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

‘Saarländischer Landwein’

PGI-DE-A1302-AM01

Date of communication: 19.10.2023

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Description of the changes

(a)   Description of the wines

The wine descriptions will in future be subdivided into white wines, red wines, rosé wines and Rotling wines and their organoleptic properties will be individually described. The data on their analytical characteristics has been removed and replaced with a reference to the applicable legislation.

The data concerning the minimum must weight/minimum alcoholic strength has not changed. However, due to the new structure of the product specification, this data is now included in the description of the wines.

ADDITION:

White wines Most of the white wines are single-variety wines. They often therefore have a fine fruity character specific to the vine variety. In most cases, they present a strong acidity with an overall harmonious acid structure. On the whole, these white wines often have a delicate fruity body which characterises the overall flavour. There can (also) be a greater variety of aromas and colours (up to orange) and a stable or, when shaken, noticeable natural cloudiness (e.g. from fermenting yeast, must lees or tannin and crystal sediment). However, cloudiness created artificially through the addition of processing aids or caused by defects in the wine, is not permitted. The bouquet may (therefore) contain less of the typical character of the varieties and a less fruity character, alongside oxidative, phenolic or reductive notes. Depending on the (chosen) style of wine, wines which are tannic and mildly acidic may also be found.

Rosé and Blanc de Noir wines The rosé wines are produced from softly pressed red grape varieties and generally have a faint light red colour. They differ from the red wines on account of their fresh, lighter style and their naturally lower tannin content. Like the white wines, they usually also have a delicate to rich flavour and a subtle but harmonious acid structure. The Blanc de Noir wines are the colour of white wine. They are usually characterised by aromas of red fruit and berries and a fresh, lively acidity. There can (also) be a greater variety of aromas and colours and a stable or, when shaken, noticeable natural cloudiness (e.g. from fermenting yeast, must lees or tannin and crystal sediment). However, cloudiness created artificially through the addition of processing aids or caused by defects in the wine, is not permitted. The bouquet may (therefore) contain less of the typical character of the varieties and a less fruity character, alongside oxidative, phenolic or reductive notes. Depending on the (chosen) style of wine, wines which are tannic may also be found.

Red wines Depending on the grape variety, the red wines usually have a well-defined red colour. Depending on how the wines are aged, they may be fresh, fine and fruity, or also full-bodied. There is commonly a prominence of fruit aromas in the flavour. They usually have a delicate to rich flavour and a rather fresh acid structure. There can (also) be a greater variety of aromas and colours and a stable or, when shaken, noticeable natural cloudiness (e.g. from fermenting yeast, must lees or tannin and crystal sediment). However, cloudiness created artificially through the addition of processing aids or caused by defects in the wine, is not permitted. The bouquet may (therefore) contain less of the typical character of the varieties and a less fruity character, alongside oxidative, phenolic or reductive notes. Depending on the (chosen) style of wine, wines which are tannic and mildly acidic may also be found.

Rotling wines Depending on the choice of grape variety, the Rotling wines mostly have a faint to strong light-red colour. Their aromas are generally rather fruity, sometimes delicately spicy. Depending on the grape variety used, the fruity character may vary. They generally have a delicate to rich flavour and a mostly fresh acid structure. There can be a greater variety of aromas and colours and a stable or, when shaken, noticeable natural cloudiness (e.g. from fermenting yeast, must lees or tannin and crystal sediment). However, cloudiness created artificially through the addition of processing aids or caused by defects in the wine, is not permitted. The bouquet may (therefore) contain less of the typical character of the varieties and a less fruity character, alongside oxidative, phenolic or reductive notes. Depending on the (chosen) style of wine, wines which are tannic and mildly acidic may also be found.

(b)   Demarcation of the area

The demarcation of the ‘Saarländischer Landwein’ PGI area has not been amended.

ADDITION: Individual municipalities have been listed.

The precise demarcation can be seen on maps showing the boundaries of the municipalities. The maps can be viewed at www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein

Originally, ‘Saarländischer Landwein’ had to be produced in the ‘Saarländischer Landwein’-producing region or in the neighbouring federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate. In future, it must be produced in Saarland or Rhineland-Palatinate.

ADDITION:

(c)   Maximum yield per hectare

The maximum yield per hectare has been lowered from 150 hl/ha to 120 hl/ha.

(d)   Wine grape varieties

White grape varieties Auxerrois, Bacchus, Bronner, Cabernet Blanc, Calardis Blanc, Calardis Musqué, Chardonnay, Rosa Chardonnay, Felicia, Gelber Muskateller, Goldriesling, Grüner Silvaner, Helios, Johanniter, Kerner, Müller-Thurgau, Muscaris, Phoenix, Roter Elbling, Roter Gutedel, Ruländer, Sauvignac, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Cita, Sauvignon Gryn, Sauvignon Sary, Sauvitage, Solaris, Souvignier Gris, Weißer Burgunder, Weißer Elbling, Weißer Gutedel, Weißer Riesling.

Red grape varieties Blauer Frühburgunder, Blauer Spätburgunder, Cabernet Cortis, Cabernet Dorsa, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dornfelder, Gamay Noir, Merlot, Müllerrebe, Pinotin, Regent, Rondo, Satin Noir.

The following varieties have been added:

Calardis Blanc, Calardis Musqué, Rosa Chardonnay, Felicia, Grüner Silvaner, Helios, Muscaris, Sauvignac, Sauvignon Cita, Sauvignon Gryn, Sauvignon Sary, Sauvitage, Souvignier Gris, Cabernet Franc, Gamay Noir, Pinotin, and Satin Noir.

The following varieties have been removed:

Arnsburger, Ehrenbreitsteiner, Ehrenfelser, Faberrebe, Findling, Grüner Veltliner, Huxelrebe, Juwel, Kernling, Merzling, Morio-Muskat, Muskat Ottonel, Optima, Ortega, Perle, Prinzipal, Regner, Reichensteiner, Rieslaner, Roter Muskateller, Roter Traminer, Saphira, Scheurebe, Schönburger, Accent, Acolon, Blauer Limberger, Blauer Portugieser, Bolero, Cabernet Cubin, Cabernet Dorio, Cabernet Mitos, Dakapo, Domina, Dunkelfelder, Prior, Rubinet, Saint Laurent, Syrah.

(e)   Applicable requirements in accordance with EU or national legislation/laid down by an organisation managing the PGI

Section 22(1)(1) of the Federal Wine Act (Weingesetz) should not be restricted.

(f)   Control authorities

The addresses and tasks of the control authorities have been updated to the following:

Landesamt für Verbraucherschutz (Saarland Office for Consumer Protection)

Konrad-Zuse-Straße 11

66115 Saarbrücken

GERMANY

Direct line: +49 68199784500

Fax +49 68199784497

Email: poststelle@lav.saarland.de

Landwirtschaftskammer für das Saarland (Saarland Chamber of Agriculture)

In der Kolling 310

66450 Bexbach

GERMANY

Tel. +49 6826828950

Fax : +49 68268289560

Email : info@lwk-saarland.de

The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food is responsible for authorising new plantings. The Saarland Chamber of Agriculture is responsible for authorising replantings. The product specification has been adapted to the circumstances.

(g)   Other

The link to the area has been clarified in a few instances. These changes are considered standard amendments in accordance with Article 14 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 as they do not void the link to the geographical area.

The existing categories of grapevine products have been included in the product specification (number 2). No alterations of a substantive nature have been made.

Further editorial changes have been made in accordance with EU rules.

2.   Reasons for the changes

All amendments were necessary in order to adapt the document to the reality of conditions on the ground:

(a)	The description of the wines has been adapted to the wines actually produced.

(b)	The demarcation of the wine-growing municipalities in Saarland has not been extended. The description of the locations has been adapted to the actual circumstances. Maps with the listed municipalities have also been added. Wine production has been extended to all of Saarland.

(c)	The maximum yield per hectare has been lowered to 120 hl/ha to also achieve better quality in the ‘Saarländischer Landwein’-producing region. New wine grape varieties have been added enabling producers to adapt to changes in the climate.

(d)

The Muscaris, Sauvignac, Souvignier Gris and Satin Noir varieties are now being cultivated and have proved their worth. Wines made from these varieties conform to the product specification. The varieties listed below are not in cultivation but are of a suitable quality and fit the profile for ‘Saarländischer Landwein’ PGI:   Calardis Blanc The wines from this grape variety are characterised by a crisp, ripe acidity and have an aroma which is rich in finesse, with a subtle, delicately spicy bouquet, which conforms to the required product specification. Furthermore, the moderate alcoholic strengths achieved from this grape variety will be an advantage in the future.   Calardis Musqué This grape variety produces full-bodied white wines with a unique, exotic bouquet, complex fruit aromas and a lively, ripe acidity. The wines often express a hint of nutmeg, which is the case for varieties on the existing white wine list. Exotic aromas, for example, of passion fruit, mango, pineapple and physalis are also frequently to be found, thereby conforming to the required product specification.   Rosa Chardonnay This variety of Chardonnay, as with the Chardonnay already on the list, also meets the conditions of the product specification. Like the Chardonnay variety, the Rosa Chardonnay also thrives on our largely calcareous soils, generally producing full-bodied, low-acid wines which reflect its origin.   Felicia The bouquet is characterised by floral aromas, which in some years combine with a delicate and pleasant hint of nutmeg. The resulting wine has a harmonious acid structure and is, in turn, ideally suited to the product specification.   Grüner Silvaner Where the correct stage of ripeness is reached and yields are not too high, this variety produces harmonious wines with a fine acidity and a delicate nose. The location and soil conditions very much influence the character of wines made from the Silvaner variety. The Grüner Silvaner is able to produce wines which conform to the product specification, these being an excellent indicator of the terroir.   Helios Helios wines are powerful, fruity and similar to the Müller-Thurgau variety which is already on the list of grape varieties. This variety therefore conforms to the required product specification.   Sauvignon Cita This grape variety produces fruity, powerful white wines similar to the Sauvignon Blanc, with pronounced notes of citrus. Wines which conform to the product specification can be produced from the Sauvignon Cita variety, in the style of the Sauvignon Blanc, already included in the list, to which they bear similarity.   Sauvignon Gryn Wines made from the Sauvignon Gryn variety are consistently found to be fruity and elegant, similar to the Sauvignon Blanc, and persistent. Wines which conform to the product specification can be produced from the Sauvignon Gryn variety, in the style of the Sauvignon Blanc, already included in the list, to which they bear similarity.   Sauvignon Sary This grape variety produces fruity white wines similar to the Sauvignon Blanc. Wines which conform to the product specification can be produced from the Sauvignon Sary variety, in the style of the Sauvignon Blanc, already included in the list, to which they bear similarity.   Sauvitage Wines made from the Sauvitage variety have an exotic, fresh aroma with a harmonious character. The ripe and fruity Sauvignon Blanc aroma, e.g. gooseberry, combines with a mild, harmonious acid structure and, given the existing inclusion of the Sauvignon Blanc variety in the list, conforms to the product specification.   Cabernet Franc Cabernet Franc wine often has a light body which is accompanied by herbs and by fruity notes of raspberry and strawberry. The wine is considered the younger sibling of the Cabernet Sauvignon and, like the latter which is already included in the list, conforms to the product specification.   Gamay Noir Wines produced from the Gamay Noir variety are refreshing and light, with raspberry and cherry aromas. This is another variety which thrives in calcareous soils. Moreover, excellent quality Beaujolais has long been produced from it. This variety is considered to fit the required profile from the product specification.   Pinotin Pinotin is a resource-efficient grape variety which produces a taste of black cherry paired with a harmonious, soft tannic structure. With recognisable characteristics of Pinot Noir, which is already included in the list of varieties, it can be incorporated into the required product profile.

(e)	Section 22(1)(1) of the Federal Wine Act (Weingesetz) should not be restricted.

(f)	The addresses of the control authorities have been corrected and adjusted.

(g)	The description of the link to the geographical area has been clarified in order to adapt the product specification to the reality of conditions on the ground.

The categories of grapevine products were previously only indicated in the single document. As a result of this application, they will also be indicated in the product specification. This is a purely editorial addition and is therefore considered a standard amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of the product

Saarländischer Landwein

2.   Geographical indication type

PGI – Protected geographical indication

3.   Categories of grapevine product

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

—

1.   Wine, white

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Most of the white wines are single-variety wines. They often therefore have a fine fruity character specific to the vine variety. In most cases, they present a strong acidity with an overall harmonious acid structure. On the whole, these white wines often have a delicate fruity body which characterises the overall flavour. There can (also) be a greater variety of aromas and colours (up to orange) and a stable or, when shaken, noticeable natural cloudiness (e.g. from fermenting yeast, must lees or tannin and crystal sediment). However, cloudiness created artificially through the addition of processing aids or caused by defects in the wine, is not permitted. The bouquet may (therefore) contain less of the typical character of the varieties and a less fruity character, alongside oxidative, phenolic or reductive notes. Depending on the (chosen) style of wine, wines which are tannic and mildly acidic may also be found.

For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.

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

2.   Wine, rosé and Blanc de Noir

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The rosé wines are produced from softly pressed red grape varieties and generally have a faint light red colour. They differ from the red wines on account of their fresh, lighter style and their natural tannin content. Like the white wines, they usually also have a delicate to rich flavour and a subtle but harmonious acid structure. The Blanc de Noir wines are the colour of white wine. They are usually characterised by aromas of red fruit and berries and a fresh, lively acidity. There can (also) be a greater variety of aromas and colours and a stable or, when shaken, noticeable natural cloudiness (e.g. from fermenting yeast, must lees or tannin and crystal sediment). However, cloudiness created artificially through the addition of processing aids or caused by defects in the wine, is not permitted. The bouquet may (therefore) contain less of the typical character of the varieties and a less fruity character, alongside oxidative, phenolic or reductive notes. Depending on the (chosen) style of wine, wines which are tannic may also be found.

For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.

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

3.   Wine, red

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Depending on the grape variety, the red wines usually have a well-defined red colour. Depending on how the wines are aged, they may be fresh, fine and fruity, or also full-bodied. There is commonly a prominence of fruit aromas in the flavour. They usually have a delicate to rich flavour and a rather fresh acid structure. There can (also) be a greater variety of aromas and colours and a stable or, when shaken, noticeable natural cloudiness (e.g. from fermenting yeast, must lees or tannin and crystal sediment). However, cloudiness created artificially through the addition of processing aids or caused by defects in the wine, is not permitted. The bouquet may (therefore) contain less of the typical character of the varieties and a less fruity character, alongside oxidative, phenolic or reductive notes. Depending on the (chosen) style of wine, wines which are tannic and mildly acidic may also be found.

For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.

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

4.   Wine, Rotling

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Depending on the choice of grape variety, the Rotling wines mostly have a faint to strong light-red colour. Their aromas are generally rather fruity, sometimes delicately spicy. Depending on the grape variety used, the fruity character may vary. They generally have a delicate to rich flavour and a mostly fresh acid structure. There can be a greater variety of aromas and colours and a stable or, when shaken, noticeable natural cloudiness (e.g. from fermenting yeast, must lees or tannin and crystal sediment). However, cloudiness created artificially through the addition of processing aids or caused by defects in the wine, is not permitted. The bouquet may (therefore) contain less of the typical character of the varieties and a less fruity character, alongside oxidative, phenolic or reductive notes. Depending on the (chosen) style of wine, wines which are tannic and mildly acidic may also be found.

For analytical characteristics where no figure is given, the current legislation applies.

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

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.    Specific oenological practices

1.	Wine Specific oenological practice The current legislation applies.

2.	Wine Relevant restrictions on making the wines The current legislation applies.

3.	Wine Cultivation practices The current legislation applies.

5.2.    Maximum yields

1.	Wine 120 hectolitres per hectare.

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The protected geographical indication comprises:

areas situated within the towns and municipalities of Merzig, Mettlach and Beckingen in the rural district of Merzig-Wadern,

areas situated within the towns and municipalities of Rehlingen-Siersburg, Dillingen, Wallerfangen, Saarlouis, Ensdorf, Bous and Wadgassen in the rural district of Saarlouis,

areas situated within the towns and municipalities of Mandelbachtal, Gersheim, Blieskastel, Homburg, Kirkel and Bexbach in the district of Saarpfalz,

areas situated within the towns and municipalities of Völklingen, Saarbrücken, Kleinblittersdorf in the Saarbrücken regional authority,

areas situated within the towns and municipalities of Neunkirchen and Ottweiler in the rural district of Neunkirchen,

and areas situated within the towns and municipalities of St Wendel, Oberthal and Nohfelden in the rural district of St Wendel.

The precise demarcation can be seen on maps showing the boundaries of the municipalities. The maps can be viewed at www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein

‘Saarländischer Landwein’ must be produced in Saarland or in the neighbouring federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

7.   Wine grape variety(ies)

Auxerrois – Auxerrois blanc, Pinot Auxerrois

Bacchus

Blauer Frühburgunder – Pinot Noir Précoce, Pinot Madeleine, Madeleine Noir, Frühburgunder, Pinot Madelaine

Blauer Spätburgunder

Bronner

Cabernet Blanc

Cabernet Cortis

Cabernet Dorsa

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Sauvignon

Calardis Blanc

Calardis Musqué

Chardonnay

Dornfelder

Felicia

Gamay noir

Gelber Muskateller

Goldriesling

Grüner Silvaner – Silvaner, Sylvaner

Helios

Johanniter

Kerner

Merlot

Muscaris

Müller Thurgau – Rivaner

Müllerrebe – Schwarzriesling, Pinot Meunier

Phoenix – Phönix

Pinotin

Regent

Rondo

Rosé Chardonnay – Chardonnay, Rosa Chardonnay, Chardonnay Rosé

Roter Elbling – Elbling Rouge

Roter Gutedel – Chasselas Rouge, Fendant Rouge

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

Satin Noir

Sauvignac

Sauvignon Blanc – Muskat Silvaner

Sauvignon Cita

Sauvignon Gryn

Sauvignon Sary

Sauvitage

Solaris

Souvignier Gris

Weißer Burgunder – Pinot Bianco, Weißburgunder, Pinot Blanc

Weißer Elbling – Elbling, Kleinberger

Weißer Gutedel – Chasselas Blanc, Fendant Blanc, Fendant

Weißer Riesling – Riesling Renano, Rheinriesling, Klingenberger, Riesling

8.   Description of the link(s)

The wine-growing area extends along the eastern edge of the Paris Basin in Saarland where conditions are good for viticulture on the south-facing valley incisions formed by the rivers Saar, Nied and Blies. Crisp Landwein wines mature on soils predominantly characterised by shelly limestone and Keuper, at altitudes of between 150 and 400 m above sea level, with 800 to 1 000 mm of rainfall per year and a high number of days of sunshine. Particularly in Bliesgau, but also in Saargau near Merzig, the mottled sandstone of the Palatinate Forest extends into the shelly limestone, producing delicate, finely structured wines. The high degree of forest cover (around a third) helps to effectively balance temperature and moisture. Moderate differences in relief, together with a vast river network supplemented by numerous slack water areas, produce good conditions for natural (more extensive) wine-growing. The geology, climatic conditions and exposure of the vineyards give the Landwein wines their characteristic properties.

Causal link

Most locations are south facing, resulting in abundant sunshine during the day. Cool nights mean that physiological maturity is reached slowly and therefore that the wines have a balanced fruitiness.

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

Legal framework:

Laid down by an organisation which manages the PDO/PGI, where provided for by Member States.

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

—	The residual sugar content of a wine marketed as ‘Landwein’ may not exceed the maximum permissible value for the ‘semi-dry’ indication.

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

—	The bottler must be included by the relevant body under federal state law in the system for annual checks on compliance with existing Landwein product specifications.

—

For a wine to be designated as ‘Saarländischer Landwein’ at least 85 percent of the grapes used to make the wine must come from the ‘Landwein’-producing region featured in the name of the wine. The remaining percentage, including products used for sweetening, may only come from grapes originating from other ‘Landwein’-producing regions.

Link to the product specification

www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein

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(1)   OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.