Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
4.08
The Wine Regulation therefore repealed the previous Regulation
22
and estab-
lished a structure of support measures for wine producers
23
and a regulatory
structure which included the regulation of oenological practices
24
and rules
dealing with designations of origin, GIs and traditional terms.
25
The Regu-
lation also deals with trade with third countries
26
and production potential.
27
This chapter deals only with the rules concerning designations of origin, GIs
and traditional terms.
2. Scope of the rules concerning designations
Chapter IV of the Wine Regulation deals with designations of origin and GIs.
Recital (27) explains that the concept of quality wines in the Community is
based, inter alia, on the specific characteristics attributable to the wine's
geographical origin, which are identified for consumers via protected designa-
tions of origin and GIs. It proposes that in order to allow for a transparent and
more elaborate framework underpinning the claim to quality by the products
concerned, 'a regime should be established under which applications for a
designation of origin or a geographical indication are examined in line with the
approach followed under the Community's horizontal quality policy applicable
to foodstuffs other than wine and spirits'.
28
4.09
Recital (28) proposes that to preserve the particular quality characteristics of
wines with a designation of origin or a GI, 'Member States should be allowed to
apply more stringent rules in that respect'. Thus to qualify for protection in the
Community Recital (29) explains that designations of origin and GIs should be
recognised and registered at Community level with applications being exam-
ined by the national authorities of the Member State concerned, subject to
compliance with minimum common provisions, including a national objection
procedure. The Commission will subsequently scrutinise these decisions to
ensure that the conditions laid down by the Wine Regulation are satisfied and
that the approach to applications is uniform across the Member States.
4.10
22
Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999.
23
The Wine Regulation, Title II.
24
Ibid, Title III, chapter I.
25
Ibid, Title III, chapters III and IV.
26
Ibid, Title IV.
27
Ibid, Title V.
28
In Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 of 20 March 2006 on the protection of geographical indications and
designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12. Regulation as
amended by Regulation (EC) No 1791/2006, OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 1.
