winegrowing, in particular plant protection. Some of the plant protection products used differ considerably, particularly with regard to their field of application, the crop-specific authorisation or waiting periods. Moreover, on many of the historic slopes of the Mittelrhein, plant protection is carried out by means of helicopter spraying, where – for technical and physical reasons – there is a higher risk of drift. Having a geometry-based spray system in the form of long, straight tracks along the slope is beneficial for effective helicopter spraying and requires a continuous vineyard area.

Farmers and winegrowers are obliged to prevent plant protection products from spreading to other crops and non-target areas, including by observing distance requirements. It is therefore not possible to spray vines close to the boundary of a vineyard, which makes cultivation impossible. The same applies to arable land, pastureland and fruit-growing land that border on vineyards. Having vineyards that are widely dispersed leads to financial losses for all farmers. The problem is particularly pronounced in situations where helicopter spraying is used, as helicopters must comply with especially stringent distance requirements due to the increased risk of drift. If vineyards are moved to areas where helicopter spraying is used, the previous vineyards become non-target areas for which distance requirements apply. This places those vineyards at an economic disadvantage.

Even if plant protection products have been properly applied, they may drift onto neighbouring parcels with different uses, thereby causing unwanted vegetative damage in non-target areas and impairing the quality and marketability of products due to the presence of certain residues. As some of the plant protection products may not be used on the crops under cultivation, residue trials may find, on the basis of precise analysis and low maximum residue limits, that the produce is not fit to be placed on the market. In practice, such cases occur frequently. While the polluters can be held liable for such damage, maintaining enclosed vineyards can minimise peripheral areas and thus eliminate problems.

Protecting the general public and the ecosystem through steep slope management:

Nowadays, the steep slopes play a key role in preventing erosion and run-off. Terraced winegrowing and vineyard walls prevent the surface water from running off downhill. Vines and green cover stabilise the soil and are maintained through ongoing maintenance work. Proper soil management ensures a good soil structure and high infiltration of water into the soil. To sum up, erosion is minimised, water is buffered in the event of heavy rain, and the run-off of nutrients (mainly phosphate) into surface water is prevented. Without active management, the terraces and walls would fall into ruin. The soil would become overgrown with scrub and would lose fertility and structure. Erosion, soil and nutrient run-off and landslides in the event of heavy rain would be the consequences. Residents and transport would be put in danger and damage caused.

Consolidated vineyards allow for effective management and protection methods in the area of winegrowing.

Low-impact plant protection strategies with qualitative, environmental and economic benefits are important for ensuring the sustainable production of high-quality wines:

For example, pheromones are used to combat vine moths. This protective measure only works if the pheromone dispensers needed to limit reproduction and confuse the pests are distributed as widely as possible. As part of that, it is significantly cheaper if double mounting at the edges (boundaries with other crops, uses or vegetation), which is necessary for technical reasons, is avoided. Having enclosed vineyards can significantly minimise the burden associated with pheromone dispensers. Furthermore, Rhineland-Palatinate has put in place the ‘EULLE’ (environmental measures, rural development, agriculture and food) development programme, through which support for biotechnical plant protection practices in the area of winegrowing is provided for continuous vineyard areas of at least 2 ha. However, if plots cover less than 2 ha as a result of individual vineyards being moved to arable land, then this RAK support is no longer available for the remaining vineyards. This has a detrimental effect on the finances of the farmers of those vineyards. However, without that financial support, biotechnical plant protection is not economically viable. The result is an increase in the use of insecticides, which in turn has a negative impact on the ecosystem.

Enclosed vineyards are also necessary from both a technical and an economic perspective in order to protect the ripe grapes from damage by birds, as this is the only way to ensure effective protection. By contrast, having vineyards that are widely dispersed results in higher costs and increased noise pollution.

Enclosed vineyards also help to prevent damage caused by game:

Reducing the excessively high wild boar population is an important issue from a winegrowing perspective. This reduction is necessary, inter alia, as damage caused by game in Rhineland-Palatinate’s vineyards is not normally subject to compensation. Enclosed vineyards also reduce the risk of outbreaks of notifiable African swine fever, which poses a significant risk for livestock farming in Germany. Indeed, it is easier and less costly to manage wild boar in enclosed vineyards than in areas used for growing different crops (e.g. grapes, arable crops and fruit), which often have more refuge areas for wild boar.

Drip irrigation is becoming increasingly important in dry summers, especially in the case of young vineyards. Without it, the vines would not be able to grow. Enclosed vineyards are a considerable asset when it comes to constructing and operating the necessary infrastructure (wells, pipes, etc.). They make both the joint sourcing of water and the common use of transport and distribution lines more efficient and less expensive.

The management requirements are different for winegrowing than for arable farming, for example. If these areas were no longer used for winegrowing, there is a risk that the land would be encroached by scrub, especially on the steep slopes, given that they are not suitable for arable farming or for use as pastureland. Host plants for unwanted pests such as the cherry vinegar fly could begin to grow on these uncultivated areas (e.g. blackberry plants), thus threatening the health and quality of the grapes in neighbouring vineyards.

The cultivated landscape, which has evolved over time, and the natural scenery, which includes the traditional vineyards, characterise the ‘Mittelrhein’ PDO and its reputation.

Winegrowing in the traditional vineyards that mark the landscape defines the character of the wine region for local residents, members of the region’s wine industry, specialists and consumers. This is also evident from the fact that wine advertising regularly uses pictures taken in traditional vineyards when presenting the wine region.

Transferring wine production to traditional arable land would change the characteristic landscape and have a corresponding impact on the cultivated landscape that has evolved and even been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With reference to the site’s outstanding universal value and the applicable protection and management requirements, UNESCO states: ‘The measures taken in the property [the Upper Middle Rhine Valley] serve primarily to ... uphold the tradition of winegrowing on the steep slopes of the valley, secure habitats for rare animal and plant species, and generally ensure that the state of the environment remains unaltered.’

The subject of wine also plays an important role in the area of tourism – in connection with the traditional winegrowing region and the traditional vineyards. The traditional winegrowing region provides the economic basis for many businesses operating in the tourism sector, such as restaurants and hotels, thanks to the scenery and the range of tourism experiences offered by the vineyard landscapes (e.g. Mittelrhein wine trails, the Rheinsteig Trail and the Rhine Castles Trail). Not demarcating the area in the product specification would make it possible for vineyards to be moved to land that is currently pastureland or arable land. As already stated above, this would put many traditional vineyards at risk of being encroached by scrub, given that they are not suitable for uses other than winegrowing due to their small size, characteristics and often poor accessibility. In addition to the environmental consequences identified, the encroachment of scrub would also have economic consequences, as such landscapes are visually unappealing for tourists.

The wines presented in specialised publications, which strongly shape the perception and reputation of the ‘Mittelrhein’ PDO, often come from traditional, consolidated vineyards (e.g. Bopparder Hamm, Bacharacher Hahn, Oberweseler Ölsberg, Leutesdorfer Gartenlay).

In summary, the ‘Mittelrhein’ PDO, with its continuous vineyard areas that characterise the landscape, is regarded positively by the public, the industry, consumers and tourists. Buying and drinking ‘Mittelrhein’ wine conjures up images of traditional vineyards in the minds of consumers, which are reinforced by possible holiday experiences. This makes the ‘Mittelrhein’ PDO exceptional and unique.

It is clear from the reasons set out above that cultivating vineyards on a single and preferably enclosed site has many different advantages for the owners and operators of vineyards, as well as for the environment and the general public. Therefore, the proportion of vineyards that are dispersed across several sites, which is currently very low, should not increase, given the many different disadvantages outlined above.

3. Wine grape varieties

Description:

The following grape varieties have been listed to date under point 7 (which is to become point 8) of the product specification:

In Rhineland-Palatinate:

White wine

Auxerrois, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Ehrenbreitsteiner, Ehrenfelser, Faberrebe, Findling, Früher Malingre, Gelber Muskateller, Grauer Burgunder, Grüner Silvaner, Grüner Veltliner, Helios, Huxelrebe, Johanniter, Kerner, Müller-Thurgau, Muskat-Ottonel, Nobling, Optima, Ortega, Osteiner, Phoenix, Reichensteiner, Roter Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Scheurebe, Schönburger, Weißer Riesling, Würzer.

Red and rosé wines

Blauer Frühburgunder, Blauer Portugieser, Blauer Spätburgunder, Cabernet Dorsa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dakapo, Deckrot, Dornfelder, Dunkelfelder, Regent, Rotberger, Saint-Laurent.

In North Rhine-Westphalia:

White wine

Auxerrois, Bacchus, Ehrenfelser, Faberrebe, Freisamer, Früher Malingre, Gelber Muskateller, Grüner Silvaner, Grüner Veltliner, Huxelrebe, Kanzler, Kerner, Morio-Muskat, Müller-Thurgau, Muskat-Ottonel, Optima, Ortega, Perle, Phoenix, Reichensteiner, Rieslaner, Roter Traminer, Ruländer, Scheurebe, Siegerrebe, Solaris, Weißer Burgunder, Weißer Elbling, Weißer Gutedel, Weißer Riesling, Würzer.

Red and rosé wines

Blauer Frühburgunder, Blauer Limberger, Blauer Portugieser, Blauer Spätburgunder, Domina, Dornfelder, Dunkelfelder, Früher Roter Malvasier, Helfensteiner, Heroldrebe, Regent, Rotberger, Roter Gutedel, Saint-Laurent.

The lists of grape varieties for Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia have been merged to form a common list.

ADDITION:

The following varieties have been added to the list of grape varieties:

White wines

Albalonga, Arnsburger, Blauer Silvaner, Bronner, Cabernet Blanc, Calardis Blanc, Chardonnay Rosé, Felicia, Früher roter Malvasier, Goldmuskateller, Goldriesling, Hibernal, Hölder, Juwel, Kernling, Merzling, Muscaris, Orion, Prinzipal, Regner, Roter Elbling, Roter Gutedel, Roter Müller-Thurgau, Roter Muskateller, Roter Riesling, Saphira, Sauvignon Cita, Sauvignon Gryn, Sauvignon Sary, Sauvitage, Septimer, Silcher, Sirius, Souvignier Gris, Staufer, Trebbiano di Soave, Villaris.

Red and rosé wines

Accent, Acolon, Allegro, Baron, Blauburger, Blauer Trollinger, Blauer Zweigelt, Bolero, Cabernet Cantor, Cabernet Carbon, Cabernet Carol, Cabernet Cortis, Cabernet Cubin, Cabernet Dorio, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Mitos, Cabertin, Calandro, Färbertraube, Hegel, Merlot, Monarch, Müllerrebe, Muskattrollinger, Neronet, Palas, Pinotin, Piroso, Prior, Reberger, Rondo, Rosenmuskateller, Rubinet, Syrah, Tauberschwarz, Wildmuskat.

Synonyms for the grape varieties have been added.

Reasons for the amendment:

The previous list of grape varieties was incomplete. It has been expanded to list all the grape varieties classified to date and their synonyms.

4. Applicable requirements under EU or national legislation

Description:

Point 10 of the product specification sets out the additional labelling requirements.

Smaller geographical units:

ADDITION:

The vineyard register is the list of the names of areas, large-scale vineyards and single vineyards, and open-field systems that may be used as smaller geographical units. It indicates the boundaries of the sites and areas in terms of cadastral references (district, subdistrict, open-field system, parcel). It is managed by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture. In North Rhine-Westphalia, it is managed by the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture. The vineyard register is established and maintained on the basis of:

—	Section 23(3) and (4) of the Wine Act (Weingesetz);

—	Section 29 of the Wine Regulation (Weinverordnung);

—	Federal-State Act on the designation of sites and areas and the vineyard register (Vineyards Act) (Landesgesetz über die Festsetzung von Lagen und Bereichen und über die Weinbergsrolle (Weinlagengesetz));

—	Regulation implementing the legislation on wine (Verordnung zur Durchführung des Weinrechts (WeinR-DVO NRW));

—	Section 2(16) of the Federal-State Regulation on responsibilities in the area of wine legislation (Landesverordnung über Zuständigkeiten auf dem Gebiet des Weinrechts).

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

Reasons for the amendment:

The provisions on labelling should be supplemented to cover smaller geographical units, in order to reflect the legislation in force.

5. Control authorities

Description:

Additions regarding the control authorities designated in point 11 of the product specification and their tasks.

ADDITION:

The Chamber of Agriculture will be assisted in its monitoring tasks by the:

Landesuntersuchungsamt Rheinland-Pfalz (The Rhineland-Palatinate Testing Office)

Mainzer Straße 112

56068 Koblenz

DEUTSCHLAND

Tel. +49 26191490

Fax +49 2619149190

Email: poststelle@lua.rlp.de

In the case of North Rhine-Westphalia:

The director of the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture as the federal-state commissioner:

Fachgebiet 63 – Gartenbau

Gartenstraße 11

50765 Köln-Auweiler

DEUTSCHLAND

Tel. +49 2215340561

Fax +49 2215340196561

Email: weinbau@lwk.nrw.de

Landesamt für Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia Agency for Nature, the Environment and Consumer Protection)

Leibnizstraße 10

45659 Recklinghausen

DEUTSCHLAND

Tel. +49 23613050

Fax +49 23613053786

Email: abteilung8@lanuv.nrw.de

Reasons for the amendment:

The Landesuntersuchungsamt Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate Testing Office) should be added as a control authority, as it performs monitoring tasks in this area. The address of the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture has changed.

6. Other

Description:

Editorial changes in line with EU requirements.

Reasons for the amendment:

Editorial changes have had to be made in order to comply with EU requirements.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name of the product

Mittelrhein

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3. Categories of grapevine product

Wine

5.	Quality sparkling wine

8.	Semi-sparkling wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

1. White quality wine (Qualitätswein)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

White wine

The white wines generally have a light green to an intense dark gold or even amber colour. Their aromas usually range from fresh to exotic fruits, and sometimes floral or spicy. Depending on how the wine is aged, it may also present subtle to pronounced phenolics and toasted aromas. The white wines usually have a delicate to strong flavour and an elegant to racy acid structure.

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

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. Red quality wine (Qualitätswein)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

Red wine

In particular, the red wines have a watery red to deep violet, occasionally even bluish, colour, sometimes with brownish tints. Their aromas are usually fruity with hints of berries. They may also have a spicy, earthy character and chocolatey notes. Depending on how they are aged, they may also have subtle to pronounced phenolics and toasted aromas. They usually have a delicate to rich flavour and a velvety soft to moderate acid structure.

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

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. Rosé, Weißherbst and Blanc de Noir quality wine (Qualitätswein)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

Rosé wine, Weißherbst, Blanc de Noir

The rosé wines tend to have a subtle to strong light-red colour. The Weißherbst wines tend to have a faint to moderate pink colour. The Blanc de Noir wines are the colour of white wine. The aromas are usually fruity with notes of red berries and red fruits. There may also be spicy aromas. The aromas of Blanc de Noir wines are usually fruity and fresh with notes of berries and sometimes also subtle floral or spicy properties. They usually have a delicate to rich flavour, underpinned by a soft to brisk acidity.

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

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)

4. Rotling quality wine (Qualitätswein)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

The Rotling wines tend to have a faint to strong light-red colour. Their aromas are usually fruity, or may be somewhat spicy, with notes of berries, pome fruit and citrus fruit. They tend to have a delicate to rich flavour and a brisk acid structure.

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

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 with the special attribute ‘Kabinett’ (Prädikatswein Kabinett)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

Wine with the special attribute ‘Kabinett’

‘Mittelrhein’ wines with the special attribute ‘Kabinett’ are generally fruity and fresh wines with lively acidity and moderate alcoholic strength.

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

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)

6. Wine with the special attribute ‘Spätlese’ (Prädikatswein Spätlese)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

Wine with the special attribute ‘Spätlese’

‘Mittelrhein’ wines with the special attribute ‘Spätlese’ tend to present intense aromas of yellow fruit and a mellow, harmonious acid structure.

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

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)

7. Wine with the special attribute ‘Auslese’ (Prädikatswein Auslese)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

Wine with the special attribute ‘Auslese’

‘Mittelrhein’ wines with the special attribute ‘Auslese’ tend to have an intense colour and present aromas of yellow fruit that are sometimes exotic. The presence of botrytised berries may also give rise to subtle honey-like and balsamic notes.

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

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)

8. Wine with the special attribute ‘Beerenauslese’(Prädikatswein Beerenauslese)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

Wine with the special attribute ‘Beerenauslese’

‘Mittelrhein’ wines with the special attribute ‘Trockenbeerenauslese’ are made from overripe, dried or botrytised berries and therefore tend to have an intense golden yellow to amber-like colour and a slightly increased viscosity. In terms of taste, they usually have a pronounced fruity sweetness and a mellow but marked acid structure. Their aromas tend to range from intensely fruity to spicy or even herbal, with notes of ripe to overripe fruit, dried fruit and honey.

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

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)

9. Wine with the special attribute ‘Eiswein’ (Prädikatswein Eiswein)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

Wine with the special attribute ‘Eiswein’

Mittelrhein wines with the special attribute ‘Eiswein’ are pressed from naturally frozen grapes, which means the grapes’ ingredients are highly concentrated. Ice wines are usually characterised by an intense sweetness combined with a strong acidity. Their aromas are mostly fruity and less shaped by noble rot than in the case of Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese wines.

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

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)

10. Wine with the special attribute ‘Trockenbeerenauslese’ (Prädikatswein Trockenbeerenauslese)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

Wine with the special attribute ‘Trockenbeerenauslese’

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

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)

11. Quality sparkling wine, semi-sparkling wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The different soil formations give ‘Mittelrhein’ products characteristic properties.

Quality sparkling wine

The quality sparkling wines have a notable to strong effervescence and are generally fruity to ripe and yeasty, with a lively acid structure. The aromas are characterised by the type of base wine, the grape varieties used and the length of time that the wine spends on its lees.

The crémants have an intense and fine effervescence. They usually range from fruity and ripe to yeasty and spicy, with a mellow acid structure. Their aromas are characterised by the type of base wine, the grape varieties used and the length of time that the wine spends on its lees.

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

Semi-sparkling wine

The semi-sparkling wines have a fine to notable effervescence and are fruity and fresh. Depending on the type of wine, their aromas correspond to those described for the white, rosé and red wines.

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

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.	All products

Specific oenological practice

The current legislation applies.

2.	All products

Relevant restrictions on making the wines

The current legislation applies.

3.	All products

Cultivation practices

The current legislation applies.

5.2. Maximum yields

105 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The PDO area comprises vineyards in the following municipalities: Bacharach (Bacharach (3503), Steeg (3502)), Bad Ems (0950), Bad Hönningen (0326), Boppard (Boppard (1820), Hirzenach (1824)), Bornich (0905), Braubach (0934), Breitscheid (Landkreis Mainz-Bingen) (0261), Brey (1388), Damscheid (1845), Dattenberg (0315), Dausenau (0947), Dörscheid (0904), Fachbach (0951), Filsen (0932), Hammerstein (Niederhammerstein (0328), Oberhammerstein (0329)), Kamp-Bornhofen (0931), Kasbach-Ohlenberg (Niederkasbach (0307)), Kaub (0902), Kestert (0918), Koblenz (Ehrenbreitstein (1416), Niederberg (1413)), Lahnstein (Oberlahnstein (0961)), Langscheid (1207, 1843), Leubsdorf (0316), Leutesdorf (0330), Linz am Rhein (0310), Manubach (3504), Nassau (0837), Niederburg (1840), Niederheimbach (3507), Nochern (0914), Oberdiebach (3505), Oberheimbach (3506), Obernhof (0832), Oberwesel (Dellhofen (1842), Oberwesel (1841)), Osterspai (0933), Patersberg (0909), Perscheid (1844), Rheinbreitbach (0291), Rheinbrohl (0327), Rhens (1387), Sankt Goar (St. Goar (1837), Werlau(1836)), Sankt Goarshausen (Ehrenthal (0908), St. Goarshausen (0906), Wellmich (0907)), Spay (Oberspay (1390)), Trechtingshausen (3508), Unkel (Heister (0294), Scheuren (0292), Unkel (0293)), Urbar (1355, 1839), Vallendar (1352), Weinähr (0833).

North Rhine-Westphalia

The PDO area comprises vineyards in the districts of Oberdollendorf, Niederdollendorf and Königswinter in the town of Königswinter, the district of Honnef (Rhöndorf) in the town of Bad Honnef, and the district of Kessenich in the city of Bonn.

The precise demarcation can be seen on the maps showing the vineyards in the above-mentioned municipalities, demarcated by parcel. The maps can be viewed at www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein.

Qualitätswein (quality wine), Prädikatswein (wine with a special attribute), Sekt b.A. (quality sparkling wine from defined regions) or Qualitätsperlwein b.A. (quality semi-sparkling wine from defined regions) bearing the protected name ‘Mittelrhein’ may be produced in an area other than the specified region in which the grapes were harvested and which is indicated on the labelling, provided that the production area is situated in the same federal state or in a neighbouring federal state.

7. Main wine grape variety(ies)

Accent

Acolon

Albalonga

Allegro

Arnsburger

Auxerrois – Auxerrois blanc, Pinot Auxerrois

Bacchus

Baron

Blauburger

Blauer Frühburgunder – Frühburgunder, Pinot Noir Precoce, Pinot Madeleine, Madeleine Noir

Blauer Limberger – Limberger, Lemberger, Blaufränkisch

Blauer Portugieser – Portugieser

Blauer Silvaner

Blauer Spätburgunder – Spätburgunder, Pinot Nero, Pinot Noir, Samtrot,

Blauer Trollinger – Trollinger, Vernatsch

Blauer Zweigelt – Zweigelt, Zweigeltrebe, Rotburger

Bolero

Bronner

Cabernet Blanc

Cabernet Carbon

Cabernet Carol

Cabernet Cortis

Cabernet Cubin – Cubin

Cabernet Dorio – Dorio

Cabernet Dorsa – Dorsa

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Mitos – Mitos

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabertin

Calandro

Chardonnay

Chardonnay Rosé

Dakapo

Deckrot

Domina

Dornfelder

Dunkelfelder

Ehrenbreitsteiner

Ehrenfelser

Faberrebe – Faber

Findling

Freisamer

Früher Malingre – Malinger

Früher Roter Malvasier – Malvoisie, Malvasier, Früher Malvasier

Färbertraube

Gelber Muskateller – Muskateller, Muscat Blanc, Muscat, Moscato

Goldriesling

Grüner Silvaner – Silvaner, Sylvaner

Grüner Veltliner – Veltliner

Hegel

Helfensteiner

Helios

Heroldrebe

Hibernal

Huxelrebe – Huxel

Hölder

Johanniter

Juwel

Kanzler

Kerner

Kernling

Merlot

Merzling

Monarch

Morio Muskat

Muscaris

Muskat Ottonel

Muskat Trollinger

Müller Thurgau – Rivaner

Müllerrebe – Schwarzriesling, Pinot Meunier

Neronet

Nobling

Optima 113 – Optima

Orion

Ortega

Osteiner

Palas

Perle

Phoenix – Phönix

Pinotin

Piroso

Prinzipal

Prior

Reberger

Regent

Regner

Reichensteiner

Rieslaner

Rondo

Rotberger

Roter Elbling – Elbling Rouge

Roter Gutedel – Chasselas Rouge

Roter Muskateller

Roter Riesling

Roter Traminer – Traminer, Gewürztraminer, Clevner

Rubinet

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

Saint Laurent – St. Laurent, Sankt Laurent

Saphira

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Cita

Sauvignon Gryn

Sauvignon Sary

Scheurebe

Schönburger

Septimer

Siegerrebe – Sieger

Silcher

Sirius

Solaris

Souvignier Gris

Staufer

Syrah – Shiraz

Tauberschwarz

Villaris

Weißer Burgunder – Pinot Blanc, Pinot Bianco, Weißburgunder

Weißer Elbling – Elbling

Weißer Gutedel – Chasselas, Chasselas Blanc, Fendant Blanc. Gutedel

Weißer Riesling – Riesling, Riesling renano, Rheinriesling, Klingelberger

Wildmuskat

Würzer

8. Description of the link(s)

The ‘Mittelrhein’ winegrowing area is located between Bingen and Bonn, borders on the Siebengebirge uplands and is about 110 km long. The valley floor is narrow; only at an altitude of 200–220 metres above sea level does the narrow V-shaped valley widen out into a plateau valley with levels which were formed long ago. The areas in the Mittelrhein Valley which are used for winegrowing range in altitude from about 55 to 350 metres above sea level; the vineyards’ average altitude is 170 metres above sea level. The vineyards of the Upper Mittelrhein Valley face mainly south-east to south-west; winegrowing in the Lower Mittelrhein Valley is predominantly carried out on land facing south to south-west. Taking the Mittelrhein Valley as a whole, the vineyards’ average orientation is 168 ° (SSE).

In the Mittelrhein Valley area, Devonian rocks predominate. Quartzitic sandstone and slate are widespread; ferrous and siliceous nodular slate and quarzites occur to a lesser extent. Rocks from the Tertiary period are found only in the area around Königswinter. These comprise trachytes, trachytic tuffs, basalts and latites (volcanic effusive rocks), which are evidence of past volcanic activity. The floodplains of the Rhine usually contain several metres of thick sands and clays, which are often calcareous. The vines in the Mittelrhein Valley are rooted mainly in soil whose parent rock consists of Devonian slate. Brown soils and regosols are the predominant soil types there.

Para-brown soils are widespread on the fertile loess and loess loam.

Winegrowing is also carried out on parts of the floodplains and lower terraces. In terms of soil typology, these areas are characterised by vega soils and brown soils. Brown soils, regosols and rankers are found on the tertiary volcanic rocks.

According to the weather data, the annual average temperature is 9,7 °C and the average temperature in the growing season is 14,2 °C. The average annual precipitation is 665 mm, of which about 60 % falls during the growing season.

During that season, the vines in the ‘Mittelrhein’ area benefit on average from approximately 615 000 Wh/m2 of direct sunshine. The long growing season, together with the particular topography of the growing area, the microclimatic conditions, the characteristic composition of the soil and the high level of human input, determine the typology of the wines.

The small-scale structure and steep slopes limit the use of technical machinery in the vineyards, so tending the vineyards is very labour-intensive, which has a stabilising effect on yields. This contributes significantly to the quality of the harvest with regard to the natural minimum alcoholic strength, the characteristic aromas and the acid balance of the wines. The human influence draws upon a centuries-old wine-growing tradition. When cultivating the primary product (grapes) earmarked for the production of Prädikatswein (wine with a special attribute), the winegrower may carry out special plant care measures during the growing season, such as removing leaves from around the grapes or thinning clusters, to achieve better quality and a more intensive composition of the grape’s ingredients. Furthermore, different maturation methods based on cellar technology can, as an additional human factor, shape the Prädikatswein that is ultimately produced.

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

Wine, quality sparkling wine, semi-sparkling wine

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Before the traditional terms may be used on the labels of Qualitätswein (quality wine), Prädikatswein (wine with a special attribute), Qualitätsperlwein b.A. (quality semi-sparkling wine from defined regions) or Sekt b.A. (quality sparkling wine from defined regions), the wine must have passed an official inspection. The inspection number issued in this context (amtliche Prüfungsnummer or A.P.-Nr.) must be indicated on the label. It replaces the batch number.

In addition to the existing protected wine name, wine and wine products must be labelled with one of the traditional terms listed in point 5(a) of the product specification. The use of the traditional terms listed in point 5(b) of the product specification is optional.

The vineyard register is the list of the names of areas, large-scale vineyards and single vineyards, and open-field systems that may be used as smaller geographical units. It indicates the boundaries of the sites and areas in terms of cadastral references (district, subdistrict, open-field system, parcel). It is managed by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture. In North Rhine-Westphalia, it is managed in accordance with the Regulation implementing the legislation on wine (Verordnung zur Durchführung des Weinrechts (WeinR-DVO NRW)). The vineyard register is established and maintained on the basis of:

—	Section 23(3) and (4) of the Wine Act (Weingesetz);

—	Section 29 of the Wine Regulation (Weinverordnung);

—	Federal-State Act on the designation of sites and areas and the vineyard register (Vineyards Act) (Landesgesetz über die Festsetzung von Lagen und Bereichen und über die Weinbergsrolle (Weinlagengesetz));

—	Regulation implementing the legislation on wine (WeinR-DVO NRW);

—	Section 2(16) of the Federal-State Regulation on responsibilities in the area of wine legislation (Landesverordnung über Zuständigkeiten auf dem Gebiet des Weinrechts).

Link to the product specification

www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein

(1) OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.