# C_2023230EN.01020901.xml

| 30.6.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 230/209 |
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30.6.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 230/209

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Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2023/C 230/17)

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

‘Coteaux du Layon’

PDO-FR-A0826-AM03

Date of communication: 31.3.2023

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Official Geographic Code

The municipalities making up the geographical area and the area in immediate proximity have been updated in line with the Official Geographic Code.

The demarcated geographical area itself remains unchanged

Points 6 and 9 of the single document have been amended.

2.   Distance between vines

The minimum distance between vines in the same row has been reduced from 1 m to 0,90 m.

This enables planting density to be increased without changing the distance between rows.

A special provision has also been added for vines located on slopes where the gradient is greater than 10 %, where the authorised minimum distance between vines is 0,80 m.

This is to take account of the particular case of vines grown on steep slopes, where planting has to be done differently (planting parallel to the slope rather than perpendicular to it).

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

3.   Pruning

The pruning rules for designations of the Anjou Saumur area in the Loire Valley have been harmonised.

This is to improve operators’ knowledge and simplify checks. This amendment allows winegrowers to adapt to increasingly late frosts.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

4.   Maturity

The minimum sugar content of the grapes has been increased from 221 grams to 238 grams per litre for the ‘Coteaux du Layon’ designation and from 238 grams to 255 grams per litre where the designation is followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originate. The minimum sugar content has been increased to improve the quality of the wines, which contain residual sugars.

In order to take account of the difficulty of fermenting musts with the highest sugar content, the actual alcoholic strength by volume is no longer subject to a ceiling in the case of wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume of 18 % or more.

Point 4 of the single document has been amended.

5.   Sugars

The minimum fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) content, after fermentation, of wines with the designation followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originate has been increased from 34 grams to 51 grams per litre.

The purpose of this amendment is to increase the sweetness of wines whose labels indicate the provenance of the grapes and to distinguish them more clearly from those not labelled with this information.

Point 4 of the single document has been amended.

6.   Oenological practices

The maximum total alcoholic strength by volume after enrichment by partial concentration of the must has been harmonised at 18 % for all wines, regardless of whether or not the designation is followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originate.

The ban on enrichment of wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ has been deleted because it is implicit.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

7.   Link with the geographical area

The ‘Link’ section has been amended, and the reference to the year 2018 has been replaced by 2021.

Point 8 of the single document has been amended.

8.   Transitional measures

The transitional measures no longer in force have been deleted.

The single document has not been amended.

9.   Labelling

The labelling rules for designations of the Anjou Saumur area in the Loire Valley have been clarified and harmonised. This is merely an editorial amendment.

Point 9 of the single document has been amended.

10.   Record-keeping

The requirement to keep a record of the date, volume and natural alcoholic strength by volume of each pass harvested has been deleted.

The single document has not been amended.

11.   Reference to the inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording used in other product specifications. This is merely an editorial amendment.

This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.

12.   Editorial amendments

A certain number of editorial amendments have been made to the specification.

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

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Coteaux du Layon

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – protected designation of origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

| 1. | Wine |
| --- | --- |

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   ‘Coteaux du Layon’

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Still white wines containing residual sugars, made from grapes of the Chenin B variety harvested when overripe (natural concentration on the vine, with or without noble rot). They are characteristic, elegant, with complex aromas and suitable for ageing. In the mouth, they combine smoothness and freshness, power and finesse. The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14 %. The minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume is 11 % for wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume of less than 18 %. After fermentation they have a fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) content greater than or equal to 34 g/l. The total acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by EU legislation.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 25 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

25

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

2.   The term ‘sélection de grains nobles’

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Wines bearing the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ express all the charms of highly concentrated grapes. These original wines emphasise aromatic strength and persistence. The fruity and floral aromas blend with late-harvest aromas such as dried or candied fruit or honeyed scents. The balance between acidity, alcohol and smoothness allows the wines to develop even greater complexity over the years. The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 19 %. After fermentation they have a fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) content greater than or equal to 34 g/l. The minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume is 11 % for wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume of less than 18 %. The total acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by EU legislation.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 25 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

25

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

3.   ‘Coteaux du Layon’ + name of municipality

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Wines bearing the registered designation of origin ‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originate generally have a slightly higher fermentable sugar content. The differences in the nature of the soils and their orientation allow certain subtleties to emerge in the wines. Wines produced from grapes grown on the slopes of Rochefort-sur-Loire, with a slight northern exposure, have pronounced minerality. By contrast, wines from grapes grown on the south-facing slopes of Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Faye-d’Anjou and Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné are often distinguished by the characteristic notes associated with the development of the ‘noble rot’ as a result of Botrytis cinerea. Wines produced from grapes grown on the low slopes, on the left bank of the Layon, in the territory of the municipalities of Rablay-sur-Layon and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay, are powerful and harmonious. The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 15 %. After fermentation they have a fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) content greater than or equal to 51 g/l. The minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume is 11 % for wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume of less than 18 %. The total acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by EU legislation.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 25 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

25

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

4.   Premier cru Chaume

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Wines bearing the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ are known especially for their finesse and elegance, as well as their great and beautiful aromatic complexity in which notes of candied fruit and quince paste are often present. The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 16,5 %. After fermentation they have a fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) content greater than or equal to 80 g/l. The minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume is 11 % for wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume of less than 18 %. The total acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by EU legislation.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 25 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

25

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Use of wood chips

Specific oenological practice

Use of wood chips is prohibited.

2.   Enrichment

Specific oenological practice

Enrichment is permitted under the rules set out in the specification.

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, all enrichment and any heat treatment of the wine harvest where the temperature falls below – 5 °C are prohibited.

3.   Specific oenological practice

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, the use of screw hoppers, crusher-pumps and continuous presses is prohibited.

The wines are matured under the conditions laid down in the specification.

In addition to the above provisions, all wine-making practices followed must also comply with the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

4.   Vine density for wines covered by the registered designation of origin ‘Coteaux du Layon’

Cultivation method

The minimum planting density is 4 000 vines per hectare. Rows of vines must not be spaced more than 2,50 metres apart. The vines making up each row must be spaced at least 0,90 metres apart.

Vineyard parcels where the distance between vines in the same row is less than 0,90 metres but at least 0.80 metres, and where the gradient is greater than 10 %, are entitled to use the registered designation of origin for their harvest.

The registered designation of origin may be used for the harvest from vineyard parcels with a density of fewer than 4 000 – but at least 3 300 – vines per hectare, subject to compliance with the vine-training and foliage-height rules laid down in the product specification. On such parcels, the rows must not be spaced more than 3 metres apart, and the vines making up each row must be spaced at least 1 metre apart.

5.   Vine density for wines covered by the registered designation of origin ‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the term ‘premier cru’ together with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’

Cultivation method

The minimum planting density is 4 500 vines per hectare. Rows of vines must not be spaced more than 2,20 metres apart. The vines making up each row must be spaced at least 0,90 metres apart.

Vineyard parcels where the distance between vines in the same row is less than 0,90 metres but at least 0,80 metres, and where the gradient is greater than 10 %, are entitled to use the registered designation of origin followed by the term ‘premier cru’ together with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ for their harvest.

6.   Vine pruning and training

Cultivation method

The vines are pruned (spur pruning, cane pruning or mixed pruning) down to no more than 12 count buds per vine.

At the phenological stage corresponding to 11 or 12 leaves (separate flower buds), the number of fruit-bearing branches for the year per vine is no more than 12.

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, vines are pruned (spur pruning, cane pruning or mixed pruning) down to no more than 12 count buds per vine.

At the phenological stage corresponding to 11 or 12 leaves (separate flower buds), the number of fruit-bearing branches for the year per vine is no more than 10.

7.   Foliage height

Cultivation method

The foliage on the trellis must reach a height of at least 0,6 times the distance between the rows. This height is measured as the distance between the lower limit of the foliage (which must be at least 0,40 metres above ground level) and the upper trimming limit (which must be at least 0,20 metres above the upper trellis wire).

Vineyard parcels with a planting density of fewer than 4 000 – but at least 3 300 – vines per hectare are also subject to the following trellising rules: the trellis poles must reach at least 1,90 metres above ground level, there must be four horizontal wires, and the top wire must be at least 1,85 metres above ground level. These particular provisions do not apply to wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’.

8.   Irrigation

Cultivation method

Irrigation is not permitted.

9.   Harvesting

Cultivation method

The wines are made from grapes harvested when overripe (natural concentration on the vine, with or without noble rot). A further feature of wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ is concentration on the vine due to the action of noble rot.

The grapes are harvested by hand, with pickers passing through the vineyard several times.

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, the use of self-emptying trailers with a screw conveyor or vane pump is not permitted. Grapes must not be piled more than 1 metre high in the containers used for transporting the harvest.

5.2.   Maximum yields

| 1. | ‘Coteaux du Layon’
  40 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

1.

‘Coteaux du Layon’

40 hectolitres per hectare

| 2. | ‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originate
  35 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

2.

‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originate

35 hectolitres per hectare

| 3. | ‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the term ‘premier cru’ together with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’
  30 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

3.

‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the term ‘premier cru’ together with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’

30 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

| (a) | All steps in production must take place in the geographical area comprising the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Maine-et-Loire, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon, Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux and La Jumellière only), Cléré-sur-Layon, Doué-en-Anjou (delegated municipalities of Brigné, Concourson-sur-Layon, Saint-Georges-sur-Layon and Les Verchers-sur-Layon only), Lys-Haut-Layon (delegated municipalities of La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné and Trémont only), Passavant-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Terranjou (delegated municipalities of Chavagnes and Martigné-Briand only) and Val-du-Layon.
  Maps of the geographical area can be found on the website of the Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité (National Institute of Origin and Quality – INAO). |
| --- | --- |

(a)

All steps in production must take place in the geographical area comprising the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Maine-et-Loire, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon, Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux and La Jumellière only), Cléré-sur-Layon, Doué-en-Anjou (delegated municipalities of Brigné, Concourson-sur-Layon, Saint-Georges-sur-Layon and Les Verchers-sur-Layon only), Lys-Haut-Layon (delegated municipalities of La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné and Trémont only), Passavant-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Terranjou (delegated municipalities of Chavagnes and Martigné-Briand only) and Val-du-Layon.

Maps of the geographical area can be found on the website of the Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité (National Institute of Origin and Quality – INAO).

| (b) | For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, all steps in production must take place in the geographical area comprising the territory of the following municipality in the department of Maine-et-Loire, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code: Rochefort-sur-Loire.
  Maps of the geographical area can be found on the INAO website. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, all steps in production must take place in the geographical area comprising the territory of the following municipality in the department of Maine-et-Loire, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code: Rochefort-sur-Loire.

Maps of the geographical area can be found on the INAO website.

7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)

Chenin B

8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.

(a)   Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The ‘Coteaux du Layon’ vineyards occupy the slopes of an undulating landscape along the Layon, a river that runs along the bottom of a small valley. Flowing in the direction south-west to north-east, the river subsequently veers north-west to its confluence with the Loire at the municipality of Verchers-sur-Layon. In 2021 the geographical area extended through the territory of 13 municipalities of the Maine-et-Loire department, distributed along the right and left banks of the Layon.

Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay are municipalities whose names can follow the registered designation of origin. They constitute the heart of these vineyards and are grouped downstream on either side of the Layon. In the territory of the municipality of Rochefort-sur-Loire, the river meanders southward creating the hill of Chaume.

The parcels specifically allocated for the grape harvest have soils formed on a somewhat degraded schist substratum. Some of these soils are covered by detrital formations from the Cenomanian or the Pliocene, depending on the topography. Some random parcels have soils formed from igneous rocks of an acidic (rhyolite) or basic (spilite) nature; stony soils on puddingstone and sandstone from the Carboniferous; and shallow soils interspersed with quartz and phthanites from the Silurian.

Topography plays an important part in the formation of the natural surroundings. The two banks of the Layon do not have the same typology. The slopes of the right bank are very steep, with an incline at times as much as 40 %, often rising more than 60 metres above the water. On the left bank, the slopes are generally much gentler, their tops rarely rising higher than 20 metres above the water.

Nevertheless, all of these parcels share some characteristics. They all have the advantage of an open landscape and soils with good thermal performance. These soils show no sign of hydromorphy and their water reserves are very limited.

The geographical area is an enclave with limited irrigation, sheltered from maritime mists by the higher slopes of Choletais and Mauges. Annual rainfall is around 550 to 600 millimetres, compared with over 800 millimetres in Choletais. During the vine growing cycle, rainfall in the area is 100 millimetres below the rest of the department. The average annual temperatures are relatively high, around 12 °C, which is 1 °C higher than for the department of Maine-et-Loire as a whole. The particular mesoclimate of the geographical area is evident in the Mediterranean nature of the vegetation, which includes holm oak and umbrella pine.

(b)   Description of the human factors relevant to the link

Vines are known to have been cultivated in Anjou ever since the first century AD. In 1529 the poet Charles de Bourdigné wrote of these vineyards as Noah’s masterpiece. Vines have flourished there since the sixth century. In his work Théâtre d’agriculture et mesnage des champs (1600), Olivier de Serres made an unusual observation: ‘Generally throughout the provinces of this kingdom ... it is necessary to wait until the vine leaves fall before picking the grapes. Further afield, towards Anjou, le Maine and thereabouts, the grapes themselves, when ripe, begin to fall to the ground. This is due both to the lateness of seasons and to the nature of the grapes that are nourished by the frost.’ It must therefore be concluded that late harvesting of grapes has been the practice for a long time.

Meanwhile, the vineyards of Anjou began acquiring their reputation from the 12th and 13th centuries, thanks to the Plantagenet family. Under the influence of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, the ‘wine of Anjou’ made its way to the finest tables. The vineyards of ‘Coteaux du Layon’ developed over the 16th century with the arrival of Dutch merchants. Their recognition that these wines were suitable to be transported by sea meant that the qualities of the Chenin B grape variety became known beyond the borders. In 1780 the vineyards received an important boost with the works undertaken to adapt the Layon for the large vessels of the Dutch fleet.

As for the Chenin B variety, it appears to be indigenous to the region. A hardy variety, its potential varies greatly depending on the type of soil in which it is planted. Local winemakers also quickly recognised the benefits of harvesting this variety at an advanced stage of ripeness, using certain techniques. In Traité des cépages (1845), Count Odart argued that ‘It should also not be harvested until it is overripe, such as the condition it reaches towards All Saints’ Day, when the skins, tenderised by the rains, are sloughed off.’

Overripeness therefore forms an integral part of the harvest. In Topographie de tous les vignobles connus (1816), André Jullien stated that: ‘At the good vineyards, the grape pickers pass through the vineyard several times. The grapes picked in the first two passes are used only for the ripest wines, providing the wines to be shipped abroad, and the grapes from the third pass are used to make wines for local consumption.’

Among these vineyards, some municipalities have always been renowned. The Universal Geography Improved of British geographer William Guthrie (1708-1770) was published in French translation in 1802. Even at that time, it names most of those municipalities that today are entitled to add their names to the name of the registered designation of origin. The Decree of 18 February 1950 recognising the registered designation of origin ‘Coteaux du Layon’ conferred this entitlement on the municipalities of Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay.

The supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ extends over a south-facing hillside, its unusual topographical situation at the heart of a meander, located in the municipality of Rochefort-sur-Loire and surrounded by the municipalities of Beaulieu-sur-Layon and Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné. Property of Fulk III, Count of Anjou, this hillside was bequeathed to the Abbey of Ronceray in Angers in the early 11th century. It would swiftly acquire a very great reputation. More recently, and particularly since the 1980s, producers have optimised the vine pruning and training techniques. They have enhanced their mastery of the rules of picking and of late harvest at the optimum moment, and they have made technical improvements to the management and duration of maturation. This collective commitment can be seen in the recognition of the term ‘premier cru’.

8.2.   Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

The wines are characteristic and elegant. In the mouth, they combine smoothness with freshness, power with finesse, and their aromas are complex. Suitable for long ageing, these wines delight experienced tasters.

Wines bearing the registered designation of origin ‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originate generally have a slightly higher fermentable sugar content. The differences in the nature of the soils and their orientation allow certain subtleties to emerge in the wines. Wines produced from grapes grown on the slopes of Rochefort-sur-Loire, with a slight northern exposure, have pronounced minerality. By contrast, wines from grapes grown on the south-facing slopes of Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Faye-d’Anjou and Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné are often distinguished by the characteristic notes associated with the development of the ‘noble rot’ as a result of Botrytis cinerea. Wines produced from grapes grown on the low slopes, on the left bank of the Layon, in the territory of the municipalities of Rablay-sur-Layon and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay, are powerful and harmonious.

Wines bearing the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ express all the charms of highly concentrated grapes. These original wines emphasise aromatic strength and persistence. The fruity and floral aromas blend with late-harvest aromas such as dried or candied fruit or honeyed scents. The balance between acidity, alcohol and smoothness allows the wines to develop even greater complexity over the years.

Wines bearing the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ are known especially for their finesse and elegance, as well as their great and beautiful aromatic complexity in which notes of candied fruit and quince paste are often present.

8.3.   Causal interactions

The shallow soils combine with a topography providing vineyard parcels with excellent exposure. The result is a regular, albeit limited, water supply to the Chenin B variety, which is able to achieve its full range of expression. Following local customs, the ‘demarcated parcel area’ comprises only hillside vineyards with shallow soils. This requires skilful management of the plants, a full understanding of their vigour and fruiting potential, as stressed in the specification by the practice of low yields associated with spur pruning.

The mesoclimate is characteristically southern. The vineyards are situated on, at times, precipitous slopes. These factors, combined with adapted vine training, provide the right conditions for grapes concentrated by withering or drying on the plant (raisining on the vine), which is characteristic of these vineyards.

The presence of the waterway also makes it possible to take ripeness to its extreme, thanks to the formation of the morning mists essential to the development of Botrytis cinerea, and thus the ‘noble rot’. This is especially important for wines bearing the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’.

Waiting for the grapes to become overripe; leaving the harvest until well into the autumn; and harvesting by hand in multiple passes within a single parcel in order to select berries that are naturally concentrated or affected by ‘noble rot’ (‘roasted’): these practices attest to the know-how of producers and the particular suitability of the Chenin B variety. By retaining the traditional manual harvesting of grapes, wine producers contribute to preserving both the originality and the characteristics of these hillside vineyards.

Maturation of the wines, as set out in the specification, can continue at least until 1 July of the year following the year of harvest in the case of wines bearing the term ‘premier cru’. For wines bearing the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’, maturation can continue until 1 June of the second year following the year of harvest. This practice leads to suitability for bottle ageing and contributes to enhancing the aromatic complexity apparent on tasting. As local folk wisdom has it: ‘“Coteaux du Layon” wines never die; it’s the cork that perishes.’

Godard Faultrier, 19th century historian of Anjou, wrote: ‘If a native of Anjou had set foot on the island of Java before the Revolution, and if they had entered the palace of the Governor of the Dutch East India Company, they would have experienced, I imagine, great joy on seeing the wine of Anjou sparkling in the glass of that personage who, according to Voltaire, never appeared in public unless robed in royal purple. From the amber hue of the liqueur, our native of Anjou would have recognised that it came from our most sought-after wines of “Coteaux du Layon”’.

Conscious of possessing exceptional lands, which they tend with the greatest care, the producers have developed the reputation of their wines down the generations, and it is now international.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Area in immediate proximity (1)

Legal framework

EU legislation

Type of further condition

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition

| (a) | The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturing of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code:






  — | department of Deux-Sèvres: Brion-près-Thouet, Loretz-d’Argenton, Louzy, Plaine-et-Vallées (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Oiron), Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Thouars (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Mauzé-Thouarsais, Sainte-Radegonde and the former municipality of Thouars), Tourtenay and Val en Vignes (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul, Cersay and Saint-Pierre-à-Champ); |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturing of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code:

—

department of Deux-Sèvres: Brion-près-Thouet, Loretz-d’Argenton, Louzy, Plaine-et-Vallées (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Oiron), Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Thouars (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Mauzé-Thouarsais, Sainte-Radegonde and the former municipality of Thouars), Tourtenay and Val en Vignes (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul, Cersay and Saint-Pierre-à-Champ);

| — | department of Indre-et-Loire: Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil; |
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department of Indre-et-Loire: Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil;

| — | department of Loire-Atlantique: Ancenis-Saint-Géréon (only the territory of the former municipality of Ancenis), Le Loroux-Bottereau, Le Pallet, La Remaudière, Vair-sur-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Anetz) and Vallet; |
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department of Loire-Atlantique: Ancenis-Saint-Géréon (only the territory of the former municipality of Ancenis), Le Loroux-Bottereau, Le Pallet, La Remaudière, Vair-sur-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Anetz) and Vallet;

| — | department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Bellevigne-les-Châteaux, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice, Bouchemaine, Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brissac Loire Aubance, Brossay, Cernusson, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chemillé-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Valanjou), Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Denée, Dénezé-sous-Doué, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Forges, Meigné and Montfort), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Les Garennes sur Loire, Gennes-Val-de-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé-Lézigné (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Huillé), Ingrandes-Le-Fresne sur Loire (only the territory of the former municipality of Ingrandes), Jarzé Villages (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Les Cerqueux-sous-Passavant and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, Le Marillais, Le Mesnil-en-Vallée, Montjean-sur-Loire, La Pommeraye, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine and Saint-Laurent-du-Mottay), Mazé-Milon (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels and La Varenne), Parnay, La Possonnière, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rives-de-Loir-en-Anjou, Rou-Marson, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Just-sur-Dive, Saint-Macaire-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Sigismond, Saumur, Savennières, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Souzay-Champigny, Terranjou (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun, Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Verrie and Verrières-en-Anjou; |
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department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Bellevigne-les-Châteaux, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice, Bouchemaine, Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brissac Loire Aubance, Brossay, Cernusson, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chemillé-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Valanjou), Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Denée, Dénezé-sous-Doué, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Forges, Meigné and Montfort), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Les Garennes sur Loire, Gennes-Val-de-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé-Lézigné (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Huillé), Ingrandes-Le-Fresne sur Loire (only the territory of the former municipality of Ingrandes), Jarzé Villages (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Les Cerqueux-sous-Passavant and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, Le Marillais, Le Mesnil-en-Vallée, Montjean-sur-Loire, La Pommeraye, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine and Saint-Laurent-du-Mottay), Mazé-Milon (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels and La Varenne), Parnay, La Possonnière, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rives-de-Loir-en-Anjou, Rou-Marson, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Just-sur-Dive, Saint-Macaire-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Sigismond, Saumur, Savennières, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Souzay-Champigny, Terranjou (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun, Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Verrie and Verrières-en-Anjou;

| — | department of Vienne: Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay and Les Trois-Moutiers. |
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department of Vienne: Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay and Les Trois-Moutiers.

| (b) | For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, the area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturing of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon, Brissac Loire Aubance (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Brissac-Quincé and Vauchrétien), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Chanzeaux), Denée, Doué-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Brigné and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Mauges-sur-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye), Mozé-sur-Louet, Savennières, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Terranjou and Val-du-Layon. |
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(b)

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, the area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturing of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire, based on the 2021 Official Geographic Code: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon, Brissac Loire Aubance (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Brissac-Quincé and Vauchrétien), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Chanzeaux), Denée, Doué-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Brigné and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Mauges-sur-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye), Mozé-sur-Louet, Savennières, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Terranjou and Val-du-Layon.

Labelling: supplementary terms – municipality from which the grapes originate

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The name of the registered designation of origin may be followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originate, in accordance with the provisions laid down in the specification.

The name of the municipality from which the grapes originate must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or width, than the letters forming the name of the registered designation of origin.

Labelling: term ‘sélection de grains nobles’

Legal framework

EU legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The name of the registered designation of origin, whether or not it is followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originate, may be supplemented by the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ in accordance with the provisions laid down in the specification.

Wines bearing the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ must also state the year of vintage.

Labelling: term ‘premier cru’

Legal framework

EU legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The term ‘premier cru’ is reserved for wines labelled with the registered designation of origin followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, according to the provisions laid down in the specification.

The name of the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ must not appear on the same line as the term ‘premier cru’.

The name of the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or in width, than the letters forming the name of the registered designation of origin.

Labelling: geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The name of the registered designation of origin may be followed by the geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’, in accordance with the rules laid down in the specification regarding use of this geographical designation. The geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ must be printed in letters that are no larger, either in height or in width, than two thirds the size of the letters forming the name of the registered designation of origin.

Labelling: specifying a smaller geographical unit

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The name of a smaller geographical unit may appear on the labels of wines bearing the registered designation of origin, provided that:

| — | it is a registered location; |
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it is a registered location;

| — | it appears on the harvest declaration. |
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it appears on the harvest declaration.

The name of the registered location must be printed in letters that are no larger, either in height or in width, than half the size of the letters forming the name of the registered designation of origin.

Labelling: font size

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

Optional terms whose use, under EU rules, may be regulated by the Member States must be printed on the labels in letters that are no larger, in height, width or thickness, than twice the size of the letters forming the name of the registered designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-8d956d59-2ac2-42b0-b97f-d652a26dd846

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

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