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

(2020/C 44/06)

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

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’

PDO-FR-A0149-AM02

Date of communication: 12 November 2019

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Geographical area

The geographical area has been amended as follows. ‘The entire production process takes place in the geographical area encompassing the municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire named below, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Brissac Loire Aubance (former delegated municipalities of Brissac-Quincé, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Denée, Les Garennes sur Loire (former delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Saint-Melaine-surAubance, Soulaines-sur-Aubance.

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

Amended wording: the new list of administrative bodies takes into account any mergers or other changes in administrative boundaries that have occurred since the approval of the specification. To increase legal certainty, the list follows the current version of the Official Geographic Code, updated annually by INSEE (the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies). The boundary of the geographical area remains entirely unchanged.

Finally, for the purposes of better public information, attention is drawn to the maps of the geographical area available on the INAO website.

Point 6 of the Single Document on the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

2. Area in immediate proximity

At point IV(3) of Chapter 1, the list of municipalities has been replaced by:

‘Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (former delegated municipalities of Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Sulpice), Bouchemaine, Brissac Loire Aubance (former delegated municipalities of Alleuds, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne and Saulgé-l’Hôpital), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (former delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux et Valanjou), Doué-en-Anjou (former delegated municipality of Brigné), Gennes-Valde-Loire (former delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Lys-Haut-Layon (former delegated municipality of Tigné), Parnay, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Savennières, Terranjou (former delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (former delegated municipalities of Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine), Val-du-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay)’.

This amendment takes into account the various mergers of municipalities that have occurred since the last version of the specification. The boundary of the area in immediate proximity remains entirely unchanged.

Point 9 of the single document, on essential further conditions, has been amended accordingly.

3. Agri-environmental provision

The following has been added to point VI(2) of Chapter 1: ‘Managed vegetation cover, either natural or planted, is compulsory between rows. In the absence of vegetation cover, operators must tend the soil to ensure that naturally occurring vegetation is managed. Otherwise, operators must justify the use of bio-control products approved by the wine-growing authorities. Where bio-control herbicides are used on a land parcel, use of other herbicides is not permitted’.

This amendment reflects current developments in the practices of operators promoting conservation agriculture throughout the vineyards of Anjou. It takes into account growing concern for the environment as part of technical procedures. By encouraging the existence of vegetation cover, or mechanised weeding, or even use of bio-control products, the amendment aims to reduce the use of chemical herbicides. The reduction in herbicides will certainly strengthen the defences of wine-growing soils and preserve their natural properties such as fertility, bio-diversity and self-cleaning. This will contribute to the quality and authenticity of the wines and strengthen the sense of terroir.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

4. Harvest proclamation

At point VII(1) of Chapter 1, the following sentence has been deleted: ‘The start date for harvests is set in accordance with Article D. 645-6 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code’.

It is no longer necessary to set a start date for harvests as operators have a large selection of tools at their disposal to enable them to gauge the ripeness of the grapes with the greatest possible accuracy. All operators have access to various machines and equipment, both individually and collectively, enabling them to determine accurately the ideal start date for harvesting each parcel, depending on the production objectives.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

5. Minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume

The following sentence has been added at point VI(2)(b): ‘Wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 19%‘.

The minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume did not previously appear in the specification. The amendment updates the specification by including the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume along with the sugar content which, for the term “sélection de grains nobles”, is 323 grams.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

6. Fermenting room capacity

Under point IX(1)(c) of Chapter 1, the sentence: “All operators have a fermenting room capacity for wine production equal to at least 1.4 times the average yield of their holding during the preceding five years” is replaced by: “All operators have a fermenting room capacity for wine production equal to at least 1.4 times the average volume of wine produced during the preceding five years”.

The specification previously did not mention volume capacity, usually expressed in hectolitres or cubic metres. Instead, it referred to yield, that is harvest volume divided by surface area, expressed in hectolitres per hectare, for example. The proposed amendment removes this inconsistency regarding measurements without making any substantial changes. The minimum capacity remains 1.4 times the average volume of wine produced by a holding in the preceding years.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

7. Circulation of wines

Point 5(b) of section IX of Chapter 1 concerning the date of entry into circulation of the wines between authorised warehouses has been deleted.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

8. Link with the geographical area

The link has been revised in order to update the number of municipalities involved: seven in place of ten. This section now includes an explanation that the average temperatures are expressed as annual temperatures.

Point 8 of the Single Document concerning the link with the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

9. Transitional measure

The transitional measure in point 1 of section XI of the specification has been deleted as it expired in 2012.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

10. Transitional measure

The following has been inserted under point XI of chapter 1: “In the case of vineyard parcels already in existence when this specification was approved, and in which the spacing between rows is less than or equal to 1.7 metres, the provisions relating to the following do not apply: the requirement for managed vegetation cover, either natural or planted, between rows; and, in the absence of such vegetation cover, the requirement for operators to tend the soil or use bio-control products to ensure that naturally occurring vegetation is managed”.

The transitional measure avoids the need to penalise existing vineyards currently using a training method not adapted to the agri-environmental provisions. In densely planted vineyards, where the spacing between rows is less than or equal to 1.7 metres, maintaining permanent grass cover or attempting to work the soil could, in effect, cause technical problems with machinery, materials or tools, for example. In low-growing vines, grass cover actually increases the risk of spring frosts. Furthermore, the presence of vegetation cover significantly increases the pressure on the water supply to the vines in the more densely-planted vineyards. Nevertheless, any vines planted after the specification has been approved will have to comply fully with the new agri-environmental provisions, regardless of planting density and spacing between rows.

The expired transitional measures have been deleted.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

11. Record keeping

Under point II(3) of Chapter 2, the word “potential” has been replaced by “natural”.

In order to ensure consistency in the wording in all the specifications from the Anjou Saumur area, the phrase “natural alcoholic strength by volume” has replaced “potential strength” or “degree”. These amendments improve the readability of the specifications. The harmonisation of record-keeping provisions is intended to make it easier to draw up inspection plans and check records.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

12. Main points to be checked

Chapter 3 has been revised to bring consistency to the main points to be checked in specifications from the Anjou Saumur area.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name of the product

Coteaux de l’Aubance

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine product

1. Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

Still white wines with residual sugar, made from late-harvested grapes. These harmonious wines develop aromas of white and citrus fruit as well as floral scents and late-harvest aromas - with the same harmony in the mouth in terms of richness in sugar, acidity and structure. Ageing brings out their elegance and complexity.

The wines have:

a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14%;

in order to be eligible for the term “sélection de grains nobles”, a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 19%;

a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) after fermentation of at least 34 grams per litre.

The total acid and total sulphur dioxide content are as laid down by EU legislation.

The minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) is 10%, except for the wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume below 18%, in which case it is 11%.

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) 25 Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. Wine-making practices

a. Essential oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

Enrichment is permitted under the rules set out in the specification.

The use of wood chips is forbidden.

The wines are aged according to the conditions laid down in the specification.

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

Density

Cultivation method

The minimum vine planting density 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 1 metre. In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the harvests are eligible for the controlled designation of origin provided that they comply with the rules on trellising and foliage height laid down in this specification. The spacing between the rows in such vineyard parcels must not exceed 3 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre.

Vine pruning and trellising

Cultivation method

The vines are pruned by 30 April at the latest. Mixed pruning is used, with a maximum of 12 buds per plant and a maximum of four buds on the cane.

The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0.6 times the spacing between the rows. The trellised height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0.4 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0.2 metres above the height of the trellising wire.

In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the following trellising rules apply: the minimum height of the trellising posts above the ground is 1.9 metres; there are four levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the highest wire is 1.85 metres above the ground.

Irrigation

Cultivation method

Irrigation is not permitted.

Harvest

Cultivation method

The wines are made from grapes that are harvested late. A feature of wines eligible to bear the term “sélection de grains nobles” is the further concentration on the vinestock due to the action of noble rot.

The grapes are hand-harvested in multiple passes.

b. Maximum yields

40 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The entire production process takes place in the geographical area encompassing the municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire named below, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Brissac Loire Aubance (former delegated municipalities of Brissac-Quincé, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Denée, Les Garennes sur Loire (former delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Soulaines-sur-Aubance.

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

7. Main grape varieties

Chenin B

8. Description of the link(s)

1° Information on the geographical area

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

The geographical area is characterised by a landscape of numerous low and gentle slopes of varying orientations. Altitudes range between 50 and 90 metres to the south-west of the city of Angers. As of 2018, the geographical area extends across seven municipalities. It is bordered to the west by the confluence of the River Aubance with the Loire; to the east by a Cretaceous plateau at the edge of the Paris basin; to the north by the course of the Loire; and at the southern edge by the forests of Brissac and Beaulieu.

The Aubance is a small tributary of the Loire, emblematic of this geographical area. It flows northwards from its source to the municipality of Brissac-Quincé, which is famous for its sixteenth century castle. The Aubance then takes a north-west course as far as the municipality of Mûrs-Erigné from where it flows parallel to the Loire to a point south-west of the city of Angers.

The soils developed on the schist, or schist and sandstone, substratum of the Armorican Massif, which forms a plateau tilting slightly towards the Loire. Usually shallow with good thermal performance, the soils are characterised by limited water reserves. The western part of the geographical area is studded with subvolcanic rocks formed of igneous rocks of an acidic (rhyolite) or basaltic (spilite) nature producing very stony soils. A foundation of schist and slate formations is a characteristic of the municipalities in the north of the geographical area. For centuries these were used to build the walls of houses, to construct roofs, to lay floors and even to make fixtures such as sinks, tables or staircases. All of this demonstrates the unique nature of this land. These elements are very apparent in the landscape and contribute to vineyard identity.

The geographical area is an enclave with limited irrigation, benefitting from a foehn effect, sheltered from maritime mists by the higher slopes of Choletais and Mauges. Annual rainfall is around 585 millimetres, compared with 800 millimetres in Choletais. The figures recorded in Brissac-Quincé are the lowest among the meteorological stations in the department of Maine-et-Loire. Similarly, during the growing cycle, there is a difference in rainfall levels of around 100 millimetres compared with the rest of the department. The average annual temperatures are relatively high, around 12 degrees, which is 1 degree higher than the rest of the department of Maine-et-Loire as a whole. The characteristic mesoclimate of this area is evident in the Mediterranean nature of the vegetation, which includes holm oak and umbrella pine.

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

Some of the emblematic properties of the “Coteaux de l’Aubance” vineyards are of ancient origin, dating back to the end of the sixteenth century. The vineyards themselves were first identified at the close of the nineteenth century, immediately following the phylloxera crisis that destroyed over three quarters of the vineyards of Anjou. Neighbouring wine-producers from the Layon region were seeking unaffected land parcels away from their own vineyards. They planted the traditional Chenin B variety. In 1922, the name “Coteaux de l’Aubance” was mentioned for the first time in a harvest declaration. In 1925, the Syndicat des viticulteurs (wine-growers’ union) of Coteaux de l’Aubance was founded. The stated aim in the union’s statutes is: ‘to bring to the attention of the whole world wines renowned for their terroir but nevertheless unknown further afield’.

The proximity of the city of Angers plays an important role in vineyard development. The Aubance area has become an important source of supplies for beverage retailers in the surrounding municipalities, especially in Mûrs-Erigné and Saint-Mélaine-sur-Aubance.

Historically, grapes were harvested when ripe to make dry or semi-dry wines. However, the practices of the neighbouring Layon region were quickly adopted, i.e. late harvesting and multiple passes producing a concentrated harvest for making semi-sweet wine.

The controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ was recognised by a Decree of 18 February 1950 as a white wine made from grapes harvested late with multiple passes. In 2009, vineyards covered 200 hectares.

2° Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

The wines are still white wines with fermentable sugars.

They are fully harmonious wines. Harmonious on the nose, they frequently have aromas of white and citrus fruit blended with floral scents, combined with late-harvesting aromas such as dried or candied fruit. The same harmony is also found in the mouth with the richness in sugar, the acidity and the structure

Ageing, which can last for several decades, heightens the finish and complexity of these wines.

3° Causal interactions

The vineyards are planted in shallow, stony soils on clearly demarcated land parcels that demonstrate the methods in use. The topography is hilly with gentle slopes, and the nearby rivers, the Loire and the Aubance, provide atmospheric moisture that encourages the noble rot. All of these factors combine in the geographical area to produce favourable conditions for the late harvesting of grapes naturally concentrated on the vine, with or without the noble rot. They account for the characteristics of a product for which people have learned to adapt their techniques. The late harvest with hand-picked multiple passes is proof of the concern for quality.

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

Labelling: traditional term ‘Sélection de grains nobles’

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ may be supplemented by the traditional term ‘sélection de grains nobles’, in accordance with the provisions laid down in the specification. Wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ must also state the vintage.

Labelling: voluntary indications

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

All voluntary indications appear on the labels in letters which may not be larger, either in height or width, than double the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Labelling: geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’

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 may be followed by the geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’, in accordance with the rules laid down in the specification regarding use of this geographical designation. The size of the letters of the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ may 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.

Labelling: specifying a smaller geographical entity

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Wines eligible for the controlled designation of origin may specify a smaller geographical entity on their labels, provided that: it is a registered place name; it appears on the harvest declaration. The place name must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or in width, than half the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

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 wine-growing, production and ageing, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018:

Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (former delegated municipalities of Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Sulpice), Bouchemaine, Brissac Loire Aubance (former delegated municipalities of Alleuds, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne and Saulgé-l’Hôpital), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (former delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux et Valanjou), Doué-en-Anjou (former delegated municipality of Brigné), Gennes-Valde-Loire (former delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Lys-Haut-Layon (former delegated municipality of Tigné), Parnay, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Savennières, Terranjou (former delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (former delegated municipalities of Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine), Val-du-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay).

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-1a1bfb71-a600-4f19-b01a-1149e052fe98

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