4.10.2022

Official Journal of the European Union

C 381/9

Commission Notice on informal guidance relating to novel or unresolved questions concerning Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union that arise in individual cases (guidance letters)

(2022/C 381/07)

I. REGULATION 1/2003

Regulation 1/2003 (1) sets up the enforcement system for Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’). While designed to enable the Commission to focus on its primary task of effective enforcement of the competition rules, Regulation 1/2003 also creates legal certainty inasmuch as it provides that agreements (2) which fall under Article 101(1) TFEU but fulfil the conditions in Article 101(3) TFEU are valid and fully enforceable without a prior decision by a competition authority (Article 1 of Regulation 1/2003).

The framework of Regulation 1/2003, while providing for parallel competence of the Commission, Member States’ competition authorities and Member States’ courts to apply Articles 101 and 102 TFEU in their entirety, limits risks of inconsistent application by a range of measures, thereby ensuring the primary aspect of legal certainty for companies as reflected in the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (3), i.e. that the competition rules are applied in a consistent way throughout the Union.

Undertakings are generally well placed to assess the legality of their actions in such a way as to enable them to take an informed decision on whether to go ahead with an agreement or unilateral practice and in what form. They are close to the facts and have at their disposal the framework of block exemption regulations, case law and existing Commission decisions as well as extensive guidance in Commission guidelines and notices, which have been provided in order to further assist self-assessment by undertakings (4). The Commission has also produced guidelines on the application of Article 101(3) TFEU (5). This allows undertakings in the vast majority of cases to reliably assess their agreements with regard to Article 101 TFEU.

Where cases, despite the above elements, give rise to genuine uncertainty because they present novel or unresolved questions for the application of Articles 101 or 102 TFEU, individual undertakings may wish to seek informal guidance from the Commission (6). In line with the principles set out in Section II of this Notice, a request for guidance will not entitle an applicant to receive any such guidance, as this Notice cannot re-introduce a system that would be inconsistent with the self-assessment framework of Regulation 1/2003. However, where it considers it appropriate and subject to its enforcement priorities, the Commission may provide such informal guidance concerning the interpretation of Articles 101 or 102 in a written statement (guidance letter). This Notice sets out the details of this instrument.

II. FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING WHETHER TO ISSUE A GUIDANCE LETTER

Regulation 1/2003 confers powers on the Commission to effectively investigate and prosecute infringements of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU, and to impose fines (7). One major objective of Regulation 1/2003 is to ensure efficient enforcement of the Union competition rules by setting up a self-assessment system, thereby removing the former notification system and allowing the Commission to focus its enforcement policy on the most serious infringements of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU (8).

While Regulation 1/2003 is without prejudice to the ability of the Commission to issue informal guidance to individual undertakings (9), as set out in this Notice, this ability should not interfere with the primary objective of Regulation 1/2003, which is to ensure effective enforcement of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU. The Commission may therefore only provide informal guidance to individual undertakings in so far as this is compatible with its enforcement priorities.

Subject to point 6, the Commission, seized of a request for a guidance letter, will consider whether it is appropriate to process it. Issuing a guidance letter may only be considered if a prima facie assessment of the facts and legal considerations of the conduct or envisaged conduct suggests that, in the Commission’s view, there are valid reasons to provide clarifications on the applicability of Articles 101 or 102 TFEU to the agreement or unilateral practice in question through a guidance letter. Such prima facie assessment will be based on the following two cumulative elements:

(a)

Novel or unresolved questions: The substantive assessment of the agreement or unilateral practice with regard to Articles 101 or 102 TFEU poses a question of application of the law for which there is no sufficient clarity in the existing Union legal framework including the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, nor sufficient publicly available general guidance at Union level in decision-making practice or previous guidance letters; and

(b)

Interest in providing guidance: The prima facie assessment of the agreement or unilateral practice suggests that a public clarification of the applicability of Articles 101 or 102 TFEU through a guidance letter would provide added value with respect to legal certainty, taking into account one or more of the following elements:

—	the actual or potential economic importance of the goods or services concerned by the agreement or unilateral practice, in particular taking into account the consumers’ interests;

—	whether the objectives of the agreement or unilateral practice are relevant for the achievement of the Commission’s priorities or Union interest;

—	the magnitude of the investments made or to be made by the undertakings concerned, which are linked to the agreement or unilateral practice; and

—	the extent to which the agreement or practice corresponds or is liable to correspond to more widely spread usage in the Union (10).

The Commission will normally not consider a request for a guidance letter in either of the following circumstances:

—	the questions raised in the request are identical or similar to issues raised in a case pending before the Court of Justice of the European Union; or

—	the agreement or unilateral practice to which the request refers is subject to proceedings pending with the Commission, a Member State court or Member State competition authority.

The Commission will not consider hypothetical questions and will not issue guidance letters on agreements or unilateral practices that are no longer being implemented by the parties. Undertakings may however present a request for a guidance letter to the Commission in relation to questions raised by an agreement or unilateral practice that they envisage, i.e. before the implementation of that agreement or unilateral practice. In this case, planning must have reached a sufficiently advanced stage for a request to be considered.

III. INDICATIONS ON HOW TO REQUEST GUIDANCE

10.

A request can be presented by an undertaking or undertakings which have entered into or intend to enter into an agreement or unilateral practice that could fall within the scope of Articles 101 or 102 TFEU with regard to questions of interpretation raised by such agreement or unilateral practice.

11.

A request for a guidance letter should be addressed to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition For the attention of the Antitrust Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Or by email to comp-greffe-antitrust@ec.europa.eu

12.

In the request for guidance letter, the applicant(s) should include:

—	the identity of all undertakings concerned as well as a single address for contacts with the Commission;

—	the specific questions on which informal guidance is sought;

—	full and exhaustive information on all points relevant for an informed evaluation of the questions raised, including pertinent documentation, so as to allow the Commission to issue a guidance letter on the basis of the information provided;

—

the applicant(s)’ own preliminary assessment, having regard to point 7 (a) of this Notice, as to why the request presents novel or unresolved question(s) in view of the existing Union legal framework, including the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, publicly available general guidance at Union level in decision-making practice or previous guidance letters;

—	the applicant(s)’ own preliminary assessment, having regard to the elements listed at point 7 (b) of this Notice, as to why a public clarification of the applicability of Articles 101 or 102 TFEU through a guidance letter would provide added value with respect to legal certainty;

—	the applicant(s)’ own preliminary assessment, to the best of its (their) abilities, of the application of Articles 101 or 102 TFEU to the novel or unresolved question(s) raised by the agreement or unilateral practice;

—

all other information that permits an evaluation of the request in the light of the aspects explained in points 8-9 of this Notice, including in particular a declaration that, to the best of the applicant(s)’ knowledge, the agreement or unilateral practice to which the request refers is not subject to proceedings pending before a Member State court or competition authority;

—	where the request contains elements that are considered business secrets, a clear identification of these elements;

—	any other information or documentation relevant for the assessment of the agreement or unilateral practice.

13.

Prior to the formal submission of the request for a guidance letter, the undertaking(s) may contact the services of the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission, to discuss their intended submission informally and in confidence.

IV. PROCESSING OF THE REQUEST

14.

The Commission will in principle evaluate the request on the basis of the information provided and not process applications which do not fulfil the requirements set out in point 12 of this Notice. Nevertheless, the Commission may use additional information at its disposal from public sources, previous case-law, decision-making practice and guidance letters at Union level or any other source and may ask the applicant(s) or, in exceptional cases, other selected parties to provide supplementary information while safeguarding the confidentiality of the information provided by the applicant(s). Where such information contains personal data, the Commission processes the personal data in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 (11).

15.

The Commission may share the information submitted to it with the Member States’ competition authorities and receive input from them. It may discuss the substance of the request with the Member States’ competition authorities before issuing a guidance letter.

16.

With reference to points 13-15 of this Notice, the rules on professional secrecy set out by Article 28(2) of Regulation 1/2003 apply to the information supplied by the applicant(s) or other selected third parties.

17.

The Commission will use its best efforts to inform the applicant of the course of action that it intends to take with regard to the request for guidance within a reasonable time, depending on the circumstances of each case. Where no guidance letter is issued, the Commission shall inform the applicant(s) accordingly in writing.

18.

The applicant(s) can withdraw its/their request at any point in time. In such cases, no guidance letter will be issued. In any event, information supplied in the context of a request for informal guidance remains available to the Commission and can be used to launch subsequent procedures under Regulation 1/2003.

19.

A request for a guidance letter is without prejudice to the power of the Commission to open proceedings in accordance with Regulation 1/2003 with regard to the facts presented in the request.

V. GUIDANCE LETTERS

20.

A guidance letter issued by the Commission sets out:

—	a summary description of the facts on which it is based;

—	the principal legal reasoning underlying the understanding of the Commission on the application of Articles 101 or 102 TFEU to the novel or unresolved questions raised by the agreement or unilateral practice.

21.

A guidance letter may be limited to part of the question(s) raised in the request. It may also include additional aspects to those set out in the request. If appropriate, the Commission may set out in a guidance letter a time limit for its application or specify that the guidance letter is premised on the existence or absence of certain factual circumstances.

22.

Guidance letters will be published on the Commission’s website, having regard to the legitimate interest of the applicant(s) in the protection of their business secrets. The Commission will agree with the applicant(s) on a public version prior to the publication of the guidance letter.

VI. THE EFFECTS OF GUIDANCE LETTERS

23.

Guidance letters are in the first place intended to help undertakings carry out themselves an informed assessment of their agreements or unilateral practices. In that respect, the applicant(s) remain(s) responsible to carry out their own self-assessment of the applicability of Articles 101 or 102 TFEU. Guidance letters reflect the Commission’s observations on the facts presented to it and do not create any rights or obligations for the applicant(s) or any third party.

24.

A guidance letter cannot prejudge the assessment of the same question by the Court of Justice of the European Union.

25.

Where an agreement or unilateral practice has formed the factual basis for a guidance letter, the Commission is not precluded from subsequently examining that same agreement or unilateral practice in a procedure under Regulation 1/2003. In that case, the Commission will take the previous guidance letter into account, subject in particular to changes in the underlying facts, to any new aspects discovered by the Commission or raised by a complaint, to developments in the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union or wider changes of the Commission’s policy and developments on the markets concerned. In principle and subject to point 26 of this Notice, the Commission will not impose any fines on applicant(s), with respect to any action taken by the applicant(s) relying in good faith on the Commission’s guidance letter (12). Where the public interest so requires, the Commission can also modify or revoke a guidance letter accordingly (13).

26.

The clarifications on the applicability of Articles 101 or 102 TFEU included in a guidance letter are expressly conditioned on the accuracy and truthfulness of information provided by the applicant(s) and any material divergence from the information provided by the applicant(s) will render the guidance letter inoperative.

27.

Guidance letters are not Commission decisions and do not bind Member States’ competition authorities or Member States’ courts that have the power to apply Articles 101 and 102 TFEU. However, it is open to Member States’ competition authorities and Member States’ courts to take account of guidance letters issued by the Commission as they see fit in the context of a case.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 of 16 December 2002 on the implementation of the rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty (OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1). With effect from 1 December 2009, Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty have become Articles 101 and 102, respectively, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The two sets of provisions are, in substance, identical. For the purposes of this Notice, references to Articles 101 and 102 TFEU should be understood as references to Articles 81 and 82, respectively, of the EC Treaty where appropriate. The TFEU also introduced certain changes in terminology, such as the replacement of ‘Community’ by ‘Union’ and ‘common market’ by ‘internal market’. Where the meaning remains unchanged, the terminology of the TFEU will be used throughout this Notice.

(2) In this Notice, the term ‘agreement’ is used for agreements, decisions by associations of undertakings and concerted practices. The term ‘unilateral practices’ refers to the conduct of dominant undertakings. The term ‘undertakings’ equally covers ‘associations of undertakings’.

(3) The Court of Justice of the European Union consists of two courts: the Court of Justice and the General Court.

(4) The Commission has issued block exemption regulations, guidelines and notices. In addition, the Commission publishes its decisions. All texts are available at: https://ec.europa.eu/competition-policy/index_en

(5) Communication from the Commission — Notice — Guidelines on the application of Article 81(3) of the Treaty (OJ C 101, 27.4.2004, p. 97).

(6) Cf. Recital 38 of Regulation 1/2003.

(7) Cf. in particular Articles 7-9, 12, 17-24, and 29 of Regulation 1/2003.

(8) Cf. in particular Recital 3 of Regulation 1/2003.

(9) Cf. Recital 38 of Regulation 1/2003.

(10) This Notice leaves unaltered the possibility for Member States’ competition authorities to provide guidance in accordance with their legal framework, in particular where an agreement or unilateral practice corresponds or is liable to correspond to usage that is predominantly limited to one Member State.

(11) Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39).

(12) An applicant cannot claim to rely in good faith on a guidance letter if the facts on which it is based have materially changed.

(13) For the avoidance of doubts, the Commission is not required to modify or revoke a guidance letter prior to examining an agreement or unilateral practice in a procedure under Regulation 1/2003 and imposing fines on the applicant(s).

4.10.2022

Official Journal of the European Union

C 381/14

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 381/08)

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 Wiebelsberg’

PDO-FR-A0638-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 Wiebelsberg

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 Wiebelsberg’ 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 finesse of the soils results in elegant wines with mild, frank and delicate acidity.

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’.

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. A reference appears in the classification of terroirs of the grand crus of Alsace by the ampelographer Stoltz, published in 1852.

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

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 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.

4.10.2022

Official Journal of the European Union

C 381/25

(2022/C 381/09)

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 Engelberg’

PDO-FR-A0385-AM02

Date of communication: 20 July 2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Additional indication

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

2. Types of product

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

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

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

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

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

These amendments do not affect the single document.

12. Yields

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

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

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.

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

The single document has not been amended.

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.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Alsace grand cru Engelberg

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.

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.

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

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:

—

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 Engelberg’ benefits from one of the best locations. Nestling to the north of the Alsace wine route, the vineyards enable the production of highly expressive wines, with distinctive character and unique personality.

They have a very high ageing potential, with spicy characteristics, linear acidity and a salty finish developing over time.

The excellent climate conditions at the end of the season allow the grapes to ripen gradually and fully, resulting in dry or mellow gastronomic balance.

The concentration on the vine and the development of noble rot also make it possible to produce wines from grapes harvested when overripe. 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: — Department of Haut-Rhin: Bergholtz-Zell, Berrwiller, Buhl, Cernay, Colmar, Gundolsheim, Hartmanswiller, Herrlisheim, Houssen, Husseren-les-Châteaux, Jungholtz, Kaysersberg, Leimbach, Obermorschwihr, Osenbach, Ostheim, Rorschwihr, Soultz, Steinbach, Uffholtz, Walbach, Wattwiller, Wihr-au-Val and Zimmerbach. — 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

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

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.

4.10.2022

Official Journal of the European Union

C 381/36

(2022/C 381/10)

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 Altenberg de Wolxheim’

PDO-FR-A0348-AM02

Date of communication: 20 July 2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Additional indication

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

2. Types of product

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

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

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

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

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

These amendments do not affect the single document.

12. Yields

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

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

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.

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

The single document has not been amended.

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.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Alsace grand cru Altenberg de Wolxheim

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.

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.

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

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:

—

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 Altenberg de Wolxheim’ 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 specific characteristics of this mesoclimate, as well as the pebble-rich marl and limestone soil, contribute to the strength of the wines, their acid structure fused with salinity and an aromatic richness that increases over time.

The mesoclimate of Altenberg de Wolxheim, combined with the pebble-rich marl and limestone soil, favours a continuous and intense vine growth cycle between budburst and harvesting. The wines, made from grapes harvested when ripe, are characterised by their natural strength and their homogeneity and mellowness in the mouth, closely associated with long acidity and persistent salinity. The aromatic richness increases after a few years, and the wines may be aged for 10 years or more.

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, lists numerous historical references relating to the ‘lieux-dits’, including Altenberg de Wolxheim, particularly in the 12th and 13th centuries. It references the quality assessments carried out by the 19th-century ampelographers and historians Stoltz, Stoger, Grandidier and Gérard.

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

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

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

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.

		ISSN 1977-091X
Official Journal of the European Union		C 381

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 65 4 October 2022

Contents		page
	II Information
	INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	European Commission
2022/C 381/01	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10822 – ARDIAN / TA ASSOCIATES / ODEALIM GROUP) ( 1 )	1
2022/C 381/02	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10791 – DAIMLER TRUCK / NEXTERA / BFM / JV) ( 1 )	2
2022/C 381/03	Communication from the Commission – Withdrawal of Temporary Framework for assessing antitrust issues related to business cooperation in response to situations of urgency stemming from the current COVID-19 outbreak	3

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	European Commission
2022/C 381/04	Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations: — 0,50 % on 1 October 2022 — Euro exchange rates	4

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	0,9764
JPY	Japanese yen	141,49
DKK	Danish krone	7,4366
GBP	Pound sterling	0,87070
SEK	Swedish krona	10,8743
CHF	Swiss franc	0,9658
ISK	Iceland króna	141,70
NOK	Norwegian krone	10,5655
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	24,527
HUF	Hungarian forint	424,86
PLN	Polish zloty	4,8320
RON	Romanian leu	4,9479
TRY	Turkish lira	18,1240
AUD	Australian dollar	1,5128
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,3412
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	7,6647
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,7263
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,4015
KRW	South Korean won	1 408,25
ZAR	South African rand	17,5871
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	6,9481
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,5275
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	14 969,79
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,5383
PHP	Philippine peso	57,599
RUB	Russian rouble
THB	Thai baht	37,181
BRL	Brazilian real	5,1780
MXN	Mexican peso	19,6040
INR	Indian rupee	79,8980

	V Announcements
	PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY
	European Commission
2022/C 381/05	Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10923 – PLASTIC OMNIUM / HBPO) – Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	5
2022/C 381/06	Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10873 - SANLAM / ALLIANZ / SANLAM ALLIANZ AFRICA JV) – Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	7
2022/C 381/07	Commission Notice on informal guidance relating to novel or unresolved questions concerning Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union that arise in individual cases (guidance letters)	9
	OTHER ACTS
	European Commission
2022/C 381/08	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	14
2022/C 381/09	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	25
2022/C 381/10	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	36


	(1) Text with EEA relevance.