3.10.2022

Official Journal of the European Union

C 379/1

OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

of 9 August 2022

on a proposal for a directive as regards delegation arrangements, liquidity risk management, supervisory reporting, provision of depositary and custody services and loan origination by alternative investment funds

(CON/2022/26)

(2022/C 379/01)

Introduction and legal basis

On 25 November 2021 the European Commission published a package of legal acts in support of the Capital Markets Union, including a proposal for a directive amending Directives 2011/61/EU and 2009/65/EC as regards delegation arrangements, liquidity risk management, supervisory reporting, provision of depositary and custody services and loan origination by alternative investment funds (1) (hereinafter the ‘proposed directive’).

The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to deliver an own initiative opinion on the proposed directive. The ECB’s competence to deliver an opinion is based on Articles 127(4) and 282(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union since the proposed directive contains provisions affecting the basic task of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) to define and implement the monetary policy of the Union pursuant to Article 127(2) of the Treaty, the ESCB’s task to contribute to the smooth conduct of policies pursued by the competent authorities relating to the stability of the financial system pursuant to Article 127(5) of the Treaty, and the ECB’s tasks relating to the collection of statistical information pursuant to Article 5 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank.

In accordance with the first sentence of Article 17.5 of the Rules of Procedure of the European Central Bank, the Governing Council has adopted this opinion.

General observations

1. Objectives of the proposed directive

1.1.

The ECB welcomes the proposed directive’s principal aims to fill certain regulatory gaps in the functioning of Directive 2011/61/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) (hereinafter the ‘Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive’ or ‘AIFMD’), to ensure a coherent supervisory approach to the risks that Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) pose to the financial system and to provide a high level of investor protection, while facilitating their integration into the EU financial market.

1.2.

The ECB also supports the proposed directive’s general aim to better align the requirements of the AIFMD and Directive 2009/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) (hereinafter the ‘Undertakings for the Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Directive’ or ‘UCITSD’) on issues equally relevant to both directives, such as delegation arrangements and custodial services. This opinion, however, focuses on the proposed amendments to the AIFMD.

1.3.

As further elaborated below, the ECB would have welcomed that the proposed directive also covered issues that are not addressed by the AIFMD, such as the operationalisation and development of macroprudential tools applied ex ante as a means of reducing risks to the financial system that are posed by AIFs, as well as ensuring that detailed data on individual AIFs are made available to the ECB and other relevant ESCB central banks.

Specific observations

2. Liquidity management and macroprudential tools

2.1.

The ECB generally welcomes the proposed directive’s aim to harmonise the obligations of AIF managers (AIFMs) as regards the management of liquidity risks, in particular the introduction of the types of liquidity management tools that are to be available to AIFMs of open-ended AIFs to manage liquidity risks to those funds, such as high levels of redemptions by investors within a short timeframe and redemptions that are concentrated in a particular funds segment. However, the proposed directive should also aim to limit the liquidity mismatch between the assets and liabilities of AIFs, by means of measures that specifically target either assets or liabilities.

2.2.

The proposed directive’s provisions regarding liquidity management tools (4) are modest. In this respect, the proposed directive requires AIFMs of open-ended AIFs to select at least one appropriate liquidity management instrument from the list set out in Annex II to the proposed directive for possible use in the interest of the AIF’s investors (5). The proposed directive also allows, in exceptional circumstances, for the temporary suspension of the repurchase or redemption of AIF units where this is justified having regard to the interests of AIF investors (6). While the proposed directive thus specifies a common set of optional liquidity management tools which AIFMs of open-ended AIFs may use, the ability of such AIFs to withstand liquidity risks would be strengthened if AIFMs were required, as a minimum, to select several and not merely one of the listed tools.

2.3.

The proposed directive requires the Commission to initiate a review of the functioning of the rules laid down in the AIFMD within 60 months of the proposed directive’s entry into force (7). The ECB supports the proposed review, in particular insofar as it relates to the appropriateness of the requirements applicable to AIFMs that manage loan-originating funds, given the potential for risks to financial stability in this sector which is experiencing continued growth. However, the proposed review should be expanded to cover two additional aspects. First, the review should cover developments in macroprudential tools to manage liquidity risk, in particular the use of ex ante liquidity management tools to address the liquidity mismatch. Certain macroprudential tools (8) can be tailored to specific financial stability risks that may arise in the AIF sector and they can be implemented prior to a stress event occurring. Second, the review should specifically cover how AIFMs of leveraged open-ended AIFs set leverage limits and how, pursuant to the AIFMD (9), competent authorities use their supervisory powers in respect of such leverage limits. In assessing aspects of AIF management in the Member States, the Commission should also consider developments in relevant international standards.

3. Reporting

3.1.

The proposed directive aims to eliminate duplicative reporting requirements existing under Union and national legislation, including, in particular, certain statistical regulations adopted by the ECB (10), to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burdens for AIFMs (11). To this end, the proposed directive mandates the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to submit to the Commission a report for the development of an integrated supervisory data collection which would focus, inter alia, on how to reduce areas of duplications and inconsistencies between the reporting frameworks in the asset management sector and other sectors of the financial industry. When preparing this report, it is proposed that ESMA should work in close cooperation with, inter alia, the ECB (12).

3.2.

The ECB stands ready to cooperate with ESMA in the preparation of this report for the development of an integrated supervisory data collection so as to ensure consistency with other reporting requirements for investment funds. The ECB stresses, however, that the integration of the underlying reporting infrastructure must not interfere with or otherwise prejudice the ECB’s competence to adopt statistical regulations for its own purposes or to continue to include the full set of relevant statistical reporting requirements in relevant ECB regulations, such as those on the collection of statistics on holdings of securities and on the assets and liabilities of investment funds (13).

4. ESCB access to detailed data on the AIF sector

4.1.

The ECB notes that Article 25(2) of the AIFMD requires the competent authorities (14) of the home Member State of an AIFM to ensure that all information gathered under Article 24 of the AIFMD in respect of all AIFMs that they supervise and the information gathered under Article 7 of the AIFMD (hereinafter the ‘individual AIF data’) is made available to the competent authorities of other relevant Member States, as well as to ESMA and to the ESRB, by means of the procedures set out in Article 50 of the AIFMD on supervisory cooperation. However, the proposed directive does not significantly change either the types of individual AIF data required by competent authorities from the AIFMs they supervise under Article 24 of the AIFMD, or the other authorities to whom competent authorities must make such data available (15).

4.2.

The proposed directive should require ESMA, which currently receives individual AIF data from the competent authorities, to make that data available also to the ECB and to other relevant ESCB central banks, to enable them to fulfil their tasks, including those under the Treaty, of defining and implementing monetary policy and contributing to the stability of the financial system.

4.3.

First, regarding the ESCB’s basic task of defining and implementing monetary policy and the ESCB’s primary objective of ensuring price stability, it should be noted that AIFs take positions in the securities market, in particular in fixed income products (16). As part of their investment strategies their positions are often leveraged (17), including by using derivatives. Such strategies can potentially amplify movements in sovereign bonds markets (18), thus affecting the transmission of monetary policy to the economy since sovereign bond yields act as a reference rate for the financing conditions of firms and households. Such interactions with monetary policy are particularly relevant at the current time of monetary policy ‘normalisation’ for two reasons. The first is the above-mentioned potential for AIF investment strategies to amplify movements in sovereign bond yields, thus creating an unwarranted tightening of private sector financing conditions. The second is that AIFs can also engage in investment strategies that involve purchasing certain euro area sovereign bonds whilst selling other euro area sovereigns, thus potentially contributing to diverging euro area sovereign bond yields. The relevance of such amplification effects in sovereign bond markets has been observed during the COVID-19 (19) pandemic and may be expected to increase as the AIF sector continues to grow in size (20). AIFs also increasingly contribute to the financing of the real economy as they are significant investors in securities issued by corporates. In this respect, the ECB’s Strategy Review (21) noted that evolving financial structures, such as the rise in financial intermediation via the non-bank sector, have altered the transmission of monetary policy.

4.4.

Second, access to individual AIF data would enable ESCB central banks to effectively perform their task of contributing to the stability of the financial system. The risks to financial stability posed by AIFs were exposed during the recent market turmoil in March 2020, when many AIFs faced acute liquidity stress owing to significant outflows and difficulties in selling assets in markets with little or no secondary trading. AIFs responded to this pressure on liquidity with large scale asset sales and cash hoarding, and a significant number of them even suspending redemptions. This behaviour by AIFs added to pressure on asset valuations and market liquidity, which contributed to the tightening of funding conditions in the real economy and was ultimately only eased when central banks took extraordinary policy action (22). The events of March 2020 highlight how the ESCB’s primary objective of price stability and its task of contributing to financial stability are intertwined, where one is a precondition for performance of the other. As noted in the ECB’s Strategy Review, in view of the price stability risks generated by financial crises, there is a clear conceptual case for the ECB to take financial stability considerations into account in its monetary policy deliberations (23).

4.5.

It should be noted that the ESCB already has access to various datasets on non-bank entities that are collected by competent authorities and trade repositories under Union regulations (24), thus recognising the ESCB’s need to access these datasets for the purposes of carrying out its monetary policy and financial stability mandates. In the ECB’s view, such legislative solutions – whereby multiple authorities access the same datasets – are efficient for data sharing between relevant authorities as they avoid duplicative reporting requirements, lower the costs of collecting data and facilitate data quality checks. They also foster cooperation between authorities, which in turn facilitates the fulfilment of their respective mandates. Moreover, the datasets reported under Regulation (EU) 2015/2365 of the European Parliament and of the Council (25) (hereinafter the ‘Securities Financing Transactions Regulation’ or ‘SFTR’) and Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (26) (hereinafter the ‘European Market Infrastructure Regulation’ or ‘EMIR’) record individual derivatives and secured financial transactions; these are transactions executed in markets in which AIFs are important players. In order to understand the risk characteristics of individual AIFs (e.g. leverage, liquidity mismatch, interconnectedness and investor base) and the extent to which these characteristics (and their heterogeneity) drive AIFs’ activity in the above markets, all relevant authorities need to be able to combine financial transaction information with the balance sheets of important market players. The growing presence and activity of AIFs in these markets increasingly has an impact on the monetary policy transmission mechanism and on financial stability risks, both of which the ESCB must assess in order to effectively fulfil its primary objective of price stability and its task of contributing to financial stability.

4.6.

Lacking its own access to data on individual AIFs, the ECB currently relies on commercial sources, which provide data that is expensive, incomplete and non-transparent. In contrast to the mandatory nature of data reporting under a regulatory framework, AIFs can decide themselves whether or not to report information for inclusion in commercial datasets, thus giving the ESCB an incomplete and potentially distorted view of the market. This results in less-informed monetary policy decisions and financial stability assessments. Moreover, data quality checks on commercial datasets are difficult. The ECB could, in principle, amend its own relevant regulations concerning statistical reporting (27) to collect the same, or very similar, data as those collected under the AIFMD. However, this would be contrary to the aim of the proposed directive to eliminate duplicative reporting requirements under Union and national legislation (28). It should also be noted that in carrying out its statistical collection task under Article 5.1 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, the ECB is required to follow certain principles, which include minimising the burden on reporting agents (29). In addition to the costs for reporting agents, duplicative reporting requirements in relation to certain types of data not included in current statistical reporting requirements would also result in substantial costs for the ESCB central banks and the ECB. On the other hand, the costs in practice to the ECB of accessing the AIFMD data would be substantially lower, since the data are already now available in the ECB’s databases and systems as a result of the ECB’s statistical and other support of the ESRB (30), although staff of the ECB and the ESCB central banks are unable to access that data (31).

Where the ECB recommends that the proposed regulation is amended, specific drafting proposals are set out in a separate technical working document accompanied by an explanatory text to this effect. The technical working document is available in English on EUR-Lex.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 9 August 2022.

The President of the ECB

Christine LAGARDE

(1) Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directives 2011/61/EU and 2009/65/EC as regards delegation arrangements, liquidity risk management, supervisory reporting, provision of depository and custody services and loan origination by alternative investment funds, COM(2021) 721 final.

(2) Directive 2011/61/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2011 on Alternative Investment Fund Managers and amending Directives 2003/41/EC and 2009/65/EC and Regulations (EC) No 1060/2009 and (EU) No 1095/2010 (OJ L 174, 1.7.2011, p. 1).

(3) Directive 2009/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS) (OJ L 302 17.11.2009, p. 32).

(4) See Article 1, point (6), of the proposed directive inserting paragraphs 2a to 2h in Article 16 of the AIFMD and Annex II of the proposed directive replacing Annex V of the AIFMD. See also Article 2, point (4), of the proposed directive as regards the equivalent amendment to Directive 2009/65/EC.

(5) Article 1, point (6), of the proposed directive (inserting paragraph 2b in Article 16 of the AIFMD).

(6) Article 1, point (6), of the proposed directive (inserting paragraph 2c in Article 16 of the AIFMD).

(7) Article 1, point (21), of the proposed directive (inserting Article 69b in the AIFMD).

(8) These would include tools such as the supervisory imposition of leverage limits (Article 25 AIFMD, which contains the power of a national competent authority to impose leverage limits on the AIF), the suspension of redemptions in the public interest (Article 46(2), which contains the power of a national competent authority to suspend redemptions in the public interest), or potentially other restrictions such as capital buffers and loan-to-value (LTV) ratios.

(9) See Article 25(3) of the AIFMD, which concerns, amongst other powers, the power of the competent authority of the home Member State of the AIFM to impose limits to the level of leverage that the AIFM is entitled to employ in its management of an AIF.

(10) Regulation (EU) No 1011/2012 of the European Central Bank of 17 October 2012 concerning statistics on holdings of securities (ECB/2012/24) (OJ L 305, 1.11.2012, p. 6) and Regulation (EU) No 1073/2013 of the European Central Bank of 18 October 2013 concerning statistics on the assets and liabilities of investment funds (ECB/2013/38) (OJ L 297, 7.11.2013, p. 73).

(11) Recital 16 of the proposed directive.

(12) Recital 16 and Article 1, point (21), of the proposed directive (inserting Article 69b in the AIFMD. See also Article 2, point (5), of the proposed directive (inserting Article 20b in the UCITSD).

(13) See footnote 10 above.

(14) Article 4(1)(f) of the AIFMD defines competent authorities as the authorities empowered by law or regulation to supervise AIFMs.

(15) See especially Article 24(2) of the AIFMD. Article 1(10) of the proposed directive (amending Article 24 of the AIFMD) requires AIFMs to regularly report to the competent authorities of its home Member State on the markets and tools in which an AIFM trades on behalf of the AIF it manages. The said Article mandates ESMA to draft RTS specifying the details to be reported. Article 2(5)(1) of the proposed directive (introducing new Article 20a of the UCITSD) is the equivalent provision in respect of UCITS.

(16) EU alternative investment funds - 2022 statistical report, available on the ESMA’s website at www.esma.europa.eu.

(17) Article 4(1)(v) of AIFMD defines ‘leverage’ as any method by which the AIFM increases the exposure of an AIF it manages whether through borrowing of cash or securities, or leverage embedded in derivative positions or by any other means.

(18) See for example the Financial Stability Board ‘Holistic review of the March market turmoil’, November 2020 and literature cited therein https://www.fsb.org/wp-content/uploads/P171120-2.pdf (page 30 et seq.).

(19) See the Financial Stability Board article referred to in footnote 18.

(20) For example, as measured by their assets under management - see ESMA report referred to in footnote 16. See also pages 4 to 5 of the ECB Occasional Paper Series, Non-bank financial intermediation in the euro area: implications for monetary policy transmission and key vulnerabilities, of December 2021, available on the ECB’s website at www.ecb.europa.eu.

(21) See the ECB Strategy Review 2022, available at:

https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/search/review/html/ecb.strategyreview_monpol_strategy_overview.en.html.

(22) See, for example, Section 5.2 in the Financial Stability Review, ECB, May 2021, available on the ECB’s website at www.ecb.europa.eu.

(23) See the ECB Strategy Review 2022; see also the ECB Financial Stability Review, November 2021, box entitled ‘The role of financial stability in the ECB’s new monetary policy strategy’.

(24) See Article 81(3)(g) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1); and Article 12(2)(f) of Regulation (EU) 2015/2365 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on transparency of securities financing transactions and of reuse and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 337, 23.12.2015, p. 1).

(25) Regulation (EU) 2015/2365 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on transparency of securities financing transactions and of reuse and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 337, 23.12.2015, p. 1).

(26) Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1).

(27) These are primarily Regulation (EU) No 1011/2012 of the European Central Bank of 17 October 2012 concerning statistics on holdings of securities (ECB/2012/24) (OJ L 305, 1.11.2012, p. 6), and Regulation (EU) No 1073/2013 of the European Central Bank of 18 October 2013 concerning statistics on the assets and liabilities of investment funds (ECB/2013/38) (OJ L 297, 7.11.2013, p. 73).

(28) The ECB is exploring how ECB regulations could more fully meet the ECB’s data needs in this area without resulting in an additional reporting burden on AIFMs.

(29) Article 3a of Council Regulation (EC) No 2533/98 of 23 November 1998 concerning the collection of statistical information by the European Central Bank (OJ L 318, 27.11.1998, p. 8).

(30) See Recital 10 of the Regulation (EU) No 1092/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on European Union macro-prudential oversight of the financial system and establishing a European Systemic Risk Board (OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 1).

(31) I.e. the data are not available to the ECB for any other purposes than the narrow purpose of statistical support of the ESRB.

3.10.2022

Official Journal of the European Union

C 379/9

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL SECURITY FOR MIGRANT WORKERS

Rates for conversion of currencies pursuant to Council Regulation (EEC) No 574/72

(2022/C 379/05)

Article 107(1), (2) and (4) of Regulation (EEC) No 574/72

Reference period: July 2022

Application period: October, November and December 2022

juil-22	EUR	BGN	CZK	DKK	HRK	HUF	PLN
1 EUR =	1	1,95580	24,5939	7,44263	7,51850	404,098	4,76824
1 BGN =	0,511300	1	12,5748	3,80541	3,84421	206,615	2,43800
1 CZK =	0,0406606	0,0795239	1	0,302621	0,305706	16,4308	0,193879
1 DKK =	0,134361	0,262784	3,30446	1	1,01019	54,2950	0,640667
1 HRK =	0,133005	0,260132	3,27111	0,989909	1	53,7471	0,634201
1 HUF =	0,00247465	0,00483992	0,0608612	0,018418	0,0186057	1	0,0117997
1 PLN =	0,209721	0,410172	5,15784	1,56087	1,57679	84,7477	1
1 RON =	0,202446	0,395945	4,97894	1,50673	1,52209	81,8081	0,965313
1 SEK =	0,094561	0,184943	2,32563	0,703784	0,710959	38,2120	0,450891
1 GBP =	1,17709	2,30215	28,9492	8,76064	8,8499	475,659	5,61265
1 NOK =	0,098210	0,192079	2,41536	0,730939	0,738390	39,6863	0,468288
1 ISK =	0,00719156	0,0140653	0,176868	0,0535241	0,0540697	2,90609	0,034291
1 CHF =	1,012570	1,98039	24,9030	7,53618	7,61301	409,177	4,82818

juil-22	RON	SEK	GBP	NOK	ISK	CHF
1 EUR =	4,93958	10,57516	0,849553	10,18229	139,052	0,98759
1 BGN =	2,52561	5,40707	0,434376	5,20620	71,0972	0,504952
1 CZK =	0,200846	0,429992	0,034543	0,414017	5,65393	0,0401558
1 DKK =	0,663688	1,42089	0,114147	1,36810	18,6832	0,132693
1 HRK =	0,656990	1,40655	0,1129950	1,35430	18,4946	0,131354
1 HUF =	0,0122237	0,0261698	0,00210235	0,0251976	0,344105	0,00244393
1 PLN =	1,035933	2,21783	0,178169	2,13544	29,1621	0,207117
1 RON =	1	2,14090	0,171989	2,06137	28,1505	0,199933
1 SEK =	0,467093	1	0,0803348	0,96285	13,1489	0,093387
1 GBP =	5,81433	12,4479	1	11,9855	163,677	1,16248
1 NOK =	0,485115	1,038584	0,0834344	1	13,6563	0,096991
1 ISK =	0,035523	0,076052	0,00610961	0,0732265	1	0,00710228
1 CHF =	5,00167	10,70809	0,860232	10,31028	140,800	1

Source: ECB

Note: all cross rates involving ISK are calculated using ISK/EUR rate data from the Central Bank of Iceland

reference: juil-22	1 EUR in national currency	1 unit of N.C. in EUR
BGN	1,95580	0,51130
CZK	24,59386	0,04066
DKK	7,44263	0,13436
HRK	7,51850	0,13301
HUF	404,09762	0,00247
PLN	4,76824	0,20972
RON	4,93958	0,20245
SEK	10,57516	0,09456
GBP	0,84955	1,17709
NOK	10,18229	0,09821
ISK	139,05190	0,00719
CHF	0,98759	1,01257

Source: ECB

Note: ISK/EUR rates based on data from the Central Bank of Iceland

Regulation (EEC) No 574/72 determines that the rate for the conversion into a currency of amounts denominated in another currency shall be the rate calculated by the Commission and based on the monthly average, during the reference period specified in paragraph 2, of reference rates of exchange of currencies published by the European Central Bank.

The reference period shall be:

—	the month of January for rates of conversion applicable from 1 April following,

—	the month of April for rates of conversion applicable from 1 July following,

—	the month of July for rates of conversion applicable from 1 October following,

—	the month of October for rates of conversion applicable from 1 January following. The rates for the conversion of currencies shall be published in the second Official Journal of the European Union (C series) of the months of February, May, August and November.

3.10.2022

Official Journal of the European Union

C 379/17

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the 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 379/10)

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

‘Alsace grand cru Steinert’

PDO-FR-A0344-AM02

Date of communication: 20 July 2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Additional indication

In Chapter I, Section II(1), of the specification, the following common forms of the names of grape varieties have been added: ‘Sylvaner’ and ‘Pinot Noir’, with the corresponding official names, respectively: Sylvaner B and Pinot Noir N.

The common form ‘Sylvaner’ has been added to correct an oversight in the original version of the specification. The original version stated in Chapter I, Section X(1)(b), that the authorised varieties ‘can be made into wine and placed on the market under their respective common names’. However, the corresponding common form of the name was not included in the list of permitted common names. Prior to the approval of the original version of the specification, a national decision meant that Sylvaner B had been added to the varieties authorised for the production of wines with the designation of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Zotzenberg’. This took into account local custom and the reputation of these wines.

The common name ‘Pinot Noir’ has been added to the specification. This is because of an application submitted at national level for recognition of the still red wines of certain ‘Alsace grand cru’ designations of origin. This application for the recognition of a red wine is based on long-standing practice, reputation and the characteristics of the wines produced with grapes of the variety Pinot Noir N grown on demarcated parcels of these ‘Alsace grand cru’ designations. Pinot Noir N is the only variety authorised for these red wines.

Chapter I, Section II(1), of the specification concerns the varieties of Muscat à petits grains, commonly referred to as ‘Muscat’. The words ‘blancs’ and ‘roses’ have been added to the names of these varieties, in order to correct an oversight in the previous version of the specification.

These amendments do not require any amendments to the single document.

2. Types of product

In Chapter I, Section III, of the specification, the text has been amended to show that the protected designations of origin covered by the current specification no longer refer exclusively to still white wines.

The ‘Alsace grand cru’ protected designations of origin which cover red and white still wines are mentioned by name: ‘Alsace grand cru Hengst’ and ‘Alsace grand cru Kirchberg de Barr’.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

3. Geographical area

In Chapter I, Section IV(1), of the specification, a paragraph has been added giving the dates on which the geographical area was approved by the relevant INAO (National Institute for Origin and Quality) committee. The new paragraph also refers to the 2021 Official Geographic Code as the source for the demarcation of the area boundary as it appears in the specification. Reference to the source gives legal certainty to the demarcation of the area.

As a result of the reference to the 2021 Official Geographic Code, the list of names of municipalities has been updated. The municipalities of Kientzheim and Sigolsheim have been abolished. Their territory is now part of the municipality of Kaysersberg Vignoble.

These editorial changes do not affect the boundary of the geographical area.

The following sentences have also been added to Section IV(1):

‘Maps of the geographical area can be accessed on the INAO website.

A map defining the boundaries of the geographical area has been lodged with the municipal authorities in the case of the partially included municipality.’

These amendments require the amendment of point 6 of the single document.

4. Demarcated parcel area

In Chapter I, Section IV(2), of the specification:

—	in order to correct an oversight, the words ‘6 and 7 September 2006’ have been added to the first paragraph. This is a date on which the parcel area was approved by the relevant national committee;

—	in the second paragraph, the wording has been amended to take into account the changes made to the names of municipalities in Section IV(1);

—	the ‘Municipalities’ column in the table has been updated to correspond to the names of municipalities mentioned in Section IV(1).

These amendments do not affect the single document.

5. Area in immediate proximity

In Chapter I, Section IV(3), of the specification, a paragraph has been amended to give the 2021 Official Geographic Code as the source for the demarcation of the area boundary as it appears in the specification. Reference to the source gives legal certainty to the demarcation of the area.

As a result of the reference to the 2021 Official Geographic Code, the list of names of municipalities has been updated. The name of the municipality of Kaysersberg has been deleted and that of Kaysersberg Vignoble added, together with the information that the only part of this municipality included is that belonging to the delegated municipality of Kaysersberg.

These editorial changes do not affect the boundary of the area in immediate proximity.

These amendments require the amendment of point 9 of the single document.

6. Vine varieties

In Chapter I, Section V(1)(a), of the specification, two phrases have been added: ‘— for white wines:’ and ‘— for red wines: from grape variety Pinot Noir N’. This is because an application for recognition of the still red wines was submitted at national level for certain ‘Alsace grand cru’ designations of origin. Pinot Noir N is the only variety authorised for these red wines. It is also the only variety authorised for the production of red wine in the ‘Alsace’ designation of origin.

In Sections V(1)(a), (b) and (e) and V(2)(b), the words ‘blancs’ and ‘roses’ have been added to the names of the different varieties of Muscat à petits grains. This corrects an oversight in the previous version of the specification.

The single document has not been changed on account of these amendments.

7. Planting density

In Chapter I, Section VI(1)(a), of the specification, the following phrases have been added: ‘For white wine production’ and ‘For red wine production’. This is to distinguish between the minimum planting densities according to the colour of the wines. These densities are stated for the designations authorised to produce red wines.

The single document has not been changed on account of these additions.

In Chapter I, Section VI(1)(a), of the specification, the date of ‘25 October 2011’ has been specified for the effective application of the rule regarding the possibility of the density changing due to grubbing-up. It replaces the wording ‘on the date on which this specification was approved’.

This amendment requires the amendment of point 5 of the single document.

8. Pruning rule

In Chapter I, Section VI(1)(b), of the specification, the previous rule for white wines regarding the number of buds per square metre of soil differed according to the grape varieties. This rule has been abolished and replaced by a single rule of 18 buds per plant.

This development makes it possible to harmonise the wording in the specifications of the Alsace designations of origin, and to simplify the methods of checking.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

The words ‘For white wines’ have been added at the start of the sentence. This is due to the application for recognition for still red wines submitted at national level for some ‘Alsace grand cru’ designations of origin.

A pruning rule has been added for red wines, setting the maximum number of buds per plant at 14. This is less than the number authorised for white wine production. This rule makes it possible to comply with the rules on yields and to produce good-quality grapes.

The above amendments do not affect the single document.

9. Rules on trellising and foliage height

In Chapter I, Section VI(1)(c), of the specification, the maximum height of the wires supporting the arched canes has been deleted, and the method of measuring the height of trellised foliage has been changed.

These amendments make it possible to verify that the foliage height is compliant as the plants grow. Previously this was possible only through a requirement relating to the support.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

10. Average maximum crop load per parcel

In Chapter I, Section VI(1)(d), of the specification, the average maximum crop load per parcel for white wines has been reduced from 10 000 to 8 500 kilograms per hectare, reflecting the reduced yields for these wines.

An average maximum crop load per parcel has been established for red wines. It is less than that for white wine, reflecting the yields for red wines.

These amendments do not affect the single document.

11. Ripeness of grapes and minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume

In Chapter I, Section VII(2)(a), of the specification, the table has been amended. It now takes into account the application for recognition of still red wines submitted at national level for some ‘Alsace grand cru’ designations of origin.

For these ‘Alsace grand cru’ designations for red wines, minimum levels have been established for the sugar content of the different grape varieties when harvested, and for their minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume.

These amendments do not affect the single document.

For white wines, the minimum levels for the sugar content of the grapes have been increased by 2 or 3 grams per litre of must in order to respect the same 1 % variation with the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume for each grape variety, as in the previous version of the specification. The protection and management body has chosen to calculate the transformation of grams of sugar into alcohol on the basis of 17 grams of sugar producing 1 % alcohol by volume for white wines. The original version of the specification had used the figure of 16,83 grams. The amount of 17 grams had been recommended by the competent national committee of the INAO when the original version of the specifications was established.

These amendments do not affect the single document.

12. Yields

In Chapter I, Section VIII(1) and (2), of the specification, the yields and upper yield limits have been reduced for white wines and white wines labelled ‘Vendanges Tardives’ [Late Harvest], in accordance with the hierarchy of designations in the Alsace region. This amendment will allow better quality control.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended for the maximum yields (upper yield limits).

The words ‘Vins blancs’ have been added for wines without a description. This is due to an application submitted at national level for recognition of still red wines for some ‘Alsace grand cru’ designations of origin.

The yield and upper yield limit for red wines have been established in accordance with the hierarchy of designations of the Alsace regions, meaning that the amounts are lower for these ‘grand cru’ designations.

The latter amendments do not affect the single document.

13. Malolactic fermentation, fermentable sugar content for red wines

Chapter I, Section IX(1)(c), of the specification lays down that malolactic fermentation is carried out for red wines.

For the purpose of checking compliance with this rule, the maximum malic acid content has been established as 0,4 grams per litre at the time of packaging.

Section IX(1)(d) lays down a maximum content for fermentable sugars (glucose and fructose) of 2 grams per litre after fermentation.

The single document has not been amended.

14. Increasing the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume prohibited for red wines

Chapter I, Section IX(1)(e), of the specification lays down that red wines must not be enriched in any way. This restriction applies to the production process. It is consistent with demarcation of parcels for grape-growing, minimum planting density, pruning rules and restricted yields.

The single document has not been amended.

15. Capacity of the winery

In Chapter I, Section IX(1)(g), of the specification, the coefficient for calculating the capacity of the winery has been reduced.

The capacity of the winery does not need to be as large in proportion to the volume of the preceding harvest.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

16. Date of maturing and placing on the market for consumers in the case of red wines

In Chapter I, Section IX(2), of the specification, a minimum maturation period has been established for red wines: until 1 October of the year following the harvest. Wines made with grapes of the variety Pinot Noir N from these vineyards need a minimum period in order to fully express their characteristics.

In Chapter I, Section IX(5)(a), it is stated that, following the maturation period, red wines cannot be placed on the market for consumers until 1 October of the year following the harvest.

These amendments do not require any amendments to the single document.

17. Checks on packaged batches

In Chapter I, Section IX(3)(b), of the specification, the rule has been abolished that required sample bottles to be kept for checks on packaged batches.

This rule is a measure of verifiability. It is now part of the checking plan.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

18. Storing packaged wines

In Chapter I, Section IX(4), of the specification, further details have been provided of the characteristics of the place where packaged wines are stored.

This helps operators to comply with this rule, and makes checking easier.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

19. Human factors contributing to the link with the geographical area

In Chapter I, Section X(1)(b), of the specification, the text has been amended to take account of the fact that still red wines have been approved for the designations of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Hengst’ and ‘Alsace grand cru Kirchberg de Barr’.

—

The following information has been added for the protected designation of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Hengst’: red wines approved in 2022; Pinot Noir N is the only variety authorised; the minimum planting density is 5 500 plants per hectare for the production of red wine; enrichment is not permitted in any form; there must be a minimum maturing period of 10 months.

—

The following information has been added for the protected designation of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Kirchberg de Barr’: red wines approved in 2022; Pinot Noir N is the only variety authorised; the minimum planting density is 5 000 plants per hectare for the production of red wine; enrichment is not permitted in any form; there must be a minimum maturing period of 10 months.

In Section X(1)(b), information to the effect that these two designations of origin were recognised for white wines has been deleted. The words ‘for white wines’ have been added where necessary for understanding the text.

The single document has not been changed on account of these amendments.

The words ‘blancs’ and ‘roses’ have been added to the names of the different varieties of Muscat à petits grains. This corrects an oversight in the previous version of the specification. These additions do not affect the single document.

20. Description of the wine(s)

In Chapter I, Section X(2), of the specification, details have been added of the visual appearance of the white wines in order to characterise them more fully.

In the case of the first two types of wine described: ‘The colour of these two types of wine is deep and intense and ranges to golden yellow.’

Details of the last two types of wine: ‘The colour of these two types of wine is deep and intense and ranges to amber yellow.’

Point 4 of the single document has been amended.

A description of the main organoleptic characteristics of the red wines has been added for the designations of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Hengst’ and ‘Alsace grand cru Kirchberg de Barr’.

These descriptions do not affect the single document.

21. Link with the geographical area

In Chapter I, Section X(3), of the specification, for the designation of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Hengst’, there are details about the link between the geographical origin and the characteristics of the wines which could also apply to the red wines of this designation. These details have been supplemented by information specific to the red wines.

The single document has not been amended.

22. Transitional measures

In Chapter I, Section XI(2), of the specification, in accordance with the amendments to Chapter I, Section VI, the maximum height of the wires supporting the arched canes has been deleted and the maximum number of buds per plant has been reduced.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

23. Requirement to state the sugar content on labelling and other formats giving information for white wines

Under the previous specification, mention of the sugar content was optional. Chapter I, Section XII(2)(d), of the specification has been replaced by a new text making it obligatory to mention the sugar content as laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

This information makes it easier for consumers to understand the type of wine.

The new rule does not apply to wines bearing the traditional terms ‘Vendanges Tardives’ and ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ [includes botrytised grapes].

Point 9 of the single document has been supplemented.

The original point (d) of Section XII(2) is now point (e).

This amendment does not affect the single document.

24. Advance declaration of the assignment of parcels

In Chapter II, Section I(1), of the specification, a clarification has been added to the rules regarding the advance declaration of the assignment of parcels. Such declarations are submitted by operators to the protection and management body for the ‘Alsace grand cru’ designations of origin when they cease production under the designation.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Alsace grand cru Steinert

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines are still and white.

The minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of the wines is 12,5 % for Gewürztraminer Rs and Pinot Gris G, and 11 % for other varieties. After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume of the wines does not exceed 15 % for wines made from the varieties Gewürztraminer B and Pinot Gris G, and 14 % for wines made from other varieties.

The other analytical characteristics are as laid down by EU legislation.

Excellent examples of white wines suitable for ageing, they are characterised by powerful freshness underpinned by dominant tartaric acid combined with beautifully ripened grapes. The name of the designation may be supplemented by the common names of the grape varieties, on condition that the wines are made exclusively from grape varieties that can be referred to using the names in question. These are wines of great substance and complexity, with powerful aromas and numerous subtleties. Very long in the mouth, they become more complex over time.

There are two types: — dry wines with minerality; — aromatic wines that are fruity, unctuous and rich. The colour of these two types of wine is deep and intense and ranges to golden yellow.

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

2. Designation followed by the words ‘Vendanges Tardives’

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of the wines is 16 % for Gewürztraminer Rs and Pinot Gris G, and 14,5 % for the other varieties.

The other analytical characteristics are as laid down by EU legislation.

Wines with the description ‘Vendanges Tardives’ often have very exotic aromas, of candied fruits with a fresh finish. They are remarkably concentrated with long-lasting aromas. The colour of these wines is deep and intense and ranges to amber yellow.

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

3. Designation followed by the words ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of the wines is 18,2 % for Gewürztraminer Rs and Pinot Gris G, and 16,4 % for other varieties.

The other analytical characteristics are as laid down by EU legislation.

Wines entitled to be labelled ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ are more concentrated, powerful wines, often with aromas of candied fruits. They are remarkably concentrated with long-lasting aromas. The colour of these wines is deep and intense and ranges to amber yellow.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum total acidity	in milliequivalents per litre
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. Training systems: planting density

Cultivation method

The minimum vine planting density is 4 500 plants per hectare.

The distance between the rows of vines must not exceed 2 metres.

Vines have an in-the-row spacing of no less than 0,75 metres and no more than 1,50 metres.

As of 25 October 2011, grubbing-up of rows within a parcel must not result in spacing wider than 3 metres between the rows.

2. Training systems: pruning rule

Cultivation method

The vines are pruned to single or double Guyot with a maximum of 18 buds per plant.

3. Harvest

Cultivation method

The wines are made from grapes harvested manually.

4. Increase in the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume

Specific oenological practice

Any increase in the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed:

0,5 % for wines made from the varieties Gewürztraminer B and Pinot Gris G,

1,5 % for wines made from other varieties.

Wines eligible for the term ‘Vendanges Tardives’ or ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ must not be enriched.

5. Production

Wine-making restriction

Use of wood chips is prohibited.

6. Maturing the wines

Specific oenological practice

The wines must be matured until at least 1 June of the year following the harvest.

Wines eligible for the term ‘Vendanges Tardives’ or ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ must be matured until at least 1 June of the second year following the harvest.

5.2. Maximum yields

1. Designation with or without the additional term ‘Vendanges Tardives’

60 hectolitres per hectare

2. Designation followed by the words ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’

48 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines are produced, developed and matured in the following municipalities, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code:

—

Department of Haut-Rhin: Entire municipalities: Ammerschwihr, Beblenheim, Bennwihr, Bergheim, Bergholtz, Eguisheim, Gueberschwihr, Guebwiller, Hattstatt, Hunawihr, Ingersheim, Katzenthal, Mittelwihr, Niedermorschwihr, Orschwihr, Pfaffenheim, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Rodern, Rouffach, Saint-Hippolyte, Soultzmatt, Thann, Turckheim, Vieux-Thann, Voegtlinshoffen, Westhalten, Wettolsheim, Wintzenheim, Wuenheim and Zellenberg.

Municipalities partially included: Kaysersberg Vignoble, only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Kientzheim and Sigolsheim.

—	Department of Bas-Rhin: Andlau, Barr, Bergbieten, Blienschwiller, Dahlenheim, Dambach-la-Ville, Eichhoffen, Kintzheim, Marlenheim, Mittelbergheim, Molsheim, Nothalten, Scharrachbergheim-Irmstett and Wolxheim.

A map defining the boundaries of the geographical area has been lodged with the municipal authorities of the partially included municipalities.

Maps of the geographical area can be accessed on the INAO website.

7. Wine grape variety(-ies)

Gewürztraminer Rs

Muscat Ottonel B – Muscat, Moscato

Muscat à petits grains blancs B – Muscat, Moscato

Muscat à petits grains roses Rs – Muscat, Moscato

Pinot Gris G

Riesling B

8. Description of the link(s)

Thanks to the favourable climate conditions characteristic of the vineyards of Alsace, the protected designation of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Steinert’ benefits from one of the best locations. Nestling in the picturesque countryside of Alsace, the vineyards enable the production of highly expressive wines, with distinctive character and unique personality.

Together with a somewhat dry mesoclimate, this combination produces wines that are powerful, big and bold, with medium acidity. The aromas are mainly in the fruity-floral register, with spiced and mentholated notes.

The excellent climate conditions at the end of the season are favourable to concentration on the vine and to the development of the noble rot. As a result, it is possible to produce wines from grapes harvested when overripe.

The maturation period laid down in the specification allows the wines to improve.

There are strict rules relating to production, such as maintaining a broad canopy and harvesting by hand. By adopting these rules, the winegrowers of Alsace preserve the established character of the wines, which are known for their complexity and their suitability for long keeping.

They are the top of the range for this region. These wines are more prestigious than wines with the protected designation of origin ‘Alsace’.

Médard Barth’s 1958 work, Der Rebbau des Elsass und die Absatzgebieten seiner Weine, referred to the link that had existed between this area and Muri Abbey, cradle of the Habsburg dynasty, since 1058.

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

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition

The area in the immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for winemaking, processing and maturing, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code:

—

Department of Haut-Rhin: Entire municipalities: Bergholtz-Zell, Berrwiller, Buhl, Cernay, Colmar, Gundolsheim, Hartmanswiller, Herrlisheim, Houssen, Husseren-les-Châteaux, Jungholtz, Leimbach, Obermorschwihr, Osenbach, Ostheim, Rorschwihr, Soultz, Steinbach, Uffholtz, Walbach, Wattwiller, Wihr-au-Val and Zimmerbach.

Municipalities partially included: Kaysersberg Vignoble, only the territory of the delegated municipality of Kaysersberg.

—

Department of Bas-Rhin: Albé, Avolsheim, Balbronn, Bernardswiller, Bernardvillé, Bischoffsheim, Boersch, Bourgheim, Châtenois, Cleebourg, Dachstein, Dangolsheim, Dieffenthal, Dorlisheim, Epfig, Ergersheim, Ernolsheim-Bruche, Fessenheim-le-Bas, Flexbourg, Furdenheim, Gertwiller, Gimbrett-Berstett, Goxwiller, Heiligenstein, Itterswiller, Kienheim, Kirchheim, Kuttolsheim, Mittelhausen, Mutzig, Nordheim, Oberhoffen-les-Wissenbourg, Obernai, Odratzheim, Orschwiller, Osthoffen, Ottrott, Petersbach, Reichsfeld, Riedseltz, Rosenwiller, Rosheim, Rott, Saint-Nabor, Saint-Pierre, Scherwiller, Seebach, Soultz-les-Bains, Steinseltz, Stotzheim, Strasbourg, Traenheim, Villé, Wangen, Westhoffen, Wissembourg and Zellwiller.

Packaging in the area

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Packaging in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition

Since the Law of 5 July 1972, the wines must be bottled in the departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin in tall, thin ‘Vin du Rhin’ bottles, as laid down in the Decree of 1955.

Stating the vintage

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The vintage must appear, together with the name of the designation, in any harvest and stock declarations, supporting documents or publicity and on any leaflets, labels, invoices or containers.

Common name

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The name of the protected designation of origin may be supplemented by one of the common names of the grape varieties, on condition that the wines are made exclusively from grape varieties that can be referred to using the names in question.

Use of two or more common names on the same label is prohibited.

The common names are as follows:

Gewürztraminer

Muscat

Muscat Ottonel

Pinot Gris

Riesling.

Traditional terms ‘Vendanges Tardives’ and ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

For wines eligible for the term ‘Vendanges Tardives’ or ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’, the following must also be stated:

—

vintage

—	one of the common forms of the grape variety name.

Indication of the sugar content

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The sugar content, as defined by European law, must be clearly stated in the case of white wines for which one of the 51 protected designations of origin ‘Alsace Grand Cru – lieu-dit’ is claimed under the terms of this specification. This applies when such wines are presented under the aforementioned designation and made available to the public, dispatched, offered for sale or sold, which cannot happen unless the sugar content is stated in any publicity and on any leaflets, labels, invoices or containers. It does not apply to wines labelled ‘Vendanges Tardives’ or ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-4cec3ff9-abd4-4253-a1db-245ddd809faa

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

3.10.2022

Official Journal of the European Union

C 379/29

(2022/C 379/11)

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

‘Alsace grand cru Zotzenberg’

PDO-FR-A0916-AM02

Date of communication: 20 July 2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Additional indication

The common form ‘Sylvaner’ has been added to correct an oversight in the original version of the specification. The original version stated in Chapter I, Section X(1)(b), that the authorised varieties ‘can be made into wine and placed on the market under their respective common names’. However, the corresponding common form of the name was not included in the list of permitted common names. Prior to the approval of the original specification, a national decision meant that Sylvaner B had been added to the varieties authorised for the production of wines with the designation of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Zotzenberg’. This took into account local custom and the reputation of these wines.

This amendment requires the amendment of point 9 of the single document.

These two amendments do not require any amendments to the single document.

2. Product types

The ‘Alsace grand cru’ protected designations of origin which cover red and white still wines are mentioned by name: ‘Alsace grand cru Hengst’ and ‘Alsace grand cru Kirchberg de Barr’.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

3. Geographical area

The dates of validation have therefore been added to the official text defining the designation of origin.

These editorial changes do not affect the boundary of the geographical area.

The following sentences have also been added to Section IV(1):

‘Maps of the geographical area can be accessed on the INAO website.

A map defining the boundaries of the geographical area has been lodged with the municipal authorities in the case of the partially included municipality.’

These amendments require the amendment of point 6 of the single document.

4. Demarcated parcel area

In Chapter I, Section IV(2), of the specification:

—	in order to correct an oversight, the words ‘6 and 7 September 2006’ have been added to the first paragraph. These are the dates on which the parcel area was approved by the relevant national committee;

—	in the second paragraph, the wording has been amended to take into account the changes made to the names of municipalities in Section IV(1);

—	the ‘Municipalities’ column in the table has been updated to correspond to the names of municipalities mentioned in Section IV(1).

—	These amendments do not affect the single document.

5. Area in immediate proximity

These editorial changes do not affect the boundary of the area in immediate proximity.

These amendments require the amendment of point 9 of the single document.

6. Vine varieties

The single document has not been changed on account of these amendments.

7. Planting density

This amendment requires the amendment of point 5 of the single document.

8. Pruning rule

This development makes it possible to harmonise the wording in the specifications of the Alsace designations of origin, and to simplify the methods of checking.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

The latter amendments do not affect the single document.

9. Rules on trellising and foliage height

These amendments make it possible to verify that the foliage height is compliant as the plants grow. Previously this was possible only through a requirement relating to the support.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

10. Average maximum crop load per parcel

An average maximum crop load per parcel has been established for red wines. It is less than that for white wine, reflecting the yields for red wines.

These amendments do not affect the single document.

11. Grape ripeness

These amendments do not affect the single document.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

12. Yields

Point 5 of the single document has been amended for the maximum yields (upper yield limits).

13. Malolactic fermentation, fermentable sugar content

Chapter I, Section IX(1)(c), of the specification lays down that malolactic fermentation is carried out for red wines.

For the purpose of checking compliance with this rule, the maximum malic acid content has been established as 0,4 grams per litre at the time of packaging.

Section IX(1)(d) lays down a maximum content for fermentable sugars (glucose and fructose) of 2 grams per litre after fermentation.

The single document has not been amended.

14. Increasing the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume prohibited for red wines

The single document has not been amended.

15. Capacity of the winery

In Chapter I, Section IX(1)(g), of the specification, the coefficient for calculating the capacity of the winery has been reduced.

The capacity of the winery does not need to be as large in proportion to the volume of the preceding harvest.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

16. Date of maturing and placing on the market for consumers in the case of red wines

In Chapter I, Section IX(5)(a), it is stated that, following the maturation period, red wines cannot be placed on the market for consumers until 1 October of the year following the harvest.

These amendments do not require any amendments to the single document.

17. Checks on packaged batches

In Chapter I, Section IX(3)(b), of the specification, the rule has been abolished that required sample bottles to be kept for checks on packaged batches.

This rule is a measure of verifiability. It is now part of the checking plan.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

18. Storing packaged wines

In Chapter I, Section IX(4), of the specification, further details have been provided of the characteristics of the place where packaged wines are stored.

This helps operators to comply with this rule, and makes checking easier.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

19. Human factors contributing to the link with the geographical area

—

The single document has not been changed on account of these amendments.

In Section X(1)(b), the words ‘blancs’ and ‘roses’ have been added to the names of the different varieties of Muscat à petits grains. This corrects an oversight in the previous version of the specification. These additions do not affect the single document.

20. Description of the wine(s):

In Chapter I, Section X(2), of the specification, details have been added of the visual appearance of the white wines in order to characterise them more fully.

In the case of the first two types of wine described: ‘The colour of these two types of wine is deep and intense and ranges to golden yellow.’

Details of the last two types of wine: ‘The colour of these two types of wine is deep and intense and ranges to amber yellow.’

Point 4 of the single document has been amended.

In Chapter I, Section X(2), a description of the main organoleptic characteristics of the red wines has been added for the designations of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Hengst’ and ‘Alsace grand cru Kirchberg de Barr’.

The single document has not been changed on account of these additions.

21. Link with the geographical area

In Chapter I, Section X(3), of the specification, with reference to the designation of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Hengst’, the following sentence has been added: ‘These marl and limestone soils, together with a unique microclimate, enable grapes to ripen perfectly, producing distinguished red wines with silky tannins.’

This addition supplements the previous information on the link between the geographical origin and the characteristics of the wines, which can also apply to the red wines of this designation.

The single document has not been changed on account of this addition.

22. Transitional measures

This amendment does not affect the single document.

23. Requirement to state the sugar content on labelling and other formats giving information for white wines

This information makes it easier for consumers to understand the type of wine.

The new rule does not apply to wines bearing the traditional terms ‘Vendanges Tardives’ and ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ [includes botrytised grapes].

Point 9 of the single document has been supplemented.

The original point (d) of Section XII(2) is now point (e).

This amendment does not affect the single document.

24. Advance declaration of the assignment of parcels

This amendment does not affect the single document.

25. Traditional terms ‘Vendanges Tardives’ and ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ and common names

In point 9, ‘Additional conditions’, in the single document:

—

The heading ‘Common name’ has been corrected to take into account the addition of the common name of the grape variety ‘Sylvaner’ and the removal of the common names of the varieties of Muscat as these grapes are not permitted for the designation of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Zotzenberg’. The removal of the names corrects an error in the wording of the previous version of the specification.

—	The heading ‘Traditional terms’ has been amended to specify the common names of the varieties eligible for the terms ‘Vendanges Tardives’ and ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’. This is due to the addition of the common name ‘Sylvaner’ under the heading ‘Common name’.

The variety Sylvaner B is not permitted in the production of wines bearing these traditional terms.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Alsace grand cru Zotzenberg

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines are still and white.

The other analytical characteristics are as laid down by EU legislation.

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

2. Designation followed by the words ‘Vendanges Tardives’

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of the wines is 16 % for Gewürztraminer Rs and Pinot Gris G, and 14,5 % for other varieties.

The other analytical characteristics are as laid down by EU legislation.

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

3. Designation followed by the words ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of the wines is 18,2 % for Gewürztraminer Rs and Pinot Gris G, and 16,4 % for other varieties.

The other analytical characteristics are as laid down by EU legislation.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum total acidity	in milliequivalents per litre
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. Training systems: planting density

Cultivation method

The minimum vine planting density is 4 500 plants per hectare.

The distance between the rows of vines must not exceed 2 metres.

Vines have an in-the-row spacing of no less than 0,75 metres and no more than 1,50 metres.

As of 25 October 2011, grubbing-up of rows within a parcel must not result in spacing wider than 3 metres between the rows.

2. Training systems: pruning rule

Cultivation method

The vines are pruned to single or double Guyot with a maximum of 18 buds per plant.

3. Harvest

Cultivation method

The wines are made from grapes harvested manually.

4. Increase in the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume

Specific oenological practice

The increase in the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 0,5 % for wines made from the varieties Gewürztraminer B and Pinot Gris G, and 1,5 % for wines made from other varieties.

Wines eligible for the term ‘Vendanges Tardives’ or ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ must not be enriched.

5. Production

Wine-making restriction

Use of wood chips is prohibited.

6. Maturing the wines

Specific oenological practice

The wines must be matured until at least 1 June of the year following the harvest.

Wines eligible for the term ‘Vendanges Tardives’ or ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ must be matured until at least 1 June of the second year following the harvest.

5.2. Maximum yields

1.	Designation with or without the additional term ‘Vendanges Tardives’ 60 hectolitres per hectare

2.	Designation followed by the words ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ 48 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines are produced, developed and matured in the following municipalities, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code:

—

Municipalities partially included: Kaysersberg Vignoble, only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Kientzheim and Sigolsheim.

—

Department of Bas-Rhin: Andlau, Barr, Bergbieten, Blienschwiller, Dahlenheim, Dambach-la-Ville, Eichhoffen, Kintzheim, Marlenheim, Mittelbergheim, Molsheim, Nothalten, Scharrachbergheim-Irmstett and Wolxheim.

A map defining the boundaries of the geographical area has been lodged with the municipal authorities of the partially included municipalities.

Maps of the geographical area can be accessed on the INAO website.

7. Wine grape variety(-ies)

Gewürztraminer Rs

Pinot Gris G

Riesling B

Sylvaner B

8. Description of the link(s)

Thanks to the favourable climate conditions characteristic of the vineyards of Alsace, the protected designation of origin ‘Alsace grand cru Zotzenberg’ benefits from one of the best locations. Nestling in the picturesque countryside of Alsace, the vineyards enable the production of highly expressive wines, with distinctive character and unique personality.

The dense marly soils make it possible to produce big wines with richness and elegant salinity, endowed with great aromatic finesse.

The maturation period laid down in the specification allows the wines to improve.

They are the top of the range for this region. These wines are more prestigious than wines with the protected designation of origin ‘Alsace’.

The work by Médard Barth entitled Der Rebbau des Elsass und die Absatzgebieten seiner Weine, written in 1958, spoke highly of this lieu-dit, which today is famous.

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

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition

The area in the immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for winemaking, processing and maturing, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code:

—

Municipalities partially included: Kaysersberg Vignoble, only the territory of the delegated municipality of Kaysersberg.

—

Packaging in the area

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Packaging in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition

The wines are packaged in ‘Vin du Rhin’ bottles, in accordance with Decree No 55-673 of 20 May 1955, the Order of 13 May 1959 and the Decree of 19 March 1963. No other type of bottle is permitted. Since the Law of 5 July 1972, the wines must be bottled in the departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin in tall, thin ‘Vin du Rhin’ bottles, as laid down in the Decree of 1955.

Stating the vintage

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The vintage must appear, together with the name of the designation, in any harvest and stock declarations, supporting documents or publicity and on any leaflets, labels, invoices or containers.

Common name

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The name of the protected designation of origin may be supplemented by one of the common names of the grape varieties, on condition that the wines are made exclusively from a grape variety that can be referred to using the name in question.

Use of two or more common names on the same label is prohibited.

The common names are as follows:

Gewürztraminer

Pinot Gris

Riesling

Sylvaner.

Traditional terms ‘Vendanges Tardives’ and ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

For wines eligible for the term ‘Vendanges Tardives’ or ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’, the following must also be stated:

—

vintage

—	one of the following common forms of the grape variety name: Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling.

Indication of the sugar content

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-4cec3ff9-abd4-4253-a1db-245ddd809faa

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

3.10.2022

Official Journal of the European Union

C 379/41

Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

(2022/C 379/12)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within two months from the date of this publication.

REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

‘Colli Bolognesi Classico Pignoletto’

PDO-IT-A0284-AM02

Date of application: 28 August 2014

1. Rules applicable to the amendment

Article 105 of Regulation (EU) n° 1308/2013 – Non-minor modification

2. Description and reasons for amendment

2.1. Change of name of PDO from ‘Colli Bolognesi Classico Pignoletto’ to ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’

The name of the PDO is changed from ‘Colli Bolognesi Classico Pignoletto’ to ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’, deleting the word ‘Classico’.

The change of name is due to two amendments to the specification, the first being the inclusion of new product categories (sparkling wine and quality sparkling wine) for which the use of the traditional term ‘Classico’ is not permitted. In accordance with the specific national and European Union legislation and in accordance with the definition of that protected traditional term, ‘Classico’ may only be used for products other than sparkling wines produced in the oldest area of origin. The second reason, linked to the first, is the extension of the production area, which will be described below. This amendment extends the oldest area of origin to which the traditional term ‘Classico’ may be attributed to other areas with the same soil, climatic and cultivation conditions but which, in accordance with the definition of that traditional term, cannot benefit from its use.

The traditional term ‘Classico’ may be used only for the product type in the ‘wine’ category produced in the original area defined for that purpose. Therefore it was necessary to change the name of the designation by deleting the term ‘Classico’.

This name change applies to the entire product specification and the single document wherever the name of the designation is mentioned.

2.2. Introduction of new categories of grapevine products

The product categories ‘semi-sparkling wine’, ‘sparkling wine’ and ‘quality sparkling wine’ have been inserted alongside the category ‘wine’.

The former PDO ‘Colli Bolognesi Classico Pignoletto’, qualified with the specific Italian traditional term ‘Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita’ [‘Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin’ or DOCG], only provided for the category of ‘wine’. However, the grapes of the main variety Pignoletto have historically been grown in a larger area, as shown by literary references and the overlap of this production area with that of other recognised designations. Other types of wine bearing the name ‘Pignoletto’ were traditionally produced from these grapes and are still being produced today. Additional product categories have therefore been provided for alongside the sole category ‘wine’ originally included in the PDO ‘Colli Bolognesi Classico Pignoletto’.

The additional categories are ‘semi-sparkling wine’, ‘sparkling wine’ and ‘quality sparkling wine’. Therefore, taking into account the new categories, the full list of wine types is as follows: — Category ‘wine’, ‘Superiore’ type; — Category ‘wine’, ‘Classico Superiore’ type; — Category ‘semi-sparkling wine’; — Category ‘sparkling wine’; — Category ‘quality sparkling wine’. We also point out that the production and quality characteristics of the category ‘wine’, ‘Superiore’ type with the mention ‘Classico’ in the new product specification remain unchanged compared to the former specification. The types introduced (categories ‘semi-sparkling wine’, ‘sparkling wine’ and ‘quality sparkling wine’) were traditionally produced in the defined area and were established thanks to the appreciation of producers and consumers. In addition, the traditional term ‘Superiore’ has been assigned to products in the ‘wine’ category (Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto and Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto Classico) which, in accordance with the requirements laid down by national legislation for this term, have high quality characteristics due to particularly strict production conditions.

This amendment concerns the entire product specification and parts of the single document in which the new categories of wine are referred to and regulated (in particular sections 1.3 and 1.4).

2.3. Expansion of the combination of varieties used

The combination of varieties for the new wine types has been described, with particular reference to the complementary grape varieties, given that the main grape variety for all product categories is Pignoletto, also known as Grechetto Gentile. These complementary varieties which may contribute up to a maximum of 15 % to the production of the wines include the other non-aromatic white grape varieties suitable for growing in the Emilia-Romagna Region. The grape varieties Pinot Nero and Pinot Grigio, although of a different colour, may also feature in this 15 % limit. These varieties, which must be made into white wine, are considered to be particularly suitable for the production of semi-sparkling and sparkling wines due to their specific characteristics.

This amendment affects Article 2 of the product specification and does not entail any changes to the single document.

2.4. Expansion of the production area

Compared to the previous product specification, the expansion of the production area is based on the fact that the Pignoletto grape variety has historically been grown, vinified and bottled in a larger area in neighbouring parts of the provinces of Bologna and Modena with similar physical and climatic characteristics.

Moreover, as a result of the 2014 fusion of five municipalities included in the production area of the PDO in question (Bazzano, Castello di Serravalle, Crespellano, Monteveglio and Savigno) to form the new municipality of Valsamoggia, the description of the production area and its borders has been amended accordingly.

The expansion of the production area is justified by the fact that the whole identified area has the same soil and climatic conditions that are particularly favourable to the production of wines from the ‘Pignoletto’ variety. This amendment therefore combines, in a single specification for the PDO ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’, all the types of wine resulting from that grape variety; in the hilly area in question these wines exhibit characteristics of the highest quality and as such may bear the traditional Italian designation ‘Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. In this context the term “Classico” remains reserved for the “wine” category only, for products from the oldest production area, as defined by the traditional Italian term. In addition, the amendment aims to avoid any possible confusion in the minds of consumers and producers, who will thus be able to properly identify the wine qualified as Pignoletto from grapes of the Pignoletto variety in all its types, making it clearer that it is versatile in all types traditionally produced.

This amendment concerns Article 3 of the product specification and points 1.6 (defined geographical area) and 1.8 (link with the geographical area) of the single document.

2.5. Adjustment of winegrowing rules

The production rules for the newly-introduced types of wine and some updates to the cultivation techniques have been included. In this respect only the espalier and plain or double curtain training methods are allowed, the “ray” method being excluded. Also, in order to establish the production rules for the newly-introduced wine types, the relevant production parameters (yield of grapes per hectare) have been added.

This amendment concerns Article 4 of the product specification and point 1.5.2. of the single document.

2.6. Updating winemaking standards

The provisions regarding the making and processing of the various grapevine product categories provided for have been amended to make them clearer, as have the related derogations to carry out such operations in the immediate proximity of the production area or in the neighbouring administrative units, in line with the EU legislation in force.

These provisions have been updated to take account of the inclusion of new types of wine into the specification. In particular, as well as within the entire demarcated production area, the processing of “semi-sparkling wine”, “sparkling wine” and “quality sparkling wine” may also take place in the immediate proximity (the entire municipality of Bologna) and in the neighbouring administrative unit (the entire municipality of Castelvetro di Modena).

This amendment concerns Article 5 of the product specification and point 1.9 of the single document (Further conditions – Derogation from production in the demarcated geographical area).

2.7. Insertion of the chemical, physical and organoleptic characteristics for the new wine types and changes to the minimum total acidity content for the “Classico” type

The chemical, physical and organoleptic characteristics of the new wine types included in the specification have been described. In addition, the minimum total acidity for the “Classico” type has been reduced from 4,5 g/l to 4 g/l.

The chemical and organoleptic characteristics of the new types originating from the “Colli Bolognesi” PDO have been described in detail, taking them from that specification and making them more precise as regards the perceptible aromas of flowers and fruit. Moreover, it was seen as necessary to reduce the minimum total acidity for the “Classico” type to 4 g/l due to climate change registered during the last decade, leading to high temperatures which, as is known, favour a reduction in total acidity. This amendment is also because of the obligation laid down in the product specification for grapes with a minimum natural alcoholic strength of 12 % vol.

This amendment concerns Article 6 of the product specification and point 1.4 of the single document (Description of the wine(s)).

2.8. Updating of the rules on labelling and presentation

Changes in labelling and presentation regarding the new product categories introduced (“semi-sparkling wine”, “sparkling wine” and “quality sparkling wine”) have been included. In addition, the mandatory labelling rule for the indication “secondary fermentation in the bottle” for the relevant category “semi-sparkling wine” has been inserted in accordance with national legislation in order to inform the consumer about possible cloudiness due to secondary fermentation residues.

This amendment concerns Articles 7 and 8 of the product specification and point 1.9 of the single document (Further conditions – additional labelling provisions).

2.9. Updating of the link with the geographical area

The description of the link has been amended with a more detailed description of the characteristics of the environment and the human factors that give rise to the wines’ specific characteristics in relation to the various categories of products covered. In particular the description of the link has been updated to take account of the inclusion of new product categories (“semi-sparkling wine”, “sparkling wine” and “quality sparkling wine”) and the expansion of the production area. Moreover, a more detailed description of the specific characteristics of the wines has been carried out, avoiding generic terms and specifying, for each product category, its connection to the geographical area (including natural and human factors).

This amendment concerns Article 9 of the product specification and point 1.8 of the single document (Link with the geographical area).

2.10. Packaging within the demarcated area

As an editorial amendment, the relevant section 1.9 of the single document now includes the obligation to bottle the wine in the demarcated area, which was already included in the previous product specification, but which was erroneously omitted from the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name of product

Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

Wine

4.	Sparkling wine

5.	Quality sparkling wine

8.	Semi-sparkling wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

“Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto” Superiore (category “wine”)

Colour: straw-yellow of medium intensity, sometimes with greenish highlights or deep straw-yellow;

Aroma: fine, with floral notes of white flowers (lily of the valley, jasmine) and fruity notes of ripe yellow fruit (pears and apples, sometimes also pineapples);

Taste: ranging from dry to medium dry, harmonious with notes of almond and citrus, sometimes slightly bitter;

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11,5 % vol.;

Minimum sugar-free extract: 15 g/l.

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)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

“Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto” Classico Superiore (category “wine”)

Colour: straw-yellow of varying intensity, also deep straw-yellow, sometimes with greenish highlights;

Aroma: intense, fine, floral notes of white flowers (lily of the valley, jasmine) and fruity notes of ripe yellow fruit (pears and apples, sometimes also pineapples);

Taste: dry, warm, harmonious with hints of almond and citrus, sometimes vanilla;

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12 % vol.;

Minimum sugar-free extract: 16 g/l.

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)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

“Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto”, category “semi-sparkling wine”

Foam: fine and evanescent;

Colour: straw-yellow;

Aroma: slightly aromatic, hints of white flowers (hawthorn) and slightly ripe yellow fruit (pears and apples);

Taste: dry, harmonious, fresh, acidic with a citrus aftertaste, sometimes slightly bitter;

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11 % vol.;

Minimum sugar-free extract: 15 g/l.

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)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

“Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto”, category “sparkling wine” and “quality sparkling wine”

Foam: fine, long-lasting;

Colour: straw-yellow of varying intensity, also deep straw-yellow;

Aroma: slightly aromatic, fine, floral of white flowers (hawthorn, lily of the valley, jasmine) and hints of slightly ripe yellow fruit (pears and apples), more intense for the “quality sparkling wine” category;

Taste: flavourful, harmonious, fresh, acidic with a citrus aftertaste, from brut nature to extra dry;

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11 % vol.;

Minimum sugar-free extract: 13 g/l.

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	5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. Wine making practices

a. Essential oenological practices

Production of semi-sparkling wine — secondary fermentation

Specific oenological practice

Semi-sparkling wines are produced using secondary alcoholic fermentation, mainly by autoclaving (Charmat/Martinotti method). However, secondary alcoholic fermentation is also carried out in the bottle. In this case the wine may be cloudy due to fermentation residues.

Production of sparkling wine/quality sparkling wine — secondary fermentation

Specific oenological practice

These wines are processed into sparkling wines using secondary alcoholic fermentation, mainly by autoclaving (Charmat method). However, secondary alcoholic fermentation is also carried out in the bottle (traditional method) pursuant to EU legislation.

b. Maximum yields

“Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto” Classico Superiore (category “wine”)

58,5 hectolitres per hectare

“Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto” Superiore (category “wine”)

77 hectolitres per hectare

“Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto”, category “semi-sparkling wine”, “sparkling wine” and “quality sparkling wine”

84 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The production area of “Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto” PDO includes:

the municipalities of Marzabotto, Monte San Pietro, Pianoro, Sasso Marconi, Bologna, Casalecchio di Reno, Monterenzio, San Lazzaro di Savena, Valsamoggia and Zola Predosa in the province of Bologna;

the municipality of Savignano sul Panaro in the province of Modena.

The production area of “Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto” Superiore PDO with the traditional term “Classico” includes:

the municipalities of Monte San Pietro, Casalecchio di Reno, Sasso Marconi, Valsamoggia and Zola Predosa in the province of Bologna;

the municipality of Savignano sul Panaro in the province of Modena.

7. Main wine grapes variety(ies)

Pignoletto B. – Grechetto Gentile

8. Description of the link(s)

8.1. “Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto”, category “wine”, “semi-sparkling wine”, “sparkling wine” and “quality sparkling wine”

Natural factors relevant to the link

The hilly terrain of the production area includes the foothills and intermediate hills between the Val Samoggia in the west, the large valley of the river Reno, and the smaller valleys of the Samoggia and Lavino streams and as far as the river Idice in the east. The north-south direction of the valleys facilitates the flow of winds and provides for a dominant exposure of vineyards to the east / south-east. They are therefore located in a breezy and bright environment, which is particularly suited to the growth of the vines.

The area is covered by the following main geological fields:

Contrafforti e Rupi [spurs and boulders]: a particularly broad field including the Lavino and Reno valleys, characterised by reliefs, with rocks in tabular form or boulders made up of stratified layers with marls and conglomerates.

I Colli con Frane e Calanchi [the hills with landslides and ravines]: to the left of the Lavino, marked by strong contrasts between soft cultivated slopes and gully-shaped incisions with widespread landslides. The substrate is mainly of “flint clays”, clay structures with a mass of calcareous, sandstone, marl or stratified rocks.

I Primi Colli [the foothills]: a field to the left of the Reno, between the hills and the plain. It has a gentle profile with long hanging shelves descending towards the valley. The valleys are shallow with “yellow sands” in the ridges.

Piana dei Fiumi Appenninici [plain of the Apennine rivers]: a field of valley floors and stream and river mouths. The soils are mostly poorly developed, often composed of coarse materials.

In the demarcated geographical area vine cultivation is widespread, on average between 50 and 400 metres above sea level, on fine soils with a variable limestone content found both on the generally-rough slopes on flint clay and in the foothills, as well as on moderately fine soils with a high silt and limestone content, which are found in the “Colli con Frane e Calanchi” and “Primi Colli” fields. With regard to climate, the area is characterised by average annual rainfall ranging from 800 mm on the plain to 1 200 mm in the high hills, and by average temperatures of between 14 °C and 12 °C. In the low hills there is a moderate water deficit (up to 350 mm per year) that can be considered as a positive factor for the quality of wine production, given that a certain amount of summer water stress favours sugar concentration and the production of aromatics in the ripening grapes. At over 400 metres above sea level, however, the water balance is in a high surplus.

The thermal profiles range from 4 500 to 4 900 degree days in the low hills, while above 400 metres they are below 4 500. The Winkler index in the area is a maximum of around 2 100 in the zones with lower altitudes.

In the light of the above, the characteristics of the wines are closely linked to the environment which is characterised by clay-limestone soils, strong variations in the night and day temperatures, luminosity and alternation between periods of sufficient rainfall and of water stress. These conditions favour the development of the vine and grape ripening, and ensure an adequate acidity and sugar content. Along with the other qualitative and organoleptic characteristics of the Pignoletto variety, these then affect the wines themselves.

In particular, the combination of vine varieties in the vineyards consists of the main grape variety Pignoletto, traditionally grown in the defined area. Other established secondary grape varieties in the area are also used for production, such as Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Riesling Italico and Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero that are made into white wines through fermentation off skins.

8.2. “Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto”, category “wine”, “semi-sparkling wine”, “sparkling wine” and “quality sparkling wine”

Historical and human factors relevant to the link

At the time of the Roman Empire, in the production area of “Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto” wines, the rows of vines were fixed to live trees, following the custom introduced by the Etruscans and subsequently developed by the Gauls. There is firm evidence that the hilly land lying south of Bononia (now Bologna) was granted to and cultivated by veterans of the military campaigns fought across the known world, as demonstrated by the ancient wine conservation jars found in some places in what is now the municipality of Valsamoggia.

A document dating from 973 AD, in which the Bishop of Bologna, Alberto, granted the Bishop of Parma, together with the abbey, around thirty vineyards, refers to vines grown on the hills of Monteveglio. Moreover, there are also a number of biographies dating back to the early Middle Ages which testify to the efforts and commitment of rural monks to the development of wine-growing.

In the 14th century, Pier de’ Crescenzi, in the most important manual of medieval agronomy ‘Liber Ruralium commodorum – Book XII’, described the organoleptic qualities of the white wine drunk at that time, known for its pleasantness and its lively and golden foam, evidence that, of the historically produced wines, the semi-sparkling type was already well-known and widespread. There are several references in the 16th century to ‘uve pignole’ [Pignoletto grapes], known for their intrinsic qualities, and to the flourishing trade. Further confirmation of the historical nature of this wine can be found in the ‘Bullettino Ampelografico’ of 1881, which states that the grapes from which Pignoletto wine is produced are grown in the hills situated south of Bologna. Their resemblance to the current Pignoletto variety is startling.

Over the years scientific and technological progress has helped consolidate and improve the traditional techniques used to make ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’ wines. The experience gained by the people who have been cultivating these hills for centuries has been accompanied by major developments in wine-growing and agronomy. These factors have led growers to choose the trellis, double cordon and guyot with short pruning growing methods, which have been shown to be the most suitable for obtaining quality products. Even today, the growing methods, planting distances and pruning systems are traditional and are designed to achieve the best and most rational use of the vineyards, both in order to make cultivation operations easier and to ensure the rational management of the foliage. Likewise, the wine-making practices are those traditionally used in the area for the production of still, semi-sparkling or sparkling white wines in the types set out in the specification. From an oenological point of view, the area has always been characterised by the considerable production of white wines, which have become increasingly common over the decades in the ‘semi-sparkling wine’ version, which goes naturally with a rich and somewhat fatty local cuisine. However, the techniques have evolved over time, meaning that the ancestral practice of secondary fermentation in the bottle has been supplemented by the use of modern tank fermentation in accordance with the Martinotti-Charmat method. This has helped to make the yeast selection and clarification processes more efficient in recent decades, improving their olfactory profile and giving a more agreeable end product.

8.3. ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’, category ‘wine’

Information on the product quality/characteristics directly attributable to the geographical origin and causal link with the geographical area.

The chemical and organoleptic characteristics of ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’, category ‘wine’, are closely linked to the environment characterised by clay soils and particularly calcareous soils, which give the product a discernible minerality. The still version is obtained mainly from vines which are at least 15 years old, with more concentrated grapes and lower yields per hectare. The temperature changes characteristic of these valleys allow for more pronounced aromas, while the day-night temperature shifts during the ripening period and the optimum exposure of vineyards help increase the grapes’ aromatic properties and make them particularly good at accumulating sugars, which influences the wines’ characteristics. In order to maintain the specific organoleptic characteristics of the Pignoletto grapes, the grape-pressing cycles, as well as the temperature and duration of fermentation, are astutely managed with the aim of producing wines with the described characteristics, thus complementing the result of the interplay between the environmental factors described above and the different human factors, as a result of the experience and knowledge that wine sector operators have gradually refined.

8.4. ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’, category ‘semi-sparkling wine’, ‘sparkling wine’ and ‘quality sparkling wine’

Information on the product quality/characteristics directly attributable to the geographical origin and causal link with the geographical area.

The geographical environment, together with the human factors that have traditionally influenced the intrinsic oenological properties of the grapes and the processing technologies, determine the chemical, physical and organoleptic characteristics of the semi-sparkling, sparkling and quality sparkling wines.

A continental climate, soils rich in shingle and silt, good drainage, with adequate water availability and day-night temperature variations, above all during the summer, allow the bunches to ripen and the grapes to maintain their aromas and acidity, giving the wines their typical freshness. The soil and climate characteristics of this area make it suitable for producing grapes with a moderate sugar content and an attractive acidity. These wines mainly come from younger and therefore more vigorous vines planted in rich soils, often less exposed to the south and therefore less advantageous to full grape ripening; this guarantees greater acidity, which is ideal for semi-sparkling, sparkling and quality sparkling wines.

Due to technological innovation, the ancestral method of secondary fermentation in the bottle, applied until the last century, has given way to production in tanks (Charmat method) to produce wines with excess pressure due to carbon dioxide derived from natural fermentation. In the case of secondary fermentation the semi-sparkling wine may be cloudy due to fermentation residues. More recently there has been a revival of secondary fermentation, often being marketed as a new method combining state-of-the-art technology with the area’s ancient traditions. This confirms that the wines’ unique characteristics result from the synergy between the specific characteristics of the variety and the production area in relation to human efforts and experience, resulting in complex and pleasant wines.

9. Essential further conditions

Derogation for vinification and processing in the defined geographical area

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation from production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

In conformity with the derogation provided for in Article 6(4)(a) and (b) of Regulation (EC) No 607/2009, as well as within the demarcated production area, the processing of ‘semi-sparkling’, ‘sparkling’ and ‘quality sparkling’ wine, as part of the winemaking process, may also take place in the immediate proximity (the entire municipality of Bologna) and in the neighbouring administrative unit (the entire municipality of Castelvetro di Modena).

This is to take account of traditional and consolidated production by operators in those areas.

Bottling within the demarcated area

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Bottling within the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

Bottling is limited to the demarcated area because of the need to safeguard the quality of ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’ PDO wines, guarantee their origin and ensure that controls are well-timed, efficient and cost-effective.

It appears that transportation and bottling outside the production area can compromise the quality of ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’ wines, as they could be exposed to redox reactions, sudden changes in temperature and microbiological contamination, which can have negative effects on the physico-chemical (minimum total acidity, minimum sugar-free extract, etc.) and organoleptic (colour, aroma and taste) characteristics.

These risks increase the greater the distance covered.

In contrast, bottling in the area of origin, with batches of wine travelling only short distances if they are moved at all, helps to keep the product’s characteristics and quality intact.

These aspects, together with the experience and deep technical-scientific knowledge of the particular qualities of the wines acquired by the producers of the ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’ PDO over the years, enable bottling to be completed in the area of origin with the best technological precautions with a view to preserving all of the physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics of the wines set out by the specification.

Another objective of bottling in the production area is to ensure that the competent body can carry out its monitoring duties with maximum efficiency, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. These requirements cannot be assured to the same extent outside the production area.

Within the production area, the control body can plan its inspections to ensure that it pays well-timed inspection visits to all of the relevant businesses while ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’ PDO wine is being bottled, based on the applicable control plan.

The goal is to systematically ensure that only consignments of ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’ PDO wine can be bottled. This makes it possible to achieve better results in terms of the efficacy of the checks, at a limited cost to the producers, with a view to offering consumers the maximum guarantees regarding the authenticity of the wine.

Furthermore, pursuant to current national legislation and to protect pre-existing rights, bottling companies can apply for a derogation to continue bottling at their premises located outside the demarcated area by submitting the relevant application to the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy and providing documentation proving that they have bottled the wines for at least 2 of the 5 years – not necessarily consecutive – immediately preceding the recognition of ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’ as a PDO.

Obligation to indicate the term ‘secondary fermentation’ for ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’ semi-sparkling wine

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The term ‘rifermentazione in bottiglia’ [bottle refermentation] is obligatory on the label of ‘Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto’ Frizzante [semi-sparkling wine] where it is refermented in the bottle.

This provision is in accordance with national law (Article 19(1)(f) of Law No 238 of 12 December 2016), in particular to inform the consumer on the possible cloudiness of the wine due to fermentation residues in the bottle.

Link to the product specification

https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/14865

(1) OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

		ISSN 1977-091X
Official Journal of the European Union		C 379

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 65 3 October 2022

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	European Commission
2022/C 379/02	Euro exchange rates — 30 September 2022	6
2022/C 379/03	Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 ) ( 1 )	7
2022/C 379/04	Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 ) ( 1 )	8
2022/C 379/05	Administrative Commission of the European Communities on social security for migrant workers – Rates for conversion of currencies pursuant to Council Regulation (EEC) No 574/72	9

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	0,9748
JPY	Japanese yen	141,01
DKK	Danish krone	7,4365
GBP	Pound sterling	0,88300
SEK	Swedish krona	10,8993
CHF	Swiss franc	0,9561
ISK	Iceland króna	140,90
NOK	Norwegian krone	10,5838
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	24,549
HUF	Hungarian forint	422,18
PLN	Polish zloty	4,8483
RON	Romanian leu	4,9490
TRY	Turkish lira	18,0841
AUD	Australian dollar	1,5076
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,3401
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	7,6521
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,7177
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,4001
KRW	South Korean won	1 400,69
ZAR	South African rand	17,5353
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	6,9368
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,5240
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	14 863,26
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,5201
PHP	Philippine peso	57,276
RUB	Russian rouble
THB	Thai baht	36,823
BRL	Brazilian real	5,2584
MXN	Mexican peso	19,6393
INR	Indian rupee	79,4250

Contents		page
	III Preparatory acts
	EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
2022/C 379/01	Opinion of the European Central Bank of 9 August 2022 on a proposal for a directive as regards delegation arrangements, liquidity risk management, supervisory reporting, provision of depositary and custody services and loan origination by alternative investment funds (CON/2022/26)	1

	V Announcements
	PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY
	European Commission
2022/C 379/06	Notice of the impending expiry of certain anti-dumping measures	11
	PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY
	European Commission
2022/C 379/07	Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10901 – OAKTREE / ARES / VECTOR / NEOVIA) – Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	12
2022/C 379/08	Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10712 – APOLLO MANAGEMENT / TENNECO) ( 1 )	14
2022/C 379/09	Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10763 – NORDEA / TOPDANMARK LIV HOLDING) – Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	15
	OTHER ACTS
	European Commission
2022/C 379/10	Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33	17
2022/C 379/11	Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33	29
2022/C 379/12	Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council	41


	(1) Text with EEA relevance.