# C_2020150EN.01001801.xml

| 6.5.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 150/18 |
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6.5.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 150/18

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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 referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2020/C 150/06)

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

‘Pays d’Oc’

PGI-FR-A1367-AM03

Date of communication:
  23.1.2020

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Vine varieties

In Chapter I of the product specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Pays d’Oc’, secondary varieties have been added to point 5 (Vine varieties) as follows:

Cabernet Cortis N for reds and rosés;

Cabernet Blanc B, Muscaris B, Soreli B and Souvignier Gris B for whites.

These five grape varieties are from a list of 16 varieties that, following studies and testing, were added to France’s official list of wine grape varieties in 2017 and 2018 as the vine varieties in question are known for their resistance to downy and powdery mildew. They are listed in the product specification as ‘novel secondary varieties’ and their presence in the varietal mix must not exceed 15 % of the volume of ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wine made. These varieties are polygenically resistant to downy and powdery mildew, and are therefore more likely to remain free from these fungal diseases – which struggle to overcome this type of resistance – in the long term.

The use of these varieties makes it possible to reduce the use of synthetic plant protection products while preserving the organoleptic properties that are characteristic of the wines covered by this PGI.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of the product

Pays d’Oc

2.   Geographical indication type

PGI – Protected Geographical Indication

3.   Categories of grapevine product

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

1.

Wine

| 5. | Quality sparkling wine |
| --- | --- |

5.

Quality sparkling wine

| 16. | Wine of overripe grapes |
| --- | --- |

16.

Wine of overripe grapes

4.   Description of the wine(s)

General

The protected geographical indication ‘Pays d’Oc’ is used for still wines, quality sparkling wines and wines from overripe grapes. These may be red, rosé, white, gris (very pale rosés) and gris de gris (gris made exclusively from ‘G’ grape varieties).

The PGI ‘Pays d’Oc’ covers a wide range of products, with varietal wines making up over 90 % of the volume produced. Alongside Mediterranean varieties such as Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah – which are preferred for the light and fruity gris and rosé wines – more recently introduced vine varieties, such as Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, give well-structured reds with red fruit aromas.

For any analytical values not specified below, the products must comply with the requirements of general legislation.

The still wines

The whites are yellow-hued with green to golden hints. Those made from the Viognier, Sauvignon and Chardonnay varieties – for example – feature a marked minerality. In general these are lively, aromatic white wines with a certain degree of aromatic strength, with aromas ranging from citrus fruit to floral notes (white flowers, violets), enhanced by a touch of vivaciousness.

The rosés have violet hints, turning pale pink in the case of the gris and gris de gris wines. They are characterised by freshness, lightness and finesse with harmonious notes of fruits (blackcurrants, strawberries) and flowers. These characteristics are brought out, in particular, by the Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah varieties.

The red wines are generally a more or less intense shade of garnet. Their aromas, which vary in strength, range from red fruits (blackcurrant, raspberry, cherry, etc.) to more pronounced notes of spice, liquorice or cocoa. When aged, they are rich in pigments and mild tannins. The reds are often blends of varieties, with each of them contributing flavour (leather, undergrowth), intensity of colour (intense red, dark purple) and tannin structure thanks to modern wine-making methods.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 10 |
| 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)

10

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

The quality sparkling wines

A range of quality sparkling wines made from individual grape varieties has been developed, and since the 1990s it has been possible to market these wines under their varietal names. Their colours and aromatic properties match those of the still wines, and they are characterised by the freshness and aromatic finesse of the grape varieties from the Pays d’Oc region that are most suitable for making these wines, mainly Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Viognier and Muscat à Petits Grains. These quality sparkling wines have light, elegant bubbles and floral or fruity aromas depending on the varieties used. By tailoring the different winemaking techniques, winemakers are able to preserve the intrinsic qualities of these grape varieties – their primary aromas of fresh fruit and their vivaciousness in particular. The processing of wine into sparkling wine is increasingly carried out by external firms that are able to provide this service on demand.

| 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)

The wines from overripe grapes

Wines made from grapes harvested when they are overripe or affected by noble rot – which makes them rich in sugars and allows them to develop complex aromas – are produced in smaller quantities.

This production of a small quantity of PGI ‘Pays d’Oc’ wines from overripe grapes is a throwback to the Languedoc region’s ancient history of making these strong wines, the only wines that stood up to storage and transportation. With hints of colour ranging from straw yellow to brown and pear and yellow fruit aromas, they are made by leaving the grapes to raisin on the vine and/or develop noble rot.

The whites, made without the use of enrichment, are made from grapes harvested when they are overripe or are affected by noble rot, and their fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content is at least 45 g/l, with volatile acidity not exceeding 24,48 mEq/L.

For all other analytical values, the wines must comply with general 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)

5.   Wine-making practices

a.   Essential oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

For a wine to use the PGI, the main grape varieties must make up more than 50 % of its volume. Any secondary varieties used must account for less than 50 % of the volume and novel varieties may not account for more than 15 %.

The PGI name may be supplemented with the name of a single grape variety provided that:

| — | the variety in question is on the list of main varieties; |
| --- | --- |

—

the variety in question is on the list of main varieties;

| — | the wine is declared under this varietal name; |
| --- | --- |

—

the wine is declared under this varietal name;

| — | the variety in question accounts for at least 85 % of the composition. |
| --- | --- |

—

the variety in question accounts for at least 85 % of the composition.

The PGI name may be supplemented with the name of two or more grape varieties provided that:

| — | the varieties in question are on the list of main varieties; |
| --- | --- |

—

the varieties in question are on the list of main varieties;

| — | the wine is declared under these varietal names, whether or not they are in a blend; |
| --- | --- |

—

the wine is declared under these varietal names, whether or not they are in a blend;

| — | each of the varieties in question account for at least 15 % of the composition. |
| --- | --- |

—

each of the varieties in question account for at least 15 % of the composition.

Red or rosé wines may be made using a white grape variety from the list of main varieties or the list of novel secondary varieties provided that:

| — | the musts of the different grapes are made into wine together;
  and |
| --- | --- |

—

the musts of the different grapes are made into wine together;

and

| — | if the white grapes used are from the list of main varieties, the white must accounts for no more than 20 % of the declared volume of wine;
  or |
| --- | --- |

—

if the white grapes used are from the list of main varieties, the white must accounts for no more than 20 % of the declared volume of wine;

or

| — | if the white grapes used are from the list of novel varieties, the white must accounts for no more than 15 % of the declared volume of wine. |
| --- | --- |

—

if the white grapes used are from the list of novel varieties, the white must accounts for no more than 15 % of the declared volume of wine.

Malolactic fermentation must be completed by the first taste-testing of red wines – with the exception of ‘early’ or ‘new’ red wines labelled primeur or nouveau – and red wines made from overripe grapes.

Specific oenological practice

Wines from overripe grapes must come exclusively from the vintage year stated on the label.

‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines made from overripe grapes must be aged for at least six months from the harvest date.

‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines labelled as sur lie or ‘on the lees’ spend only one winter in the vat or cask and are on their fine lees at the time of bottling. ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI sur lie wines may not be bottled before 21 March of the year following harvest.

Malolactic fermentation must be completed by the first taste-testing of ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI red wines – with the exception of ‘early’ or ‘new’ red wines labelled primeur or nouveau – and red wines made from overripe grapes.

In addition to the above rules, the wine-making practices used must comply with EU law and the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

b.   Maximum yields

‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI red and white wines

90 hectolitres per hectare

‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI rosé, gris and gris de gris wines

100 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes to be used to make still ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines – including wines from overripe grapes – must be harvested and made into wine in the Departments of Aude, Gard, Hérault, Pyrénées-Orientales and the municipalities of Ispagnac, Montbrun, Quézac, Sainte-Enimie, La Malène and Les Vignes in the Department of Lozère.

The grapes to be used to make quality sparkling wines must be harvested and made into wine in the Departments of Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales and in certain municipalities in the Departments of Lozère and Aude, namely:

Ispagnac, Montbrun, Quézac, Sainte-Enimie, La Malène and Les Vignes in the Department of Lozère

Aigues-Vives, Airoux, Alaigne, Alairac, Albas, Albières, Alzonne, Aragon, Argeliers, Argens-Minervois, Armissan, Arques, Arquettes-en-Val, Artigues, Arzens, Aunat, Auriac, Axat, Azille, Badens, Bages, Bagnoles, Baraigne, Barbaira, Belcaire, Belcastel-et-Buc, Belflou, Belfort Sur Rebenty, Bellegarde-du-Razès, Belpech, Belvèze-du-Razès, Belvianes-et-Cavirac, Belvis, Berriac, Bessède-de-Sault, Bizanet, Bize-Minervois, Blomac, Bouilhonnac, Bouisse, Bourigeole, Boutenac, Bram, Brenac, Brézilhac, Brousses-et-Villaret, Brugairolles, Bugarach, Cabrespine, Cahuzac, Cailla, Cailhau, Cailhavel, Cambieure, Campagna-de-Sault, Camplong-d’Aude, Camps-sur-l’Agly, Camurac, Canet, Capendu, Carcassonne, Carlipa, Cascastel-des-Corbières, Castans, Castelnau-d’Aude, Castelnaudary, Caudebronde, Caudeval, Caunes-Minervois, Caunette-sur-Lauquet, Caunettes-en-Val, Caux-et-Sauzens, Cavanac, Caves, Cazalrenoux, Cazilhac, Cenne-Monestiés, Chalabre, Citou, Clermont-sur-Lauquet, Comigne, Comus, Conilhac-Corbieres, Conques-sur-Orbiel, Corbières, Counozouls, Coudons, Couffoulens, Coursan, Courtauly, Coustouge, Cruscades, Cubières-sur-Cinoble, Cucugnan, Cumiès, Cuxac-Cabardès, Cuxac-d’Aude, Davejean, Dernacueillette, Donazac, Douzens, Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, Durban-Corbières, Embres-et-Castelmaure, Escales, Escouloubre, Escueillens-et-Saint-Just-de-Beleng, Espezel, Fabrezan, Fajac-en-Val, Fajac-la-Relenque, Fanjeaux, Félines-Termenès, Fendeille, Fenouillet-du-Razès, Ferrals-les-Corbières, Ferran, Feuilla, Fitou, Fleury, Floure, Fontcouverte, Fontanès-de-Sault, Fonters-du-Razès, Fontiers-Cabardès, Fontiès-d’Aude, Fontjoncouse, Fournes-Cabardès, Fourtou, Fraisse-Cabardès, Fraisse-des-Corbières, Galinagues, Gaja-la-Selve, Generville, Gincla, Ginestas, Ginoles, Gourvieille, Gramazie, Granès, Greffeil, Gruissan, Gueytes-et-Labastide, Homps, Hounoux, Issel, Jonquières, Joucou, La Bezole, La Cassaigne, La Courtète, La Fajeolle, La Force, La Louvière-Lauragais, La Palme, La Pomarède, La Redorte, La Tourette-Cabardès, Labastide-d’Anjou, Labastide-en-Val, Labastide-Esparbairenque, Labécède-Lauragais, Lacombe, Lafage, Lagrasse, Lairière, Lanet, Laprade, Laroque-de-Fa, Lasbordes, Lasserre-de-Prouille, Lastours, Laurabuc, Laurac, Lauraguel, Laure-Minervois, Lavalette, Les Brunels, Le Bousquet, Le Clat, Les Casses, Les Ilhes, Les Martys, Lespinassière, Leuc, Leucate, Lézignan-Corbières, Lignairolles, Limousis, Luc-sur-Orbieu, Mailhac, Maisons, Malves-en-Minervois, Malviès, Marcorignan, Marquein, Marsa, Marseillette, Mas-Cabardès, Mas-des-Cours, Mas-Saintes-Puelles, Massac, Mayreville, Mayronnes, Mazerolles-du-Razès, Mazuby, Merrial, Mézerville, Miraval-Cabardès, Mirepeisset, Mireval-Lauragais, Missègre, Molandier, Molleville, Montauriol, Montbrun-des-Corbières, Montclar, Montferrand, Montfort-sur-Boulsane, Montgaillard, Montgradail, Monthaut, Montirat, Montjardin, Montjoi, Montlaur, Montmaur, Montolieu, Montréal, Montredon-des-Corbières, Montséret, Monze, Moussan, Moussoulens, Mouthoumet, Moux, Narbonne, Nébias, Névian, Niort-de- Sault, Ornaisons, Orsans, Ouveillan, Padern, Palairac, Palaja, Paraza, Payra-sur-l’Hers, Paziols, Pech-Luna, Pécharic-et-le-Py, Pennautier, Pépieux, Pexiora, Peyrefitte-du-Razès, Peyrefitte-sur-l’Hers, Peyrens, Peyriac-de-Mer, Peyriac-Minervois, Pezens, Plaigne, Plavilla, Pomy, Port-la-Nouvelle, Portel-des-Corbières, Pouzols-Minervois, Pradelles-Cabardes, Pradelles-en-Val, Preixan, Puginier, Puichéric, Puylaurens, Puivert, Quillan, Quintillan, Quirbajou, Raissac-d’Aude, Raissac-sur-Lampy, Rennes-le-Château, Rennes-les-Bains, Ribaute, Ribouisse, Ricaud, Rieux-en-Val, Rieux-Minervois, Rivel, Rodome, Roquecourbe-Minervois, Roquefere, Roquefeuil, Roquefort-des-Corbières, Roquefort-de-Sault, Roubia, Rouffiac-des-Corbières, Roullens, Routier, Rouvenac, Rustiques, Saint-Amans, Saint-André-de-Roquelongue, Saint-Benoît, Sainte-Colombe-sur-Guette, Saint-Couat-d’Aude, Saint-Denis, Saint-Ferriol, Saint-Frichoux, Saint-Gauderic, Saint-Jean-de-Barrou, Saint-Jean-de-Paracol, Saint-Julia-de-Bec, Saint-Julien-de-Briola, Saint-Just-et-le-Bezu, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, Saint-Louis-et-Parahou, Saint-Marcel-sur-Aude, Saint-Martin-de-Villereglan, Saint-Martin-des-Puits, Saint-Martin-Lalande, Saint-Martin-le-Vieil, Saint-Martin-Lys, Saint-Michel-de-Lanes, Saint-Nazaire-d’Aude, Saint-Papoul, Saint-Paulet, Saint-Pierre-des-Champs, Saint-Sernin, Sainte-Camelle, Sainte-Colombe-sur-l’Hers, Sainte-Eulalie, Sainte-Valière, Saissac, Sallèles-Cabardès, Sallèles-d’Aude, Salles-d’Aude, Salles-sur-l’Hers, Salsigne, Salvezine, Salza, Seignalens, Serviès-en-Val, Sigean, Sonnac-sur-l’Hers, Sougraigne, Souilhanels, Souilhe, Soulatge, Soupex, Talairan, Taurize, Termes, Terroles, Thézan-des-Corbières, Tournissan, Tourouzelle, Trassanel, Trausse, Trèbes, Treilles, Tréville, Tréziers, Tuchan, Valmigère, Ventenac-Cabardès, Ventenac-en-Minervois, Véraza, Verdun-en-Lauragais, Verzeille, Vignevieille, Villalier, Villanière, Villar-en-Val, Villardebelle, Villardonnel, Villarzel-Cabardès, Villarzel-du-Razès, Villasavary, Villautou, Villedaigne, Villedubert, Villefloure, Villefort, Villegailhenc, Villegly, Villemagne, Villemoustaussou, Villeneuve-la-Comptal, Villeneuve-les-Corbières, Villeneuve-les-Montréal, Villeneuve-Minervois, Villepinte, Villerouge-Termenès, Villesèque-des-Corbières, Villesèquelande, Villesiscle, Villespy, Villetritouls and Vinassan in the Department of Aude.

7.   Main wine grape variety(ies)

Alicante Henri Bouschet N

Altesse B

Alvarinho – Albariño

Bourboulenc B – Doucillon blanc

Cabernet franc N

Cabernet-Sauvignon N

Caladoc N

Carignan N

Carmenère N

Chardonnay B

Chasan B

Chenin B

Cinsaut N – Cinsault

Clairette rose Rs

Colombard B

Cot N – Malbec

Gamay N

Gewurztraminer Rs

Grenache N

Grenache blanc B

Grenache gris G

Gros Manseng B

Macabeu B – Macabeo

Marsanne B

Marselan N

Mauzac B

Merlot N

Mondeuse N

Morrastel N – Minustellu, Graciano

Mourvèdre N – Monastrell

Muscat d’Alexandrie B – Muscat, Moscato

Muscat de Hambourg N – Muscat, Moscato

Muscat à petits grains blancs B – Muscat, Moscato

Muscat à petits grains rouges Rg – Muscat, Moscato

Nielluccio N – Nielluciu

Négrette N

Petit Manseng B

Petit Verdot N

Pinot blanc B

Pinot gris G

Pinot noir N

Portan N

Riesling B

Roussanne B

Sauvignon B – Sauvignon blanc

Sauvignon gris G – Fié gris

Semillon B

Sylvaner B

Syrah N – Shiraz

Tempranillo N

Terret blanc B

Vermentino B – Rolle

Viognier B

8.   Description of the link(s)

Specificity of the geographical area

The geographical area of production spans the entire Departments of Languedoc-Roussillon, Aude, Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales as well as six municipalities in Lozère.

It forms a vast amphitheatre framed by a series of mountain ranges to the north, from the Pyrenees to the Cévennes, and extends down to the Mediterranean Sea, passing through a range of geological contexts, from the Paleozoic Era to the Quaternary Period. Whatever their geological origins, the soils in which the vines grow are suitable for this purpose: they are all dry and rather stony, not particularly fertile but with good drainage, allowing roots to grow deep.

Amidst debate on how to establish a much-needed differentiation between the various products of France’s vineyards, the ‘Vin de Pays’ category was created in 1979. On 10 October 1987 a Decree was issued creating a regional ‘Vin de Pays’, ‘Pays d’Oc’.

Developed on the basis of favouring both Languedoc’s historical varieties and varieties from beyond the region’s borders, ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI follows in the Mediterranean tradition of trading, including in vine varieties.

Specificity of the product

The list of vine varieties authorised for making ‘Pay d’Oc’ PGI wines currently numbers 63. Alongside Mediterranean varieties such as Carignan, Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, there are other varieties of international renown that have been more recently introduced to France. The most important examples are red Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Caladoc grapes and white Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Viognier and Alvarinho grapes.

Each with its own distinctive features and complementing one another, these different vine varieties are perfectly suited to the climate of the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI region, particularly now that climate change has demonstrably warmed up the region. They also allow winemakers to unleash their creativity in making their authentic wines. For example, the Petit Verdot lends itself well enough to ageing to be made into a varietal wine.

Although the Mediterranean varieties are generally favoured for the rosés, Carignan gives harmonious results when made into red wine, lending it an intense depth of colour, and can be blended with other varieties, most notably Merlot.

The use of these different varieties in winemaking is constantly developing. Reds tend to make up half of the volume of wine made, with rosés and whites accounting for a quarter each.

Varietal and multi-varietal wines account for 95 % of the volume made, placing ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI as the European leader in varietals and varietal blends.

In order to ensure the best possible quality, there are strict rules on production conditions and analytical values, and all batches are systematically taste-tested.

It is the region’s unique Mediterranean conditions that makes it possible for varietals to account for the vast majority of the wines made there.

In the same context, the region’s long-standing tradition of sparkling winemaking has undergone major development since the beginning of the century, resulting in a range of quality sparkling wines.

Languedoc’s vineyards, which date back to Roman times, actually produced their first sparkling wines through the use of perforated amphorae to ferment musts.

Sparkling wine was first made at the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Hilaire in the Department of Aude in 1531. This paved the way for sparkling winemaking to develop throughout the region that today constitutes the production area for ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI. In 1883, basing itself on the concept of ‘rural modernity’, the Compagnie des Salins du Midi developed the Domaine Royal de Jarras in the Department of Gard – owned by the Benedictine monks of Psalmody Abbey and acquired by Saint Louis in 1244 – into a larger-scale winery, and this included making sparkling wines.

As sparkling wine production was increasing, there was a need to develop the technology used, and in 1907, Jean-Eugène Charmat, a Montpellier-based agronomist, was granted a patent for his invention, a technique for fermenting musts in pressure tanks to make sparkling wines, at the Ecole Supérieure Agronomique de Montpellier (which in 1946 became Montpellier SupAgro). The fact that this method, known as Charmat, was developed in the Languedoc-Roussillon region shows the importance of sparkling winemaking – and of the development of the associated expertise – to the region’s economy.

From the beginning of the 20th century sparkling wine production expanded throughout the Departments making up the Languedoc-Roussillon region, stimulated by the economic growth of the region’s winemaking industry and the vineyards’ ability to adapt to this type of production.

The specific properties of these wines – characterised by their hues, freshness and aromatic finesse – reflect the choice selection of varieties, planted on well-exposed slopes in soils with a good water reserve, giving good-quality red, white and rosé sparkling wines made mainly from Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Viognier and Muscat à Petits Grains.

This production of a small quantity of PGI ‘Pays d’Oc’ wines from overripe grapes is a throwback to the Languedoc region’s ancient history of making these strong wines, the only wines that stood up to storage and transportation. With hints of colour ranging from straw yellow to brown and pear and yellow fruit aromas, they are made by leaving the grapes to raisin on the vine and/or develop noble rot.

The specific requirement that wines labelled as sur lie (‘on the lees’) be bottled in establishments located within the defined geographical area and the ‘area in immediate proximity’ has been included in the product specification with the aim of preserving the essential characteristics of those wines, which are the result of the interaction between the natural environment and the expertise developed by winemakers on how best to bring out the wines’ organoleptic qualities through vinification and cellar operations.

Causal link between the specificity of the geographical area and the specificity of the product

The combination of a typical Mediterranean climate with soils that are rather dry, not very fertile but with good draining, allowing roots to grow deep, makes it possible to grow a range of different varieties and means that their agricultural potential can be harnessed in full. How these different varieties express themselves within the territory, marked by the influence of a southern climate, is what makes ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI unique.

A century-old tradition of sparkling winemaking in the region, combined with the winemakers’ experience and expertise and the benefits of top-class technical equipment, come together to produce top-of-the-range original quality sparkling wines. In terms of varietal wines, these have a special place in the quality sparkling wines category thanks to the presence of varieties that are naturally suited to the territory.

The influence of the sea breezes on the entire production area gives the varieties that are harvested early on a set of intense primary aromas, perfect for making quality sparkling wines.

The Languedoc-Roussillon area owes its sparkling winemaking tradition to a combination of factors that have proven highly beneficial to the production of sparkling wines: soils with a good water reserve on well-exposed slopes, a particularly sunny Mediterranean climate tempered by the influence of sea breezes, and the expertise of local growers.

The combination of these elements (soils, climate, and the influence of the winds), the growers’ mastery of farming techniques, and the fact that the range of suitable aromatic varieties is limited, brings resistance to diseases caused by cryptograms allowing them to be kept in check. This means that the vineyards stay healthy, without major pest attacks, so the grapes can be harvested at technological maturity, and are very well placed to produce quality sparkling wines with fine bubbles and a long-lasting foam.

Sparkling winemaking is a deeply rooted tradition in the ‘Pays d’Oc’ area. A large volume of these wines is made and they have a high added value. This sector involves up to 150 cooperative wineries and 1 000 individual wineries, and their products are sold both in France and abroad.

This undisputed success is only possible thanks to the long tradition of production, ancestral expertise, and the fact that the vine varieties are perfectly suited to the soil and climate of the ‘Pay d’Oc’ PGI territory.

The fact that a range of different varieties are used to make a range of complementary and high-quality products clearly demonstrates that the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI vineyards are modern, efficient, and suited to the territory, while being mindful and respectful of their history.

Almost 2 000 businesses – 200 cooperative wineries, 1 200 individual wineries, 65 trading winemakers and over 450 wine merchants – are involved in making and selling ‘Pays d’Oc’ wines.

Each year, grapes for the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI are grown on almost 115 000 of the 240 000 hectares of vineyards present in Languedoc-Roussillon.

A restructuring process – both in terms of oenological engineering and varietal development – that began almost 40 years ago has benefited from the work of further and higher education centres in the region conducting scientific and technical research into winegrowing: the ENTAV (the National Technical Institute for Improvements in Winegrowing) in the Department of Gard, where all French vine varieties and clones are kept, the Institut des Hautes Études de la Vigne et du Vin (Institute for Higher Education in Vine and Wine) in Montpellier and the technological exchange at INRA (National Agronomic Research Institute) Pech Rouge in the Department of Aude.

As a result, ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines – whether still wines, quality sparkling wines or wines from overripe grapes – have, thanks to the uniqueness of the grape varieties used, made a name and a place for themselves, not just on European markets but around the world.

They are present in 170 countries, with northern Europe accounting for 75 % of the volume, North America 9 % and China 7 %.

‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI therefore represents a long-standing winemaking tradition that has been carried on within a context of modernity, allowing the wines to become known by consumers and contributing to the PGI’s reputation.

Numerous promotion initiatives are conducted throughout the wine season, from harvest to the tasting of the current vintage, both within the region and at trade fairs around the world. The region’s attraction as a tourist destination means that a large number of visitors have the opportunity to discover its vineyards by following driving or walking tours, bringing them to the wineries attached to those vineyards, where they can discover their wines and admire their architectural heritage. All of these initiatives help to develop ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI and build up its reputation.

It is an undisputed fact that, since it was created, ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI has been at the heart of the revival of the Languedoc-Roussillon winegrowing industry, helping to preserve the region’s vineyards, a key element that structures life in its villages and influences spatial planning in the region.

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

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation on the production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The ‘area of immediate proximity’ defined by derogation for the production of still ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines comprises the cantons that border the Departments of Aude, Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales:

Anglès, Arles, Avignon-1, Avignon-2, Avignon-3, Ax-Les-Thermes, Barre-des-Cévennes, Bollène, Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Camarès, Campagnac, Châteaurenard, Cornus, Coucouron, Dourgne, Labruguière, Lacaune, Lavelanet, Le-Pont-de-Montvert, Le Pontet (municipalities of Le Pontet and Vedéne), Les Vans, Mazamet, Meyrueis, Mirepoix, Murat-sur-Vèbre, Nailloux, Nant, Orange, Peyreleau, Quérigut, Revel, Saint-Germain-de-Calberte, Saint-Amans-Soult, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Saverdun, Sorgues, Tarascon, Valgorge, Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Vaison-la-Romaine (municipalities of Camaret-sur-Aigues, Travaillan and Violès), Villefort and Villefranche-de-Lauragais.

The ‘area of immediate proximity’ defined by derogation for the wine-making and processing of quality sparkling ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines comprises the Departments of Ardèche, Ariège, Aveyron, Bouches-du-Rhône, Haute-Garonne, Lozère, Tarn and Vaucluse.

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Packaging within the demarcated area

Description of the condition:

‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines labelled as sur lie or ‘on the lees’ must be bottled in establishments located within the geographical area and the ‘area of immediate proximity’. This preserves the essential characteristics of those wines and minimises the amount of naturally occurring carbon dioxide that is lost, so they retain their slight fizz.

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The name of one or more vine varieties may be used alongside ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI in accordance with the conditions laid down in the product specification.

The name of the vine variety (or varieties) must be displayed in the same visual field as the words ‘Pays d’Oc’.

For still wines only, the terms primeur or nouveau, indicating an ‘early’ or ‘new’ wine, may be used alongside the protected geographical indication ‘Pays d’Oc’.

For rosé and white wines, the words sur lie or ‘on the lees’ may be used alongside the protected geographical indication ‘Pays d’Oc’, provided that the wine is also labelled with the year of harvest.

The year of harvest must be stated on the labels of PGI ‘Pays d’Oc’ wines made from overripe grapes.

If the traditional term ‘Vin de Pays’ is used instead of Indication Géographique Protégée (‘Protected Geographical Indication’), the EU PGI logo must be displayed on the label.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-fc042b5e-a658-48e0-98a9-81f91cd27beb

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

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