Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

(2021/C 288/06)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within 2 months from the date of this publication.

REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

‘ARDÈCHE’

PGI-FR-A1198-AM03

Date of application: 23 September 2016

1. Rules applicable to the amendment

Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 - Non-minor amendment

2. Description of and reasons for amendment

2.1. Authorised varieties

The following grape varieties have been added to the list of authorised varieties:

— Couston N. This variety entered in the official catalogue of authorised vine varieties in 2010 has qualities that are of interest particularly for rosé wines. This productive variety is well adapted to the poor soils of the ‘Ardèche’ PGI production area from which it originates. It is also resistant to grey rot.

— Floréal B, Muscaris B, Solaris B, Soreli B, Souvignier Gris B, Voltis B, Artaban N, Monarch N, Prior N, Vidoc N.

These varieties are known to be resistant to fungal diseases. While they are similar to the varieties used to produce the pgi wines, they have a lower need for plant protection products. they do not affect the characteristics of the pgi wines.

2.2. Labelling

The exhaustive list of varieties that can be added to the ‘Ardèche’ designation on the product label has been amended. The applicant group wishes to be able to take full advantage of all the vine varieties in the geographical area of production.

The following sentence has therefore been deleted: ‘The varieties whose name may be added to the protected geographical indication “Ardèche” (which may or may not be followed by “Coteaux de l’Ardèche”) are exclusively those appearing in the following list:

— for red or rosé wine: Cabernet Franc N, Cabernet-Sauvignon N, Caladoc N, Carignan N, Chatus N, Cinsault N, Gamaret N, Gamay N, Grenache N, Marselan N, Merlot N, Pinot N, Syrah N;

— for white wine: Chardonnay B, Clairette B, Grenache B, Marsanne B, Muscat petits grains B, Roussanne B, Sauvignon B, Ugni B, Viognier B.’

2.3. Yield

The maximum yield for the production of rosé wines has been increased from 90 hl/ha to 110 hl/ha.

This slightly increased yield does not affect the typical characteristics of the rosé wines produced under the designation ‘Ardèche’.

2.4. Categories of grapevine product

The provisions on the production of quality sparkling wines have been deleted following the decision of the Council of State of 2 March 2015 annulling the Order of 28 October 2011 on the PGI ‘Ardèche’ approving the provisions of the specification relating to rosé or white quality sparkling wines.

2.5. National and community requirements - Main points to be checked

The provisions on the checks to be performed on the products have been specified: organoleptic tests are carried out on the products if irregularities are detected during internal checks (organoleptic tests on bulk wines and packaged wines).

2.6. Link with the geographical area

The section on the link with the area of origin has been completed to provide more proof of the causal link with the PGI.

An introductory sentence has been added at the start of the section on the causal link to specify that: ‘The causal link between the geographical area and the wines covered by the “Ardèche” PGI is based on the reputation of “Ardèche” wines, which are renowned for their quality.’ The following sentences have also been added to the section on the causal link: ‘There are over a hundred natural and cultural tourist sites where tourists can discover the rich winegrowing and winemaking culture of the Ardèche vineyards. The Ardèche is attractive as a tourist destination because of its landscapes and their suitability for various open-air activities. Such is the renown of the Ardèche vineyards that they were awarded the “Vignobles et Découvertes” label by the French Tourism Development Agency (Atout France), in recognition of their importance for wine tourism.’

The wording of the section on the link has also been amended to provide a more precise description of the characteristics of the wines: ‘The red, rosé and white wines all have characteristically fruity aromas, which vary in intensity and dominance depending on the grape varieties and technologies used.’

The characteristics of the natural environment have also been specified:

— ‘The ancient Cévennes sandstone soils formed by the erosion of rocks dating from the Triassic geological era are acidic, with good drainage and low organic matter content. These specific features give the red wines highly pronounced fruity aromas.’

— In the Bas-Vivarais area, ‘the vines grow in shallow limestone soils with low yields, producing high quality Grenache wines. Thanks to the abundance of pebbles, the vines benefit from the warmer soils in spring and the heat stored during the day being released at night’ and ‘The red wines produced in this area have fruity aromas but also spicy notes and noticeable structure’;

— Bordering on the Bas-Vivarais area, the Coiron is a ‘true basalt plateau, part of the Central Massif in the Mediterranean region. The basalt is very rich in trace elements and silica, giving the red wines their fruitiness and freshness and the white wines their finesse.’

— Finally, in the south of the Rhône valley, ‘the vines grow on pebble-strewn slopes with good sun exposure. These plantations produce complex, fruity, well-structured red wines. The soft ochre-coloured loess soils result in fresh, fruity white and rosé wines and fruity red wines with a soft structure.’

2.7. Organoleptic description of the wine(s)

The section providing the organoleptic description of the wines has been refined to specify the colour and the organoleptic properties of the wines.

For red wines, it is specified that: ‘the extractions generally produce soft-structured wines with smooth, ripe tannins, but some have stronger flavours. The red wines offer a palette of aromas ranging from red fruits to spicy aromas. The colours are pronounced and range from raspberry to garnet red.’

The white wines ‘have hues that range from pale yellow with green tints to golden yellow. Intense aromas develop around the freshness of white-fleshed fruit with citrus or floral notes.’

Finally, the rosé wines ‘develop intense aromas of fresh and candied red fruit, flowers and citrus fruits. Their colour palette ranges from pale salmon-grey or even pinkish-grey to stronger and deeper pink hues’.

2.8. Geographical area and area in immediate proximity

The definition of the geographical area and the area of immediate proximity has been reworded as a list of municipalities in accordance with the 2019 Geographical Code, which is the national reference. This transcription in the form of a list of municipalities does not alter the geographical area or the area in immediate proximity.

2.9. Contact details of the inspection body

The contact details of the monitoring authority and those of the inspection body CERTIPAQ have been updated.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Ardèche

2. Geographical indication type

PGI - Protected geographical indication

3. Categories of grapevine product

1. Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

Ardèche PGI

The ‘Ardèche’ protected geographical indication covers still red, rosé and white wines.

The red, rosé and white wines all have characteristically fruity aromas, although their intensity and nature vary depending on the grape varieties and technologies used.

For red wines, the extractions generally produce soft-structured wines with smooth, ripe tannins, but some have stronger flavours. The red wines offer a palette of aromas ranging from red fruits to spicy aromas. The colours are pronounced and range from raspberry to garnet red.

The wine-making techniques employed in making the rosé wines allow to maintain an excellent balance and preserve the freshness of the wines and their fruitiness. The rosés develop intense aromas of fresh and candied red fruit, flowers and citrus fruits. Their colour palette ranges from pale salmon-grey or even pinkish-grey to stronger and deeper pink hues.

The wine-making techniques employed in making the white wines allow to maintain an excellent balance and preserve the freshness of the wines and their fruitiness. They have hues that range from pale yellow with green tints to golden yellow. Intense aromas develop around the freshness of white-fleshed fruit with citrus or floral notes.

The wines are compliant with the analytical criteria set out in EU law.

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)

5. Wine-making practices

a. Essential oenological practices

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

b. Maximum yields

White and red wines with the ‘Ardèche’ PGI

90 hectolitres per hectare

Rosé wines with the ‘Ardèche’ PGI

110 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

For wines covered by the ‘Ardèche’ protected geographical indication, the harvesting, wine-making and processing stages must take place in the departments listed below, within the territory of the following municipalities in accordance with the Official Geographic Code of April 2019:

— Department of Ardèche: all municipalities

— Department of Gard: Barjac, Le Garn, Issirac, Laval-Saint-Roman, Montclus, Rivières, Rochegude, Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis, Saint-Denis, Saint-Jean-de-Maruéjols-et-Avéjan, Saint-Privat-de-Champclos.

7. Main wine grape varieties

Alicante Henri Bouschet N

Aligoté B

Alphonse Lavallée N

Aléatico N

Aramon N

Aramon blanc B

Aramon gris G

Aranel B

Arinarnoa N

Artaban N

Aubun N - Murescola

Barbaroux Rs

Biancu Gentile B

Bourboulenc B - Doucillon blanc

Brun argenté N - Vaccarèse

Cabernet franc N

Cabernet-Sauvignon N

Caladoc N

Calitor N

Cardinal Rg

Carignan N

Carignan blanc B

Chambourcin N

Chardonnay B

Chasan B

Chasselas B

Chasselas rose Rs

Chatus N

Chenanson N

Chenin B

Cinsaut N - Cinsault

Clairette B

Clairette rose Rs

Clarin B

Colombard B

Cot N - Malbec

Couderc noir N

Counoise N

Couston N

Danlas B

Egiodola N

Floreal B

Gamaret

Gamay Fréaux N

Gamay N

Gamay de Bouze N

Gamay de Chaudenay N

Ganson N

Gewurztraminer Rs

Gramon N

Grenache N

Grenache blanc B

Grenache gris G

Gros Manseng B

Gros vert B

Jurançon noir N - Dame noire

Listan B - Palomino

Lival N

Lledoner pelut N

Macabeu B - Macabeo

Marsanne B

Marselan N

Mauzac rose Rs

Melon B

Merlot N

Merlot blanc B

Meunier N

Mollard N

Monarch N

Mondeuse N

Mondeuse blanche B

Monerac N

Montils B

Morrastel N - Minustellu, Graciano

Mourvaison N

Mourvèdre N - Monastrell

Mouyssaguès

Muresconu N - Morescono

Muscadelle B

Muscardin N

Muscaris B

Muscat Ottonel B - Muscat, Moscato

Muscat cendré B - Muscat, Moscato

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

Müller-Thurgau B

Nielluccio N - Nielluciu

Noir Fleurien N

Négret de Banhars N

Négrette N

Oberlin noir N

Ondenc B

Orbois B

Pagadebiti B

Pascal B

Perdea B

Persan N

Petit Courbu B

Petit Manseng B

Petit Meslier B

Petit Verdot N

Picardan B - Araignan

Pineau d’Aunis N

Pinot blanc B

Pinot gris G

Pinot noir N

Piquepoul blanc B

Piquepoul gris G

Piquepoul noir N

Plant de Brunel N

Plant droit N - Espanenc

Plantet N

Portan N

Portugais bleu N

Poulsard N - Ploussard

Prior N

Prunelard N

Précoce Bousquet B

Précoce de Malingre B

Raffiat de Moncade B

Ravat blanc B

Rayon d’or B

Riesling B

Riminèse B

Rivairenc N - Aspiran noir

Rivairenc blanc B - Aspiran blanc

Rivairenc gris G - Aspiran gris

Romorantin B - Danery

Rosé du Var Rs

Roublot B

Roussanne B

Rubilande Rs

Sacy B

Saint Côme B

Saint-Macaire N

Saint-Pierre doré B

Sauvignon B - Sauvignon blanc

Sauvignon gris G - Fié gris

Savagnin blanc B

Savagnin rose Rs

Sciaccarello N

Segalin N

Seinoir N

Select B

Semebat N

Semillon B

Servanin N

Seyval B

Solaris B

Soreli B

Souvignier gris Rs

Sylvaner B

Syrah N - Shiraz

Tannat N

Tempranillo N

Terret blanc B

Terret gris G

Terret noir N

Tibouren N

Tourbat B

Tressot N

Trousseau N

Téoulier N

Ugni blanc B

Valdiguié N

Valérien B

Varousset N

Velteliner rouge précoce Rs

Verdesse B

Vermentino B - Rolle

Vidoc N

Villard blanc B

Villard noir N

Viognier B

Voltis B

8. Description of the link(s)

Specificity of the geographical area and of the products

The Ardèche department in the southeast of France corresponds to the ancient region of Vivarais. Its landscapes are very varied, as evidenced by the striking difference in altitude between the meeting point of the Rhône and the Ardèche river (40 m above sea level) in the southeast of the department and the Mont Mézenc peak in the centre-west, which is 1 754 high. The Rhône valley forms a natural 140 km boundary on the east and the high plateaus of the Central Massif mark the western boundary.

The historical vineyards of the Ardèche have long been renowned for their excellent wines. Together with tourism, winegrowing is an important pillar in the economic development of this territory. Winegrowing is the leading agricultural activity in the department and the vineyards, most of which are concentrated in the southern half of the Ardèche, rank third in importance in the Rhône-Alpes region. A native grape variety, Chatus N, was rediscovered in the 1990s in the Cévennes mountains of the Ardèche, having been wiped out by the Phylloxera blight in 1880. It is now being grown again successfully in this sector of the Cévennes, producing powerful, tannic and very distinctive wines.

The red, rosé and white wines all have characteristically fruity aromas, which vary in intensity and dominance depending on the grape varieties and technologies used.

Cévennes: the vines are very well adapted. The Gamay variety prevails in the lowlands of the southern Cévennes, while the Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache and Chatus varieties occupy the well-exposed slopes. Throughout this agricultural region, where altitude ranges between 200 and 900 metres above sea level, vineyards are typically located on walled terraces known as ‘faïsses’, carefully maintained by winegrowers. This environment provides grapes with excellent conditions for achieving phenolic ripeness. The ancient Cévennes sandstone soils formed by the erosion of rocks dating from the Triassic geological era are acidic, with good drainage and low organic matter content. These specific features give the red wines highly pronounced fruity aromas.

Bas Vivarais: wines produced by vineyards planted on slopes and on dry, arid plateaus. The Grenache variety is mainly grown on the slopes, while Syrah N thrives in slightly richer soils. The vegetation in this area is affected by summer drought and the vines grow in shallow limestone soils with low yields, producing high quality Grenache wines. Thanks to the abundance of pebbles, the vines benefit from the warmer soils in spring and the heat stored during the day being released at night. Thyme, savory, aspic and lavender are also plentiful. The red wines produced in this area have fruity aromas but also spicy notes and noticeable structure.

Coiron: vines are grown in this area bordering on the Bas Vivarais. Given the altitude and the temperature variations, early harvest varieties are favoured with a view to optimising methods of producing wines with good personality such as rosé wines. A true basalt plateau, the Coiron is part of the Central Massif in the Mediterranean region. The basalt is very rich in trace elements and silica, giving the red wines their fruitiness and freshness and the white wines their finesse.

Rhône valley: In the north, the noble grape varieties (Merlot N, Cabernet-Sauvignon N, Syrah N, Caladoc N, etc.) planted on terraces and slopes are used to produce wines covered by the PGI. In the south, the vines grow on pebble-strewn slopes with good sun exposure. These plantations produce complex, fruity, well-structured red wines. The soft ochre-coloured loess soils result in fresh, fruity white and rosé wines and fruity red wines with a soft structure.

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

The causal link between the geographical area and the wines covered by the ‘Ardèche’ PGI is based on the reputation of ‘Ardèche’ wines, which are renowned for their quality.

Winegrowing is very important in land-use planning in the Ardèche, as the vineyards are adapted to environmental constraints (plantation in ‘difficult’ areas, construction of terraces or ‘faïsses’, etc.) and it therefore shapes the landscape. This effect on the landscape is not negligible because there are vineyards in some 350 municipalities.

The pebble-strewn areas, scrubland or roundstone terraces where the vines are planted, in combination with mesoclimates affected by both Mediterranean and continental influences, are ideal for the production of wines with the fruity aromatic expression that is characteristic of the wines covered by the ‘Ardèche’ PGI.

Winegrowing has developed significantly in the Ardèche in recent decades, boosted by the change in varieties planted in the late 1970s.

In parallel to this, the wine-making equipment used in both private wineries and in the cooperative sector was modernised in the 1980s.

The sector owes its dynamism to a number of different operators: 12 cooperative wineries (represented by the ‘Union des Vignerons des Coteaux de l’Ardèche’), 4 independent cooperative wineries and 60 private wineries with some 7 500 hectares of vines.

The reputation of these wines has grown at local level, thanks to the major tourist appeal of the ‘Gorges de l’Ardèche’ region and the department of the Ardèche in general and the increase in direct sales by wineries, as well as at local markets and events (Ruoms market, Serrières wine fair, etc.). There are over a hundred natural and cultural tourist sites where tourists can discover the rich winegrowing and winemaking culture of the Ardèche vineyards. The Ardèche is attractive as a tourist destination because of its landscapes and their suitability for various open-air activities. Such is the renown of the Ardèche vineyards that they were awarded the ‘Vignobles et Découvertes’ label by the French Tourism Development Agency (Atout France), in recognition of their importance for wine tourism.

Thanks to the quality of its wines, the ‘Ardèche’ PGI is also recognised at national and international level. Ardèche wines have been entered for the ‘Concours Général Agricole’ in Paris and won several prizes. They also feature regularly in reputable guides such as the ‘Guide Hachette des Vins’. They have also been distinguished at international competitions such as the ‘Concours International des Vins’ in Lyon.

Thanks to the reputation of its wines, the Ardèche is currently the leading PGI wine-producing department in the Rhône-Alpes region, with a market volume of 350 000 hectolitres, of which 20% is for export. These wines can therefore be found in over 20 countries (particularly the USA and Great Britain).

9. Essential further conditions

Labelling

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The protected geographical indication ‘Ardèche’ may be followed by the name of one or more grape varieties and the term ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’.

The protected geographical indication ‘Ardèche’ may be followed by the name of the smaller geographical unit ‘Coteaux de l’Ardèche’.

The European Union PGI logo must appear on the label if the words ‘indication géographique protégée’ (Protected Geographical Indication) are replaced by the traditional expression ‘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 and development of wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Ardèche’ comprises the following municipalities, in accordance with the Official Geographical Code of April 2019:

Department of Drôme (26): 75 municipalities — Albon, Allan, Ambonil, Ancône, Andancette, Anneyron, La Bâtie-Rolland, Beaumont-lès-Valence, Beaumont-Monteux, Beausemblant, Beauvallon, Bonlieu-sur-Roubion, Bourg-lès-Valence, Chanos-Curson, Chantemerle-les-Blés, Charols, Châteauneuf-de-Galaure, Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, Claveyson, Cléon-d’Andran, Cliousclat, Condillac, La Coucourde, Crozes-Hermitage, Donzère, Érôme, Espeluche, Étoile-sur-Rhône, Fay-le-Clos, La Garde-Adhémar, Gervans, Les Granges-Gontardes, Granges-les-Beaumont, Larnage, La Laupie, Laveyron, Livron-sur-Drôme, Loriol-sur-Drôme, Malataverne, Manas, Marsanne, Mercurol-Veaunes, Mirmande, Montboucher-sur-Jabron, Montéléger, Montélimar, La Motte-de-Galaure, Mureils, Pierrelatte, Ponsas, Pont-de-l’Isère, Portes-en-Valdaine, Portes-lès-Valence, Puygiron, Ratières, La Roche-de-Glun, Rochefort-en-Valdaine, Roynac, Saint-Avit, Saint-Barthélemy-de-Vals, Saint-Gervais-sur-Roubion, Saint-Marcel-lès-Sauzet, Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, Saint-Martin-d’Août, Saint-Rambert-d’Albon, Saint-Uze, Saint-Vallier, Saulce-sur-Rhône, Sauzet, Savasse, Serves-sur-Rhône, Tain-l’Hermitage, La Touche, Les Tourrettes, Valence.

Department of Isère (38): 21 municipalities — Agnin, Anjou, Assieu, Auberives-sur-Varèze, Bougé-Chambalud, Chanas, La Chapelle-de-Surieu, Cheyssieu, Clonas-sur-Varèze, Le Péage-de-Roussillon, Roussillon, Sablons, Saint-Alban-du-Rhône, Saint-Clair-du-Rhône, Saint-Maurice-l’Exil, Saint-Prim, Saint-Romain-de-Surieu, Salaise-sur-Sanne, Sonnay, Vernioz, Ville-sous-Anjou.

Department of Gard (30): 44 municipalities — Aiguèze, Allègre-les-Fumades, Aujac, Bessèges, Bonnevaux, Bordezac, Bouquet, Carsan, Chambon, Chamborigaud, Concoules, Cornillon, Courry, Gagnières, Génolhac, Goudargues, Les Mages, Malons-et-Elze, Le Martinet, Méjannes-le-Clap, Meyrannes, Molières-sur-Cèze, Navacelles, Peyremale, Pont-Saint-Esprit, Ponteils-et-Brésis, Portes, Potelières, Robiac-Rochessadoule, Saint-Alexandre, Saint-Ambroix, Saint-Brès, Saint-Christol-de-Rodières, Saint-Florent-sur-Auzonnet, Saint-Jean-de-Valériscle, Saint-Julien-de-Cassagnas, Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas, Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols, Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, Saint-Victor-de-Malcap, Salazac, Sénéchas, Tharaux, La Vernarède.

Department of Loire (42): 22 municipalities — Bessey, Bourg-Argental, Burdignes, La Chapelle-Villars, Chavanay, Chuyer, Colombier, Graix, Lupé, Maclas, Malleval, Pélussin, Roisey, Saint-Appolinard, Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette, Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, Saint-Pierre-de-Boeuf, Saint-Sauveur-en-Rue, Thélis-la-Combe, Véranne, Vérin, La Versanne.

Department of Haute-Loire (43): 41 municipalities — Alleyrac, Arlempdes, Barges, Chadron, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, Champclause, Chaudeyrolles, Chenereilles, Dunières, Les Estables, Fay-sur-Lignon, Freycenet-la-Cuche, Freycenet-la-Tour, Goudet, Lafarre, Landos, Laussonne, Le Mas-de-Tence, Mazet-Saint-Voy, Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, Montfaucon-en-Velay, Montregard, Moudeyres, Pradelles, Présailles, Raucoules, Rauret, Riotord, Saint-Arcons-de-Barges, Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid, Saint-Étienne-du-Vigan, Saint-Front, Saint-Haon, Saint-Jeures, Saint-Julien-Molhesabate, Saint-Martin-de-Fugères, Saint-Paul-de-Tartas, Salettes, Tence, Les Vastres, Vielprat,

Department of Lozère (48): 15 municipalities — Altier, Auroux, La Bastide-Puylaurent, Chastanier, Cheylard-l’Évêque, Langogne, Luc, Naussac-Fontanes, Pied-de-Borne, Pourcharesses, Prévenchères, Rocles, Saint-André-Capcèze, Saint-Flour-de-Mercoire, Villefort.

Department of Vaucluse (84): 7 municipalities — Bollène, Lagarde-Paréol, Lamotte-du-Rhône, Lapalud, Mondragon, Mornas, Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes.

Link to the product specification

http://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-606d5181-139d-4c39-b7c0-ae4daaf8de55

(1) OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.