Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the 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

(2022/C 88/07)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT TO THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Crémant de Bordeaux’

PDO-FR-A0488-AM06

Date of communication: 26 November 2021

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.

Point 6 of the single document has been amended.

2. Grape varieties

The grape varieties Muscadelle B, Sauvignon B, Sauvignon Gris G and Sémillon B have been added for the production of rosé sparkling wines.

These grape varieties were already among those used for the production of sparkling white wines.

The use of white grape varieties in vats of sparkling rosé wines has been limited in conjunction with this addition.

The addition of these grape varieties brings a certain freshness to the wines while preserving the organoleptic characteristics of sparkling rosé wines.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

3. Agri-environmental provisions

The following agri-environmental provisions have been added to the specification:

Dead vines must be removed from the parcels. No dead vines may be held on the parcels.

Full chemical weed control on parcels is prohibited.

All winegrowers must calculate and record their treatment frequency index (TFI).

These amendments are intended to take greater account of the environment and of general demands for less use of plant protection products.

These amendments require no changes to the single document.

4. Transport of the harvest

The conditions for transporting the harvest have been clarified by adding the following:

The size of the containers must not exceed 1,20 × 1,00 m on each side or 0,80 m in height, with a loading height not exceeding 0,60 m. The period of time between harvesting the grapes and pressing must not exceed 24 hours.

This amendment makes it possible to avoid crushing the grapes during transport and thereby improves their quality.

Point 5.1 of the single document has been amended accordingly.

5. Pressing

It has been specified that the grapes are poured into the press without being crushed or destemmed.

This underlines that the grapes must be whole for control purposes.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

6. Homogenisation

It has been added that the operator-winemaker must prove that they have a means of homogenising the expedition liqueur with the wine by shaking the bottles, to which sugar has been added, several times during the disgorging process.

This ensures that the bottles are properly homogenised, especially as regards semi-dry wines.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

7. Places of storage

For storage, it has been specified that the operator must prove by any means available that they have a place of storage with a maximum temperature not exceeding 14 °C during secondary fermentation and 20 °C up until disgorging.

The aim of this amendment is to optimise the success of the secondary fermentation by ensuring a stable environment.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

8. Date for circulation between authorised warehouses

Point IX(5)(b) of Chapter I on the date of entry into circulation of the wines between authorised warehouses has been deleted.

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

9. Transitional measure

The expired transitional measures have been deleted from the specification.

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

10. Statement of a disgorgement claim

The claim statement has been replaced by a statement of a disgorgement claim.

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

11. Adjustment of the main points to be checked

The main points to be checked concerning the statement of a disgorgement claim and the wines after disgorgement.

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

12. Reference to the inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording of other product specifications. It is a purely formal amendment.

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

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Crémant de Bordeaux

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

5. Quality sparkling wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

White or rosé quality sparkling wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines have a natural alcoholic strength by volume of ≥ 9 %.

After the secondary fermentation, the wines have:

— a total alcoholic strength by volume of ≥ 11 %;

— a volatile acid content of ≤ 18 mEq/l;

— a total sulphur dioxide content of ≤ 150 mg/l;

— if the must has been enriched, a total alcoholic strength by volume of ≤ 13 %.

The wines have a brilliant colour, long-lasting foam and a long and fruity finish.

With their characteristically fine bubbles and sparkling aspect, the white wines are fresh and nervy wines, in particular when they are produced from the Sauvignon B and Sémillon B grape varieties. When aged on lees, more mature aromatic notes appear, often together with notes of butter or toasted bread.

The rosé wines, which are mainly produced from the Merlot N and Cabernet Franc N grape varieties, are distinguished by their fruity notes. These wines are intended to be drunk when young.

General analytical characteristics Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) Minimum total acidity in milliequivalents per litre 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

Cultivation method

The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed 2,5 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,85 metres.

This planting density may be reduced to 3 300 plants per hectare. In that case, the spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed 3 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,85 metres.

2. Pruning rules

Cultivation method

Only spur (or short) pruning and shoot (or long) pruning are allowed.

For the Merlot N, Muscadelle B and Sémillon B grape varieties, the number of buds when pruning must not exceed 50 000 per hectare or 20 per plant.

For the other varieties, the number of buds when pruning must not exceed 60 000 per hectare or 22 per plant.

Pruning is carried out at the unfolded-leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9) at the latest.

3. Transport of the harvest

Cultivation method

The grapes are transported in unsealed containers. The size of the containers must not exceed 1,20 × 1,00 m on each side or 0,80 m in height, with a loading height not exceeding 0,60 m. The period of time between harvesting the grapes and pressing must not exceed 24 hours.

4. Reception and pressing

Specific oenological practice

The grapes for making the white wines are poured as whole bunches into the press.

The use of any helical screw system to strain or crush the grapes is prohibited.

The use of any helical screw or chain-based grape press system is prohibited.

A weighing device is mandatory and must be suited to the types of containers used for the harvest.

The grapes must remain intact while they are being supplied and conveyed to the press. In particular, the use of any ‘anti-clogging’ systems or methods that damage the grape must be reconsidered or eliminated.

The press must be loaded to capacity in a single operation. It may only exceptionally be loaded with a smaller quantity.

Fractionating the musts is mandatory.

The free-run juices from the grape conveyor system are separated. These juices are not taken into account when calculating the final pressing volume. They must be sent for distillation before 31 July of the year in question.

The press must be washed daily.

The harvesting containers must be washed daily.

It must be easy to wash the floor of the premises where the grapes are received and pressed.

5. Enrichment

Specific oenological practice

The fermentable sugar content of base wines that have been enriched is ≤ 5 g/l.

The total alcoholic strength by volume of wines whose must has been enriched must not exceed 13 % after the secondary fermentation.

5.2. Maximum yields

1. 78 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged in the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 February 2021: Abzac, Aillas, Ambarès-et-Lagrave, Ambès, Anglade, Arbanats, Arcins, Arsac, Artigues-près-Bordeaux, Arveyres, Asques, Aubiac, Auriolles, Auros, Avensan, Ayguemorte-les-Graves, Bagas, Baigneaux, Barie, Baron, Barsac, Bassanne, Bassens, Baurech, Bayas, Bayon-sur-Gironde, Bazas, Beautiran, Bégadan, Bègles, Béguey, Bellebat, Bellefond, Belvès-de-Castillon, Bernos-Beaulac, Berson, Berthez, Beychac-et-Caillau, Bieujac, Birac, Blaignac, Blaignan-Prignac, Blanquefort, Blasimon, Blaye, Blésignac, Bommes, Bonnetan, Bonzac, Bordeaux, Bossugan, Bouliac, Bourdelles, Bourg, Branne, Brannens, Braud-et-Saint-Louis, Brouqueyran, Bruges, Budos, Cabanac-et-Villagrains, Cabara, Cadarsac, Cadaujac, Cadillac, Cadillac-en-Fronsadais, Camarsac, Cambes, Camblanes-et-Meynac, Camiac-et-Saint-Denis, Camiran, Camps-sur-l’Isle, Campugnan, Canéjan, Capian, Caplong, Carbon-Blanc, Cardan, Carignan-de-Bordeaux, Cars, Cartelègue, Casseuil, Castelmoron-d’Albret, Castelnau-de-Médoc, Castelviel, Castets et Castillon, Castillon-la-Bataille, Castres-Gironde, Caudrot, Caumont, Cauvignac, Cavignac, Cazats, Cazaugitat, Cénac, Cenon, Cérons, Cessac, Cestas, Cézac, Chamadelle, Cissac-Médoc, Civrac-de-Blaye, Civrac-sur-Dordogne, Civrac-en-Médoc, Cleyrac, Coimères, Coirac, Comps, Coubeyrac, Couquèques, Courpiac, Cours-de-Monségur, Cours-les-Bains, Coutras, Coutures, Créon, Croignon, Cubnezais, Cubzac-les-Ponts, Cudos, Cursan, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Daignac, Dardenac, Daubèze, Dieulivol, Donnezac, Donzac, Doulezon, Escoussans, Espiet, Etauliers, Eynesse, Eyrans, Eysines, Faleyras, Fargues, Fargues-Saint-Hilaire, Flaujagues, Floirac, Floudès, Fontet, Fossés-et-Baleyssac, Fours, Francs, Fronsac, Frontenac, Gabarnac, Gaillan-en-Médoc, Gajac, Galgon, Gans, Gardegan-et-Tourtirac, Gauriac, Gauriaguet, Générac, Génissac, Gensac, Gironde-sur-Dropt, Gornac, Gours, Gradignan, Grayan-et-l’Hôpital, Grézillac, Grignols, Guillac, Guillos, Guîtres, Haux, Hure, Illats, Isle-Saint-Georges, Izon, Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac, Jugazan, Juillac, La Brède, La Lande-de-Fronsac, La Réole, La Rivière, La Roquille, La Sauve, Labarde, Labescau, Ladaux, Lados, Lagorce, Lalande-de-Pomerol, Lamarque, Lamothe-Landerron, Landerrouat, Landerrouet-sur-Ségur, Landiras, Langoiran, Langon, Lansac, Lapouyade, Laroque, Laruscade, Latresne, Lavazan, Le Bouscat, Le Fieu, Le Haillan, Le Nizan, Le Pian-Médoc, Le Pian-sur-Garonne, Le Pout, Le Puy, Le Taillan-Médoc, Le Tourne, Le Verdon-sur-Mer, Léogeats, Léognan, Les Artigues-de-Lussac, Les Billaux, Les Eglisottes-et-Chalaures, Les Esseintes, Les Lèves-et-Thoumeyragues, Les Peintures, Les Salles-de-Castillon, Lesparre-Médoc, Lestiac-sur-Garonne, Libourne, Lignan-de-Bazas, Lignan-de-Bordeaux, Ligueux, Listrac-de-Durèze, Listrac-Médoc, Lormont, Loubens, Loupes, Loupiac, Loupiac-de-la-Réole, Ludon-Médoc, Lugaignac, Lugasson, Lugon-et-l’Ile-du-Carnay, Lussac, Macau, Madirac, Maransin, Marcenais, Margaux-Cantenac, Margueron, Marimbault, Marions, Marsas, Martignas-sur-Jalle, Martillac, Martres, Masseilles, Massugas, Mauriac, Mazères, Mazion, Mérignac, Mérignas, Mesterrieux, Mombrier, Mongauzy, Monprimblanc, Monségur, Montagne, Montagoudin, Montignac, Montussan, Morizès, Mouillac, Mouliets-et-Villemartin, Moulis-en-Médoc, Moulon, Mourens, Naujac-sur-Mer, Naujan-et-Postiac, Néac, Nérigean, Neuffons, Noaillac, Noaillan, Omet, Ordonnac, Paillet, Parempuyre, Pauillac, Pellegrue, Périssac, Pessac, Pessac-sur-Dordogne, Petit-Palais-et-Cornemps, Peujard, Pineuilh, Plassac, Pleine-Selve, Podensac, Pomerol, Pompéjac, Pompignac, Pondaurat, Porchères, Porte-de-Benauge, Portets , Préchac, Preignac, Prignac-et-Marcamps, Pugnac, Puisseguin, Pujols, Pujols-sur-Ciron, Puybarban, Puynormand, Queyrac, Quinsac, Rauzan, Reignac, Rimons, Riocaud, Rions, Roaillan, Romagne, Roquebrune, Ruch, Sablons, Sadirac, Saillans, Saint-Aignan, Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Saint-André-du-Bois, Saint-André-et-Appelles, Saint-Androny, Saint-Antoine-du-Queyret, Saint-Antoine-sur-l’Isle, Saint-Aubin-de-Blaye, Saint-Aubin-de-Branne, Saint-Aubin-de-Médoc, Saint-Avit-de-Soulège, Saint-Avit-Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Brice, Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, Saint-Christoly-de-Blaye, Saint-Christoly-Médoc, Saint-Christophe-de-Double, Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, Saint-Cibard, Saint-Ciers-d’Abzac, Saint-Ciers-de-Canesse, Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde, Sainte-Colombe, Saint-Côme, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Saint-Denis-de-Pile, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, Sainte-Eulalie, Saint-Exupéry, Saint-Félix-de-Foncaude, Saint-Ferme, Sainte-Florence, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Sainte-Foy-la-Longue, Sainte-Gemme, Saint-Genès-de-Blaye, Saint-Genès-de-Castillon, Saint-Genès-de-Fronsac, Saint-Genès-de-Lombaud, Saint-Genis-du-Bois, Saint-Germain-de-Grave, Saint-Germain-de-la-Rivière, Saint-Germain-d’Esteuil, Saint-Germain-du-Puch, Saint-Gervais, Saint-Girons-d’Aiguevives, Sainte-Hélène, Saint-Hilaire-de-la-Noaille, Saint-Hilaire-du-Bois, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac, Saint-Jean-d’Illac, Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, Saint-Laurent-d’Arce, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, Saint-Laurent-du-Plan, Saint-Laurent-Médoc, Saint-Léon, Saint-Loubert, Saint-Loubès, Saint-Louis-de-Montferrand, Saint-Macaire, Saint-Magne-de-Castillon, Saint-Maixant, Saint-Mariens, Saint-Martial, Saint-Martin-de-Laye, Saint-Martin-de-Lerm, Saint-Martin-de-Sescas, Saint-Martin-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Puy, Saint-Martin-Lacaussade, Saint-Médard-de-Guizières, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, Saint-Michel-de-Fronsac, Saint-Michel-de-Lapujade, Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret, Saint-Morillon, Saint-Palais, Saint-Pardon-de-Conques, Saint-Paul, Saint-Pey-d’Armens, Saint-Pey-de-Castets, Saint-Philippe-d’Aiguille, Saint-Philippe-du-Seignal, Saint-Pierre-d’Aurillac, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Saint-Quentin-de-Baron, Saint-Quentin-de-Caplong, Sainte-Radegonde, Saint-Romain-la-Virvée, Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Sauveur-de-Puynormand, Saint-Savin, Saint-Selve, Saint-Seurin-de-Bourg, Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, Saint-Seurin-de-Cursac, Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle, Saint-Sève, Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, Saint-Sulpice-de-Guilleragues, Saint-Sulpice-de-Pommiers, Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac, Sainte-Terre, Saint-Trojan, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Saint-Vincent-de-Pertignas, Saint-Vivien-de-Blaye, Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc, Saint-Vivien-de-Monségur, Saint-Yzan-de-Soudiac, Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc, Salaunes, Salleboeuf, Samonac, Saucats, Saugon, Sauternes, Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, Sauviac, Savignac, Savignac-de-l’Isle, Semens, Sendets, Sigalens, Sillas, Soulac-sur-Mer, Soulignac, Soussac, Soussans, Tabanac, Taillecavat, Talais, Talence, Targon, Tarnès, Tauriac, Tayac, Teuillac, Tizac-de-Curton, Tizac-de-Lapouyade, Toulenne, Tresses, Uzeste, Val-de-Livenne, Val de Virvée, Valeyrac, Vayres, Vendays-Montalivet, Vensac, Vérac, Verdelais, Vertheuil, Vignonet, Villandraut, Villegouge, Villenave-de-Rions, Villenave-d’Ornon, Villeneuve, Virelade, Virsac, Yvrac.

7. Main wine grape variety(ies)

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet Sauvignon N

Carmenère N

Cot N – Malbec

Merlot N

Muscadelle B

Petit Verdot N

Sauvignon B – Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Gris G – Fié Gris

Sémillon B

8. Description of the link(s)

The geographical area benefits from favourable, relatively homogeneous climatic conditions for grape production and is close to large water bodies (the Atlantic Ocean, the Gironde Estuary, the valleys of Garonne and Dordogne), which play an important role in regulating the temperature. However, the oceanic influences that help mitigate spring frost weaken as one moves away from the sea and the large valleys towards the forested areas of Landes, Saintonge and Double in the Périgord. These special features explain why vineyards are sparse on the northernmost and south-south-westernmost boundaries of the geographical area. This area extends over the territory of 497 of the 538 municipalities of the department of Gironde, excluding the south-western part of the department, which is reserved for forestry rather than winegrowing.

The Bordeaux grape varieties, grown in an oceanic climate, have needed stakes (échalas) since the 17th and 18th centuries, followed by widespread trellising to ensure a well-distributed grape harvest and sufficient leaf area for proper chlorophyll synthesis and optimum ripeness.

Harvesting at optimal ripeness guarantees an excellent sugar-acidity balance, which is necessary for the freshness of the wines and good secondary fermentation.

The various types of soils and exposure profiles have led to the selection and adaptation of different varieties according to the characteristics of the environment, and they explain the historical focus on blended wines. Four distinct types can be identified:

— clay limestone and marly limestone soils, which are very widespread on the hillside slopes ideal for the Merlot N variety;

— siliceous soils mixed with clays and calcareous elements that are perfect for the Merlot N and Sauvignon B varieties, for example;

— leached soils (‘boulbènes’) with fine siliceous elements, which make up lighter soils suitable for the production of base wines from white varieties;

— gravelly soils made up of gravel, water-worn quartz and relatively coarse sands forming well-drained terraces that are warm and ideal for vines and the Cabernet Sauvignon N variety in particular.

The winemakers manage the blending process by relying on their experience from the separate vinification of the varieties. The blends are composed with great skill, taking into account the varieties and vintage to ensure a degree of consistency between the acidity and the fruitiness of the wines.

The clarity of the juices can be guaranteed by preserving the grapes intact from the harvest onwards and during transport and by following the detailed pressing rules laid down in the product specification. Limited sulphitation is essential in ensuring the quality of the secondary fermentation. Ageing wines on lees gives them tertiary aromas that enhance their complexity.

Bordeaux’s port and the close historical ties with other nations soon gave rise to strong and structured trade. The region’s vineyards have always been oriented towards the rest of the world. In benefiting from and spreading technical innovations and fostering the dynamism of their holdings, they have managed to strengthen, develop and export their know-how, while preserving age-old practices.

Starting with the establishment of privileged links with England in the 12th century and until the conquest of Asian markets, now open to wine products, Bordeaux winegrowers have been able to adapt to changing markets while respecting the local environment of the vines. The products are highly diverse and the ‘Crémant de Bordeaux’ wines, whose volumes are growing, are proof of this dynamism.

Despite only accounting for part of the Bordeaux region’s wine production, ‘Crémant de Bordeaux’ wines illustrate the rich potential of these traditional grape varieties and the local winegrowers’ historical ability to adopt winemaking and innovation techniques. Whether white or rosé, ‘Crémant de Bordeaux’ wines combine Bordeaux varieties with traditional wine-making methods involving secondary fermentation.

‘Crémant de Bordeaux’ are brilliant wines with long-lasting foam and a long and fruity finish.

With their characteristically fine bubbles and sparkling aspect, the white wines are fresh and nervy wines, in particular when they are produced from the Sauvignon B and Sémillon B grape varieties.

When aged on lees, more mature aromatic notes appear, often together with notes of butter or toasted bread.

The rosé wines, which are mainly produced from the Merlot N and Cabernet Franc N grape varieties, are distinguished by their fruity notes. These wines are intended to be drunk when young.

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 name of the controlled designation of origin is marked on the cork, on the part within the neck of the bottle.

Wines with the controlled designation of origin may specify on their labels the broader geographical unit ‘Vin de Bordeaux’ or ‘Grand Vin de Bordeaux’. The size of the letters for the broader geographical unit 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.

Packaging

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Packaging within the demarcated area

Description of the condition:

All production operations, from the harvesting of the grapes to disgorging, must be carried out in the geographical area.

The wines are made exclusively by secondary fermentation in glass bottles.

In view of this process, the wines are packaged in the geographical area.

The bottling in glass bottles, where the secondary fermentation takes place, may only be done 3 months after the harvest date, and at the earliest on 1 December following the harvest.

The wines are placed on the market for the consumer after a minimum ageing period of 12 months from the bottling date, and not earlier than 1 month after disgorging.

Link to the product specification

http://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-7df3447f-384a-4f7a-819e-2971ef1ae277

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