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) No 2019/33

(2020/C 58/08)

This notice is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Crémant de Loire’

PDO-FR-A0391-AM01

Date of communication: 22 November 2019

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Geographical area

The geographical area has been amended as follows: ‘All stages of production take place in the geographical area encompassing the following municipalities, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018:

— Department of Deux-Sèvres: Argenton-l’Église, Bouillé-Loretz, Brion-près-Thouet, Louzy, Mauzé-Thouarsais, Oiron, Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Sainte-Radegonde, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Thouars, Tourtenay, Val-en-Vignes (former delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul and Cersay).

— 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 (former delegated municipalities of Ingrandes-de-Touraine, Saint-Michel-sur-Loire and Saint-Patrice), Couziers, Cravant-les-Côteaux, La Croix-en-Touraine, Crouzilles, Dierre, Draché, Épeigné-les-Bois, Esvres, Fondettes, Francueil, Genillé, Huismes, L’Île-Bouchard, Joué-lès-Tours, Langeais (former 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-Étienne-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, Candé-sur-Beuvron, Cellettes, Chailles, Châteauvieux, Châtillon-sur-Cher, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chémery, Cheverny, Chissay-en-Touraine, Chitenay, Choussy, Contres, Cormeray, Couddes, Couffy, Cour-Cheverny, Faverolles-sur-Cher, Feings, Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Fresnes, Huisseau-sur-Cosson, Mareuil-sur-Cher, Maslives, Méhers, Mesland, Meusnes, Monteaux, Monthou-sur-Bièvre, Monthou-sur-Cher, Les Montils, Montlivault, Mont-près-Chambord, Montrichard Val de Cher (former delegated municipalities of Bourré and Montrichard), Muides-sur-Loire, Noyers-sur-Cher, Oisly, Ouchamps, Pontlevoy, Pouillé, Rilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Aignan, Saint-Claude-de-Diray, Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, Saint-Julien-de-Chédon, Saint-Laurent-Nouan, Saint-Romain-sur-Cher, Sambin, Sassay, Seigy, Seur, Soings-en-Sologne, Thenay, Thésée, Tour-en-Sologne, Valaire, Valencisse (former delegated municipalities of Chambon-sur-Cisse and Molineuf),Vallières-les-Grandes, Valloire-sur-Cisse (former delegated municipality of Chouzy-sur-Cisse), Veuzain-sur-Loire (former delegated municipality of Onzain), Vineuil.

— Department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Machelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (former delegated municipalities of Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Sulpice), Bouchemaine, Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brézé, Brissac Loire Aubance (former delegated municipalities of Les 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 (former 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 (former delegated municipalities of Brigné, Concourson-sur-Layon, Doué-la-Fontaine, Forges, Meigné, Montfort, Saint-Georges-sur-Layon and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Les Garennes sur Loire (former delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Gennes-Val-de-Loire (former delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé, Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (former delegated municipality of Ingrandes), Jarzé Villages (former delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Les Cerqueux-sous-Passavant, La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné, Trémont and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (former 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 (former delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (former delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré and La Varenne), Parnay, Passavant-sur-Layon, La Possonnière, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Rou-Marson, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, 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 (former delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (former delegated municipalities of Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine), Turquant, Les Ulmes, Val-du-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay), Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Villevêque.

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

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

Editorial amendment: the new list of administrative entities takes into account any mergers or other changes in administrative boundaries that have occurred since the approval of the specification. To increase legal certainty, this list follows the current version of the Official Geographic Code, updated yearly by INSEE (the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies). The boundaries of the geographical area remain exactly the same.

Lastly, to keep the public better informed, reference is made to the availability of maps of the geographical area on the website of the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality).

Point 6 of the single document on the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

2. Demarcated parcel area

In the first paragraph of point IV(2) of Chapter 1 of the product specification for the ‘Crémant de Loire’ PDO, the words ‘and 20 June 2018’ have been added after the words ‘10 February 2011’, and the words ‘10 July 2014 and 19 January 2017’ have been added after the words ‘5 September 2007’.

The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the competent national authority approved a change 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 in question.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

3. Agri-environmental provision

The following has been added to point VI(2) of Chapter 1: ‘Managed plant cover, either natural or planted, is compulsory between rows. Where there is no such plant cover, operators must tend the soil to ensure that naturally occurring plant growth is managed. Otherwise, operators must provide justification for using 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.

These provisions do not apply to vineyard parcels with a distance between the rows of 1,70 m or less.’

This amendment reflects current developments in practice among operators in favour of conservation agriculture throughout the vineyards of Anjou. It takes into account the growing concern for the environment that is influencing technical procedures. By encouraging plant cover, the use of mechanical methods for weeding, or the use of bio-control products, the amendment aims to reduce the use of chemical herbicides. This reduction in herbicides should increase the protection of wine-growing soils and guard their natural properties, such as fertility, bio-diversity and self-cleaning. In this way, it will contribute to the quality and authenticity of the wines and strengthen the sense of terroir.

The special provision excludes from the scope of the agri-environmental provisions vines where the distance between the rows is 1,70 m or less. The production areas of the AOCs ‘Crémant de Loire’ and ‘Rosé de Loire’ are large and include a certain diversity of practices linked to variations in the natural environment. In the eastern part of the wine-growing area there is a greater risk of spring frosts and the permeable sandy soils increase the vines’ water deficit in summer. It therefore did not make sense to impose the application of agri-environmental measures in narrow rows, which are generally denser and lower.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

4. Harvest proclamation

The following sentence has been deleted from point VII(1) of Chapter 1 of the specification: ‘The start date of the 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 date for beginning the harvest, as operators now have a wide range of tools at their disposal to help them to gauge grape ripeness very precisely. All operators have access to a certain number of individual and collective machines and equipment, enabling them to accurately determine the ideal start date for harvesting each parcel based on the production objectives.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

5. Circulation of wines

Point IX(5)(b) of Chapter 1 concerning the date from which wines can be circulated between authorised warehouses has been deleted.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

6. Link with the geographical area

The link has been revised in order to update the number of municipalities involved (255 instead of 318).

Point 8 of the single document has been amended accordingly.

7. Transitional measure

The transitional measures in point XI(1) of the specification have been deleted as they had expired.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

8. Record keeping

Under point II(3) of Chapter 2, ‘potential’ has been replaced by ‘natural’.

In order to ensure consistency of drafting across all specifications from the Anjou Saumur area, the wording ‘natural alcoholic strength by volume’ has replaced ‘potential strength’ or ‘degree’. These amendments improve the readability of the specifications. The harmonisation of the 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.

9. Main points for checking

Chapter 3 has been revised to ensure consistency in drafting the main points for checking in specifications from the Anjou Saumur area.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name of product

Crémant de Loire

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

5. Quality sparkling wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

Characteristics

White and rosé quality sparkling wines.

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

The basic wines that have not been enriched have a maximum actual alcoholic strength by volume of 12 % and a maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of 24 grams per litre.

After fermentation, the basic wines that have been enriched have a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of less than 5 grams per litre.

After enrichment, the basic wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume does not exceed 11 6 %.

Before disgorging, the wines have an excess pressure of carbon dioxide of at least 4 bar, measured at a temperature of 20 °C, and, after disgorging, have a total sulphur dioxide content of no more than 150 milligrams per litre.

The total acidity, volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by EU legislation.

The wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume after secondary fermentation and before the addition of the expedition liqueur, and if the must has been enriched, does not exceed 13 %.

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)

Description

‘Crémant de Loire’ is a sparkling wine that is usually white and sometimes rosé. It has an even effervescence with strings of fine, delicate and persistent bubbles. On the nose it often has aromas of white flowers mixed with fruity notes such as peach or apricot. On the palate it is fine and harmonious, with a pleasing combination of freshness and sweetness.

5. Wine-making practices

a. Essential oenological practices

Specific oenological practices

Planting density - Spacing

Growing method

(a) Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Anjou’ registered designation of origin: - The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,50 m, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 m. - 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 registered designation of origin provided that the rules on trellising and foliage height laid down in the specification are complied with. The spacing between the rows of vines on these parcels must not exceed 3 m, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 m.

(b) Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Touraine’ registered designation of origin: The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 500 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,10 m, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 m.

(c) Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Cheverny’ registered designation of origin: The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 500 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,10 m. The spacing between plants in the same row must be between 0,90 m and 1,20 m.

Rules on vine pruning and trellising

Growing method

The vines are pruned by 30 April at the latest, in accordance with the detailed rules laid down in the specification, which specify the maximum number of buds per plant for each variety.

— Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Anjou’ registered designation of origin: The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0,6 times the spacing between the rows. This height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0,40 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0,20 metres above the height of the upper 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 also apply: the minimum height of the trellising posts above the ground is 1,90 metres; there are 4 levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the upper wire is 1,85 metres above the ground.

— Vineyards located within the geographical area of the ‘Touraine’ and ‘Cheverny’ registered designations of origin: The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0,6 times the spacing between the rows. This height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0,30 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0,20 metres above the height of the upper trellising wire.

Irrigation

Growing method

Irrigation is prohibited.

Harvesting

Growing method

The wines are made from grapes harvested manually. The use of grape harvesting machines is prohibited.

The grapes are transported in unsealed containers. The size of the containers may not exceed 1,20 × 1,20 m, with the height of the grapes not exceeding 0,40 m. The period of time between harvesting the grapes and pressing may not exceed 24 hours.

Specific oenological practice

(a) After enrichment, the basic wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume does not exceed 11,6 %. The wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume after secondary fermentation and before the addition of the expedition liqueur, and if the must has been enriched, does not exceed 13 %.

(b) In addition to the above provision, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

(c) The pressing facilities must meet criteria concerning reception of the grapes, presses, pressing operations, loading of presses, separation of juices and hygiene, as laid down in the specification. The grapes are poured whole into the press. The basic wines are obtained within a limit of 100 litres of must per 150 kilograms of grapes used.

b. Maximum yields

80 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 2018:

— Department of Deux-Sèvres: Argenton-l’Église, Bouillé-Loretz, Brion-près-Thouet, Louzy, Mauzé-Thouarsais, Oiron, Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Sainte-Radegonde, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Thouars, Tourtenay, Val-en-Vignes (former delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul and Cersay).

— 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 (former delegated municipalities of Ingrandes-de-Touraine, Saint-Michel-sur-Loire and Saint-Patrice), Couziers, Cravant-les-Côteaux, La Croix-en-Touraine, Crouzilles, Dierre, Draché, Épeigné-les-Bois, Esvres, Fondettes, Francueil, Genillé, Huismes, L’Île-Bouchard, Joué-lès-Tours, Langeais (former 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-Étienne-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, Candé-sur-Beuvron, Cellettes, Chailles, Châteauvieux, Châtillon-sur-Cher, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chémery, Cheverny, Chissay-en-Touraine, Chitenay, Choussy, Contres, Cormeray, Couddes, Couffy, Cour-Cheverny, Faverolles-sur-Cher, Feings, Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Fresnes, Huisseau-sur-Cosson, Mareuil-sur-Cher, Maslives, Méhers, Mesland, Meusnes, Monteaux, Monthou-sur-Bièvre, Monthou-sur-Cher, Les Montils, Montlivault, Mont-près-Chambord, Montrichard Val de Cher (former delegated municipalities of Bourré and Montrichard), Muides-sur-Loire, Noyers-sur-Cher, Oisly, Ouchamps, Pontlevoy, Pouillé, Rilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Aignan, Saint-Claude-de-Diray, Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, Saint-Julien-de-Chédon, Saint-Laurent-Nouan, Saint-Romain-sur-Cher, Sambin, Sassay, Seigy, Seur, Soings-en-Sologne, Thenay, Thésée, Tour-en-Sologne, Valaire, Valencisse (former delegated municipalities of Chambon-sur-Cisse and Molineuf),Vallières-les-Grandes, Valloire-sur-Cisse (former delegated municipality of Chouzy-sur-Cisse), Veuzain-sur-Loire (former delegated municipality of Onzain), Vineuil;

— Department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Machelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (former delegated municipalities of Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Sulpice), Bouchemaine, Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brézé, Brissac Loire Aubance (former delegated municipalities of Les 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 (former 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 (former delegated municipalities of Brigné, Concourson-sur-Layon, Doué-la-Fontaine, Forges, Meigné, Montfort, Saint-Georges-sur-Layon and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Les Garennes sur Loire (former delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Gennes-Val-de-Loire (former delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé, Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (former delegated municipality of Ingrandes), Jarzé Villages (former delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Les Cerqueux-sous-Passavant, La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné, Trémont and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (former 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 (former delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (former delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré and La Varenne), Parnay, Passavant-sur-Layon, La Possonnière, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Rou-Marson, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, 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 (former delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (former delegated municipalities of Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine), Turquant, Les Ulmes, Val-du-Layon (former delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay), Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Villevêque.

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

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

7. Main wine grapes

Pinot Noir N

Chardonnay B

Chenin B

Grolleau Gris G

Grolleau N

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet Sauvignon N

Pineau d’Aunis N

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 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 secondary and, to a lesser extent, the tertiary eras, 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 2018 it comprised 255 municipalities, some of which are famous for their châteaus. 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. A feature of all the soils is that they have modest useful water reserves and good drainage capacity. The most important layer dates back to the Turonian stage, when tuffeau stone was formed. This stone was mined in a vast number of quarries and used in the construction of the Loire châteaus and, more generally, in the architecture of the entire region, leaving behind countless caves. These quarries have become cellars, with constant temperature and humidity, devoted to mushroom growing and wine storage. The climate is oceanic, with some nuances. The eastern section, corresponding to the Sologne wine-growing area, has a more continental influence with cumulated annual precipitation of between 550 and 650 millimetres, slightly higher than the rest of the geographical area. 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 history of wine-growing in the area is relatively old, linked as it is to the development of several well-established monasteries and abbeys in the region. In the 6th century, St Gregory of Tours, in his ‘History of the Franks’, reported on extensive vine cultivation in this area and the use of ‘traquettes’ to scare the birds during the ripening period. Wine-growing expanded rapidly in the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to trading developed by the Dutch. As they had a large fleet, the latter used the Loire to obtain supplies, especially of white wines, from Les Ponts-de-Cé, Saumur and Vouvray, which led to growth in the quality wine market in respect of ‘wines for the sea’. The production of sparkling wines dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, when it was found that the characteristics of Saumur wines, produced from the Chenin B variety, made them suitable for secondary fermentation. Soon after, aware of this particular quality and the surprising similarity to ‘Champagne’ wines, in 1811 Jean-Baptiste Ackerman started producing sparkling wines using the traditional method. In 1838, a committee tasked with reviewing the products presented at the Angers trade fair stated that: ‘These wines are perfectly clear and limpid; their foam is white, lively and sparkling... They demonstrate that it is possible to produce wines in our region that can compare to Champagne wines.’ In less than half a century, encouraged by these initial results, many entrepreneurs took the committee’s advice to heart and went on to establish the area’s major wineries: ‘Veuve Amiot’, ‘Bouvet-Ladubay’, ‘Langlois-Château’ and ‘Monmousseau’. The caves created by tuffeau mining became the preferred locations for the production of sparkling wines. Tunnels were even dug out for the sole purpose of storing bottles. In the period 1845-1875, the rise in living standards in France and the expansion of the railways opened up new business opportunities for producers of sparkling wines. In 1874, 4 million bottles were shipped throughout Europe, with the reputation of the sparkling wines of the Loire valley growing rapidly in the 20th century. The registered designation of origin ‘Crémant de Loire’ was recognised by decree of 17 October 1975. The producers had long been aware of the importance of respecting the raw material in the production of the sparkling wines. The production rules laid down in that decree showed their commitment to manual harvesting, to putting whole grapes in the press, to pressing the grapes gently and to a long period of storage ‘on racks’. In 2009, annual production stood at 13 million bottles.

2. Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

‘Crémant de Loire’ is a sparkling wine that is usually white and sometimes rosé. It has an even effervescence with strings of fine, delicate and persistent bubbles. On the nose it often has aromas of white flowers mixed with fruity notes such as peach or apricot. On the palate it is fine and harmonious, with a pleasing combination of freshness and sweetness.

3. Causal interactions

The wine-growing area stretches over almost 200 kilometres along the Loire’s network of waterways, which allowed wine-growing to develop here. The mesoclimatic variations within the geographical area, and the very different soil conditions, have enabled producers to introduce the grape varieties with the best-suited characteristics. This diversity of wine-growing conditions is of significant advantage in terms of the blends used for the cuvées.

The suitability of wines made from the Chenin B variety to undergo secondary fermentation led producers, particularly those of Saumur and Vouvray, to master the practice of natural secondary fermentation in the bottle. Building on this success and in the knowledge that they are creating a renowned product, they apply and develop techniques that ensure impeccable quality. The cellars carved out of the tuffeau stone encouraged the development of these wines, which require large temperate storage and handling areas.

The production conditions concerning the harvest, in particular transporting the harvest, are designed to ensure that the grapes remain undamaged until the pressing stage and to limit oxidation. Pressing in a well-kept environment with suitable equipment and according to rules defining a precise ratio between the weight of the grapes used and the volume of must extracted ensures the quality and clarity of the juices obtained. Using experience acquired over more than a century, the producers of sparkling wines have now perfectly mastered the blending of their cuvées. A long period of ageing allows the wine to develop its aromatic characteristics, complexity and subtlety.

An Anjou winemaker in the 1980s said that ‘Crémant de Loire’ was the result of modern techniques used to better represent tradition. This white or rosé sparkling wine is now a major wine in the Loire Valley; it is sold both on the French market and exported and enjoys a growing reputation.

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 size of the letters of all optional terms whose use, under EU legislation, may be regulated by the Member States, must not be larger, either in height or width, than half of the size of the letters forming the name of the registered designation of origin.

The name of the registered designation of origin may be followed by the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ [Loire Valley]. The size of the letters used for this geographical name must not be larger, either in height or width, than two thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the registered designation of origin.

The name of the registered designation of origin is marked on the cork, on the part within the neck of the bottle.

Wines with the registered designation of origin may specify a smaller geographical unit on their labels, provided that:

— it is a registered location;

— 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 registered designation of origin.

Packaging

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Packaging in the demarcated area

Description of the condition:

The wines are produced by secondary fermentation in glass bottles.

The bottling in glass bottles, where the secondary fermentation takes place, may only be done as of 1 December following the harvest.

Wines bottled on the lees must be stored for at least 9 months.

The wines are processed and sold in the bottles within which the secondary fermentation has taken place, with the exception of wines sold in bottles with a volume of 37,5 cl or less or a volume of 150 cl or more.

The wines are marketed to the consumer after a minimum ageing period of 12 months from the bottling date.

Link to the product specification:

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-baeb17d6-5e61-48e0-ab86-d4c28e387778

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