# C_2023049EN.01004701.xml

| 9.2.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 49/47 |
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9.2.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 49/47

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Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2019/33

(2023/C 49/14)

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

‘Crémant de Loire’

PDO-FR-A0391-AM02

Date of communication: 11.11.2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Official Geographic Code

The municipalities of the geographical area have been updated in accordance with the Official Geographic Code.

This does not affect the boundary of the demarcated geographical area.

Point 6 of the single document has been amended.

2.   Demarcated parcel area

Dates of sessions to approve demarcation have been added.

The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the competent national authority approved a change to the demarcated parcel area within the geographical area of production. Parcels are demarcated by identifying the parcels within the geographical area of production that are suitable for producing the product covered by the protected designation of origin in question.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

3.   Spacing between plants

The minimum spacing between plants has been reduced from 1 m to 0,90 m.

The purpose of this amendment is to increase the planting density of the vines without changing the spacing between rows.

A special provision has also been added for vines on slopes steeper than 10 %, for which the minimum authorised spacing between plants is 0,80 m.

The aim of this addition is to take account of the particular case of vines planted on steep slopes, where special arrangements are required during the planting stage (planting parallel to the slope rather than perpendicular to it).

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

4.   Pruning

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

This harmonisation aims to improve operators’ knowledge and simplify checks. The amendment gives winegrowers more flexibility to adapt to frosts, which are occurring later in the year.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The link has been amended to refer to 2021 instead of 2018 and to adjust the number of municipalities after some were merged.

Point 8 of the single document has been amended.

6.   Labelling

The regulatory framework for optional terms has been clarified.

Point 9 of the single document has been amended.

7.   Transitional measures

Transitional measures no longer in force have been deleted.

A transitional measure has been added for municipalities for which the parcel demarcation was approved in November 2020.

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

8.   Editorial amendments

A number of editorial changes have been made to the specification.

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

9.   Reference to the inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording of other product specifications. This amendment is merely a change in wording.

It does not require any changes to the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Crémant de Loire

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine products

| 5. | Quality sparkling wine |
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5.

Quality sparkling wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Characteristics

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

White and rosé quality sparkling wines. The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 9 %. The basic wines that have not been enriched have a maximum actual alcoholic strength by volume of 12 % and a maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of 24 grams per litre. After fermentation, the basic wines that have been enriched have a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of less than 5 grams per litre. After enrichment, the basic wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume does not exceed 11,6 %. Before disgorging, the wines have an excess pressure of carbon dioxide of at least 4 bar, measured at a temperature of 20 °C, and, after disgorging, have a total sulphur dioxide content of no more than 150 milligrams per litre. The volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide contents are those laid down by EU legislation. The wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume after secondary fermentation and before the addition of the expedition liqueur, and if the must has been enriched, does not exceed 13 %. The total acidity and volatile acidity contents 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) | |
| 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)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

2.   Description

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

‘Crémant de Loire’ is a sparkling wine that is usually white and sometimes rosé. It has an even effervescence with strings of fine, delicate and persistent bubbles. On the nose it often has aromas of white flowers mixed with fruity notes such as peach or apricot. On the palate it is fine and harmonious, with a pleasing combination of freshness and sweetness.

| 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) | |
| 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)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   
  Specific oenological practices

1.   Planting density – Spacing (1)

Growing method

| (a) | Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Anjou’ controlled designation of origin: The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,50 m, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,90 m. The controlled designation of origin may be used for the harvests of vineyard parcels where the spacing between plants in the same row is below 0,90 metres but not less than 0,80 metres, where the steepness of the slope exceeds 10 %. In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the harvests are eligible for the controlled designation of origin provided that the rules on trellising and foliage height laid down in the specification are complied with. The spacing between the rows of vines on these parcels must not exceed 3 m, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 m. |
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(a)

Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Anjou’ controlled designation of origin: The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,50 m, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,90 m. The controlled designation of origin may be used for the harvests of vineyard parcels where the spacing between plants in the same row is below 0,90 metres but not less than 0,80 metres, where the steepness of the slope exceeds 10 %. In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the harvests are eligible for the controlled designation of origin provided that the rules on trellising and foliage height laid down in the specification are complied with. The spacing between the rows of vines on these parcels must not exceed 3 m, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 m.

2.   Planting density – Spacing (2)

Growing method

| (b) | Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Touraine’ controlled designation of origin: The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 500 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,10 m, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,90 m. |
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(b)

Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Touraine’ controlled designation of origin: The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 500 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,10 m, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,90 m.

| (c) | Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Cheverny’ controlled designation of origin: The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 500 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,10 m. The spacing between plants in the same row must be between 0,90 m and 1,20 m. |
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(c)

Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Cheverny’ controlled designation of origin: The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 500 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,10 m. The spacing between plants in the same row must be between 0,90 m and 1,20 m.

3.   Rules on vine trellising

Growing method

| — | Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Anjou’ controlled designation of origin: The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0,6 times the spacing between the rows. This height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0,40 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0,20 metres above the height of the upper trellising wire. In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the following trellising rules also apply: the minimum height of the trellising posts above the ground is 1,90 metres; there are 4 levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the upper wire is 1,85 metres above the ground. |
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Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Anjou’ controlled designation of origin: The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0,6 times the spacing between the rows. This height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0,40 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0,20 metres above the height of the upper trellising wire. In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the following trellising rules also apply: the minimum height of the trellising posts above the ground is 1,90 metres; there are 4 levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the upper wire is 1,85 metres above the ground.

| — | Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Touraine’ and ‘Cheverny’ controlled designations of origin: The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0,6 times the spacing between the rows. This height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0,30 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0,20 metres above the height of the upper trellising wire. |
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Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Touraine’ and ‘Cheverny’ controlled designations of origin: The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0,6 times the spacing between the rows. This height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0,30 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0,20 metres above the height of the upper trellising wire.

4.   Pruning rules

Growing method

The vines are pruned using either the cane pruning, spur pruning or mixed pruning method.

Chenin B, Grolleau N, Grolleau Gris G, Orbois B and Pineau d’Aunis N: The vines are pruned to a maximum of 12 buds per plant. The vines can be pruned to 4 additional buds per plant on condition that, at the phenological stage corresponding to 11 or 12 leaves (separate buds), there are no more than 12 fruit-bearing branches for the year per plant.

Cabernet Franc N, Cabernet Sauvignon N, Chardonnay B and Pinot Noir N: The vines are pruned to a maximum of 14 buds per plant. The vines can be pruned to 4 additional buds per plant on condition that, at the phenological stage corresponding to 11 or 12 leaves (separate buds), there are no more than 14 fruit-bearing branches for the year per plant.

5.   Irrigation

Growing method

Irrigation is prohibited.

6.   Harvesting

Growing method

The wines are made from grapes harvested manually. The use of grape harvesting machines is prohibited.

The grapes are transported in unsealed containers. The size of the containers may not exceed 1,20 × 1,20 m, with the height of the grapes not exceeding 0,40 m. The period of time between harvesting the grapes and pressing may not exceed 24 hours.

Specific oenological practice

| (a) | After enrichment, the basic wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume does not exceed 11,6 %. The wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume after secondary fermentation and before the addition of the expedition liqueur, and if the must has been enriched, does not exceed 13 %. |
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(a)

After enrichment, the basic wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume does not exceed 11,6 %. The wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume after secondary fermentation and before the addition of the expedition liqueur, and if the must has been enriched, does not exceed 13 %.

| (b) | In addition to the above provision, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code. |
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(b)

In addition to the above provision, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

| (c) | The pressing facilities must meet criteria concerning reception of the grapes, presses, pressing operations, loading of presses, separation of juices and hygiene, as laid down in the specification. |
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(c)

The pressing facilities must meet criteria concerning reception of the grapes, presses, pressing operations, loading of presses, separation of juices and hygiene, as laid down in the specification.

The grapes are poured whole into the press. The basic wines are obtained within a limit of 100 litres of must per 150 kilograms of grapes used.

5.2.   
  Maximum yields

80 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

All stages of production take place in the geographical area comprising the following municipalities, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2021:

| — | 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 and Sainte-Radegonde and the former municipality of Thouars), Tourtenay, Val en Vignes (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul, Cersay and Saint-Pierre-à-Champ); |
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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 and Sainte-Radegonde and the former municipality of Thouars), Tourtenay, 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: Amboise, Anché, Artannes-sur-Indre, Athée-sur-Cher, Avoine, Avon-les-Roches, Azay-le-Rideau, Azay-sur-Cher, Beaumont-en-Véron, Benais, Bléré, Bossay-sur-Claise, Bourgueil, Brizay, Candes-Saint-Martin, Cangey, Chambray-lès-Tours, Chançay, Chanceaux-sur-Choisille, La Chapelle-sur-Loire, Chargé, Cheillé, Chemillé-sur-Indrois, Chenonceaux, Chinon, Chisseaux, Chouzé-sur-Loire, Cinais, Cinq-Mars-la-Pile, Civray-de-Touraine, Coteaux-sur-Loire, Couziers, Cravant-les-Côteaux, La Croix-en-Touraine, Crouzilles, Dierre, Draché, Épeigné-les-Bois, Esvres, Fondettes, Francueil, Genillé, Huismes, L’Île-Bouchard, Joué-lès-Tours, Langeais (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Langeais), Larçay, Lémeré, Lerné, Lignières-de-Touraine, Ligré, Limeray, Lussault-sur-Loire, Luynes, Luzillé, Marçay, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Montreuil-en-Touraine, Mosnes, Nazelles-Négron, Neuillé-le-Lierre, Noizay, Panzoult, Parçay-Meslay, Pocé-sur-Cisse, Pont-de-Ruan, Razines, Restigné, Reugny, Rigny-Ussé, Rivarennes, Rivière, La Roche-Clermault, Rochecorbon, Saché, Saint-Avertin, Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, Saint-Étienne-de-Chigny, Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne, Saint-Martin-le-Beau, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Saint-Ouen-les-Vignes, Saint-Règle, Savigny-en-Véron, Savonnières, Sazilly, Seuilly, Souvigny-de-Touraine, Tavant, Theneuil, Thilouze, Thizay, Tours, Vallères, Véretz, Vernou-sur-Brenne, Villaines-les-Rochers and Vouvray; |
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Department of Indre-et-Loire: Amboise, Anché, Artannes-sur-Indre, Athée-sur-Cher, Avoine, Avon-les-Roches, Azay-le-Rideau, Azay-sur-Cher, Beaumont-en-Véron, Benais, Bléré, Bossay-sur-Claise, Bourgueil, Brizay, Candes-Saint-Martin, Cangey, Chambray-lès-Tours, Chançay, Chanceaux-sur-Choisille, La Chapelle-sur-Loire, Chargé, Cheillé, Chemillé-sur-Indrois, Chenonceaux, Chinon, Chisseaux, Chouzé-sur-Loire, Cinais, Cinq-Mars-la-Pile, Civray-de-Touraine, Coteaux-sur-Loire, Couziers, Cravant-les-Côteaux, La Croix-en-Touraine, Crouzilles, Dierre, Draché, Épeigné-les-Bois, Esvres, Fondettes, Francueil, Genillé, Huismes, L’Île-Bouchard, Joué-lès-Tours, Langeais (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Langeais), Larçay, Lémeré, Lerné, Lignières-de-Touraine, Ligré, Limeray, Lussault-sur-Loire, Luynes, Luzillé, Marçay, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Montreuil-en-Touraine, Mosnes, Nazelles-Négron, Neuillé-le-Lierre, Noizay, Panzoult, Parçay-Meslay, Pocé-sur-Cisse, Pont-de-Ruan, Razines, Restigné, Reugny, Rigny-Ussé, Rivarennes, Rivière, La Roche-Clermault, Rochecorbon, Saché, Saint-Avertin, Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, Saint-Étienne-de-Chigny, Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne, Saint-Martin-le-Beau, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Saint-Ouen-les-Vignes, Saint-Règle, Savigny-en-Véron, Savonnières, Sazilly, Seuilly, Souvigny-de-Touraine, Tavant, Theneuil, Thilouze, Thizay, Tours, Vallères, Véretz, Vernou-sur-Brenne, Villaines-les-Rochers and Vouvray;

| — | Department of Loir-et-Cher: Angé, Blois, Candé-sur-Beuvron, Cellettes, Chailles, Châteauvieux, Châtillon-sur-Cher, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chémery, Cheverny, Chissay-en-Touraine, Chitenay, Choussy, Le Controis-en-Sologne, Cormeray, Couddes, Couffy, Cour-Cheverny, Faverolles-sur-Cher, Fresnes, Huisseau-sur-Cosson, Mareuil-sur-Cher, Maslives, Méhers, Mesland, Meusnes, Monteaux, Monthou-sur-Bièvre, Monthou-sur-Cher, Les Montils, Montlivault, Mont-près-Chambord, Montrichard Val de Cher, Muides-sur-Loire, Noyers-sur-Cher, Oisly, Pontlevoy, Pouillé, Rilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Aignan, Saint-Claude-de-Diray, Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, Saint-Julien-de-Chédon, Saint-Laurent-Nouan, Saint-Romain-sur-Cher, Sambin, Sassay, Seigy, Seur, Soings-en-Sologne, Thésée, Tour-en-Sologne, Valaire, Valencisse (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Chambon-sur-Cisse and Molineuf), Vallières-les-Grandes, Valloire-sur-Cisse (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Chouzy-sur-Cisse), Veuzain-sur-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Onzain) and Vineuil; |
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Department of Loir-et-Cher: Angé, Blois, Candé-sur-Beuvron, Cellettes, Chailles, Châteauvieux, Châtillon-sur-Cher, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chémery, Cheverny, Chissay-en-Touraine, Chitenay, Choussy, Le Controis-en-Sologne, Cormeray, Couddes, Couffy, Cour-Cheverny, Faverolles-sur-Cher, Fresnes, Huisseau-sur-Cosson, Mareuil-sur-Cher, Maslives, Méhers, Mesland, Meusnes, Monteaux, Monthou-sur-Bièvre, Monthou-sur-Cher, Les Montils, Montlivault, Mont-près-Chambord, Montrichard Val de Cher, Muides-sur-Loire, Noyers-sur-Cher, Oisly, Pontlevoy, Pouillé, Rilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Aignan, Saint-Claude-de-Diray, Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, Saint-Julien-de-Chédon, Saint-Laurent-Nouan, Saint-Romain-sur-Cher, Sambin, Sassay, Seigy, Seur, Soings-en-Sologne, Thésée, Tour-en-Sologne, Valaire, Valencisse (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Chambon-sur-Cisse and Molineuf), Vallières-les-Grandes, Valloire-sur-Cisse (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Chouzy-sur-Cisse), Veuzain-sur-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Onzain) and Vineuil;

| — | Department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon, Bellevigne-les-Châteaux, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice, Bouchemaine, Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brissac Loire Aubance (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Les Alleuds, Brissac-Quincé, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Brossay, Cernusson, Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux, La Jumellière and Valanjou), Cizay-la-Madeleine, Cléré-sur-Layon, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Denée, Dénezé-sous-Doué, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou, 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, Mauges-sur-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, 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 and La Varenne), Parnay, Passavant-sur-Layon, La Possonnière, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rives-de-Loir-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Villevêque), Rochefort-sur-Loire, Rou-Marson, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Just-sur-Dive, Saint-Macaire-du-Bois, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saumur, Savennières, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Souzay-Champigny, Terranjou, Tuffalun, Turquant, Les Ulmes, Val-du-Layon, Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains and Vaudelnay; |
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Department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon, Bellevigne-les-Châteaux, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice, Bouchemaine, Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brissac Loire Aubance (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Les Alleuds, Brissac-Quincé, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Brossay, Cernusson, Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux, La Jumellière and Valanjou), Cizay-la-Madeleine, Cléré-sur-Layon, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Denée, Dénezé-sous-Doué, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou, 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, Mauges-sur-Loire (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, 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 and La Varenne), Parnay, Passavant-sur-Layon, La Possonnière, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rives-de-Loir-en-Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Villevêque), Rochefort-sur-Loire, Rou-Marson, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Just-sur-Dive, Saint-Macaire-du-Bois, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saumur, Savennières, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Souzay-Champigny, Terranjou, Tuffalun, Turquant, Les Ulmes, Val-du-Layon, Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains and Vaudelnay;

| — | 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.

Maps showing the geographical area can be viewed on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality.

7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)

| | Cabernet Franc N |
| --- | --- |

Cabernet Franc N

| | Cabernet Sauvignon N |
| --- | --- |

Cabernet Sauvignon N

| | Chardonnay B |
| --- | --- |

Chardonnay B

| | Chenin B |
| --- | --- |

Chenin B

| | Grolleau N |
| --- | --- |

Grolleau N

| | Grolleau Gris G |
| --- | --- |

Grolleau Gris G

| | Orbois B |
| --- | --- |

Orbois B

| | Pineau d’Aunis N |
| --- | --- |

Pineau d’Aunis N

| | Pinot Noir N |
| --- | --- |

Pinot Noir N

8.   Description of the link(s)

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

The geographical area consists of an undulating plateau which corresponds geologically to the primary formations of the foothills of the Armorican Massif; it also includes the more recent formations of the secondary and, to a lesser extent, the tertiary eras, on the south-western fringe of the Paris basin. The area runs along the River Loire and its tributaries the Vienne, the Indre and the Cher, for around 200 kilometres. In 2021 it comprised 246 municipalities, some of which are famous for their châteaux.

The parcels demarcated for the harvesting of grapes have slaty or clayey-slaty soils in the western part and clay-limestone soils (Cenomanian, Turonian, Senonian and Eocene) in the eastern part. A feature of all the soils is that they have modest useful water reserves and good drainage capacity.

The most important layer dates back to the Turonian stage, when tuffeau stone was formed. This stone was mined in a vast number of quarries and used in the construction of the Loire châteaux and, more generally, in the architecture of the entire region, leaving behind countless caves. These quarries have become cellars, with constant temperature and humidity, devoted to mushroom growing and wine storage.

The climate is oceanic, with some nuances. The eastern section, corresponding to the Sologne wine-growing area, has a more continental influence with cumulated annual precipitation of between 550 and 650 millimetres, slightly higher than the rest of the geographical area. In the west, where the ocean’s influence is at its strongest, the temperatures are moderate, the winters mild and the summers not too hot. By contrast, towards the east, the temperature range tends to increase. In this general context, the river network formed by the Loire and its tributaries acts as a thermal regulator.

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

The history of winegrowing in the area is relatively old, as it is linked to the development of several well-established monasteries and abbeys in the region. In the 6th century, St Gregory of Tours, in his ‘History of the Franks’, reported on extensive vine cultivation in this area and the use of ‘traquettes’ to scare the birds during the ripening period. Winegrowing expanded rapidly in the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to trading developed by the Dutch. As they had a large fleet, the latter used the Loire to obtain supplies, especially of white wines, from Les Ponts-de-Cé, Saumur and Vouvray, which led to growth in the quality wine market in respect of ‘wines for the sea’.

The production of sparkling wines dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, when it was found that the characteristics of Saumur wines, produced from the Chenin B variety, made them suitable for secondary fermentation. Soon after, aware of this particular quality and the surprising similarity to ‘Champagne’ wines, in 1811 Jean-Baptiste Ackerman started producing sparkling wines using the traditional method. In 1838, a committee tasked with reviewing the products presented at the Angers trade fair stated that: ‘These wines are perfectly clear and limpid; their foam is white, lively and sparkling... They demonstrate that it is possible to produce wines in our region that can compare to Champagne wines.’

In less than half a century, encouraged by these initial results, many entrepreneurs took the committee’s advice to heart and went on to establish the area’s major wineries: ‘Veuve Amiot’, ‘Bouvet-Ladubay’, ‘Langlois-Château’ and ‘Monmousseau’. The caves created by tuffeau mining became the preferred locations for the production of sparkling wines. Tunnels were even dug out for the sole purpose of storing bottles. In the period 1845-1875, the rise in living standards in France and the expansion of the railways opened up new business opportunities for producers of sparkling wines. In 1874, 4 million bottles were shipped throughout Europe, with the reputation of the sparkling wines of the Loire valley growing rapidly in the 20th century.

The controlled designation of origin ‘Crémant de Loire’ was recognised by decree of 17 October 1975. The producers had long been aware of the importance of respecting the raw material in the production of the sparkling wines. The production rules laid down in that decree showed their commitment to manual harvesting, to putting whole grapes in the press, to pressing the grapes gently and to a long period of storage ‘on racks’.

In 2009, annual production stood at 13 million bottles.

2.   Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

‘Crémant de Loire’ is a sparkling wine that is usually white and sometimes rosé. It has an even effervescence with strings of fine, delicate and persistent bubbles. On the nose it often has aromas of white flowers mixed with fruity notes such as peach or apricot. On the palate it is fine and harmonious, with a pleasing combination of freshness and sweetness.

3.   Causal interactions

The wine-growing area stretches over almost 200 kilometres along the Loire’s network of waterways, which allowed winegrowing to develop here. The mesoclimatic variations within the geographical area, and the very different soil conditions, have enabled producers to introduce the grape varieties with the best-suited characteristics. This diversity of wine-growing conditions is of significant advantage in terms of the blends used for the cuvées.

The suitability of wines made from the Chenin B variety to undergo secondary fermentation led producers, particularly those of Saumur and Vouvray, to master the practice of natural secondary fermentation in the bottle. Building on this success and in the knowledge that they are creating a renowned product, they apply and develop techniques that ensure impeccable quality. The cellars carved out of the tuffeau stone encouraged the development of these wines, which require large temperate storage and handling areas.

The production conditions concerning the harvest, in particular transporting the harvest, are designed to ensure that the grapes remain undamaged until the pressing stage and to limit oxidation. Pressing in a well-kept environment with suitable equipment and according to rules defining a precise ratio between the weight of the grapes used and the volume of must extracted ensures the quality and clarity of the juices obtained. Using experience acquired over more than a century, the producers of sparkling wines have now perfectly mastered the blending of their cuvées. A long period of ageing allows the wine to develop its aromatic characteristics, complexity and subtlety.

An Anjou winemaker in the 1980s said that ‘Crémant de Loire’ was the result of modern techniques used to better represent tradition. This white or rosé sparkling wine is now a major wine in the Loire Valley; it is sold both on the French market and exported and enjoys a growing reputation.

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

Labelling

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The size of the letters of optional terms whose use, under EU rules, may be regulated by the Member States, must not be larger, either in height or width, than twice the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

The name of the controlled designation of origin may be followed by the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ [Loire Valley]. The size of the letters used for this geographical name must not be larger, either in height or width, than two thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

The name of the controlled designation of origin must be marked on the cork, on the part within the neck of the bottle.

Wines with the controlled designation of origin may specify a smaller geographical unit on their labels, 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 place name must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or in width, than half the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Packaging

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Packaging in the demarcated area

Description of the condition:

The wines are produced by secondary fermentation in glass bottles.

Bottling in glass bottles, where the secondary fermentation takes place, may only be done as of 1 December following the harvest.

Wines bottled on the lees must be stored for at least 9 months.

The wines are processed and sold in the bottles within which the secondary fermentation has taken place, with the exception of wines sold in bottles with a volume of 37,5 cl or less or a volume greater than 150 cl.

The wines are marketed to the consumer after a minimum ageing period of 12 months from the bottling date.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-fbd01859-710c-4b01-bc35-12c58579e127

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

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