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 319/06)

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

COMMUNICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT OF THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘CÔTES CATALANES’

PGI-FR-A1135-AM01

Date of communication: 2.7.2020

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Area in immediate proximity

The area in immediate proximity described in Chapter 1, point 4 of the specification for ‘Côtes Catalanes’ PGI is now presented as a list of communes in accordance with the 2019 Official Geographical Code, which is the national reference. The area itself remains unchanged by this update.

The list of communes making up the area in immediate proximity has been updated under ‘Further conditions’ in the single document.

2. Vine varieties

The list of varieties that may be used to make ‘Côtes Catalanes’ PGI given in Chapter 1, point 5 of the specification has been supplemented by five more varieties: Cabernet blanc B, Cabernet cortis N, Muscaris B, Soreli B and Souvignier gris RS.

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

They have been added to the list of varieties under ‘Main wine grape varieties’ in the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name of product

Côtes Catalanes

2. Type of geographical indication

PGI – Protected Geographical Indication

3. Category of grapevine product

1. Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

‘Côtes Catalanes’ PGI

The protected geographical indication ‘Côtes Catalanes’ covers still red, rosé and white 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.

The colour of the red wines may be more or less intense, depending on the type of wine being produced. In terms of both smell and taste, they express a powerful, elegant Mediterranean character, frequently combined with a certain freshness and spicy notes of red fruits and garrigue. Their structure varies depending on their maturity and the production criteria.

The rosé wines vary widely in colour depending on the grape varieties used, ranging from the palest grey to deep pink. Depending on the production method, they may be very aromatic, light and supple, or else – if sourced from low-yield hillside vineyards – possess a firm structure that makes for good table wine.

The white wines range in colour from the palest yellow-green to golden yellow.

Their minerality, fatness and aromatic power are determined by whether they are produced in the lowlands or at a higher altitude. Generally speaking, these wines combine freshness and minerality, giving them substance and length.

General analytical characteristics Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) 10,5 Minimum total acidity Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

PGI ‘Côtes Catalanes’ labelled as ‘rancio’

The protected geographical indication ‘Côtes Catalanes’ may be supplemented by the term ‘rancio’ in the case of still wines which, depending on the ageing conditions, have acquired the ‘rancio’ flavour.

Grapes intended for the production of wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Côtes Catalanes’ followed by the term ‘rancio’ must have a minimum sugar content of 238 g/l.

Wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Côtes Catalanes’ followed by the term ‘rancio’ have a maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose + fructose) of 12 g/l.

For the other analytical criteria, the wines must meet European standards.

The ‘rancio’ type wines are produced only from the following varieties: Carignan B, Carignan N, Cinsaut N, Grenache blanc B, Grenache gris G, Grenache N, Macabeu B, Tourbat B, Mourvèdre N, Muscat à petits grains B and Muscat d’Alexandrie B. They are the colour of dark amber or sometimes walnut stain, with tints of green, which attests to their long ageing process in an oxidising environment. They possess powerful, persistent aromas evocative of walnut and of spices such as fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum).

General analytical characteristics Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) 14 Minimum total acidity Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) 24,48 Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. Winemaking practices

a. Specific oenological practices

‘Côtes Catalanes’ PGI

Specific oenological practice

‘Côtes Catalanes’ PGI wines (except for those eligible for the term ‘rancio’), when aged in an oxidising environment, with or without a film of yeast, are aged until at least 1 March of the year following the year of harvest and may be marketed after that date.

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

PGI ‘Côtes Catalanes’ supplemented by the term ‘rancio’

Specific oenological practice

Wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Côtes Catalanes’ supplemented by the term ‘rancio’ are aged in an oxidising environment, until at least 31 August of the fifth year following that of the harvest, and may be marketed to consumers from 1 September of the fifth year following that of the harvest.

However, if only one container is used, the quantity of wine that may be racked each year, in a single operation, starting from the end of the 5-year ageing period, is no greater than a fifth of the container's contents at the time of bottling.

If a container is used to hold the product of multiple harvests, only one fifth of the volume of the wine may be sold bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Côtes Catalanes – rancio’ and this may not be placed on the market until 6 months after the last batch of wine is added.

Both red and white wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Côtes Catalanes’ supplemented by the term ‘rancio’ may be blended after they have been aged.

In addition to the above provisions, 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 to be used to make ‘Côtes Catalanes’ PGI wines must be harvested and made into wine in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales.

7. Main wine grape varieties

Alicante Henri Bouschet N

Alphonse Lavallée N

Altesse B

Alvarinho - Albariño

Aramon N

Arinarnoa N

Arvine B - Petite Arvine

Bourboulenc B - Doucillon blanc

Cabernet blanc B

Cabernet cortis N

Cabernet franc N

Cabernet-Sauvignon N

Caladoc N

Carignan N

Carignan blanc B

Carmenère N

Chardonnay B

Chasan B

Chenanson N

Chenin B

Cinsaut N - Cinsault

Clairette B

Clairette rose Rs

Colombard B

Cot N - Malbec

Counoise N

Egiodola N

Fer N - Fer Servadou, Braucol, Mansois, Pinenc

Gewurztraminer Rs

Grenache N

Grenache blanc B

Grenache gris G

Gros Manseng B

Listan B - Palomino

Lledoner pelut N

Macabeu B - Macabeo

Marsanne B

Marselan N

Mauzac B

Merlot N

Mondeuse N

Morrastel N - Minustellu, Graciano

Mourvèdre N - Monastrell

Muscadelle B

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

Parrellada B

Petit Manseng B

Petit Verdot N

Pinot blanc B

Pinot gris G

Pinot noir N

Piquepoul blanc B

Piquepoul gris G

Piquepoul noir N

Portan N

Poulsard N - Ploussard

Raffiat de Moncade B

Ribol N

Riesling B

Rivairenc N - Aspiran noir

Roussanne B

Sauvignon B - Sauvignon blanc

Sauvignon gris G - Fié gris

Savagnin blanc B

Savagnin rose Rs

Sciaccarello N

Semillon B

Soreli B

Souvignier gris Rs

Sylvaner B

Syrah N - Shiraz

Tannat N

Tempranillo N

Terret blanc B

Terret gris G

Terret noir N

Tourbat B

Ugni blanc B

Verdelho B

Vermentino B - Rolle

Villard blanc B

Villard noir N

Viognier B

8. Description of the link(s)

Specificity of the geographical area

The vineyards are located within a vast amphitheatre facing east towards the Mediterranean sea and bordered on three sides by high ground:

— the massif du Canigou to the west (Pic du Canigou –2 780 m)

— the massif des Albères to the south (Roc de France –1 450 m)

— the massif des Corbières to the north (Mont Tauch – 878 m)

It is here in this landscape of (sometimes steep) hills, valleys and outwash terraces, that the ‘Côtes Catalanes’ vineyards stretch across the land as a virtual monoculture.

The vineyards are crossed from west to east by three relatively short main rivers and smaller rivers that are often dried up. Over the centuries, these have swept material down from the mountains creating many terraces.

All geological eras are represented here, giving rise to a diversity of soils, formed either from the bedrock, from transported material, or from lake or marine deposits. The vines are planted on soils that are shallow, very dry, poor in organic matter and always very gravelly and well drained.

With a view to diversifying production, some lowland soils, which are richer and easier to work, have been planted with grape varieties that are new to the region.

Bounded to the west by the 300 m contour or the 13 °C isotherm, the vineyards receive over 2 500 hours of sunshine a year and rainfall of between 500 mm and 650 mm, often associated with thunderstorms and mainly occurring in spring and autumn.

The Mediterranean climate in the strict sense is moderated by the sea, which tempers the heat of the summer sun and keeps the nights comfortably cool. The most notable characteristic of the climate of Roussillon is, however, the frequency (1 day in 3) and strength of the Tramontane, a north-westerly wind that is very cold in winter after crossing the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees.

Specificity of the product

Viticulture came to Roussillon along with Mediterranean civilisation.

Since the beginning of the common era, distinctive wines have been produced from the naturally sweet grapes grown in this hot, windy climate.

Local production gradually came to focus chiefly on naturally sweet wines, the jewels of Roussillon. It was as a result of this that local growers developed the unique, specific skill of ageing the wine in an oxidising environment.

Though these naturally sweet wines were traditionally the main focus of production, still wines too have always been produced in Roussillon. Until the 19th century, they were mainly consumed locally. However, as their naturally high alcohol content made them well suited to transportation, they began to be sold outside of Roussillon, raising awareness among growers of the quality and uniqueness of the department's still wines.

The practice of ageing wines in an oxidising environment led to the development of ‘rancio’ wines, which are a remarkable expression of Catalan culture. In the mid-18th century, Saint-Simon defined ‘rancio’ as an aged Spanish wine. Towards the end of the 19th century, Paul Oliver, having taken over the wines from the old sacramental wine business established by Abbé François Rous in the commune of Banyuls-sur-Mer, proudly featured a ‘sweet rancio’ in his range of products.

As a result of its diversity and distinctive identity, the ‘Côtes Catalanes’ protected geographical indication was recognised by decree on 16 November 1981. The defined geographical area was modified on 1 September 2003 as the ‘Coteaux de Fenouillèdes’, ‘Vals d’Agly’ and ‘Côtes Catalanes’ PGIs were combined into one, a result of the growers’ desire to join forces and produce wine with a distinct Catalan identity.

Production is around 150 000 hl, encompassing red wines (55 %), rosé wines (30 %), and white wines (15 %). Added to this is the traditional, specific production of limited quantities of ‘rancio’ wine (wines aged in an oxidising environment and possessing distinctive ‘rancio’ characteristics).

The red wines are usually made from a combination of traditional Mediterranean grape varieties (Carignan N, Grenache, Syrah N). On the plain, there are also varieties from the south-west such as Merlot N and Cabernet-Sauvignon N. Combining power with elegance, they are tempered by a freshness that brings balance to these sun-drenched wines with a naturally high alcohol content.

Alongside the local white varieties (Grenache B, Grenache G, Macabeu B, Tourbat B, muscats) other varieties have been more recently introduced, such as Chardonnay B, Marsanne B, Roussanne B and Vermentino B. Their minerality, their fatness, and their aromatic power are determined by whether they are grown on the plain or at a higher altitude. Exuberant both in their aroma and their personality, their combination of freshness and minerality gives them substance and length.

The rosé wines are generally aromatic and come in a wide range of colours. Those produced from vineyards on the Roussillon plain are light, supple and highly aromatic, while those produced in the hills are deeper in colour and make good table wines on account of their structure.

The ‘rancio’ wines are made from the traditional Roussillon varieties only and are aged for at least 5 years.

‘Rancio’ is the distinctive flavour certain wines develop after being aged for a long period, usually in vats or old barrels. As a result of this process, both red and white wines end up turning the same dark amber colour, or sometimes the colour of walnut stain, enhanced with tints of green. These wines have powerful, persistent aromas evocative of walnut and spices such as fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum).

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

Dry wines from the Catalan region have long been sought after for their colour, their concentration and their high alcohol content, all of which enabled traders to rebalance other wines that were lacking in these respects by blending them. The hot, dry climate and the fact that the area is geologically unsuitable for underground cellars meant that these dry wines did not keep and winegrowers had to sell them quickly. In the last forty years, the arrival of modern technologies, especially refrigeration, has given new impetus to the production of these wines, and they now occupy an important place alongside the department’s other viticultural products.

The region is the warmest in France, and all the grape varieties reach full maturity here every year, helping to give all the wines produced a distinctly Mediterranean character.

Although the ‘Côtes Catalanes’ protected geographical indication acquired its prestigious reputation thanks to the traditionally used grape varieties Carignan N, Grenaches B, G and N, and Macabeu B, certain varieties not traditionally used in Northern Catalonia (primarily Cabernets, Merlot and Chardonnay) are now grown in the most fertile areas, some of which can be irrigated, to produce a fruity, supple wine with a higher yield.

In the wine sector, where the notion of identity is paramount, the winegrowers of Roussillon are fortunate enough to be able to produce wines with strong cultural roots, namely ‘rancio’ wines, which have an authentic Catalan flavour and can boast of an age-old tradition.

A confluence of factors enable the production of high-quality wine in this region: the ability to produce unique wines with a distinctive identity, along with the growers’ pride in their Catalonian homeland, a land of rugby, wine and tradition and a bridge between France and Spain, where the harshness of the land is matched only by the character of the men who work it.

For many years now, a diversified tourist industry has been developing in the Catalan region, all the way from the sea to the mountains, promoting the department’s riches to the world, and the ‘Côtes Catalanes’ PGI is among its ambassadors.

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:

The protected geographical indication ‘Côtes Catalanes’ may be supplemented by:

— the terms ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’

— the name of one or more grape varieties

— the term ‘rancio’ in accordance with the conditions laid down in the specification.

The protected geographical indication ‘Côtes Catalanes’ may be supplemented by the name of the smaller geographical unit ‘Pyrénées-Orientales’ in accordance with the conditions laid down in the product 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 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 production of ‘Côtes Catalanes’ PGI wines comprises the territory of the following communes:

— Department of Ariège: Aigues-Juntes, L'Aiguillon, Albiès, Alliat, Allières, Alzen, Appy, Arabaux, Arignac, Arnave, Artigues, Ascou, Aston, Auzat, Axiat, Ax-les-Thermes, La Bastide-de-Sérou, Baulou, Bédeilhac-et-Aynat, Bélesta, Bénac, Bénaix, Bestiac, Bompas, Le Bosc, Bouan, Brassac, Burret, Les Cabannes, Cadarcet, Capoulet-et-Junac, Carcanières, Carla-de-Roquefort, Caussou, Caychax, Cazenave-Serres-et-Allens, Celles, Château-Verdun, Cos, Dreuilhe, Durban-sur-Arize, Ferrières-sur-Ariège, Foix, Fougax-et-Barrineuf, Freychenet, Ganac, Garanou, Génat, Gestiès, Gourbit, L'Herm, L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre, Ignaux, Ilhat, Illier-et-Laramade, Lapège, Larbont, Larcat, Larnat, Lassur, Lavelanet, Lercoul, Lesparrou, Leychert, Lieurac, Lordat, Loubières, Luzenac, Mercus-Garrabet, Mérens-les-Vals, Miglos, Mijanès, Montagagne, Montaillou, Montels, Montferrier, Montgaillard, Montoulieu, Montségur, Montseron, Nalzen, Nescus, Niaux, Orgeix, Orlu, Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains, Orus, Pech, Péreille, Perles-et-Castelet, Le Pla, Prades, Pradières, Prayols, Le Puch, Quérigut, Quié, Rabat-les-Trois-Seigneurs, Raissac, Roquefixade, Roquefort-les-Cascades, Rouze, Saint-Jean-d'Aigues-Vives, Saint-Jean-de-Verges, Saint-Martin-de-Caralp, Saint-Paul-de-Jarrat, Saint-Pierre-de-Rivière, Saurat, Sautel, Savignac-les-Ormeaux, Senconac, Sentenac-de-Sérou, Serres-sur-Arget, Siguer, Aulos-Sinsat, Sorgeat, Soula, Surba, Suzan, Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Tignac, Unac, Urs, Ussat, Vaychis, Vèbre, Verdun, Vernajoul, Vernaux, Val-de-Sos, Villeneuve-d'Olmes.

— Department of Aude: Ajac, Alaigne, Albas, Alet-les-Bains, Antugnac, Argeliers, Argens-Minervois, Armissan, Arques, Artigues, Aunat, Axat, Bages, Belcaire, Belcastel-et-Buc, Belfort-sur-Rebenty, Bellegarde-du-Razès, Belvèze-du-Razès, Belvianes-et-Cavirac, Belvis, Bessède-de-Sault, La Bezole, Bizanet, Bize-Minervois, Bouriège, Bourigeole, Le Bousquet, Boutenac, Brézilhac, Brugairolles, Bugarach, Cailhau, Cailhavel, Cailla, Cambieure, Campagna-de-Sault, Campagne-sur-Aude, Camplong-d'Aude, Camps-sur-l'Agly, Camurac, Canet, Cascastel-des-Corbières, Cassaignes, Castelnau-d'Aude, Castelreng, Val de Lambronne, Caunette-sur-Lauquet, Caves, Cépie, Chalabre, Le Clat, Clermont-sur-Lauquet, Comus, Conilhac-Corbières, Corbières, Coudons, Couiza, Counozouls, Cournanel, Coursan, Courtauly, La Courtète, Coustaussa, Coustouge, Cruscades, Cubières-sur-Cinoble, Cucugnan, Cuxac-d'Aude, La Digne-d'Amont, La Digne-d'Aval, Donazac, Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, Durban-Corbières, Embres-et-Castelmaure, Escales, Escouloubre, Escueillens-et-Saint-Just-de-Bélengard, Espéraza, Espezel, Val-du-Faby, Fabrezan, La Fajolle, Fenouillet-du-Razès, Ferrals-les-Corbières, Ferran, Festes-et-Saint-André, Feuilla, Fitou, Fleury, Fontanès-de-Sault, Fontcouverte, Fontjoncouse, Fourtou, Fraissé-des-Corbières, Gaja-et-Villedieu, Galinagues, Gardie, Gincla, Ginestas, Ginoles, Gramazie, Granès, Greffeil, Gruissan, Homps, Hounoux, Jonquières, Joucou, Ladern-sur-Lauquet, La Palme, Lasserre-de-Prouille, Lauraguel, Leucate, Lézignan-Corbières, Lignairolles, Limoux, Loupia, Luc-sur-Aude, Luc-sur-Orbieu, Magrie, Mailhac, Maisons, Malras, Malviès, Marcorignan, Marsa, Mazerolles-du-Razès, Mazuby, Mérial, Mirepeisset, Missègre, Montazels, Montbrun-des-Corbières, Montfort-sur-Boulzane, Montgaillard, Montgradail, Monthaut, Montjardin, Montredon-des-Corbières, Montséret, Moussan, Narbonne, Nébias, Névian, Niort-de-Sault, Port-la-Nouvelle, Ornaisons, Ouveillan, Padern, Paraza, Pauligne, Paziols, Peyrefitte-du-Razès, Peyriac-de-Mer, Peyrolles, Pieusse, Pomas, Pomy, Portel-des-Corbières, Pouzols-Minervois, Puilaurens, Puivert, Quillan, Quintillan, Quirbajou, Raissac-d'Aude, Rennes-le-Château, Rennes-les-Bains, Rivel, Rodome, Roquefeuil, Roquefort-de-Sault, Roquefort-des-Corbières, Roquetaillade-et-Conilhac, Roubia, Rouffiac-des-Corbières, Routier, Saint-André-de-Roquelongue, Saint-Benoît, Sainte-Colombe-sur-Guette, Sainte-Colombe-sur-l'Hers, Saint-Couat-du-Razès, Saint-Ferriol, Saint-Hilaire, Saint-Jean-de-Barrou, Saint-Jean-de-Paracol, Saint-Julia-de-Bec, Saint-Just-et-le-Bézu, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, Saint-Louis-et-Parahou, Saint-Marcel-sur-Aude, Saint-Martin-de-Villereglan, Saint-Martin-Lys, Saint-Nazaire-d'Aude, Saint-Polycarpe, Sainte-Valière, Sallèles-d'Aude, Salles-d'Aude, Salvezines, Seignalens, La Serpent, Serres, Sigean, Sonnac-sur-l'Hers, Sougraigne, Terroles, Thézan-des-Corbières, Tourouzelle, Tourreilles, Treilles, Tréziers, Tuchan, Valmigère, Ventenac-en-Minervois, Véraza, Verzeille, Villardebelle, Villar-Saint-Anselme, Villarzel-du-Razès, Villebazy, Villedaigne, Villefloure, Villefort, Villelongue-d'Aude, Villeneuve-les-Corbières, Villesèque-des-Corbières, Vinassan.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-5e5bb316-d3a0-4505-a928-4c5624575423

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