IGP Ravenna 2026: what changes and how it affects wineries with DO or IGP

Key data

Spanish wineries and regulatory councils with a designation of origin or protected geographical indication have a new precedent to follow. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/726, published on 24 March 2026, approves changes to the product specification of IGP Ravenna, an Italian wine designation, and does so for the first time under the procedure of the new Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 on geographical indications.

This case is not merely an Italian matter. Regulation 2024/1143 is the new regulatory framework governing all geographical indications in the EU, and any Spanish operator wishing to amend their designation will need to follow exactly this same procedure.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation 2026/726 approves a Union amendment to the product specification of IGP Ravenna. This type of amendment, referred to as a "Union amendment", requires express approval from the European Commission, unlike minor amendments which can be processed at national level.

The key element is not the specific content of the changes to IGP Ravenna, but rather the procedure used: it is the first practical application of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which replaced the previous framework for managing geographical indications in the EU.

The aspects of the product specification that may be amended under this procedure include:

• Grape varieties permitted under the designation
• Geographical production area
• Winemaking methods
• Labelling requirements

Any Spanish winery or regulatory council needing to update any of these elements in their DO or IGP must process the amendment in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, following the same procedure applied in this case.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact of this regulation on Spanish operators is procedural, not immediately economic. It does not entail new published fees or penalties. However, it has relevant operational consequences:

• Change of procedure: Applications to amend product specifications must be processed under Regulation 2024/1143. Using the previous procedure may result in rejections or delays in approval.
• Processing timelines: Union amendments require approval from the European Commission, which implies longer processing times than national minor amendments. Wineries needing to update varieties or areas must plan ahead.
• Documentation adaptation: Product specifications and applications must be adjusted to the format and requirements of the new framework regulation.
• Strategic opportunity: The new framework may offer greater flexibility or new avenues for updating designations that have not been amended for years.

Who is affected?

• Regulatory councils of wine designations of origin in Spain planning to amend their product specification
• Wineries within IGPs or DOs wishing to expand permitted varieties, modify production areas or update winemaking methods
• Legal and technical advisors processing geographical indication amendment files before the MAPA or the European Commission
• Italian wine operators of IGP Ravenna, directly affected by the approved changes
• Any producer with an IGP or DO in the EU operating under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143

Practical example

A regulatory council of a Spanish wine DO has been seeking for several years to incorporate a new indigenous grape variety into its product specification. Until now, the amendment procedure was processed under the previous regulation. With the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, that file must be adapted to the new regulatory framework.

If the amendment involves a substantial change to the production area or permitted varieties, it will be classified as a Union amendment, requiring express approval from the European Commission, as has occurred with IGP Ravenna through Regulation 2026/726. The regulatory council must submit the application in accordance with the format and procedure of Regulation 2024/1143, not under the previous legislation.

If the file was already being processed under the previous framework, it is advisable to review with specialist legal counsel whether it needs to be adapted to the new procedure to avoid delays or inadmissibility.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify whether you have ongoing amendment files: If your regulatory council or winery has a pending application to change the product specification, verify under which regulation it is being processed.
2. Review Regulation (EU) 2024/1143: Consult the new regulatory framework to understand which types of amendments require Union approval and which can be processed as minor amendments at national level.
3. Classify the type of amendment you need: Determine whether the changes you wish to introduce (varieties, area, methods, labelling) are classified as a Union amendment or a minor amendment, as the procedure and timelines differ.
4. Adapt documentation to the new format: If you are initiating an amendment application, prepare the file in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 2024/1143, not under the previous framework.
5. Seek specialist advice on IGPs and DOs: Since this is the first precedent under the new regulation, it is advisable to obtain specialist technical and legal advice on geographical indications to avoid procedural errors.

Official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R0726