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

(2021/C 266/11)

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

COMMUNICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Crémant de Bordeaux’

PDO-FR-A0488-AM05

Date of communication: 7 May 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Official Geographic Code

The list of municipalities has been updated on the basis of the 2020 Official Geographic Code.

This is a purely editorial change that does not affect the geographical area.

Point 6 of the single document has been amended as a result of this change.

2. Demarcated parcel area

The date of 11 February 2021 has been added to the Annex listing the meetings of the competent national committee that approved the demarcation of the parcels.

The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the competent 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 protected designation of origin.

The single document is not affected by these amendments.

3. 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. It is a purely editorial amendment which does not lead to 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

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 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 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 leaves unfolded stage (Lorenz stage 9) at the latest.

3. Transport of the harvest

Cultivation method

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

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 full 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 may not exceed 13 % after the secondary fermentation.

5.2. Maximum yields

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 26 February 2020: 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)

Carmenère N

Cot N - Malbec

Merlot N

Petit Verdot N

Sauvignon B - Sauvignon blanc

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-southwesternmost 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 wine-growing.

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 sulfitation 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’ historic ability to adopt winemaking and innovation techniques. Whether white or rosé, ‘Crémant de Bordeaux’ wines combine Bordeaux varieties with traditional winemaking 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 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

http://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-3652cd39-fed9-448d-a752-c09c686ce56d

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