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

(2021/C 322/04)

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

‘Chiroubles’

PDO-FR-A0911-AM02

Submitted on: 4 June 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Geographical area

In chapter I, section IV, point 1, the words ‘based on the 2019 Official Geographical Code’ have been added after ‘Rhône’.

This editorial amendment allows the geographical area to be identified with reference to the 2019 version of the Official Geographical Code, which is updated by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), and gives the definition of the geographical area legal certainty.

The boundaries of the geographical area remain unchanged.

The phrase ‘are undertaken’ has been replaced by ‘take place’.

Point 6 of the single document has been amended to include these changes.

A sentence has also been added with the information that cartographic documents pertaining to the geographical area are available on the INAO website.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

2. Area in immediate proximity

In chapter I, section IV, point 3, the words ‘based on the 2019 Official Geographical Code’ have been added after ‘the following municipalities’.

A reference to the 2019 Official Geographical Code has been added and the list of municipalities updated. This amendment changes the wording but does not have any effect on the boundary of the geographical area of the designation. It is necessary as a result of mergers and splits among municipalities, or parts of municipalities, or name changes.

The new wording ensures that the municipalities in the geographical area continue to be clearly identified in the specification.

The section of the single document headed ‘Further conditions’ has been amended accordingly.

3. Provisions relating to maturation

In chapter I, section IX, point 2, ‘1 March’ has been replaced by ‘15 January’.

The end date of the minimum maturation period for the wines has been brought forward from 1 March to 15 January of the year following harvest. This is due to early harvests becoming more common as a result of climate change, thus allowing earlier completion of the wine-making process.

Bringing forward the end date of the minimum maturation period does not affect the quality of the wines. The climate and soil conditions of the area mean that the gamay N grape develops early, thereby allowing the wines to be enjoyed young. As section X of chapter I states. ‘They (the wines) can be drunk young’.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended. Wine-making practices

4. Placing on the market for sale to consumers

In chapter I, section IX, point 5, ‘15 March’ has been replaced by ‘1 February’.

As the end date of the minimum maturation period has been brought forward, the date for placing the wines on the market for sale to consumers has also been brought forward, from 15 March to 1 February.

This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.

5. Transport between authorised warehouses

Point 5(b), section IX, chapter I, concerning the date from which the wines can transported between authorised warehouses, has been deleted.

This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.

The minimum maturation period has been reduced and the date on which wines are placed on the market has been brought forward. It is therefore necessary to allow the wines to be transported between operators sooner. There is no need to establish an earlier date before which the wines cannot be transported.

The title of point 5, section IX, chapter I has therefore been amended, with the removal of the words ‘the transport of products and’.

The single document is not affected by these amendments to the specification.

6. Transitional measures

In chapter I, section XI, point 1(a), the phrase ‘at the latest’ has been added before the words ‘up to and including the 2034 harvest’, in order to be more specific about the conditions for this measure.

Point 3 has been deleted as it referred to a specific measure concerning ageing time and, consequently, dates for making the product available to consumers on the market. The period during which producers could use this measure has expired.

The single document is not affected by these amendments to the specification.

7. Matters concerning monitoring the specification

— Operators are now monitored by a certification body. The words ‘inspection plans’ have been replaced by the words ‘monitoring plan’ in the relevant paragraphs in chapter II of the specification. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

— References to the inspection body In section II of chapter III: the rules on wording in this section have been amended since approval of the specification in December 2011. The purpose was to remove full references to the inspection authority where monitoring is conducted by a certification body. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Chiroubles

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

1. Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

Brief written description

The wines are still, dry red wines. The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 10,5 %.

The total alcoholic strength by volume of the wines after enrichment does not exceed 13 %.

At the time of packaging, the wines have a maximum malic acid content of 0,4 grams per litre.

Wines that are finished and ready to be released for consumption conform to the following analytical standards:

Maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose): 3 grams per litre

The standards provided for in EU regulations apply to the maximum total alcoholic strength, minimum actual alcoholic strength, minimum total acidity and maximum total sulphur dioxide content.

The wines are light in colour and a beautiful ruby-red. On the nose, they often have floral notes and fruity notes. As regards structure, the tannins are generally understated. The wine is soft in the mouth and very delicate with a balanced, fruity elegance. They can be drunk young but a year or two of keeping brings out their full elegance.

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) 14,17 Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. Wine-making practices

5.1. Specific oenological practices

1. Specific oenological practice — The use of wood chips is prohibited. — The total alcoholic strength by volume of the wines after enrichment does not exceed 13 %. — Subtractive enrichment techniques are permitted up to a concentration rate of 10 %. — The wines must be aged until at least 15 January of the year following the harvest.

In addition to the above provisions, all wine-making practices followed must also comply with the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

2. Cultivation method — Planting density

The minimum vine planting density is 6 000 plants per hectare.

The spacing between the rows is 2.10 metres or less. Between plants in the same row, spacing is at least 0.80 metres.

Provided that the minimum density of 6 000 plants per hectare is maintained, for the purposes of mechanisation, the spaces between rows may be a maximum of 3 metres.

— Pruning rules — Pruning is completed by 15 May. — The wines are made from vines subject to spur pruning and trained to gobelet, éventail, single or double cordon de Royat, or ‘Charmet’. Each plant has a maximum of ten buds. — Each plant has three to five spurs with a maximum of two buds. For regeneration purposes, each plant may also have a spur with a maximum of two buds cut from a water shoot growing out of the permanent wood. — During initial pruning, or conversion to a different form of pruning, vines are pruned to a maximum of 12 buds per plant.

Irrigation is prohibited.

Provisions relating to mechanised harvesting

The harvest is piled no higher than 0.50 metres in the containers transporting it from the parcel to the winery.

The containers are made of inert material suitable for food-use.

The equipment for picking and transporting the harvest includes a special water-drainage and protection system.

5.2. Maximum yields

1. 61 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines are produced, developed and aged in the following municipality of the Rhône department, based on the 2019 Official Geographic Code: Chiroubles

7. Main wine grape variety(-ies)

Gamay N

8. Description of the link(s)

8.1. Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The geographical area is located on the eastern sides of the Beaujolais hills, where the highest point is Mont Saint-Rigaud at 1 009 metres.

The area occupies the sole municipality of Chiroubles in the north of the Rhône department.

The geographical area is set in a small chain of hills that form a kind of granite amphitheatre, open to the south-east and well sheltered. The landscape is very rugged and uneven. The steep slopes, well exposed to the east and south-east, sweep down towards the valley bottoms where the Douby brook and its tributaries flow. The area is located to the south-west of Mâcon and north of Lyon.

The parcels demarcated for the grape harvest are located on the slopes overlooking the Saône plain. At altitudes of between 260 and 600 metres, they are the highest vineyards in the Beaujolais region. The soils are largely homogeneous, having formed as a result of the alteration of the granitic base which created an area of coarse sandy soil. In places they are intercut with seams of microgranite and lamprophyre. These soils are sparse, light, acidic, permeable and shallow.

The climate is sub-maritime, subject to continental and southern influences. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, and the average annual temperature is close to 11 degrees C. The Beaujolais hills play a vital role providing protection from the west winds, thereby diminishing the maritime influence. The hills produce a foehn effect that dries the damp air, enhancing the light and reducing rainfall correspondingly.

The broad Saône valley also plays a significant role in the development of the vines. It ensures abundant light and channels southern influences, characterised in particular by intense heat in summer.

8.2. Description of the human factors relevant to the link

Since the Middle Ages, vines have developed under the influence of monastic orders. From the end of the 15th century, having grown rich from silk and banking, the bourgeoisie of Lyon contributed to the spread of vineyards.

During the 17th century, the wine trade in the region developed and led to significant changes in the vineyards. In 1697, a census was called by Lambert d’Herbigny. The name ‘Chiroubles’ appeared among the parishes where vines were grown, albeit still on a modest scale.

However, the driving force in making ‘Chiroubles’ a hallowed name in the history of modern viticulture was Victor Pulliat. On his Tempéré estate in the municipality of Chiroubles, this legendary figure assembled a collection of 1 200 grape varieties. He established the early-ripening and budding scale for grape varieties and, in the 1880s, he instigated the fight against the scourge of phylloxera. He refined vine-grafting, an extremely effective weapon, environmentally friendly and now used worldwide. His vines were the first to be grafted in the Rhône department. He played a key role in the restoration of vineyards.

In 1928, reacting to the crisis in viticulture, small producers united to form a cooperative winery, in order to improve the conditions for wine-making and the sale of their products. Grapes harvested by some 60 members are still made into wine in this winery.

The controlled designation of origin ‘Chiroubles’ was recognised by the Decree of 11 September 1936, at the initiative of the wine-growers’ union.

The modest size of the parcels, and their highly fragmented nature due to the topography, have produced a patchwork of vines. These are a sign of the intense human activity in viticulture.

The production of ‘Chiroubles’ wines represents a fusion of characteristic regional traditions with modern techniques.

In pursuit of quality wines, the producers have learned to tame the gamay N variety, its growth and its specific characteristics, notably by using high planting density and spur pruning.

In order for the grapes to ripen properly, producers ensure that the canopy is sufficiently open. The vines are therefore trained without trellising or attached to supports during the early years only. Equally, they can also be trained on fixed trellising which enables mechanisation.

In order for the wines to acquire the necessary tannic structure during maturation, producers have adopted a particular wine-making method involving both traditional fermentation and semi-carbonic maceration. According to custom, producers love to identify the harvest from the best parcels. They mention the names of the most prestigious lieux-dits, or plots, on the labels.

In 2010, some 50 private wineries and a cooperative winery cultivated an area of 350 hectares to produce some 16 000 hectolitres.

8.3. Causal interactions

On the parcels demarcated for the grape harvest, the soils are generally granitic with little clay content. This is significant for the unique taste of the wines. Sparse and with good filtering properties, these soils drain and heat up rapidly, factors conducive to producing quality grapes and wines with an especially fruity expression.

Given its geographical location, the area of ‘Chiroubles’ differs from the other vineyards of the Beaujolais region in the marked variation of its climate. The summer heat is especially strong and often lasts until autumn.

Protected from the west winds by the Beaujolais hills, the vineyard parcels are set within a natural south-east facing amphitheatre. They enjoy mild temperatures from dawn under the effects of the early morning sunshine.

The vines are located on the sometimes very steep slopes, looking out over the broad Saône plain, at heights of between 260 and 600 metres. Consequently, they usually escape the spring frosts and morning mists. Their location exposes them to sunlight that enables effective photosynthesis and rapidly drains any excess rainwater. This results in excellent ripening of the grapes. The foehn effect causes high temperatures in the ripening period and counterbalances the altitude effects.

In these particular geographical conditions, down the generations producers have developed techniques enabling them to make the most of gamay N. The grape variety is particularly suited to the climate and the soils formed from granitic sands.

Their know-how is evident in the customary practice of spur pruning, as well as in the high density planting, growing techniques to limit soil erosion, wine-making practices adapted to produce a richly coloured product ready for development, while always preserving the finesse, fruitiness and elegance of the wines, together with their skill at maturing and keeping the wines.

Long before ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’ had conquered the planet, the wines of ‘Chiroubles’ were already highly rated. In his 1816 work, Topographie de tous les vignobles connus (Topography of all known vineyards), Jullien mentions the wines of ‘Chiroubles, which produce wines of the same type as those of Fleury’ another famous ‘cru’ (vineyard) of the Beaujolais region.

Since 1995, the ‘Association of Young Women of Chiroubles’ has protected and promoted this wine beyond regional borders. The ‘Crus du Beaujolais’ festival, founded by the municipality of Chiroubles is a great occasion. During the great annual competition, the best wines are identified. The best of all is awarded the ‘Victor Pulliat Cup’ in memory of that legendary figure of the municipality.

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

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition

The area in the immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for wine-making, maturing and ageing comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographic Code for 2019:

— Department of Côte-d’Or: — Agencourt, Aloxe-Corton, Ancey, Arcenant, Argilly, Autricourt, Auxey-Duresses, Baubigny, Beaune, Belan-sur-Ource, Bévy, Bissey-la-Côte, Bligny-lès-Beaune, Boncourt-le-Bois, Bouix, Bouze-lès-Beaune, Brion-sur-Ource, Brochon, Cérilly, Chamboeuf, Chambolle-Musigny, Channay, Charrey-sur-Seine, Chassagne-Montrachet, Châtillon-sur-Seine, Chaumont-le-Bois, Chaux, Chenôve, Chevannes, Chorey-lès-Beaune, Clémencey, Collonges-lès-Bévy, Combertault, Comblanchien, Corcelles-les-Arts, Corcelles-les-Monts, Corgoloin, Cormot-Vauchignon, Corpeau, Couchey, Curley, Curtil-Vergy, Daix, Dijon, Ebaty, Echevronne, Epernay-sous-Gevrey, L’Etang-Vergy, Etrochey, Fixin, Flagey-Echézeaux, Flavignerot, Fleurey-sur-Ouche, Fussey, Gerland, Gevrey-Chambertin, Gilly-lès-Cîteaux, Gomméville, Grancey-sur-Ource, Griselles, Ladoix-Serrigny, Lantenay, Larrey, Levernois, Magny-lès-Villers, Mâlain, Marcenay, Marey-lès-Fussey, Marsannay-la-Côte, Massingy, Mavilly-Mandelot, Meloisey, Merceuil, Messanges, Meuilley, Meursanges, Meursault, Molesme, Montagny-lès-Beaune, Monthelie, Montliot-et-Courcelles, Morey-Saint-Denis, Mosson, Nantoux, Nicey, Noiron-sur-Seine, Nolay, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Obtrée, Pernand-Vergelesses, Perrigny-lès-Dijon, Plombières-lès-Dijon, Poinçon-lès-Larrey, Pommard, Pothières, Premeaux-Prissey, Prusly-sur-Ource, Puligny-Montrachet, Quincey, Reulle-Vergy, La Rochepot, Ruffey-lès-Beaune, Saint-Aubin, Saint-Bernard, Saint-Philibert, Saint-Romain, Sainte-Colombe-sur-Seine, Sainte-Marie-la-Blanche, Santenay, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Segrois, Tailly, Talant, Thoires, Vannaire, Velars-sur-Ouche, Vertault, Vignoles, Villars-Fontaine, Villebichot, Villedieu, Villers-la-Faye, Villers-Patras, Villy-le-Moutier, Vix, Volnay, Vosne-Romanée and Vougeot

— Department of Rhône: — Alix, Anse, L’Arbresle, Les Ardillats, Arnas, Bagnols, Beaujeu, Belleville-en-Beaujolais, Belmont-d’Azergues, Blacé, Le Breuil, Bully, Cercié, Chambost-Allières, Chamelet, Charentay, Charnay, Chasselay, Châtillon, Chazay-d’Azergues, Chénas, Chessy, Cogny, Corcelles-en-Beaujolais, Dardilly, Denicé, Deux Grosnes (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipality of Avenas), Dracé, Emeringes, Fleurie, Fleurieux-sur-l’Arbresle, Frontenas, Gleizé, Juliénas, Jullié, Lacenas, Lachassagne, Lancié, Lantignié, Légny, Létra, Limas, Lozanne, Lucenay, Marchampt, Marcy, Moiré, Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, Morancé, Odenas, Le Perréon, Pommiers, Porte des Pierres Dorées, Quincié-en-Beaujolais, Régnié-Durette, Rivolet, Sain-Bel, Saint-Clément-sur-Valsonne, Saint-Cyr-le-Chatoux, Saint-Didier-sur-Beaujeu, Saint-Etienne-des-Oullières, Saint-Etienne-la-Varenne, Saint-Georges-de-Reneins, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, Saint-Julien, Saint-Just-d’Avray, Saint-Lager, Saint-Romain-de-Popey, Saint-Vérand, Sainte-Paule, Salles-Arbuissonnas-en-Beaujolais, Sarcey, Taponas, Ternand, Theizé, Val d’Oingt, Vaux-en-Beaujolais, Vauxrenard, Vernay, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Ville-sur-Jarnioux, Villié-Morgon and Vindry-sur-Turdine (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipalities of Dareizé, Les Olmes and Saint-Loup)

— Department of Saône-et-Loire: — Aluze, Ameugny, Azé, Barizey, Beaumont-sur-Grosne, Berzé-la-Ville, Berzé-le-Châtel, Bissey-sous-Cruchaud, Bissy-la-Mâconnaise, Bissy-sous-Uxelles, Bissy-sur-Fley, Blanot, Bonnay, Bouzeron, Boyer, Bray, Bresse-sur-Grosne, Burgy, Burnand, Bussières, Buxy, Cersot, Chagny, Chaintré, Chalon-sur-Saône, Chamilly, Champagny-sous-Uxelles, Champforgeuil, Chânes, Change, Chapaize, La Chapelle-de-Bragny, La Chapelle-de-Guinchay, La Chapelle-sous-Brancion, Charbonnières, Chardonnay, La Charmée, Charnay-lès-Mâcon, Charrecey, Chasselas, Chassey-le-Camp, Château, Châtenoy-le-Royal, Chaudenay, Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Chenôves, Chevagny-les-Chevrières, Chissey-lès-Mâcon, Clessé, Cluny, Cormatin, Cortambert, Cortevaix, Couches, Crêches-sur-Saône, Créot, Cruzille, Culles-les-Roches, Curtil-sous-Burnand, Davayé, Demigny, Dennevy, Dezize-lès-Maranges, Donzy-le-Pertuis, Dracy-le-Fort, Dracy-lès-Couches, Epertully, Etrigny, Farges-lès-Chalon, Farges-lès-Mâcon, Flagy, Fleurville, Fley, Fontaines, Fragnes-La-Loyère (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipality of La Loyère), Fuissé, Genouilly, Germagny, Givry, Granges, Grevilly, Hurigny, Igé, Jalogny, Jambles, Jugy, Jully-lès-Buxy, Lacrost, Laives, Laizé, Lalheue, Leynes, Lournand, Lugny, Mâcon, Malay, Mancey, Martailly-lès-Brancion, Massilly, Mellecey, Mercurey, Messey-sur-Grosne, Milly-Lamartine, Montagny-lès-Buxy, Montbellet, Montceaux-Ragny, Moroges, Nanton, Ozenay, Paris-l’Hôpital, Péronne, Pierreclos, Plottes, Préty, Prissé, Pruzilly, Remigny, La Roche-Vineuse, Romanèche-Thorins, Rosey, Royer, Rully, Saint-Albain, Saint-Ambreuil, Saint-Amour-Bellevue, Saint-Boil, Saint-Clément-sur-Guye, Saint-Denis-de-Vaux, Saint-Désert, Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé, Saint-Gengoux-le-National, Saint-Germain-lès-Buxy, Saint-Gervais-sur-Couches, Saint-Gilles, Saint-Jean-de-Trézy, Saint-Jean-de-Vaux, Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune, Saint-Mard-de-Vaux, Saint-Martin-Belle-Roche, Saint-Martin-du-Tartre, Saint-Martin-sous-Montaigu, Saint-Maurice-de-Satonnay, Saint-Maurice-des-Champs, Saint-Maurice-lès-Couches, Saint-Pierre-de-Varennes, Saint-Rémy, Saint-Sernin-du-Plain, Saint-Symphorien-d’Ancelles, Saint-Vallerin, Saint-Vérand, Saint-Ythaire, Saisy, La Salle, Salornay-sur-Guye, Sampigny-lès-Maranges, Sancé, Santilly, Sassangy, Saules, Savigny-sur-Grosne, Sennecey-le-Grand, Senozan, Sercy, Serrières, Sigy-le-Châtel, Sologny, Solutré-Pouilly, Taizé, Tournus, Uchizy, Varennes-lès-Mâcon, Vaux-en-Pré, Vergisson, Vers, Verzé, Le Villars, La Vineuse sur Fregande (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipalities of Donzy-le-National, Massy and La Vineuse), Vinzelles and Viré

— Department of Yonne: — Aigremont, Annay-sur-Serein, Arcy-sur-Cure, Asquins, Augy, Auxerre, Avallon, Bazarnes, Beine, Bernouil, Béru, Bessy-sur-Cure, Bleigny-le-Carreau, Censy, Chablis, Champlay, Champs-sur-Yonne, Chamvres, La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, Charentenay, Châtel-Gérard, Chemilly-sur-Serein, Cheney, Chevannes, Chichée, Chitry, Collan, Coulangeron, Coulanges-la-Vineuse, Courgis, Cruzy-le-Châtel, Dannemoine, Deux Rivières, Dyé, Epineuil, Escamps, Escolives-Sainte-Camille, Fleys, Fontenay-près-Chablis, Gy-l’Evêque, Héry, Irancy, Island, Joigny, Jouancy, Junay, Jussy, Lichères-près-Aigremont, Lignorelles, Ligny-le-Châtel, Lucy-sur-Cure, Maligny, Mélisey, Merry-Sec, Migé, Molay, Molosmes, Montigny-la-Resle, Montholon (only the part corresponding to the territories of the former municipalities of Champvallon, Villiers sur Tholon and Volgré), Mouffy, Moulins-en-Tonnerrois, Nitry, Noyers, Ouanne, Paroy-sur-Tholon, Pasilly, Pierre-Perthuis, Poilly-sur-Serein, Pontigny, Préhy, Quenne, Roffey, Rouvray, Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, Saint-Cyr-les-Colons, Saint-Père, Sainte-Pallaye, Sainte-Vertu, Sarry, Senan, Serrigny, Tharoiseau, Tissey, Tonnerre, Tronchoy, Val-de-Mercy, Vallan, Venouse, Venoy, Vermenton, Vézannes, Vézelay, Vézinnes, Villeneuve-Saint-Salves, Villy, Vincelles, Vincelottes, Viviers and Yrouerre.

Labelling

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

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

— it is the name of a place in the land register;

— it appears on the harvest declaration.

The name of the registered location appears immediately after the controlled designation of origin, and is printed in lettering no greater in both height and width than the letters in which the name of the controlled designation of origin is written.

b) The labels of wines entitled to the controlled designation of origin can mention the larger geographical entity ‘Vin du Beaujolais’, ‘Grand Vin du Beaujolais’ or ‘Cru du Beaujolais’.

The size of the letters for the larger geographical unit must not be greater, either in height or width, than two-thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-aff5d6e6-92c6-4014-ba8a-099dfa50f118

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