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

(2019/C 231/07)

This notice is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 of 17 October 2018 (1).

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Crémant de Bordeaux’

Reference number: PDO-FR-A0488-AM03

Date of communication: 16 January 2019

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Demarcated parcel area

Description of and reasons for the amendment

The dates on which the competent national authority approved the changes to the demarcated parcel area for the ‘Crémant de Bordeaux’ PDO, as shown in the Annex to the specification for the designation, have been updated. Parcels are demarcated by identifying the parcels within the geographical area of production that are suitable for producing the controlled designation of origin in question.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

2. Geographical area: editorial amendment

Description of and reasons for the amendment

Item 1(a) of point IV of the specification has been amended to take account of administrative mergers of municipalities, without this having any impact on the territory of the production area of the ‘Crémant de Bordeaux’ PDO.

The municipalities of Cantenac and Margaux have been removed and the municipality of Margaux-Cantenac has been added.

The municipalities of Aubie-et-Espessas, Saint-Antoine and Salignac have merged to become the municipality of Val de Virvée.

The municipalities of Castets-en-Dorthe and Castillon-de-Castets have merged to become the municipality of Castets et Castillon.

The municipality of Civrac-de-Dordogne has become Civrac-sur-Dordogne.

Point 2.6 of the Single Document has been amended accordingly.

3. Link to the origin

Description of and reasons for the amendment

In the first paragraph of item 1(a) of point X of Chapter I of the specification, the number of municipalities in the geographical area has decreased from 501 to 497 following the merger of the municipalities, and from 542 to 538 for the total number of municipalities in the department of Gironde.

Point 2.8 of the Single Document has been amended accordingly.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name of product

Crémant de Bordeaux (fr)

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

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, a long-lasting foam and a long and fruity finish.

The white wines, characterised by fine bubbles and a sparkling aspect, are fresh, nervous wines, in particular when they are produced from the Sauvignon B and Semillon 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

a. Essential oenological practices

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.

Pruning rules

Cultivation method

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

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

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

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

Transport of the harvest

Cultivation method

The grapes are transported in unsealed containers, and the loading height must not exceed 0,60 metres.

Receipt and pressing

Specific oenological practice

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

All systems for straining or crushing the grapes using a helical screw are prohibited.

All systems of pressing the grapes using a helical screw or presses fitted with chains are prohibited.

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

The grapes must remain intact when 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 is loaded in a single operation with a quantity corresponding to its capacity. It may only exceptionally be loaded with a smaller quantity.

Fractionating the musts is mandatory.

The auto-pressing juices obtained from the grape conveyor system are separated. These juices are not taken into account when calculating the volume of final pressings. They must be sent for distillation before 31 July of the marketing 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.

Enrichment

Specific oenological practice

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

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

b. Maximum yields

78 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed, aged and packed in the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code in force on 19 June 2017:

Abzac, Aillas, Ambarès-et-Lagrave, Ambès, Anglade, Arbanats, Arbis, 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, 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, Cantois, 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, 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, Marcillac, 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, Portets, Préchac, Preignac, Prignac-en-Médoc, 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-Blaye, 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 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 grapes

Sauvignon Gris G

8. Description of the link(s)

The geographical area benefits from favourable, relatively homogeneous climatic conditions for grape production and is situated 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 large valleys towards the forested areas of Landes, Saintonge and Double Périgourdine. These special features explain why vineyards are sparse on the northernmost and south-southwesternmost edges of the 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 and not for wine-growing.

The Bordeaux grape varieties, grown in an oceanic climate, have needed support poles (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 optimum 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 exposures 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 slopes of the hillsides 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 basic 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 the vines and Cabernet Sauvignon N grapes, 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 certain consistency of the wines' acid-fruity balance.

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 sulfitation is essential for the good quality of the secondary fermentation. Ageing the wine on lees gives it tertiary aromas that enhance the complexity of the wines.

Bordeaux's port and the close historical ties with other nations soon gave rise to strong and structured trade. Therefore the region's vineyards have always been oriented towards the rest of the world. They benefited from and spread technical innovations and encouraged the holdings' dynamism, making it possible to strengthen, develop and export know-how, always in line with age-old practices.

Starting with the establishment of privileged links with England in the 12th century and until the conquest of Asian markets, which nowadays are open to wine products, Bordeaux wine growers 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.

Although it represents only part of the Bordeaux region's wine production, ‘Crémant de Bordeaux’ illustrates the rich potential of these traditional grape varieties and the local wine growers' historic ability to adopt winemaking and innovation techniques. Whether white or rosé, ‘Crémant de Bordeaux’ combines Bordeaux varieties with traditional winemaking methods involving secondary fermentation.

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

The white wines, characterised by fine bubbles and a sparkling aspect, are fresh, nervous wines, in particular when they are produced from the Sauvignon B and Semillon 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 in 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 packed in the geographical area.

The bottling in glass bottles, where the secondary fermentation takes place, may only be done three 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 one month after disgorging.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-34a23afb-32d1-416e-a4e3-e3861c548a21

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