Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2021/C 524/06)

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

COMMUNICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDM\ENT TO THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Charentais’

PGI-FR-A1196-AM02

Date of communication: 28 October 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Volatile acidity

The volatile acidity has been revised for white wines.

The limit for volatile acidity is now 0,65 grams per litre in H2SO4 for white wines with a sugar content in excess of 5 grams per litre.

With the climate becoming warmer, sugar levels are increasing, as are volatile acidity levels. This is why these levels have been adjusted.

Point 4 of the [single] document has been amended as a result of this amendment.

2. Geographical area

The geographical area and the area in immediate proximity have been revised. The list of municipalities is now included, having been brought into line with the official geographical code.

Points 6 and 9 of the document have been amended as a result of this amendment.

3. Grape varieties

The following varieties have been added to the specification:

Syrah N; Gros Manseng B; Petit Manseng B; Cabernet Cortis N; Monarch N; Pinotin N; Prior N; Vidoc N; Artaban N; Bronner B; Johanniter B; Floreal B; Souvignier Gris Rs; Solaris B; Soltis B.

These varieties have been added in order to adapt more effectively to climate change, as well as to reduce the use of plant health products. The aim is also to preserve the organoleptic character of the wine.

Ugni Blanc has been withdrawn from the list of grape varieties as it no longer matches the desired organoleptic character of the wines of the PGI. A transitional measure has been agreed for this variety until the 2022 harvest.

Point 7 of the document has been amended as a result of this amendment.

4. Agri-environmental measures

The following agricultural and environmental measures have been added to the specification.

Permanent grass cover is required along parcel boundaries: headlands and areas between parcels not planted or cultivated. This requirement does not apply to headlands being restored, in particular following erosion or exceptional climatic events.

Full chemical weed control on parcels is prohibited.

Between the rows, naturally occurring and/or planted vegetation is managed by mechanical or physical means.

It is not permitted to use sprayers which do not have nozzles directed to both sides of the rows, such as fan turbines mounted on high-clearance tractors or oscillating cannons. In the case of air-assisted sprayers, it is only permitted to use air injection nozzles registered for treating vines in the most recent register of means to reduce spray drift of plant health products, as published in the official bulletin of the Ministry responsible for agriculture.

Application of synthetic mineral nitrogen is limited to 30 units per hectare per year.

These amendments are intended to take better account of the environment and of general demands for less use of plant protection products.

These amendments do not require any amendments to the single document.

5. Link

The link to the origin has been revised in order to update the surface areas and production volumes.

Point 8 of the document has been amended as a result of this amendment.

6. Reference to the inspection body

The wording referring to the inspection body has been revised to make it consistent with the wording in other specifications for protected geographical indications. This amendment is solely a matter of wording.

This amendment does not require any amendment to the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Charentais

2. Geographical indication type

PGI - Protected geographical indication

3. Categories of grapevine products

1. Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

Still red, rosé and white wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Wines entitled to the protected geographical indication ‘Charentais’ are still red, rosé and white wines.

The red wines generally have notes of red fruit and very ripe fruit which may also include notes of spices. These are light wines which nevertheless are well structured thanks to the supple tannins giving them a certain roundness. These wines are suitable for moderate ageing.

The white and rosé wines make a characteristically strong impact which generally gives way to a sensation of balance and fruity notes. They are made to be placed on the market without delay while still young.

The maximum volatile acid content is 11,22 milliequivalents per litre, with the exception of wines that have undergone full malolactic fermentation, and white wines with residual sugars exceeding 5 grams per litre, in which case the maximum figure is 13,26 milliequivalents per litre.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

General analytical characteristics Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) 11 Minimum total acidity in milliequivalents per litre 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. Cultivation method

For vines suitable for producing wines entitled to the PGI ‘Charentais’ planted in or after the 2001-2002 crop year, the required planting density is at least 4 000 plants per hectare with a space no larger than 2,5 metres between the rows.

5.2. Maximum yields

1. PGI ‘Charentais’

90 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The harvesting of the grapes, and the vinification and processing of PGI ‘Charentais’ wines must take place in the departments of Charente and Charente Maritime.

7. Main wine grape variety(-ies)

Alicante Henri Bouschet N

Arinarnoa N

Arriloba B

Artaban N

Bronner B

Cabernet Cortis N

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet Sauvignon N

Chardonnay B

Chasan B

Chenin B

Colombard B

Cot N - Malbec

Egiodola N

Floreal B

Folle Blanche B

Gamay N

Gros Manseng B

Johanniter B

Jurançon Noir N - Dame Noire

Merlot N

Monarch N

Montils B

Mourvèdre N - Monastrell

Muscadelle B

Négrette N

Petit Manseng B

Pinot Noir N

Pinotin N

Prior N

Sauvignon B - Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Gris G - Fié Gris

Semillon B

Solaris B

Souvignier Gris Rs

Syrah N - Shiraz

Tannat N

Trousseau Gris G - Chauché Gris

Vidoc N

Voltis B

8. Description of the link(s)

The geographical area of the PGI ‘Charentais’ covers the whole of the departments of Charente and Charente Maritime. It corresponds to the northern end of the Aquitaine Basin.

The PGI ‘Charentais’ vineyards are intrinsically linked to the history of Cognac. Production of PGI ‘Charentais’ wines was able to develop thanks to the presence of these prestigious vineyards. The difficult economic circumstances that first arose in 1973 meant that Cognac production was constrained and limited, leading wine-growers to diversify their production. Since then, they have invested in the production of higher-quality still wines, recognised by the ‘Vin de Pays Charentais’ Decree of 1981, with 2 000 hectares of vines involved. At first, wine-makers concentrated on making wines from the most common white varieties, such as Ugni Blanc and Colombard. However, they soon turned to some of the more aromatic varieties grown locally, such as Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Chenin. Since 1985, ‘Vin de Pays Charentais’ has been produced in three colours. The development of red wines also involved selection of the more ‘noble’ varieties, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Pinot Noir. This selection of grape varieties is part of a wider movement towards quality, involving the selection of better adapted rootstocks, a more strategic approach to planting vines, and the acquisition of new wine-making skills by the wine-growers.

The additional designations ‘Ile de Ré’ and ‘Saint-Sornin’ were recognised at the same time in 1992. The ‘Ile de Ré’ vineyards now enjoy a high reputation.

The vineyards for ‘Saint-Sornin’ are unusual in that they are entirely dedicated to the production of PGI wines unlike other parts of the area covered by the designation, which can also be used for ‘Cognac’ and ‘Pineau des Charentes’. Furthermore, these vineyards also benefit from a strong sense of unity among producers organised around the ‘Saint-Sornin’ cooperative winery.

Another designation, ‘Ile d’Oléron’, was recognised in 1999. This designation covers vineyards that, historically, were very extensive: around 1 000 hectares in 1950. The cooperative movement has a strong presence and enjoys a significant reputation locally.

The white and rosé wines are characterised by their freshness and fruity notes, largely citrus. In the mouth, they make a strong impact which generally gives way to a sensation of balance and fruity notes. They are made to be placed on the market without delay while still young.

The red wines generally have notes of red fruits and very ripe fruit which may also include notes of spices. These are light wines which nevertheless are well-structured thanks to supple tannins giving them a certain roundness. These wines are suitable for moderate ageing.

The wines produced on Ile de Ré and Ile d’Oléron are light and lively, often with notes of iodine. The wines produced in the Saint-Sornin area, on the other hand, have more spiced notes, together with a more complex structure.

The PGI ‘Charentais’ represents 1 500 hectares, with production between 70 000 and 90 000 hectolitres depending on the year.

There has been significant work in varietal selection and in acquiring new oenological skills. As a result, PGI ‘Charentais’ wines have become a product in their own right in the regional wine-growing landscape. The appropriate soil and climate conditions, in conjunction with selection of the best soils for producing moderate yields, are also positive factors in the development of wine production under the PGI ‘Charentais’.

The quality of the wines has been enhanced and adapted to market developments thanks to a combination of the aforementioned intelligent use of the natural environment, skills acquired by the wine-growers, planting of more aromatic varieties alongside the traditional varieties and the development of economic and commercial operators. As a result, the wines have sensory and aromatic characters that consumers find easy to appreciate, and which are especially popular with tourists.

Today, the marketing of the PGI ‘Charentais’ is particularly dynamic at regional level, and adds to the attraction of the coastal area for tourists in the summer season. In addition, there is a well-developed distribution network for these wines, covering supermarkets, catering and direct sale from the wineries.

Together these factors have contributed to sustaining the reputation of the Charentes region for wine-making, and of the wines themselves placed on the market under this designation.

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

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 vicinity, defined by derogation for the making and processing of the wines, comprises the following municipalities, which border the geographical area: Fontenay-le-Comte, Niort, Montmorillon, Rochechouart, Bellac, Nontron, Périgueux, Blaye and Libourne.

Labelling terms

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

The protected geographical indication ‘Charentais’ may be supplemented by the name of one of the following smaller geographical units, according to the conditions set out in the specification:

‘Ile de Ré’

‘Saint-Sornin’

‘Ile d’Oléron’

‘Charente’

‘Charente-Maritime’

The protected geographical indication ‘Charentais’ may be supplemented by the terms ‘primeur’ (early) or ‘nouveau’ (new).

The protected geographical indication ‘Charentais’ may be supplemented by the name of one or more of the grape varieties mentioned in the specification, with the exception of Alicante Henri Bouschet N, Mourvèdre N (Balzac Noir) and Jurançon Noir N (Folle Noire).

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’.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-d607839b-69a8-4575-80f5-0f6490e9ea52

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