Producers of Knjazevac Wine Requesting Changes in Rules for Obtaining Geographic Designation of Controlled Quality

Wine producers, authorized carriers of the controlled geographic origin tag “Knjazevac” have filed a proposition of the amendments to the product specification to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.

This proposition was made after the producers discovered innovations in the wine production process and an increased number of plantations featuring new varieties.

The first proposition pertains to adding types of wine. As said, in this winemaking area, the varieties Pinot Noir, Italian Riesling and Merlot, which enter the composition of the new types of wine, are grown. The producers add that there is an interest in the further expansion of these varieties in the area which carries the “Knjazevac” tag, and which has good conditions for their growing, a large yield and high fruit quality.

Furthermore, the producers propose for the “Knjazevac” rose wine to have its variety composition changed. The previous decision said that at least 40% of the Black Muscat, traditionally used in making rose, should comprise this wine with a tag of controlled geographic origin. However, having acquired considerable experience in the process of production, they have discovered that, even with a 20% share of the Black Muscat, a quality wine with a pleasant taste can be made. They therefore propose for changes to be made to this part and for the “Knjazevac” rose to consists of at least 20% of the Black Muscat, whereas the remaining ingredients would be non-aromatized varieties which are traditionally grown in this area.

When it comes to the technological process of wine processing, there are two more requests made by the producers. One pertains to the possibility of allowing a subsequent acidification of the wine. As explained, due to the climate change and the increased temperatures, the level of natural acids in grapes is lower. Considering that a new “Knjazevac” wine type is being introduced, Pinot Noir Rose, characterized by a lower percentage of natural acids, the producers believe that occasional acidification is desirable so as to get an adequate quality.

Also, the producers are asking for the condition which says that red wine needs to be rested in a wooden container of 200 to 1,000 liters to be removed. Again, the experience and the upgrade of the production process have led to the conclusion that red wines have the same quality if they are rested in wooden containers of greater volumes.

The climate change in our areas, the “Knjazevac”-tagged wine producers claim, largely influences the end quality of the grapes. That is why they also propose for certain wine varieties, such as Knjazevac Rose, Knjazevac Vranac and Knjazevac Cabernet Sauvignon, to be allowed to have a higher limit of the maximum alcohol concentration. The proposition has been formulated due to the fact that higher average temperatures over the year contribute to a higher sugar content in the grapes.

In order to increase the quality of wine, the producers also ask for additional tags such as “selected grapes”, “grape selection” and “free run wine” to be allowed.

The aim of the proposed amendments is for the conditions in wine production to be synchronized with the production processes in wineries in order to maintain the quality and improve the market position of the wines with the “Knjazevac” tag.

Ministarstvo poljoprivrede, šumarstva i vodoprivrede Republike Srbije

Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Water Management

Knjazevac tag wine

grapes

wine production

viticulture

climate change Vranac

Rose

Cabernet Sauvignon

Italian Riesling

Merlot

Pinot Noir