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

(2022/C 351/08)

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

‘Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert’

PGI-FR-A1143-AM01

Date of communication: 6 July 2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Organoleptic description of the wines

At chapter I, point 3.3 of the specification, the organoleptic description of the wines with the protected geographical indication ‘Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert’ has been expanded. The details added have also been included in the single document under ‘Description of the wine(s)’.

2. Vine varieties

At chapter I, point 5, ‘Vine varieties’, of the specification of the protected geographical indication ‘Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert’,

- the following varieties have been added: Agiorgitiko N, Airen B, Artaban N, Assyrtiko B, Calabrese N, Carignan Gris G, Carricante B, Felen B, Fiano B, Floreal B, Glera B, Montepulciano N, Moschofilero Rs, Œillade N, Primitivo N, Roditis Rs, Rousseli Rs, Saperavi N, Touriga Nacional N, Verdejo B, Verdelho B, Vidoc N, Voltis B and Xinomavro N.

The following varieties have been removed as they are not found in the production area:

Auxerrois B, Clairette rose Rs, Muscat à petits grains roses Rs and Rosé du Var Rs.

The varieties included in the specification have a greater resistance to fungal diseases and are also better adapted to climate change. These varieties match the profile of the wines with the PGI. The protection and management body has also requested the inclusion of five varieties representing heritage and innovation more specifically. These varieties are already found in the production area and are raising the profile of the wines with the PGI. They are also better adapted to the vineyard.

These varieties are also included in the single document under ‘Wine grape varieties’.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

2. Geographical indication type

PGI - Protected geographical indication

3. Categories of grapevine product

1. Wine

16. Wine of overripe grapes

4. Description of the wine(s)

1. Still wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The ‘Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert’ PGI is reserved exclusively for red, rosé and white still wines and wines of overripe grapes.

For the still wines, the levels provided for in EU regulations apply to the total alcoholic strength, total acidity, volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide content.

The wines are characterised by aromas that remain constant. Their intensity and character vary according to the grape varieties and technologies used. For the red wines, the methods of extraction are intended to produce smooth structures with ripe and soft tannins. The wines have colours of intense ruby and aromas of red fruit, black fruit, black pepper and liquorice. They are fleshy with a good balance of acidity, a good long aftertaste and silky tannins. The long maturation periods permitted in the area make it possible to produce white wines of straw to golden yellow in colour. They have aromas of white flowers and exotic fruits, with notes of candied fruit and a mouthfeel that is notably rich and fresh. The colour of the rosé wines is cherry shading to salmon, of an intensity ranging from pale to delicately deep. They have aromas of blackcurrant, apricot and elderflower with amylic notes. In the mouth, they are characterised by an exceptional balance of freshness and fruitiness.

General analytical characteristics Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) 9 Minimum total acidity Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

2. BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

For the wines from overripe grapes, the levels for actual alcoholic strength by volume, total alcoholic strength by volume, natural alcoholic strength by volume and total sulphur dioxide are those set by EU legislation.

The wines of overripe grapes are amber yellow in colour with a roundness in the mouth. They develop complex aromas of spices, nuts and candied fruits.

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. Specific oenological practice

All wine-making practices followed must comply with the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

5.2. Maximum yields

1. Red and rosé wines

95 hectolitres per hectare

2. White wines

100 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

For wines with the ‘Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert’ PGI, the grape harvest, wine-making and maturing take place in the territory of the following municipalities:

Department of Hérault: Agonès, Aniane, Arboras, Argelliers, Assas, Brissac, Causse-de-la-Selle, Cazevieille, Cazilhac, Ceyras, Clapiers, Claret, Combaillaux, Ferrières-les-Verreries, Fontanès, Ganges, Gignac, Gorniès, Guzargues, Jacou, Jonquières, La Boissière, Lagamas, Laroque, Lauret, Le Bosc, Le Rouet, Le Triadou, Les Matelles, Mas-de-Londres, Montferrier-sur-Lez, Montoulieu, Montpellier (sections AI, AK, KO, KP, MP and MZ), Montpeyroux, Moulès-et-Baucels, Murles, Notre-Dame-de-Londres, Pégairolles-de-Buèges, Prades-le-Lez, Puéchabon, Saint-André-de-Buèges, Saint-André-de-Sangonis, Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel, Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois, Saint-Clément-de-Rivière, Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues, Saint-Félix-de-Lodez, Saint-Gély-du-Fesc, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Saint-Guiraud, Saint-Jean-de-Buèges, Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles; Saint-Jean-de-Fos, Saint-Jean-de-la-Blaquière, Saint-Martin-de-Londres, Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers, Saint-Privat, Saint-Saturnin-de-Lucian, Saint-Vincent-de-Barbeyrargues, Sauteyrargues, Teyran, Usclas-du-Bosc, Vacquières, Vailhauquès, Valflaunès, Viols-le-Fort and Viols-en-Laval.

Department of Gard: Brouzet-lès-Quissac and Corconne.

7. Wine grape variety(-ies)

Abouriou B

Agiorgitiko N

Airen

Alicante Henri Bouschet N

Aligoté B

Altesse B

Arinarnoa N

Artaban N

Assyrtiko B

Aubun N - Murescola

Baroque B

Bourboulenc B - Doucillon blanc

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet Sauvignon N

Calabrese N

Caladoc N

Carignan N

Carignan blanc B

Carignan gris G

Carmenère N

Carricante

Chardonnay B

Chasan B

Chatus N

Chenanson N

Chenin B

Cinsaut N - Cinsault

Clairette B

Colombard B

Côt N - Malbec

Counoise N

Duras N

Egiodola N

Felen

Fiano

Floreal B

Folle Blanche B

Furmint B

Gamaret

Gamay N

Gewurztraminer Rs

Glera

Grenache N

Grenache blanc B

Grenache gris G

Grolleau N

Gros Manseng B

Jacquère B

Jurançon noir N - Dame noire

Lledoner pelut N

Macabeu B - Macabeo

Marsanne B

Marselan N

Mauzac B

Melon B

Merlot N

Meunier N

Mondeuse N

Montepulciano

Morrastel N - Minustellu, Graciano

Moschofilero Rs

Mourvèdre N - Monastrell

Muscat d’Alexandrie B - Muscat, Moscato

Muscat de Hambourg N - Muscat, Moscato

Muscat à petits grains blancs B - Muscat, Moscato

Nielluccio N - Nielluciu

Négrette N

Oeillade noire

Petit Courbu B

Petit Manseng B

Petit Verdot N

Pineau d’Aunis N

Pinot Blanc B

Pinot Gris G

Pinot Noir N

Piquepoul blanc B

Piquepoul gris G

Piquepoul noir N

Portan N

Poulsard N - Ploussard

Primitivo N - Zinfandel

Riesling B

Rivairenc N - Aspiran noir

Roditis Rs

Rosé du Var Rs

Roussanne B

Rousseli Rs

Saperavi N

Sauvignac

Sauvignon B - Sauvignon Banc

Sauvignon Gris G - Fié gris

Savagnin Blanc B

Sciaccarello N

Semillon B

Servant B

Sylvaner B

Syrah N - Shiraz

Tannat N

Tempranillo N

Terret blanc B

Terret gris G

Terret noir N

Tibouren N

Touriga Nacional N

Trousseau N

Ugni Blanc B

Verdejo B

Verdelho B

Vermentino B - Rolle

Vidoc N

Viognier B

Voltis B

Xinomavro N

8. Description of the link(s)

8.1. Specificity of the geographical area and of the product

In an exceptional landscape of Mediterranean hills, the geographical indication of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is situated in the northern part of the department of Hérault, at the foot of the Larzac plateau and the mountains of the Cévennes.

The production area extends over some 50 kilometres. The soils are predominantly limestone, stony and marly, from the secondary era, along with the Quaternary terraces on the upper and mid slopes of the Hérault valley.

Limestone mountains overlook the vineyards, with Mont Baudile to the west and Pic Saint-Loup to the east of the area.

The climate is distinctive and has a fundamental influence on the vineyards. At some distance from the Mediterranean Sea, the sea mists are very much reduced. Rainfall is around 800 to 900 mm, which tempers the extreme nature of the Mediterranean climate. The presence of the mountains results in significant differences of temperature between day and night, and also protects the vineyards from the north winds. The vineyards are mainly planted at between 100 and 150 metres altitude, thereby benefitting from the tempered Mediterranean climate.

This area bears traces of wine-growing activities dating back to Roman times. In the Middle Ages, the abbeys of Aniane and Saint-Guilhem became the source, developing across a network of abbeys in the Carolingian Empire. At that time, Benedictine monks played an essential role in preserving and disseminating wine-growing practices. Decisions about where to found abbeys took into account the possibility of growing vines successfully.

The municipality of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a jewel of Romanesque art, a destination steeped in history, a stopping place on the Camino de Santiago and a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also at the heart of the geographical area of production and gives its name to the PGI.

The area is largely covered by natural woodlands of holm oak and pine, or by Mediterranean scrubland (‘garrigue’). This landscape has enabled people to engage in various types of farming: growing cereals and olives or raising livestock. Winegrowing increased significantly at the end of the 19th century with the development of trade.

The decree of 5 April 1982 awarded the status of ‘Vin de Pays’ for only five municipalities. Given the common soil and climate situations, wine-growers close to the area wanted to extend the production area. It now covers 71 municipalities producing 30 000 to 40 000 hectolitres of red, rosé and white wines.

Two smaller geographical units, Cité d’Aniane and Val de Montferrand, enable producers to identify their wines more specifically. Wines entitled to the indication ‘Val de Montferrand’ are produced from a more limited number of grape varieties. The maximum yield is 70 hectolitres per hectare, meaning that the wines are highly concentrated. Wines entitled to the indication ‘Cité d’Aniane’ are made exclusively from grapes harvested in the territory of the Aniane municipality.

Very early on, the wine-growers increased their palette of grape varieties in order to create wines giving full expression to the limestone soils and climate conditions which favour slow ripening. In addition to the Mediterranean varieties, there appeared varieties from other regions such as Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot for the red wines, and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier for the whites.

All of the wines are characterised by a remarkable freshness.

Regardless of whether maceration is long or short, the red wines present tannins of exceptional finesse. Both the rosés and the white wines present high aromatic intensity.

8.2. Causal link between the specificity of the geographical area and the specificity of the product

The area has a very particular climate which has led wine-growers to seek the very best ways of adapting the varieties to their land. The prolonged nature of the climate and the significant temperature variations mean that both the Mediterranean varieties and those planted more recently can ripen slowly and evenly. This has a positive effect on the quality of the polyphenols for the red wines and the intensity and aromatic finesse of the rosé and white wines. All of the wines therefore have a notable typicity, whether they are placed on the market immediately or are to be kept.

The vineyards are made up of small parcels. They are mainly planted in areas of limestone slopes, highly characteristic of the region. The terrain naturally limits vine vigour allowing roots to penetrate deeply so that the vines can withstand the summer drought. The vineyards are often in natural areas subject to environmental protection. The vines create a very particular landscape in the area that is well-known and appreciated by tourists. Today, these features are incentives to the wine-growers. For them, producing the best wines starts with protecting their production areas, in conjunction with developing wine tourism.

There is therefore a synergy between the wine-growers and visitors to the Abbey of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, the latter numbering some 800 000 a year. Together they boost the economic activity of the inland area of Hérault.

The name of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is associated both with the abbey and its centuries of history, and with the PGI wines. These days, it enjoys significant standing outside of France.

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

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Still wines with the protected geographical indication ‘Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert’ may also bear the following indications:

— the name of one or more grape varieties;

— The word ‘primeur’ (‘early’) or ‘nouveau’ (‘new’).

The protected geographical indication ‘Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert’ may be followed by the smaller geographical units ‘Cité d’Aniane’ and ‘Val de Montferrand’, in compliance with the specification.

The European Union PGI logo must appear on the label if the words ‘Indication géographique protégée’ (Protected Geographical Indication) are replaced by the traditional expression ‘Vin de pays’.

Legal framework:

National 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 making and development of wines with the ‘Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert’ protected geographical indication, comprises the following neighbouring municipalities:

The department of Hérault: Aumelas, Brignac, Buzignargues, Canet, Castelnau-le-Lez, Castries, Celles, Clermont-l’Hérault, Fozières, Galargues, Grabels, Juvignac, La Vacquerie-et-Saint-Martin-de-Castries, Lacoste, Lansargues, Lattes, Le Crès, Le Puech, Lodeve, Mauguio, Montarnaud, Montaud, Mudaison, Popian, Pouzols, Saint-Aunès, Saint-Bauzille-de-la-Sylve, Saint-Etienne-de-Gourgas, Saint-Génies-des-Mougues, Saint-Jean-de-Védas, Saint-Maurice-Navacelles, Saint-Paul-et-Valmalle, Saint-Pierre-de-la-Fage, Soumont, Valergues and Vendargues.

The department of Gard: Carnas, La Cadiere-et-Cambo, Liouc, Montdardier, Orthoux-Sérignac-Quilhan, Pompignan, Rogues, Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, Saint-julien-de-la-Nef, Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, Sardan, Sauve and Sumène.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-770aea9b-b2c6-4aa0-ae5b-7f1f81ec19c3

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