ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 342

European flag  

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 66
28 September 2023


Contents

page

 

II   Information

 

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

 

European Commission

2023/C 342/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.11222 – MITSUI / EDF / FORSEE POWER / NEOT) ( 1 )

1

2023/C 342/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.11242 – EP CORPORATE GROUP / LEB / LEK) ( 1 )

2

2023/C 342/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.11214 – MUBADALA CAPITAL / FORTRESS MANAGEMENT / FIG) ( 1 )

3


 

IV   Notices

 

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

 

European Commission

2023/C 342/04

Euro exchange rates – 27 September 2023

4

 

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2023/C 342/05

Information to be provided pursuant to Article 5(2) Establishment of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) (Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 ( OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19 ))

5


 

V   Announcements

 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

 

European Commission

2023/C 342/06

Publication of a vacancy for a Hors Classe Adviser EU SME Envoy – Engagement of a Temporary Agent at grade AD 15 under Article 2(a) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants – COM/2023/20097

8

 

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

 

European Commission

2023/C 342/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11209 – ENI / NEPTUNE) – Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )

9

2023/C 342/08

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11275 – MACQUARIE / ENEL / ENEL GREEN POWER HELLAS) – Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )

11

2023/C 342/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11276 – SWISS LIFE / SGC / EAST LONDON ENERGY / EQUANS DE HOLDING COMPANY / IESL ASSETS / JV) – Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )

13

 

OTHER ACTS

 

European Commission

2023/C 342/10

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

15


 


 

(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

EN

 


II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

28.9.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 342/1


Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11222 – MITSUI / EDF / FORSEE POWER / NEOT)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 342/01)

On 20 September 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

in the merger section of the ‘Competition policy’ website of the Commission (https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11222. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.


(1)   OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.


28.9.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 342/2


Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11242 – EP CORPORATE GROUP / LEB / LEK)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 342/02)

On 22 September 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

in the merger section of the ‘Competition policy’ website of the Commission (https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11242. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.


(1)   OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.


28.9.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 342/3


Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11214 – MUBADALA CAPITAL / FORTRESS MANAGEMENT / FIG)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 342/03)

On 15 September 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

in the merger section of the ‘Competition policy’ website of the Commission (https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11214. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.


(1)   OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.


IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

28.9.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 342/4


Euro exchange rates (1)

27 September 2023

(2023/C 342/04)

1 euro =


 

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0536

JPY

Japanese yen

157,20

DKK

Danish krone

7,4566

GBP

Pound sterling

0,86810

SEK

Swedish krona

11,6255

CHF

Swiss franc

0,9680

ISK

Iceland króna

144,90

NOK

Norwegian krone

11,3610

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

24,470

HUF

Hungarian forint

390,85

PLN

Polish zloty

4,6250

RON

Romanian leu

4,9745

TRY

Turkish lira

28,7668

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6541

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4255

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,2397

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7779

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,4449

KRW

South Korean won

1 425,19

ZAR

South African rand

20,2216

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,7031

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 385,43

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,9603

PHP

Philippine peso

60,045

RUB

Russian rouble

 

THB

Thai baht

38,541

BRL

Brazilian real

5,2716

MXN

Mexican peso

18,5624

INR

Indian rupee

87,6505


(1)   Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.


NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

28.9.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 342/5


Information to be provided pursuant to Article 5(2) Establishment of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC)

(Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 (OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19))

(2023/C 342/05)

I.1)   Name, address and contact point

Registered name: European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation ‘Pathways of the Future – Ljubljana – Novo Mesto – Karlovec – Zagreb’, with limited liability

Registered office: 15, Podbreznik, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia

Contact point: Tomaž Savšek, Acting director, mailto:info@future-paths.eu

I.2)   Duration of the Grouping

Duration of the grouping: Unlimited

Date of registration: 2.8.2023

Date of registration: 21.10.2022

II.   OBJECTIVES

The EGTC aims to:

1.

boost growth in demand for passenger transport through regulated, modern, fast and safe cross-border and regional public rail passenger transport;

2.

significantly improve the quality of services in line with the modern needs, expectations and demands of passengers;

3.

increase the use of public passenger transport, in particular by rail, including through the use of advanced smart technologies and digitalisation;

4.

improve the reliability of services and responsiveness across public rail transport;

5.

reduce the burden on the environment in the long term, and free up road connections at cross-border and regional levels and beyond;

6.

strengthen overall cross-border cooperation, development and local political coordination and representation of the interests of the entire cross-border region in terms of sustainable regional policy and sustainable mobility, using environmentally-friendly means of transport;

7.

attract passengers with different travel purposes to rail travel and increase rail freight transport;

8.

deploy innovative, modern services in cross-border and regional public passenger rail transport;

9.

perform some short-term activities such as coordinating timetables, building access roads and cycle paths to railway stations, making it possible to rent bicycles, e-bikes and e-vehicles in railway stations, organising P+R stopping points, bicycle storage facilities, parking spaces, covered and otherwise, etc.;

10.

introduce sustainable cross-border and regional transport logistics services;

11.

purchase new generations of railway vehicles for use in cross-border and regional public rail passenger transport (e.g. passenger carriages that can also accommodate bicycles);

12.

implement an integrated cross-border and regional model of smart services with the help of digital platforms and applications, thereby promoting the deployment of high-quality intermodal transport connections in cross-border and regional public rail passenger transport;

13.

achieve high-speed travel and high levels of service comparable to services in Western Europe, increase the share of passengers in cross-border and regional public passenger rail transport and increase safety over the entire the rail transport segment;

14.

enhance decarbonisation in transport and promote sustainability in all segments;

15.

also develop other areas which, taken together, can have an additional impact on the development of society, such as developing tourism, developing new cycling links, facilitating the development of new jobs along rail routes, etc.

III.   ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON NAME OF THE GROUPING

Name in English: European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation ‘Paths of the Future – Ljubljana – Novo Mesto – Karlovec – Zagreb’, with limited liability

IV.   MEMBERS

IV.1)   Total number of members in the Grouping: 13

IV.2)   Nationalities of the members of the Grouping: SL, HR

IV.3)   Member information

Official name: MUNICIPALITY OF ŠKOFLJICA

Postal address: 3, Šmarska cesta, 1291 ŠKOFLJICA, SLOVENIA

Type of member: local authority

Official name: MUNICIPALITY OF GROSUPLJE

Postal address: 2, TABORSKA CESTA, 1290 GROSUPLJE, SLOVENIA

Type of member: local authority

Official name: MUNICIPALITY OF IVANČNA GORICA

Postal address: 8, SOKOLSKA ULICA, 1295 IVANČNA GORICA, SLOVENIA

Type of member: local authority

Official name: MUNICIPALITY OF TREBNJE

Postal address: 5, GOLIEV TRG, 8210 TREBNJE, SLOVENIA

Type of member: local authority

Official name: MUNICIPALITY OF MIRNA PEČ

Postal address: 2, TRG, 8216 MIRNA PEČ, SLOVENIA

Type of member: local authority

Official name: CITY OF NOVO MESTO

Postal address: 1, SEIDLOVA CESTA, 8000 NOVO MESTO, SLOVENIA

Type of member: local authority

Official name: MUNICIPALITY OF SEMIČ

Postal address: 9, ŠTEFANOV TRG, 8333 SEMIČ, SLOVENIA

Type of member: local authority

Official name: MUNICIPALITY OF ČRNOMELJ

Postal address: 3, TRGO SVOBODE, 8340 ČRNOMELJ, SLOVENIA

Type of member: local authority

Official name: MUNICIPALITY OF METLIKA

Postal address: 24, GOLIEV TRG, 8330 METLIKA, SLOVENIA

Type of member: local authority

Official name: RAZVOJNI CENTER NOVO MESTO D.O.O. [NOVO MESTO DEVELOPMENT CENTRE LTD]

Registered office: 15, PODBREZNIK, 8000 NOVO MESTO, SLOVENIA

Type of member: body governed by public law

Official name: SLOVENSKE ŽELEZNICE D.O.O. [SLOVENIAN RAILWAYS LTD]

Postal address: 11, KOLODVORSKA ULICA, 1000 LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

Type of member: body governed by public law

Official name: KARLOVAC COUNTY

Postal address: 2, AMBROZA VRANICZANYA, 47000 KARLOVAC, CROATIA

Type of member: regional authority

Official name: HŽ INFRASTRUKTURA D.O.O. [CROATIAN RAILWAYS INFRASTRUCTURE LTD] FOR THE MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE

Postal address: 12, MIHANOVIĆEVA, 10000 ZAGREB, CROATIA

Type of member: body governed by public law


V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

28.9.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 342/8


Publication of a vacancy for a Hors Classe Adviser ‘EU SME Envoy’

Engagement of a Temporary Agent at grade AD 15 under Article 2(a) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants

COM/2023/20097

(2023/C 342/06)

The European Commission has published a vacancy notice (reference COM/2023/20097) for the function of Hors Classe Adviser - EU SME Envoy (Temporary Agent at grade AD 15).

To consult the text of the vacancy notice in 24 languages and to submit your application, please visit this dedicated webpage on the European Commission’s website: https://europa.eu/!rHdF6c


PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

28.9.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 342/9


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.11209 – ENI / NEPTUNE)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 342/07)

1.   

On 20 September 2023, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

Eni S.p.A. (‘Eni Group’, Italy),

Neptune Energy Group Limited (‘Neptune’, United Kingdom).

Eni Group will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of Neptune, with the exclusion of Neptune Energy Norge AS. (Norway) and Neptune’s assets in Germany.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are the following:

Eni Group is active globally in the exploration, production and sale of oil and gas,

Neptune is active in the exploitation, transportation, and sale of oil and natural gas, with a regional focus on the North Sea, North Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions.

3.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified treatment for certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.11209 – ENI / NEPTUNE

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Postal address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË


(1)   OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)   OJ C 160, 5.5.2023, p. 1.


28.9.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 342/11


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.11275 – MACQUARIE / ENEL / ENEL GREEN POWER HELLAS)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 342/08)

1.   

On 19 September 2023, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

Macquarie GIG Renewable Energy Fund 2 SCSp (‘MGREF 2 Fund’, Luxembourg), controlled by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets Europe Limited (‘MIRA’, UK), a wholly owned subsidiary of Macquarie Group Limited (‘Macquarie’, Australia), and

Enel Green Power S.p.A. (‘EGP’), controlled by Enel S.p.A (‘Enel’, both Italy).

MGREF 2 Funds and EGP will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of EGPH.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are the following:

for MGREF 2 Fund: investment in renewable energy assets, in particular platforms and construction and operation stage wind and solar projects,

for EGP: generation of power from renewable sources worldwide, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and green hydrogen, and development of new technologies in the renewables sector.

3.   

The business activities of EGPH are the following: development of renewable energy generation assets and electricity production and the subsequent sale of the electric energy produced for third parties.

4.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified treatment for certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

5.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.11275 – MACQUARIE / ENEL / ENEL GREEN POWER HELLAS

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: mailto:COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Postal address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË


(1)   OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)   OJ C 160, 5.5.2023, p. 1.


28.9.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 342/13


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.11276 – SWISS LIFE / SGC / EAST LONDON ENERGY / EQUANS DE HOLDING COMPANY / IESL ASSETS / JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 342/09)

1.   

On 19 September 2023, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

Swiss Life Holding AG (‘Swiss Life’, Switzerland),

Schroders Greencoat LLP (‘SGC’, United Kingdom),

East London Energy Limited (‘East London Energy’, United Kingdom),

Equans DE Holding Company Limited (‘Equans DE’, United Kingdom),

Assets from Industrial Energy Services Limited (‘IESL Assets’, United Kingdom).

Swiss Life and SGC will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of East London Energy, Equans DE and the IESL Assets.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are the following:

Swiss Life is active in the life insurance sector and the investment and asset management segment,

SGC is a specialist asset manager focused on the renewable energy infrastructure sector, including bioenergy, renewable heat, solar and wind,

East London Energy and Equans DE are end-to-end service providers in the district heating and cooling sector, focused on delivering low-carbon solutions, in various cities in the United Kingdom,

IESL Assets operates and maintains energy assets for Equans DE customers.

3.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.11276 – SWISS LIFE / SGC / EAST LONDON ENERGY / EQUANS DE HOLDING COMPANY / IESL ASSETS / JV

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: mailto:COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Postal address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË


(1)   OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)   OJ C 160, 5.5.2023, p. 1.


OTHER ACTS

European Commission

28.9.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 342/15


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

(2023/C 342/10)

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

‘Campo de Borja’

PDO-ES-A0180-AM03

Date of communication: 10.7.2023

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Amendment to the total alcoholic strength of white, rosé and red wines

Description

The total alcoholic strength of white, rosé and red wines has been amended in accordance with Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), which allows the maximum total alcoholic strength to exceed 15 % volume for wines with a protected designation of origin produced without enrichment.

This amendment concerns point 2(a) ‘Analytical characteristics of the product’ of the specification and point 4 ‘Description of the wine(s)’ of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not come within any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason

The current climatic conditions cause the phenolic ripening of the grapes to take place later than the alcoholic ripening. Nowadays, wineries tend to make their wines from grapes which have achieved phenolic ripening. As a result, harvesting takes place somewhat later and therefore the grapes contain a higher quantity of sugar and, consequently, the wine reaches a higher alcoholic strength.

2.   Amendment of the organoleptic characteristics of quality sparkling wine

Description

A description of the colour of rosé quality sparkling wines has been added.

This amendment must be considered to be a rectification, given that point 3(c) of the PDO specification, ‘Production of the various types of wine’, states that the quality sparkling wine may be white or rosé. However, in error, it did not lay down the tonality of rosé.

The amendment concerns point 2(b) ‘Organoleptic characteristics’ of the specification and point 4 ‘Description of the wine(s)’ of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not come within any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason

It is necessary to complete the description of the appearance of the rosé quality sparkling wine.

3.   Increase in the extraction yield

Description

The extraction yield has been amended. It is not to exceed 74 litres of wine per 100 kilograms of grapes.

This amendment concerns point 3(b) ‘Specific cultivation practices’ of the specification and point 5.1 ‘Wine-making practices’ of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not come within any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason

The evolution of the various clones of the grape varieties permitted under the ‘Campo de Borja’ PDO has caused an increase in average productivity, in terms of wine per kilo of berry, over the last 20 years, resulting in a higher actual extraction yield. Moreover, there have been important technological advances at the pressing stage. Compared with the presses used previously, the pneumatic and hydraulic presses used today allow greater fractions of must and wine to be obtained per kilogram of grapes, without altering the quality of the final product.

4.   Amendment of the maximum wine yields per hectare

Description

The maximum wine yields per hectare have been increased to 59,2 hectolitres for wines made from red grape varieties and 74 hectolitres for wine made from white grape varieties.

This amendment concerns point 5 ‘Maximum yields’ of the specification and point 5.2 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not come within any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason

The amendment of the pressing yield, described in the previous point, requires an amendment to the maximum wine yield per hectare.

5.   Amendment of the additional production limit requirements

Description

The technical criterion has been amended to allow the maximum grape production per hectare to be increased exceptionally. The quantity of precipitation in the geographical area of the PDO is to determine whether the derogation applies. Accordingly, where the annual rainfall exceeds by 10 % the average amount accumulated over the last 15 years in the area, in the period from November to June, the Regulatory Board may agree that, exceptionally for that harvest, the maximum production limit established for wines covered by the PDO may be exceeded, but never by more than 25 %.

This amendment concerns point 8(b)(i) ‘Additional applicable requirements’ of the specification. It does not affect the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not come within any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason

The current specification provides for the possibility of increasing the production limits (kilograms of grapes per hectare) in those years in which, according to the checks carried out, the fruit set may be considered to have been exceptional.

The technical criterion applied, based on exceptional fruit set, was established when the ‘Campo de Borja’ designation of origin came into being, at which time the vast majority of vineyards were of the Grenache variety, which is very sensitive to blossom drop at fruit set, with years with an exceptional fruit set being infrequent.

At present, there is greater diversity in the varieties grown in the area of vineyards covered by the PDO, although the predominant variety remains Grenache. The new plantations of this variety are based on clones which have been selected because of their lower sensitivity to blossom drop. The other varieties are not susceptible to blossom drop, so their fruit set is always optimal.

However, it has been observed that climatic conditions, and in particular plentiful rainfall, may be associated with increases in grape production per hectare; this is the ‘vintage effect’. Having analysed the data recorded in the PDO area, it has been found that the years with the highest rainfall are commonly the years with the highest production.

Accordingly, it seems to be appropriate and justified to amend the technical criterion to allow, by way of exception, an increase in the production yield by linking it to the amount of rainfall instead of to the fruit set.

6.   Deletion of additional production requirements

Description

The requirements currently laid down in the specification for allowing an increase in the extraction yield to a maximum of 74 litres of wine per 100 kg of grapes for those years in which, according to the checks carried out, the fruit set may be considered to have been exceptional, have been deleted.

This amendment concerns point 8(b) ‘Additional applicable requirements’ of the specification. It does not affect the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not come within any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason

It is no longer necessary to retain the exception since the extraction yield laid down in the PDO specification has been amended so that it may reach 74 litres of wine per 100 kg of grapes, as described and explained in point 3.5.

7.   Updating of references to national legislation

Description

The references to national legislation cited in this specification have been updated given that they have been replaced through the approval of the previous amendment.

This amendment concerns point 8 ‘Applicable requirements. Legal framework’ of the specification. It does not affect the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not come within any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Explanation

The amendment provides an opportunity to update references to national legislation. A wording has been chosen which cites the framework rule instead of the provisions which approve the amendments being processed, so that the references will not become obsolete.

8.   Review of the additional labelling requirements

Description

The possibility of using the acronym ‘DO’ in the labelling of wines covered by the ‘Campo de Borja’ PDO as an abbreviated form of the traditional term ‘Designation of origin’ has been removed.

The following sentence has also been deleted: ‘This wording will be used on the wines which meet the requirements laid down in points 2 and 3’.

This amendment concerns point 8(b) ‘Additional applicable requirements’ of the specification and point 9 ‘Essential further conditions relating to labelling’ of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not come within any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason

It was considered more appropriate to use the term ‘designation of origin’ on the labelling of wines, and to dispense with the use of the abbreviated form ‘DO’.

On the other hand, the sentence indicated is deleted as it is considered unnecessary.

9.   Review of the control procedures

Description

With respect to audits carried out by the control body to check compliance with the specification, it has been laid down that samples are to be taken from wineries which bottle the wine, removing sampling from the wineries which produce it.

This amendment concerns section point 9(b) ‘Checks on compliance with the specification’ of the specification. It does not affect the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not come within any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason

The sampling procedures have been reviewed in order to bring them into line with standard UNE EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012. The wine obtained at the stage of production cannot be classified, given that it still has to undergo other oenological processes prior to bottling, such as filtering, stabilisation or ageing. Samples should therefore be taken from the wineries which bottle the wine, removing sampling from the wineries producing the wine.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Campo de Borja

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine products

1.

Wine

3.

Liqueur wine

5.

Quality sparkling wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   White and rosé wines

Concise textual description

White wine:

 

Appearance: clear, crystalline, greenish-yellow. Aroma: floral, fruity, bold. Taste: fresh, acidic.

Rosé wine:

 

Appearance: clear, crystalline, (deep) pink. Aroma: fruity, floral. Taste: fresh, acidic, fruity.

Maximum sulphur dioxide: 250 mg/l if the sugar content ≥ 5 g/l.

Total alcoholic strength by volume: May exceed 15 % volume in wines produced without enrichment.

The analytical parameters not laid down in this document shall comply with the rules in force.

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

 

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

10

Minimum total acidity

4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

13,33

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

200

2.   Red wines

Concise textual description

Appearance: clear, crystalline, (cherry) red.

Aroma: fruity, ripe, floral.

Taste: long, pleasant, well-structured, fleshy, voluminous.

Maximum sulphur dioxide: 200 mg/l if the sugar content ≥ 5 g/l.

Total alcoholic strength by volume: May exceed 15 % volume in wines produced without enrichment.

The analytical parameters not laid down in this document shall comply with the rules in force.

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

 

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

11

Minimum total acidity

4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

13,33

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

150

3.   Quality sparkling wine

Concise textual description

Appearance: clear, crystalline, yellow or pink (depending on whether whites or rosés).

Aroma: fruity and/or floral.

Taste: acidic, balanced, fresh.

The analytical parameters not laid down in this document shall comply with the rules in force.

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

 

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

10

Minimum total acidity

4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

10,83

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

160

4.    ‘Naturally sweet’ wines

Concise textual description

Appearance: based on its cuvée (whether whites, rosés or reds), they will present green, violet or red tints.

Aroma: without diverging from the aroma of its cuvée, with clean aromas, more intense.

Taste: intense, pleasant on the palate and with a certain sweetness, characteristic of its sugar levels, with candied or dried fruit notes.

Maximum sulphur dioxide 200 mg/l in whites and rosés and 150 mg/l in reds if the sugar content < 5 g/l.

Maximum sulphur dioxide 250 mg/l in whites and rosés and 200 mg/l in reds if the sugar content ≥ 5 g/l.

The analytical parameters not laid down in this document shall comply with the rules in force.

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

 

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

13

Minimum total acidity

4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

20

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

 

5.    ‘Late-harvest’ wines

Concise textual description

Appearance: based on its cuvée (whether whites, rosés or reds), they will present green, violet or red tints.

Aroma: without diverging from the aroma of its cuvée, with clean aromas, more intense.

Taste: intense, pleasant on the palate and with a certain sweetness, characteristic of its sugar levels, with candied or dried fruit notes.

Maximum sulphur dioxide 200 mg/l in whites and rosés and 150 mg/l in reds if the sugar content < 5 g/l.

Maximum sulphur dioxide 250 mg/l in whites and rosés and 200 mg/l in reds if the sugar content ≥ 5 g/l.

The analytical parameters not laid down in this document shall comply with the rules in force.

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

 

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

13

Minimum total acidity

4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

15

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

 

6.   Liqueur wines

Concise textual description

Appearance: based on its cuvée (whether whites, rosés or reds), they will present green, violet or red tints.

Aroma: without diverging from the aroma of its cuvée, with clean aromas, more intense.

Taste: intense, pleasant on the palate and with a certain sweetness, characteristic of its sugar levels, with candied or dried fruit notes.

Sulphur dioxide 200 mg/litre if the sugar content ≥ 5 g/litre.

The analytical parameters not laid down in this document shall comply with the rules in force.

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

 

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

15

Minimum total acidity

4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

15

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

150

5.   Wine-making pratices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

Cultivation method

The planting density will be a minimum of 1 500 plants per hectare and a maximum of 4 000 plants per hectare, distributed uniformly over the whole vine planting area.

Specific oenological practice

When the harvest is carried out, only healthy grapes which are sufficiently ripe, and have a sugar content equal to or more than 170 g/l of must, are used for the production of the protected wines. Grapes not in perfect condition are set aside.

It is necessary to apply sufficient pressure to extract the must or wine and separate it from the marc, so that the yield is not greater than 74 litres of wine per 100 kilograms of grapes.

5.2.   Maximum yields

1.

Red grape varieties

8 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

59,2 hectolitres per hectare

2.

White grape varieties

10 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

74 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The ‘Campo de Borja’ PDO geographical area is comprised of land located in the following municipalities of the province of Zaragoza in the Autonomous Community of Aragon: Agón, Ainzón, Alberite, Albeta, Ambel, Bisimbre, Borja, Bulbuente, Bureta, El Buste, Fuendejalón, Magallón, Maleján, Pozuelo de Aragón, Tabuenca, and Vera de Moncayo, as well as the cadastral polygons 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the municipality of Mallén, and the cadastral polygons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 19 of the municipality of Fréscano.

7.   Wine grape varieties

 

CHARDONNAY

 

GARNACHA BLANCA

 

GARNACHA TINTA

 

GARNACHA TINTORERA

 

MACABEO – VIURA

 

MAZUELA

 

MOSCATEL DE ALEJANDRÍA

 

MOSCATEL DE GRANO MENUDO (SMALL GRAIN MUSCAT)

 

SYRAH

 

TEMPRANILLO

 

VERDEJO

8.   Description of the link(s)

Wine

The link to the geographical area is based on historic tradition which predates 1 203. The Monastery of Veruela greatly influenced the development of winegrowing, helping to preserve, develop and strengthen a tradition which exists to this day. Low precipitation, the wind known as Cierzo wind and sudden changes in temperature affect the organoleptic qualities of the wines. The Cierzo produces intense transpiration which limits moisture in the soil, causing permanent water stress which weakens the vines. Consequently, phenolic ripeness is very slow, which brings out pronounced aromas and intense colour tones in the wines.

Liqueur wine

Traditional liqueur wines of the ‘Campo de Borja’ PDO date back several centuries. The geographical and climatic conditions of the area provide a very high degree of ripeness and, together with low production and late harvest in the vineyards, confer a distinctive character in which aromas of very ripe or even overripe fruit, which are highly appropriate qualities for liqueur wines, stand out.

Quality sparkling wine

The quality sparkling wines are influenced by the natural soil, climate, and wine-making conditions of the area which give them their specific visual, olfactory and gustatory characteristics. As a result of being made according to the traditional method, these sparkling wines are soft and creamy with aromas and tastes typical of wines produced in the geographical area. Secondary fermentation in the bottle and ageing on the fermentation lees give them fine, long-lasting bubbles, as well as a fruity and elegant aroma.

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

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The commercial labels of each registered company must be communicated to the Regulatory Board to be recorded in the label register, subject to controls for compliance with the requirements of this product specification.

Labels must bear the following wording: Denominación de Origen ‘Campo de Borja’ [Designation of Origin ‘Campo de Borja’]. Products intended for consumption must bear guarantee seals, which are numbered and issued by the Regulatory Board. They must be affixed at the registered winery in such a way that they cannot be reused.

The traditional terms which may be used on wines covered by the ‘Campo de Borja’ PDO are:

Traditional terms referred to in Article 112(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013: Denominación de Origen [Designation of Origin]

Traditional terms referred to in Article 112(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013: ‘Crianza’, ‘Reserva’, ‘Gran Reserva’, ‘Añejo’, ‘Noble’, ‘Clásico’, ‘Rancio’, ‘Superior’ and ‘Viejo’.

Additional wording which may be used on the labelling depending on the method of production: ‘Naturalmente dulce’ (naturally sweet), ‘Vendimia tardía’ (late-harvest), ‘Maceración carbónica’ (carbonic maceration), ‘Roble’ (oak), and ‘Fermentado en barrica’ (barrel-fermented).

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Packaging within the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition

Packaging must take place in the demarcated geographical area described in point 4 of the product specification, which will guarantee the origin of the product.

Transporting and bottling the wine outside the wine-making area may jeopardise quality, as the wine may be exposed to oxidation-reduction, variations in temperature and other influences. The further the wine travels, the greater the risk. Bottling in the area of origin allows the product’s characteristics and quality to be preserved.

Bottling is an important operation which, if not performed in compliance with rigorous requirements, may seriously undermine product quality and alter the characteristics of the wine.

This, combined with the experience and deep knowledge of the wines’ specific character built up over the years by the wineries of the ‘Campo de Borja’ PDO, make it necessary to bottle in the area of origin so that all the physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics of these wines are preserved.

Link to the product specification

https://www.aragon.es/documents/20127/60698009/PLIEGO_CONDICIONES_DOP_Campo_Borja_cambios.pdf/c542144a-db1e-c608-8cc2-b6f7784385a3?t=1688112722069


(1)   OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

(2)   OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.