Communication of the approval of a standard amendment to a 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

(2020/C 152/06)

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

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Cévennes’

PGI-FR-A1151-AM01

Date of communication: 10 February 2020

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Organoleptic description of the wines

In Chapter 1 of the specification for the ‘Cévennes’ protected geographical indication point 3.3 has been expanded to give a more detailed organoleptic description of the wines in terms of colour, aromas and taste.

This amendment to the specification affects the single document, which has been expanded under ‘Description of the wine(s)’.

2. Demarcated geographical area

The following editorial corrections have been made to point 4.1 of Chapter 1 of the specification:

— In the first paragraph, the words ‘The grapes are harvested’ have been replaced by ‘The grapes are produced’, which is a more accurate way of distinguishing the grape production area from the area where the wines are made and developed;

— ‘Fontanès et Peyrolles’ has been corrected to ‘Fontanès’;

— ‘Peyroles’ has been corrected to ‘Peyrolles’.

These amendments have also been made in the single document, under ‘Demarcated geographical area’.

3. Area in immediate proximity

In point 4.1 of Chapter 1 of the specification, the area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the making and development of ‘Cévennes’ PGI wines, has been defined in terms of the communes it comprises in the department of Gard. The area itself has not changed but is now defined in terms of a list of communes and not a list of cantons, in the interests of greater precision.

The list of communes has been drawn up on the basis of the 2019 Official Geographical Code, which is the national reference.

The list of communes constituting the area in immediate proximity is set out under ‘further conditions’ in the single document.

4. Vine varieties

In point 5 of Chapter 1 of the specification, nine more varieties have been added to the list of vine varieties that may be used to produce ‘Cévennes’ PGI wines. These are:

Artaban N, Cabernet blanc B, Cabernet cortis N, Floreal B, Muscaris B, Soreli B, Souvignier gris B, Vidoc N and Voltis B.

These varieties are known to be resistant to drought and fungal diseases. They are similar to the varieties currently used in the production of ‘Cévennes’ PGI wines, but allow the use of plant protection products to be reduced. They do not alter the characteristics of the wines.

The introduction of these varieties affects the single document under ‘Categories of grapevine product’.

5. Editorial changes that do not affect the single document

In the interests of greater precision, editorial changes have been made to the table in Chapter 2 of the specification for the ‘Cévennes’ PGI setting out the main points to be checked:

— the words ‘Grape harvesting area’ have been replaced by ‘Grape production area’;

— ‘vinification’ has been added after ‘Place of processing’;

— the words ‘Analytical checks’ have been replaced by ‘Analytical testing’.

In Chapter 3 of the specification for the ‘Cévennes’ PGI, the details of the certification body acting on behalf of INAO, the competent supervisory authority, have been updated.

These editorial corrections do not affect the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name of product

Cévennes

2. Type of geographical indication

PGI – Protected Geographical Indication

3. Categories of grapevine product

1. Wine

5. Quality sparkling wine

16. Late harvest wines

4. Description of the wine(s)

Still red wines

The ‘Cévennes’ protected geographical indication covers still red, rosé and white wines and late harvest red, rosé and white wines.

The red wines are characterised by their elegance, their powerful aroma and their tannic structures that vary depending on the winemaking technologies used. They are ruby red in colour with tints of purple. The nose is intense and clear, with notes of red and black fruit. These wines are full, dense and flavourful on the palate.

For the still wines, the (minimum or maximum) total alcoholic strength by volume, total acidity, volatile acidity and sulphur dioxide content are as laid down by EU legislation.

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

Still rosé wines

The rosé wines are primarily made from the Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah grape varieties, either blended or used as a single variety. Their colour varies from pale pink to salmon pink. The nose is subtle and delicate, with light hints of red fruit. Their feel on the palate is full, smooth and delicate, with a marked freshness and an aromatic palette similar to that of the nose.

For the still wines, the (minimum or maximum) total alcoholic strength by volume, total acidity, volatile acidity and sulphur dioxide content are as laid down by EU legislation.

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)

Still white wines

The white wines are notable for their delicacy and characteristic freshness. They are a clear, brilliant pale yellow in colour, sometimes with pleasant tints of green. They have a characteristic nose, with notes of pale-fleshed fruit, sometimes also scents of citrus and boxwood, and always have a marked freshness. These wines are lively on the palate, and are fragrant and delicate with a considerable aromatic persistence.

For the still wines, the (minimum or maximum) total alcoholic strength by volume, total acidity, volatile acidity and sulphur dioxide content are as laid down by EU legislation.

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)

Late harvest red, rosé and white wines.

The late harvest wines have aromas of ripe fruit.

For the late harvest wines, the (minimum or maximum) actual alcoholic strength by volume, total alcoholic strength by volume, natural alcoholic strength by volume and total sulphur dioxide content are as laid down by EU legislation.

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. Winemaking practices

a. Essential oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

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

b. Maximum yields

90 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are produced and PGI ‘Cévennes’ wines are made and developed in the following communes in the department of Gard:

Aigaliers, Aigremont, Aiguèze, Alès, Allègre, Alzon, Anduze, Arpaillargues-et-Aureillac, Arphy, Arre, Arrigas, Aspères, Aubussargues, Aujac, Aulas, Aumessas, Avèze, Bagard, Barjac, Baron, Bessèges, Bez et Esparon, Blandas, Blauzac, Boisset-et-Gaujac, Bonnevaux, Bordezac, Boucoiran-et-Nozières, Bouquet, Bourdic, Bragassargues, Branoux-les-Taillade, Breau Salagosse, Brignon, Brouzet-lès-Alès, Campestre-et-Luc, Canaules-et-Argentières, Cannes-et-Clairan, Cardet, Carnas, Cassagnoles, Castelnau-Valence, Causse-Bégon, Cavillargues, Cendras, Chambon, Chamborigaud, Collorgues, Colognac, Combas, Concoules, Conqueyrac, Corbès, Courry, Crespian, Cros, Cruviers-Lascours, Deaux, Dions, Domessargues, Dourbies, Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac, Estrechure (l'), Euzet, Foissac, Fontarèches, Fons-Outre-Gardon, Fons-sur-Lussan, Fontanès, Fressac, Gailhan, Gagnières, Gajan, Garrigues-Sainte-Eulalie, Gaujac, Générargues, Génolhac, Goudargues, Grand-Combe (la), Issirac, La Bastide-d’Engras, La Bruguière, La Cadière-et-Cambo, La Calmette, La Capelle-et-Masmolène, La Rouvière, Lamelouze, Lanuéjols, Lasalle, Laval Saint Roman, Laval-Pradel, Le Garn, Le Pin, Lecques, Lédignan, Les Mages, Les Plans, Lézan, Liouc, Logrian-Florian, Lussan, Malon-et-Elze, Mandagout, Mars, Martignargues, Martinet (le), Maruéjols-lès-Gardon, Massanes, Massillargues-Attuech, Mauressargues, Méjannes le Clap, Méjannes-lès-Alès, Meyrannes, Mialet, Molières-Cavaillac, Molières-sur-Cèze, Monoblet, Mons, Montagnac, Montclus, Monteils, Montardier, Montignargues, Montmirat, Montpezat, Moulézan, Moussac, Navacelles, Ners, Notre-Dame-de-la-Rouvière, Orthoux-Sérignac-Quilhan, Peyremale, Peyrolles, Plantiers (les), Pommiers, Pompignan, Ponteils-et-Brésis, Portes, Potelières, Pougnadoresse, Puechredon, Quissac, Revens, Ribaute-les-Tavernes, Rivières, Robiac-Rochessadoule, Rochegude, Rogues, Roquedur, Rousson, Saint-Ambroix, Sainte Anastasie, Saint-André-de-Majencoules, Saint-André-de-Valborgne, Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis, Saint-Bauzély, Saint-Bénézet, Saint-Bonnet-de-Salendrinque, Saint-Brès, Saint-Bresson, Saint-Cézaire-de-Gauzignan, Saint-Chaptes, Saint-Christol-de-Rodières, Saint-Christol-lès-Alès, Saint-Clément, Saint-Denis, Saint-Drézéry, Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle, Sainte-Cécile-d’Andorges, Saint-Etienne-de-l’Olm, Saint-Félix-de-Pallières, Saint-Florent-sur-Auzonnet, Saint-Geniès-de-Malgoirès, Saint-Hilaire-de-Brethmas, Saint-Hippolyte-de-Caton, Saint-Hippolyte-de-Montaigu, Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, Saint-Jean-de-Valeriscle, Saint-Jean-du-Gard, Saint-Jean-de-Ceyragues, Saint-Jean-de-Crieulon, Saint-Jean-de-Maruéjols-et-Avéjan, Saint-Jean-de-Serres, Saint-Jean-du-Pin, Saint-Julien-de-la-Nef, Saint-Julien-de-Cassagnas, Saint-Julien-les-Rosiers, Saint-Just-et-Vacquières, Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, Saint-Laurent-la-Vernède, Saint-Mamert-du-Gard Saint-Martial, Saint-Martin-de-Valgalgues, Saint-Maurice-de-Cazevieille, Saint-Nazaire-des-Gardies, Saint-Paul-la-Coste, Saint-Pons-la-Calm, Saint-Privat-de-Champclos, Saint-Privat-des-Vieux, Saint-Roman-de-Codières, Saint-Sauveur-des-Pourcils, Saint-Sébastien-d’Aigrefeuille, Saint-Théodorit, Saint-Victor-de-Malcap, Saint-Victor-des-Oules, Salindres, Salinelles, Salles-du-Gardon (les), Sardan, Saumane, Sauve, Sauzet, Savignargues, Sénechas, Servas, Serviers-et-Labaume, Seynes, Soudorgues, Soustelle, Souvignargues, Sumène, Tharaux, Thoiras, Tornac, Trèves, Vabres, Vallabrix, Valleraugue, Vallérargues, Verfeuil, Vernarède (la), Vézénobres, Vic-le-Fesq, Vigan (le), Villevieille, Vissec.

7. Main wine grape variety(ies)

Alicante Henri Bouschet N Alphonse Lavallée N Altesse B Alvarinho – Albariño Aramon N Aramon blanc B Aramon gris G Aranel B Arinarnoa N Artaban N Arvine B – Petite Arvine Aubun N – Murescola Bourboulenc B – Doucillon blanc Brun argenté N – Vaccarèse Cabernet blanc B Cabernet cortis N Cabernet franc N Cabernet-Sauvignon N Caladoc N Cardinal Rg Carignan N Carignan blanc B Carmenère N Chardonnay B Chasan B Chasselas B Chenanson N Chenin B Cinsaut N – Cinsault Clairette B Clairette rose Rs Colombard B Cot N – Malbec Couderc noir N Counoise N Danlas B Egiodola N Floreal B Gamay N Gamay de Chaudenay N Gewurztraminer Rs Grenache N Grenache blanc B Grenache gris G Gros Manseng B Lival N Lledoner pelut N Macabeu B – Macabeo Marsanne B Marselan N Maréchal Foch N Mauzac B Merlot N Mondeuse N Morrastel N – Minustellu, Graciano Mourvèdre N – Monastrell Muscaris B Muscat d’Alexandrie B – Muscat, Moscato Muscat de Hambourg N – Muscat, Moscato Muscat à petits grains blancs B – Muscat, Moscato Muscat à petits grains roses Rs – Muscat, Moscato Muscat à petits grains rouges Rg – Muscat, Moscato Nielluccio N – Nielluciu Négrette N Petit Manseng B Petit Verdot N Pinot gris G Pinot noir N Piquepoul blanc B Piquepoul gris G Piquepoul noir N Portan N Riesling B Rivairenc N – Aspiran noir Roussanne B Sauvignon B – Sauvignon blanc Sauvignon gris G – Fié gris Sciaccarello N Semillon B Servant B Soreli B Souvignier gris Rs Sylvaner B Syrah N – Shiraz Tannat N Tempranillo N Terret blanc B Terret gris G Terret noir N Ugni blanc B Verdelho B Vermentino B – Rolle Vidoc N Villard blanc B Villard noir N Viognier B Voltis B

8. Description of the link(s)

The Cévennes vineyards are located in the department of Gard in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. They take their name from the Cévennes massif, the southernmost mountain range of the Massif Central.

The rugged and varied environment of the Cévennes has compelled growers to vary their activities depending on the soil and climatic conditions. Thus, generally speaking, the vineyards begin where the chestnut trees stop.

Chiefly planted in carbonate soils, the vineyards are located on hilly terrain shaped by the rivers flowing down from the Cévennes, where vines grow alongside orchards, olive trees and cereal crops.

The foothills of the Cévennes are characterised by a moderate Mediterranean climate, with a strong contrast between the seasons and rainy spells around the equinoxes that are often fierce (known as épisodes Cévenols). Thanks to the presence of the mountains, the north wind is mild and there are significant temperature fluctuations during the ripening stage, which enhance the quality of the grapes. For centuries, vines were grown together with other crops and the wine produced was consumed locally.

Thus, when chestnut and mulberry growing ran into trouble, it was possible to replace these activities with viticulture. The vineyards underwent their greatest period of expansion during the 19th century, although the vine never became a monoculture, as it did in the low plains of Languedoc.

Cévennes wine was first recognised by decree on 27 August 1992. The volume of wine produced within the geographical area is around 80 000 hectolitres, encompassing red, rosé and white wines, with a marked increase in rosé wine production.

The wines are typically made from a combination of traditional Mediterranean grape varieties (Carignan, Grenache, Cinsaut) and internationally renowned varieties, such as Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Syrah for red wines and Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Viognier for white wines.

The red wines are characterised by their elegance and powerful aroma, and the rosé and white wines by their delicacy and typical freshness.

The sparkling wines, made from a selection of the most suitable still wines, have the same aromatic features. The introduction of new varieties over the past four decades has allowed winemakers to diversify, particularly since the introduction of earlier varieties especially suited to the climate of the Cévennes foothills.

The wines generally possess a good balance between elegance and freshness, a palpable reflection of the area’s unique climate.

Winemaking occupies a special place in the farming economy of the Cévennes and, along with other products such as sweet onions, chestnuts and Pélardon cheese, contributes to the reputation of the area’s produce.

These products, along with the development of the tourist economy – particularly around the Cévennes National Park – have provided the region with a newfound stability and are helping to preserve its stunning landscapes shaped by human activity over the centuries.

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

Additional labelling terms

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The protected geographical indication ‘Cévennes’ may be supplemented by the name of one or more grape varieties.

The protected geographical indication ‘Cévennes’ may be supplemented by the terms ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’. The terms ‘primeur’ and ‘nouveau’ are used for still wines only.

The European Union PGI logo must appear on the label if the words ‘Indication géographique protégée’ (protected geographical indication) are replaced by the traditional term ‘Vin de pays’.

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 immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the making and development of ‘Cévennes’ PGI wines comprises the following communes in the department of Gard, based on the 2019 Official Geographical Code:

Aigues-Mortes, Aigues-Vives, Aimargues, Aramon, Argilliers, Aubais, Aubord, Aujargues, Bagnols-sur-Cèze, Beaucaire, Beauvoisin, Bellegarde, Belvézet, Bernis, Bezouce, Boissières, Bouillargues, Cabrières, Caissargues, Calvisson, Carsan, Castillon-du-Gard, Caveirac, Chusclan, Clarensac, Codognan, Codolet, Collias, Comps, Congénies, Connaux, Cornillon, Domazan, Estézargues, Flaux, Fournès, Fourques, Gallargues-le-Montueux, Garons, Générac, Jonquières-Saint-Vincent, Junas, La Roque-sur-Cèze, Langlade, Laudun-l’Ardoise, Le Cailar, Le Grau-du-Roi, Lédenon, Les Angles, Lirac, Manduel, Marguerittes, Meynes, Milhaud, Montaren-et-Saint-Médiers, Montfaucon, Montfrin, Mus, Nages-et-Solorgues, Nîmes, Orsan, Parignargues, Pont-Saint-Esprit, Poulx, Pouzilhac, Pujaut, Redessan, Remoulins, Rochefort-du-Gard, Rodilhan, Roquemaure, Sabran, Saint-Alexandre, Saint-André-d’Olérargues, Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard, Saint-Côme-et-Maruéjols, Saint-Dionisy, Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts, Saint-Geniès-de-Comolas, Saint-Gervais, Saint-Gervasy, Saint-Gilles, Saint-Hilaire-d’Ozilhan, Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas, Saint-Laurent-d’Aigouze, Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols, Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, Saint-Marcel-de-Careiret, Saint-Maximin, Saint-Michel-d’Euzet, Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Paul-les-Fonts, Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, Saint-Siffret, Saint-Victor-la-Coste, Salazac, Sanilhac-Sagriès, Sauveterre, Saze, Sernhac, Sommières, Tavel, Théziers, Tresques, Uchaud, Uzès, Vallabrègues, Valliguières, Vauvert, Vénéjan, Vergèze, Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Vestric-et-Candiac, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-6ec30fda-501e-46f5-bc91-936ce505bac7

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