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

(2023/C 34/09)

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

‘Rosé de Loire’

PDO-FR-A0150-AM02

Date of communication: 14.11.2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Official Geographic Code

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

This has no effect on the boundaries of the demarcated geographical area.

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

2. Demarcated parcel area

Demarcation approval periods have been added.

The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the relevant national authority approved changes 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 registered designation of origin in question.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

3. Spacing between plants

The minimum spacing between plants has decreased 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 of greater than 10 %, which are allowed to have a minimum spacing between plants of 0,80 m.

The purpose of this addition is to take account of the particular case of vines planted on steep slopes, which require special measures to be taken (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 at the level of the designations of the Anjou Saumur area in the Loire Valley.

The aim of this harmonisation is to improve operators’ knowledge and simplify controls. This amendment allows winegrowers to adapt to increasingly late frosts.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

5. Link with the geographical area

The link has been changed by referring to 2021 instead of 2018 and adjusting the number of municipalities following the merger of some of them.

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 whose parcel demarcation was approved in November 2020.

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

8. Editorial amendments

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

These amendments do not require any amendments 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 used in other product specifications. This is a purely editorial amendment.

This amendment has not led to any changes to the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Rosé de Loire

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

1. Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

These are dry, still rosé wines with the following main analytical characteristics:

— The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 9,5 %.

— After fermentation the wines have a fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content not exceeding 3 grams per litre.

— Before packaging the wines have a total acidity content of 91,84 milliequivalents per litre or less.

— After enrichment, the wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 12,5 %. Their total volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are as laid down in EU legislation.

‘Rosé de Loire’ is a dry wine, generally salmon-pink in colour. Its light aromas are often reminiscent of cherries and strawberries. The taste is powerful, fresh, round and harmonious. Fresh and thirst-quenching, it gives the impression of biting into ripe fruit, and its originality is best appreciated when young.

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

Cultivation method

The minimum vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare. Spacing between vine rows must not exceed 2,50 metres, and spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,90 metres. Vineyard parcels whose spacing between plants in the same row is less than 0,90 metres but greater than or equal to 0,80 metres, and with a slope of greater than 10 %, shall be entitled to the controlled designation of origin for their harvest. Vineyard parcels with a planting density of less than 4 000 plants per hectare but greater than or equal to 3 300 plants per hectare, have the right, for harvesting, to the controlled designation of origin, subject to compliance with the rules on trellising and foliage height laid down in the specification. 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 1 metre.

2. Rules on vine pruning and training

Cultivation method

The vines are pruned with a maximum of 12 buds per plant, whether short, long or mixed pruning is used. The vines can be pruned to two additional buds per plant on condition that, at the phenological stage corresponding to 11 or 12 leaves (separate flower buds), there are no more than 12 fruit-bearing branches for the year per plant.

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

Vineyard parcels with a planting density of less than 4 000 plants per hectare but greater than or equal to 3 300 plants per hectare are also subject to the following trellising rules: the minimum height of the trellising posts above the ground is 1,90 metres; there are four levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the highest wire is 1,85 metres above the ground.

3. Irrigation

Cultivation method

Irrigation is prohibited.

4.

Specific oenological practice

The use of oenological charcoal to make the rosé wines is forbidden, whether alone or mixed in preparations.

The use of wood chips is forbidden.

After enrichment, the wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 12,5 %.

The wine-making practices used must comply with EU rules and the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code as well as the above provisions.

5.2. Maximum yields

72 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

All stages of production take place in the geographical area encompassing 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, 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, Epeigné-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-Etienne-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, Vouvray;

— department of Loir-et-Cher: Angé, Blois, Chailles, Châteauvieux, Châtillon-sur-Cher, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chémery, Chissay-en-Touraine, Choussy, Le Controis-en-Sologne (only the territory of the delegated municipalities of Contres and Thenay), Couddes, Couffy, Faverolles-sur-Cher, Mareuil-sur-Cher, Méhers, Mesland, Meusnes, Monteaux, Monthou-sur-Bièvre, Monthou-sur-Cher, Montrichard Val de Cher, Noyers-sur-Cher, Oisly, Pontlevoy, Pouillé, Rilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Aignan, Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, Saint-Julien-de-Chédon, Saint-Romain-sur-Cher, Sassay, Seigy, Seur, Soings-en-Sologne, Thésée, 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);

— 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 Alleuds, Brissac-Quincé, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Brossay, Cernusson, Chacé, 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-Trêves-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, Vaudelnay;

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

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

7. Wine grape variety(-ies)

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet Sauvignon N

Gamay N

Grolleau N

Grolleau gris G

Pineau d’Aunis N

Pinot Noir N

8. Description of the link(s)

8.1.

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 Mesozoic and, to a lesser extent, the Tertiary era, 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 226 municipalities, some of which are famous for their chateaus.

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. The Turonian level is essential, originally formed from tufa, the mining of which in a multitude of quarries led to the construction of the Loire chateaus and, more generally, of the entire architecture of the region, resulting in countless caves. These quarries have become cellars, with constant temperature and humidity, devoted to mushroom growing and wine storage. All the soils are special in that they have useful modest water reserves and good drainage capacity.

The climate is oceanic, but the eastern section, corresponding to the Sologne wine-growing area, has a more continental influence with a combination of annual precipitation which is slightly higher than the rest of the geographical area, of between 550 millimetres and 650 millimetres. 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 story of winegrowing in the area is a relatively old one, linked as it is to the development of several monasteries and abbeys. In the sixth century St Gregory of Tours, in his History of the Franks, reported on the extensive culture of vines in this area and the use of traquettes to scare away the birds during the ripening period. In the 15th century, with the arrival of the Breton vine variety, which is none other than Cabernet Franc N, originating in the Bordeaux area, the growers produced a new rosé wine, known as clairet, with characteristic aromas of red fruit. The first historical records relate to the offering made by the residents of Saumur of two busses [barrels] (536 litres) of clairet wine to John V, Duke of Brittany.

A short distance to the east, rosé wines were also produced in the province of Touraine. Some municipalities situated on the right bank of the Loire earned a certain reputation with these wines in the past. The vineyards of Blois, Azay-le-Rideau and Mesland were important producers. The wines produced in the municipality of Cinq-Mars-La-Pile were recognised, and the local grape variety, Grolleau N, was developed considerably. In the early 19th century this variety was very common in Anjou, particularly in the cantons of Thouarcé and Brissac.

The extent of the geographical area encourages the diversity of varieties due to the differences in soil and climate found there. The main varieties planted in Anjou are Cabernet Franc N, Cabernet Sauvignon N, Grolleau N and Grolleau Gris G. Grolleau N is very common in Touraine on the right bank of the Loire. The Gamay N variety is also present in the entire wine-growing area, along with, to a lesser extent, Pineau d’Aunis N and more locally Pinot Noir N.

The beginning of the 20th century marks the large-scale development of rosé wines known as rouget in Anjou and vin gris in Touraine. In the early 1970s the Loire Valley producers, in an effort to reinforce the image of this dry rosé wine and to preserve its identity, sought its recognition. The ‘Rosé de Loire’ controlled designation of origin was recognised in 1974.

8.2.

2. Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

‘Rosé de Loire’ is a dry wine, generally salmon-pink in colour. Its light aromas are often reminiscent of cherries and strawberries. The taste is powerful, fresh, round and harmonious. Fresh and thirst-quenching, it gives the impression of biting into ripe fruit, and its originality is best appreciated when young.

3. Causal interactions

The major hydrographic network of the Loire, Vienne, Cher and Indre rivers has over time largely formed the undulating plateau of hard Primary and softer Secondary and Tertiary rocks. During the Middle Ages, under the influence of the Church, vines were planted and the vineyards of Anjou and Touraine developed along almost 200 kilometres of the Loire and its tributaries.

Over time the producers have favoured planting the Cabernet Franc N and Grolleau N varieties in the western part of the geographical area, while in the eastern part producers have mainly planted the Gamay N and Pineau d’Aunis N varieties. This choice is explained by the configuration of the geographical area and the oceanic climate. The varieties have naturally fitted into this diversity of wine production situations faced by the producers. In line with their uses, the demarcated area for the harvesting of grapes only takes into account parcels with well-drained clayey-shaly or slaty soils.

The production of rouget and vin gris, a wine that is fresh, original, drinkable and with a low alcoholic strength by volume, thus developed at the beginning of the 20th century. From generation to generation, the producers have highlighted the original characteristics of their wines, on the one hand by choosing blends which promote their aromatic potential, and on the other hand by optimum management of the plant and its production potential by strict training of the vines.

The success of this production was crowned by the recognition of the ‘Rosé de Loire’ controlled designation of origin in 1974. The dynamism and know-how of the producers and their historical commitment to the Loire wine-producing area maintain the reputation acquired by this controlled designation of origin which has been very successful since its recognition.

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

Labelling

Legal framework

EU legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

Where EU legislation specifies that the use of optional indications may be regulated by the Member States, such indications shall be printed on labels in lettering which, in height and in width, is not more 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’, in accordance with the rules laid down in the specification. The size of the letters forming the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ must not be larger, either in height or width, than two-thirds the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Wines with the controlled designation of origin may specify on their labels the name of a smaller geographical unit, provided that: — it is a place name listed in the land registry; — the name 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.

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework

EU legislation

Type of further condition

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the production of wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, on the basis of the 2021 Official Geographic Code:

— department of Indre: Fontguenand, Lye, La Vernelle, Veuil, Villentrois-Faverolles-en-Berry;

— department of Indre-et-Loire: Chaveignes, Chezelles, Crissay-sur-Manse, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil;

— department of Loir-et-Cher: Candé-sur-Beuvron, Cheverny, Cormeray, Le Controis-en-Sologne (only the territories of the delegated municipalities of Feings, Fougères-sur-Bièvre and Ouchamps), Cormeray, Fresnes, Les Montils, Mont-près-Chambord, Sambin;

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

— department of Maine-et-Loire: Orée d’Anjou (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Saint-Laurent-des-Autels), Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-a21d352f-67ba-47df-a154-3ca40f598bb4

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