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

(2020/C 46/15)

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

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

Rosé de Loire

PDO-FR-A0150-AM01

Date of communication: 14 November 2019

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Geographical area

The geographical area is amended as follows:

‘All stages of production shall take place in the geographical area covering the territory of the following municipalities, on the basis of the 2018 official geographical code: 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 territories of the 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 territories of the 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 territory of the 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, Chailles, Châteauvieux, Châtillon-sur-Cher, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chémery, Chissay-en-Touraine, Choussy, Contres, Couddes, Couffy, Faverolles-sur-Cher, Mareuil-sur-Cher, Méhers, Mesland, Meusnes, Monteaux, Monthou-sur-Bièvre, Monthou-sur-Cher, Montrichard Val de Cher (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Bourré and Montrichard), Noyers-sur-Cher, Oisly, Pontlevoy, Pouillé, Rilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Aignan, Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, Saint-Julien-de-Chédon, Saint-Romain-sur-Cher, Sassay, Seigy, Soings-en-Sologne, Thenay, Thésée, Valaire, Valencisse (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Chambon-sur-Cisse and Molineuf), Vallières-les-Grandes, Valloire-sur-Cisse (former territory of the delegated municipality of Chouzy-sur-Cisse), Veuzain-sur-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipality of Onzain); Department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Machelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Sulpice), Bouchemaine, Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brézé, Brissac Loire Aubance (former territories of the delegated municipalities of 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 territories of the 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 territories of the 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 territories of the delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Gennes-Val-de-Loire (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé, Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (former territory of the delegated municipality of Ingrandes), Jarzé Villages (former territory of the delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Cerqueux-sous-Passavant, La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné, Trémont and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (former territories of the 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 territory of the delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (former territories of the 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 territories of the delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine), Turquant, Les Ulmes, Val-du-Layon (former territories of the 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. The mapping documents representing the geographical areas are available on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO).’

Editorial amendment: the new list of administrative entities takes into account mergers or other changes in administrative zoning since the approval of the specification. To increase legal certainty, this list is referenced according to the current version of the official geographic code, updated yearly by the INSEE (French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies). The geographical area remains strictly identical.

Finally, mention is made of the provision, on the INAO’s website, of the maps representing the geographical area for better public information.

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 specification for the ‘Rosé de Loire’ PDO, the words ‘and 20 June 2018’ shall be added after the words ‘10 February 2011’ and the words ‘and 19 January 2017’ shall be 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 modification of 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 registered designation of origin in question.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

3. Area in immediate proximity

In point IV(3) of Chapter 1 the list of municipalities is replaced by the following:

— Department of Indre: Faverolles-en-Berry, Fontguenand, Lye, La Vernelle, Veuil, Villentrois;

— Department of Indre-et-Loire: Chaveignes, Chezelles, Crissay-sur-Manse, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil;

— Department of Loir-et-Cher: Candé-sur-Beuvron, Cheverny, Cormeray, Feings, Fresnes, Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Les Montils, Mont-près-Chambord, Ouchamps, Sambin;

— Department of Loire-Atlantique: Ancenis, Le Loroux-Bottereau, Le Pallet, La Remaudière, Vair-sur-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipality of Anetz), Vallet;

— Department of Maine-et-Loire: Orée d’Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipality of Saint-Laurent-des-Autels), Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux.

This makes it possible to take account of the different mergers of municipalities since the last version of the specification. The area of immediate proximity remains strictly identical.

Point 9 of the Single Document on the additional conditions has been amended accordingly.

4. Agri-environmental provision

The following is added to point VI(2) of Chapter 1: ‘Controlled soil cover, wild or sown, is mandatory in the space between the rows; in the absence of this cover, the operator works the soil in order to control the wild vegetation or to justify the use of biocontrol products approved by the public wine-growing authorities. If biocontrol herbicides are used on a parcel, the use of other herbicides is prohibited.

These provisions shall not apply to vineyard parcels with a distance between the rows of 1,7 m or less.’

This amendment is due to the current changes in operators’ practices in favour of agroecology in all Anjou vineyards. It reflects the increasing consideration of environmental factors in technical methods. By favouring the presence of plant cover, the use of mechanical weeding or the use of biocontrol products, this leads to a reduction in the use of chemical herbicides. This reduction in herbicides should make it possible to further protect vineyard soils and preserve their natural features (fertility, biodiversity, biological purification) which contribute to the quality and authenticity of the wines and strengthens the concept of terroir.

The provision excludes from the scope of the agri-environmental provisions vines where the spacing between the rows is 1,7 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.

5. Harvest proclamation

In point VII(1) of Chapter 1 of the specification, the following sentence has been deleted: ‘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 the start of the harvest as operators now have a wide range of tools to enable them to assess the ripeness of the grapes more accurately. Each operator has a number of devices and items of equipment, both personal and collective, which makes it possible to determine precisely the optimum date for initiating the harvesting of each parcel, depending on the production objectives.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

6. Winemaking capacity

In point IX(1)(c) of Chapter 1 the sentence: ‘Each operator shall have a winemaking capacity of at least 1,4 times the average yield on the holding over the last five years.’ is replaced by the sentence: ‘Each operator shall have a winemaking capacity of at least 1,4 times the average volume of wine produced over the last five years.’

The specification referred not to volume capacity (expressed in hl or m3) but to a yield, in other words a harvest volume divided by the production area (expressed for example in hl/ha). The proposed amendment makes it possible to correct this inconsistency in terms of unit without any change to the substance (the minimum is still set at 1,4 times the average volume of wine produced by the holding during the previous marketing years).

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

7. Circulation of wines

Point IX(4)(b) of Chapter 1 concerning the date of entry into circulation of the wines between authorised warehouses has been deleted.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

8. Link with the geographical area

The link has been revised to update the number of municipalities concerned (232 instead of 294). The link now mentions that the average rainfall is annual rainfall.

Point 8 of the Single Document on the link has been amended accordingly.

9. Transitional measure

The now obsolete transitional measures set out in point 1 of section XI of the specification have been deleted.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

10. Record-keeping

In point II(3) of Chapter 2 the word ‘potential’ is replaced by ‘natural’.

In keeping with the wording used in all the specifications of the Anjou Saumur area, the wording ‘natural alcoholic strength by volume’ has replaced the terms ‘potential strength’ or ‘degree’. These amendments improve the readability of these specifications. The harmonisation of the provisions on record-keeping aim at making it easier to draft the inspection plan and to check the records.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

11. Main points for checking

Chapter 3 has been revised to ensure consistency in drafting the main points to be checked in the specifications of the Anjou Saumur area.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name of the product

Rosé de Loire

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine product

1. Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

These are dry, still rosé wines with the following main analytical characteristics: - The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 9,5 %. - After fermentation the wines have a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) not exceeding 3 grams per litre. - Before packaging the wines have a total acidity content of 91,84 milliequivalents per litre or less. - After enrichment, the wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 12,5 %. The volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those set out in EU legislation.

‘Rosé de Loire’ is a dry wine, generally salmon-pink in colour. Its light aromas are often reminiscent of cherries and strawberries. The taste is powerful, fresh, round and harmonious. Fresh and thirst-quenching, it gives the impression of biting into ripe fruit, and its originality is best appreciated when young.

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

a. Essential oenological practices

Specific oenological practices

Planting density - Spacing

Growing method

The minimum vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed 2,5 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre. Vineyard parcels with a planting density of less than 4 000 plants per hectare but greater than or equal to 3 300 plants per hectare, have the right, for harvesting, to the controlled designation of origin, subject to compliance with the rules on trellising and foliage height laid down in the specification. The spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed 3 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre.

Rules on vine pruning and trellising

Growing method

The vines are pruned by 30 April at the latest, using the cane and spur method, with a maximum of 12 buds per plant and 7 buds on the cane.

The minimum height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0,6 times the spacing between the rows, the height being measured between the lower limit of the foliage, at least 0,4 m above ground, and the upper limit of the canopy, at least 0,2 m above the upper trellising wire.

Vineyard parcels with a planting density of less than 4 000 plants per hectare but greater than or equal to 3 300 plants per hectare are also subject to the following trellising rules: the minimum height of the trellising posts above ground is 1.9 m; there are 4 levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the upper wire is 1.85 m above the ground.

Irrigation

Growing method

Irrigation is prohibited.

Specific oenological practice

The use of oenological charcoal to make the rosé wines is forbidden, whether alone or mixed in preparations;

The use of wood chips is forbidden;

After enrichment, the wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 12,5 %.

In addition to the above provisions, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at Community level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

b. Maximum yields

72 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

All stages of production shall take place in the geographical area covering the territory of the following municipalities, on the basis of the 2018 official geographical code:

— 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 territories of the 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 territories of the 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 territory of the 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, Chailles, Châteauvieux, Châtillon-sur-Cher, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chémery, Chissay-en-Touraine, Choussy, Contres, Couddes, Couffy, Faverolles-sur-Cher, Mareuil-sur-Cher, Méhers, Mesland, Meusnes, Monteaux, Monthou-sur-Bièvre, Monthou-sur-Cher, Montrichard Val de Cher (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Bourré and Montrichard), Noyers-sur-Cher, Oisly, Pontlevoy, Pouillé, Rilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Aignan, Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, Saint-Julien-de-Chédon, Saint-Romain-sur-Cher, Sassay, Seigy, Soings-en-Sologne, Thenay, Thésée, Valaire, Valencisse (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Chambon-sur-Cisse and Molineuf), Vallières-les-Grandes, Valloire-sur-Cisse (former territory of the delegated municipality of Chouzy-sur-Cisse), Veuzain-sur-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipality of Onzain);

— Department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Machelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Sulpice), Bouchemaine, Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brézé, Brissac Loire Aubance (former territories of the delegated municipalities of 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 territories of the 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 territories of the 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 territories of the delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Gennes-Val-de-Loire (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé, Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (former territory of the delegated municipality of Ingrandes), Jarzé Villages (former territory of the delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Cerqueux-sous-Passavant, La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné, Trémont and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (former territories of the 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 territory of the delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (former territories of the 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 territories of the delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (former territories of the delegated municipalities of Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine), Turquant, Les Ulmes, Val-du-Layon (former territories of the 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.

7. Main wine grapes

Gamay N

Grolleau N

Cabernet franc N

Cabernet-Sauvignon N

Pineau d’Aunis N

Pinot noir N

Grolleau gris G

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 Mesozoic and, to a lesser extent, the Tertiary eras, on the south-western fringe of the Parisian 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 232 municipalities, some of which are famous for their chateaus.

The parcels for the harvesting of grapes have slaty or clayey-slaty soils in the western part and clayey-shaley soils (Cenomanian, Turonian, Senonian and Eocene) in the eastern part. The Turonian level is essential, originally formed from tufa, the mining of which in a multitude of quarries led to the construction of the Loire chateaus and, more generally, of the entire architecture of the region, resulting in countless caves. These quarries have become cellars, with constant temperature and humidity, devoted to mushroom growing and wine storage. All the soils are special in that they have useful modest water reserves and good drainage capacity.

The climate is oceanic, but the eastern section, corresponding to the Sologne wine-growing area, has a more continental influence with a combination of annual precipitation which is slightly higher than the rest of the geographical area, of between 550 and 650 millimetres. 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 story of wine-growing in the area is a relatively old one, linked as it is to the development of several monasteries and abbeys. In the 6th century St Gregory of Tours, in his ‘History of France’, reported on the extensive culture of vines in this area and the use of ‘traquettes’ to scare the birds during the ripening period. In the 15th century, with the arrival of the ‘Breton’ vine variety, which is none other than Cabernet franc N, originating in the Bordeaux area, the growers produced a new rosé wine, known as ‘clairet’, with characteristic aromas of red fruit. The first historical records relate to the offering made by the residents of Saumur of two ‘busses’ [barrels] (536 litres) of ‘clairet’ wine to Jean V, Duke of Brittany.

A short distance to the east, rosé wines were also produced in the province of Touraine. Some municipalities situated on the right bank of the Loire earned a certain reputation with these wines in the past. The vineyards of Blois, Azay-le-Rideau or Mesland were important producers. The wines produced in the municipality of Cinq-Mars-La-Pile were recognised, and the local grape variety, Grolleau N, was developed considerably. In the early 19th century this variety was very common in Anjou, particularly in the cantons of Thouarcé and Brissac.

The extent of the geographical area encourages the diversity of varieties due to the differences in soil and climate found there. The main varieties planted in Anjou are Cabernet franc N, Cabernet-Sauvignon N, Grolleau N and Grolleau gris G. Grolleau N is very common in Touraine on the right bank of the Loire. The Gamay N variety is also present in the entire wine-growing area, along with, to a lesser extent, Pineau d’Aunis N and more locally Pinot noir N.

The beginning of the 20th century marks the large-scale development of rosé wines known as ‘rouget’ in Anjou and ‘vin gris’ in Touraine. In the early 1970s the Loire Valley producers, in an effort to reinforce the image of this dry rosé wine and to preserve its identity, sought its recognition. The ‘Rosé de Loire’ controlled designation of origin was recognised in 1974.

2. Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

‘Rosé de Loire’ is a dry wine, generally salmon-pink in colour. Its light aromas are often reminiscent of cherries and strawberries. The taste is powerful, fresh, round and harmonious. Fresh and thirst-quenching, it gives the impression of biting into ripe fruit, and its originality is best appreciated when young.

3. Causal interactions

The major hydrographic network of the Loire, Vienne, Cher and Indre rivers has over time largely formed the undulating plateau of hard Primary and softer Secondary and Tertiary rocks. During the Middle Ages, under the influence of the Church, vines were planted and the vineyards of Anjou and Touraine developed along almost 200 kilometres of the Loire and its tributaries.

Over time the producers have favoured planting the Cabernet franc N and Grolleau N varieties in the western part of the geographical area, while in the eastern part producers have mainly planted the Gamay N and Pineau d’Aunis N varieties. This choice is explained by the configuration of the geographical area and the oceanic climate. The varieties have naturally fitted into this diversity of wine production situations faced by the producers. In line with their uses, the demarcated area for the harvesting of grapes only takes into account parcels with well-drained clayey-shaley or slaty soils.

The production of ‘rouget’ and ‘vin gris’, a wine that is fresh, original, drinkable and with a low alcoholic strength by volume thus developed at the beginning of the 20th century. From generation to generation, the producers have highlighted the original characteristics of their wines, on the one hand by choosing blends which promote their aromatic potential, and on the other hand by optimum management of the plant and its production potential by strict training of the vines.

The success of this production was crowned by the recognition of the ‘Rosé de Loire’ controlled designation of origin in 1974. The dynamism and know-how of the producers and their historical commitment to the Loire wine producing area maintain the reputation acquired by this controlled designation of origin which has been very successful since its recognition.

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

Labelling

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

All the voluntary indications are marked on the labels in letters that may not be larger, either in height or width, than double the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

The name of the controlled designation of origin may be followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’, in accordance with the rules laid down in the specification. The size of the letters of the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ may not be larger, either in height or width, than two-thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Wines with the controlled 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 controlled designation of origin.

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

EU 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 processing of the wines, is made up of the territory of the following municipalities, on the basis of the 2018 official geographical code:

— Department of Indre: Faverolles-en-Berry, Fontguenand, Lye, La Vernelle, Veuil, Villentrois;

— Department of Indre-et-Loire: Chaveignes, Chezelles, Crissay-sur-Manse, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil;

— Department of Loir-et-Cher: Candé-sur-Beuvron, Cheverny, Cormeray, Feings, Fresnes, Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Les Montils, Mont-près-Chambord, Ouchamps, Sambin;

— Department of Loire-Atlantique: Ancenis, Le Loroux-Bottereau, Le Pallet, La Remaudière, Vair-sur-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipality of Anetz), Vallet;

— Department of Maine-et-Loire: Orée d’Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipality of Saint-Laurent-des-Autels), Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-92621e99-82b3-4528-9773-4d35d2805177

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