Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the 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

(2021/C 283/07)

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

‘Béarn’

PDO-FR-A0597-AM02

Date of communication: 7 May 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Demarcated parcel area

Description and reasons: In point IV(1) of the specification, the municipality of Cannet has been replaced by Riscle (in the territory of the former municipality of Cannet) following the merger of the two municipalities. The request to amend the specification provides an opportunity to correct the spelling of a municipality in the geographical area: Corbères-Abères.

Point 1.6 of the single document on the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

2. Vine varieties

In point V(2) of the specification, the request to modify the proportions of the vine variety to be planted requires amending the specification for red wines as follows: ‘The proportion of the Tannat N variety may be equal to 50 %.’ For rosé wines, the following provision has been added: ‘The proportion of the Tannat N variety must be greater than or equal to 20 %.’ The following rule for red wines has been extended to rosé wines: ‘These requirements do not apply to winemakers who do not make wine from their own production, whose holding within the area for the controlled designation of origin is less than 1,5 ha and who maintain a proportion of main grape varieties greater than or equal to 50 % of the mix of vine varieties.’ A minimum proportion of Tannat has been added to the proportions for rosé wines, to remain consistent with the blending rules which require at least 25 % Tannat.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

3. Blending

Point IX.1(b) of Chapter I is amended as follows: ‘For rosé wines, the main varieties account for at least 70 % of the blend, and Tannat N accounts for at least 25 % of the blend’. The reason for this change is the increase in the other main varieties – Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon – which, according to the protection and management body, also account for an increasing proportion of the vineyard area of the Béarn controlled designation of origin. They are considered to be important varieties in terms of growth, environmental behaviour and organoleptic characteristics, yielding fruity and relatively structured wines. The reduction of Tannat to 25 % in the blend of rosé wines does not change the typical characteristics of Béarn rosé.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

4. Vineyard management

A special provision for vines planted on terraces that was added to the point on planting density of the product specification approved at the end of 2011, but omitted from the point on foliage height, has been added to point VI(1)(c): ‘The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 1,55 metres for vines planted on terraces.’ Terrace cultivation often leads to distances between rows of vines which vary according to the topography and within the same parcel, and are greater than those of traditional vines.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

5. Circulation of wines

The specification has been amended by shortening the ageing period for rosé wines by one month, until 1 December. Consequently, the wines are placed on the consumer market on 15 December. Placing rosé wines on the market on 15 December of the harvest year would allow the protection and management body to maintain its trade dynamics. The ‘additional’ month of ageing would be deleted. Early bottling (in December) is beneficial to the organoleptic qualities of the rosé wines, especially their freshness on the palate and floral notes.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

6. Analytical standards

In point IX(1)(d), the following provision has been added: ‘Every batch of wine sold in bulk or packaged has a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) less than or equal to 4 grams per litre for rosé wines. This content may be increased to 5 grams per litre if the total acidity expressed as H2SO4 is greater than or equal to 81,6 milliequivalents (or 4 g H2SO4) per litre. The vivacity of the rosé wines would be more balanced due to a better balance of acidity/fruitiness on the palate, making the wines more supple and aromatic.

Point 1.4 of the single document, on amending the sugar content of rosé wines, has been amended accordingly.

7. Transitional measures

The transitional measures have been removed, as they have expired.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

8. Link to the origin

The link has been revised as follows: “The red, rosé and white wines are mainly made from blends”, in order to show that the wines are not exclusively made from blending, which was already the case before the amendment.

The link has also been revised in the section on the description of rosé wines. The colour of the rosé wines has been specified to take account of less colourful wines, and aromas have been added. This is expressed as follows: “The rosé wines usually have a colour that ranges from pale pink to a more intense pink. Fresh and supple, these wines have a pleasant structure and aromatic notes of small red fruits and citrus fruits.”

Point 1.8 of the single document, on adding flavour, amending the colour and on wines made from a single variety, has been amended accordingly.

9. Inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording used in other product specifications. It is a purely formal amendment.

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

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Béarn

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

1. Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

1. Red wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %.

Each batch which is ready to market, in bulk or packaged, has:

— an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment;

— a malic acid content less than or equal to 0,4 g per litre;

— a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) less than or equal to:

3 g/l for red wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume less than or equal to 14 %;

4 g/l for red wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume greater than 14 %.

The total acidity, volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by legislation. The red wines may be blended. It should be noted that the main varieties used are of local origin and are well adapted to the soil and climate characteristics of the region. This accounts for some of the originality of wines of this designation.

The red wines have good tannic potential. Fruity aromas often dominate and become more complex with ageing.

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) Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

2. White wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %.

Each batch which is ready to market, in bulk or packaged, has:

— an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment;

— a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) not exceeding 4 g/l.

The total acidity, volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by legislation. The wines may be blended. It should be noted that the main varieties used are of local origin and are well adapted to the soil and climate characteristics of the region. This accounts for some of the originality of wines of this designation.

The white wines have a balance between freshness and unctuousness, and a certain complexity on the nose, with a predominance of fruity and floral aromatic notes.

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) Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

3. Rosé wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %.

Each batch which is ready to market, in bulk or packaged, has:

— an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment;

— a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) less than or equal to 4 grams per litre for rosé wines. This content may be increased to 5 grams per litre if the total acidity expressed as H2SO4 is greater than or equal to 81,6 milliequivalents (or 4 g H2SO4) per litre.

The total acidity, volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by legislation. The wines may be blended. It should be noted that the main varieties used are of local origin and are well adapted to the soil and climate characteristics of the region. This accounts for some of the originality of wines of this designation.

The rosé wines usually have a colour that ranges from pale pink to a more intense pink. Fresh and supple, these wines have a pleasant structure and aromatic notes of small red fruits and citrus fruits.

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) Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. Wine-making practices

5.1. Specific oenological practices

1. Specific oenological practice

— White and rosé wines are obtained by direct pressing.

— The use of oenological charcoal in making the rosé wines is prohibited, whether alone or mixed in preparations.

— The wines have a total alcoholic strength not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment.

In addition to the above provision, the oenological practices followed must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

2. Cultivation method

Planting density

The minimum planting density of the vines is 4000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows is greater than 2,5 metres.

The spacing between the rows of vines intended for the production of red and rosé wines must not exceed 2,80 metres in the following municipalities of the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques: Abos, Arbus, Artiguelouve, Aubertin, Bosdarros, Cardesse, Cuqueron, Estialesq, Gan, Gelos, Haut-de-Bosdarros, Jurançon, Lacommande, Lahourcade, Laroin, Lasseube, Lasseubétat, Lucq-de-Béarn, Mazères-Lezons, Monein, Narcastet, Parbayse, Rontignon, Saint-Faust and Uzos.

These provisions do not apply to vines planted on terraces.

Pruning rules

The vines may be pruned in single or double Guyot with the following maximum bud load per plant:

16 buds for the Tannat N, Manseng N, Gros Manseng B and Raffiat de Moncade B varieties, and

20 buds for other varieties.

The number of fruit-bearing branches for the year per plant after flowering (Lorenz phenological growth stage 23) is less than or equal to:

12 buds for the Tannat N, Manseng N, Gros Manseng B and Raffiat de Moncade B varieties;

16 buds for other varieties.

— Irrigation may be authorised.

5.2. Maximum yields

Béarn – Red, rosé and white wines

60 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged in the following municipalities:

— Department of Gers: Riscle (in the territory of the former municipality of Cannet), Maumusson-Laguian and Viella;

— Department of Hautes-Pyrénées: Castelnau-Rivière-Basse, Hagedet, Lascazères, Madiran, Saint-Lanne and Soublecause;

— Department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques: Abos, Arbus, Arricau-Bordes, Arrosès, Artiguelouve, Aubertin, Aubous, Aurions-Idernes, Aydie, Baigts-de-Béarn, Bellocq, Bérenx, Bétracq, Bosdarros, Burosse-Mendousse, Cadillon, Cardesse, Carresse, Castagnède, Castetpugon, Castillon (canton of Lembeye), Conchez-de-Béarn, Corbère-Abères, Crouseilles, Cuqueron, Diusse, Escurès, Estialescq, Gan, Gayon, Gelos, Haut-de-Bosdarros, L’Hôpital-d’Orion, Jurançon, Lacommande, Lagor, Lahontan, Lahourcade, Laroin, Lasserre, Lasseube, Lasseubetat, Lembeye, Lespielle-Germenaud-Lannegrasse, Lucq-de-Béarn, Mascaraàs-Haron, Mazères-Lezons, Moncaup, Moncla, Monein, Monpezat, Mont-Disse, Mourenx, Narcastet, Ogenne-Camptort, Oraàs, Orthez, Parbayse, Portet, Puyoo, Ramous, Rontignon, Saint-Faust, Saint-Jean-Poudge, Salies-de-Béarn, Salles-Mongiscard, Sauvelade, Séméacq-Blachon, Tadon-Sadirac-Viellenave, Tadousse-Ussau, Uzos, Vialer and Vielleségure.

7. Main wine grape variety(-ies)

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet-Sauvignon N

Gros Manseng B

Petit Manseng B

Raffiat de Moncade B

Tannat N

8. Description of the link(s)

Béarn – Red, rosé and white wines

The geographical area consists of the three wine-growing hubs in the province of Béarn. Largely located on the slopes of the foothills of the Pyrenees, the area shows significant variation in soil and topoclimatic conditions.

The vineyard fits discreetly into the landscape. They form part of a diversified system of mixed-cropping. The rock forming this landscape consists mainly of sediments of continental origin (molasse, marl, limestone, clay, fawn-coloured sands [sables fauves], layers of pebble) and sometimes of marine origin (flysch). Wind-blown silt covered the terrain in the Quaternary era, and is still present in some places.

The associated soils are also highly varied, although most of them are leached and acidic. Soils on limestone are also visible. The stone content of these soils varies: the top layers of pebbles enrich the slopes, and flysch is visible in the form of sharp-edged pebbles. Sand and gravel improve drainage. Overall, the soils drain water and warm up well, thanks in particular to their stoniness. The slopes are often asymmetrical. The terrain, which is very rugged, creates/produces a variety of warm orientations facing south, east or west, with a gradient sufficient to remove rainwater.

The predominantly humid and mild oceanic climate brings 1 000 mm of rain per year to the north and 1 300 mm per year to the west of the area. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly over the year, with a drier period in summer and early autumn. Also in this period, the prevailing wind (on one out of three days) is a warm, dry, Föhn-type southerly wind.

Cartularies and local archives tell us that the vineyard was already well-established in part of the area as early as in the 13th century.

In the middle of the 14th century, white and red Béarn wines began to be exported under that name to Holland. These exports continued to grow until the 19th century.

From the 15th century on, another outlet was set up with the Bigorre region and the Pyrenees provided another outlet for exports. Since the 16th century, the white vines have mainly included the Petit Manseng B, Gros Manseng B, Arrufiac B, Courbu B and Raffiat de Moncade B varieties.

In the 18th century, only a few red varieties were used. These included Fer N and Bouchy (Cabernet Franc N), as well as Tannat N, a very colourful and tannic local variety.

At the beginning of the 20th century, rosé wines with this designation enjoyed considerable popularity, which was linked to markets in the Paris region that stocked the wine.

The Béarn designation of origin “vin délimité de qualité supérieure” [wine with appellation of origin of high quality] was recognised in 1951 for the rosé and white wines.

Béarn was recognised as a registered designation of origin in 1975 for the red, rosé and white wines.

In the 20th century, the vineyard area shrunk considerably. Since the 1980s, it has been expanding again. The vineyard area claimed still covers some 300 hectares.

Today, the Béarn wines are once again acquiring a promising regional image, thanks to the efforts of winegrowers to pass on and improve their know-how.

In the landscape of the geographical area, with its hilly, partly wooded terrain and wide range of orientations and soils, the vines are invariably scattered, forming a patchwork landscape. The hillside slopes create favourable topoclimatic conditions by letting excess rainwater run off and, when the slopes are well-oriented, the vineyards receive more sunshine and warmth, which benefit the ripening of the harvest. The warm, dry southerly wind that blows during the grapes’ ripening period has favoured winegrowing in this generally humid region.

The parcels best suited for the healthy ripening of the grapes are clearly delimited in the parcel area and consist of well-oriented parcels with relatively well-draining soil.

A renowned vineyard area based on local grape varieties developed in line with the markets available to it. Adapting the local grape varieties to a fairly humid climate and to late ripening has been one of the keys to the reputation of this vineyard area over the centuries. These varieties require the specific know-how that has evolved in this geographical area, which includes controlling the tannic potential of the red grape varieties and managing the high alcoholic potential of the white varieties by choosing the harvesting date and by blending.

The red, rosé and white wines are mainly made from blends. It should be noted that the main varieties used are of local origin and are well adapted to the soil and climate characteristics of the region. This accounts for some of the originality of wines of this designation.

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

Broader geographical unit

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The ‘Béarn’ designation may be followed by the supplementary geographical designation specifying the broader geographical unit ‘Sud-Ouest’ [South-west].

Link to the product specification

http://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-b053abef-87b5-43bf-a8a5-f3afe4be0e75

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