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ANNEX XIII

Requirements for pieces of oak wood(Article 22 of this Regulation)

PURPOSE, ORIGIN AND AREA OF APPLICATION

Pieces of oak wood are used in winemaking, to pass on certain characteristics of oak wood to wine.

The pieces of oak wood must come exclusively from the Quercus genus.

They may be left in their natural state, or heated to a low, medium or high temperature, but they may not have undergone combustion, including surface combustion, nor be carbonaceous or friable to the touch. They may not have undergone any chemical, enzymatic or physical processes other than heating. No product may be added for the purpose of increasing their natural flavour or the amount of their extractible phenolic compounds.

LABELLING

The label must mention the origin of the botanical species of oak and the intensity of any heating, the storage conditions and safety precautions.

DIMENSIONS

The dimensions of the particles of wood must be such that at least 95 % in weight are retained by a 2 mm mesh filter (9 mesh).

PURITY

The pieces of oak wood may not release any substances in concentrations which may be harmful to health.

This treatment is to be recorded in the register referred to in Article 70(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999.