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 343/12)

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

‘Fleurie’

PDO-FR-A0930-AM02

Date of communication: 7 June 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Geographical area

In chapter I, section IV, point 1, the words ‘based on the 2019 Official Geographical Code’ have been added after ‘Rhône’.

This editorial amendment allows the geographical area to be identified with reference to the 2019 version of the Official Geographical Code, which is updated by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), and gives the definition of the geographical area legal certainty.

The boundaries of the geographical area remain unchanged.

The phrase ‘are undertaken’ has been replaced by ‘take place’.

Point 6 of the single document has been amended to include these changes.

A sentence has also been added with the information that cartographic documents pertaining to the geographical area are available on the INAO website.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

2. Area in immediate proximity

In chapter I, section IV, point 3, the words ‘based on the 2019 Official Geographical Code’ have been added after ‘the following municipalities’.

A reference to the 2019 Official Geographical Code has been added and the list of municipalities updated. The date of approval of the geographical area of the designation by the competent national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality has also been added. These amendments change the wording but do not have any effect on the boundary of the geographical area in question. They are necessary as a result of mergers and splits among municipalities, or parts of municipalities, or name changes.

The new wording ensures that the municipalities in the geographical area continue to be clearly identified in the specification.

The section of the single document headed ‘Further conditions’ has been amended accordingly.

3. Provisions relating to maturation

In chapter I, section IX, point 2, ‘1 March’ has been replaced by ‘15 January’.

The end date of the minimum maturation period for the wines has been brought forward from 1 March to 15 January of the year following that of the harvest. This is due to early harvests becoming more common as a result of climate change, thus allowing earlier completion of the wine-making process.

Bringing forward the end date of the minimum maturation period does not affect the quality of the wines. The climatic and soil conditions of the area mean that the gamay N grape develops early, thereby allowing the wines to be enjoyed young.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

4. Placing on the market for sale to consumers

In chapter I, section IX, point 5, ‘15 March’ has been replaced by ‘1 February’.

As the end date of the minimum maturation period has been brought forward, the date for placing the wines on the market for sale to consumers has also been brought forward, from 15 March to 1 February.

This amendment does require any changes to the single document.

5. Transport between authorised warehouses

Point 5(b), section IX, chapter 1, concerning the date from which the wines can transported between authorised warehouses, has been deleted.

The minimum maturation period has been reduced and the date on which wines are placed on the market has been brought forward. It is therefore necessary to allow the wines to be transported between operators sooner. There is no need to establish an earlier date before which the wines cannot be transported.

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

The title of chapter I, section IX, point 5 has therefore been amended, with the removal of the words ‘the transport of products and’.

The single document is not affected by these amendments to the specification.

6. Transitional measures

At point 2(a), section XI, chapter 1, the phrase ‘at the latest’ has been added before the words ‘up to and including the 2034 harvest’, in order to be more specific about the conditions for this measure.

Point 4 has been deleted as the specific measure concerned is no longer in force.

The single document is not affected by these amendments to the specification.

7. Matters concerning monitoring the specification

— Operators are now monitored by a certification body. The words ‘inspection plan’ have been replaced by the words ‘monitoring plan’ in the relevant paragraphs in chapter II of the specification. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

— References to the inspection body In section II of chapter III: the rules on wording in this section were amended following approval of the specification in December 2011. The purpose was to remove full references to the inspection authority where monitoring is conducted by a certification body. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Fleurie

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

1. Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

Brief written description

The wines are still, dry red wines. The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 10,5 %.

The total alcoholic strength by volume of the wines after enrichment does not exceed 13 %.

At the time of packaging, the wines have a maximum malic acid content of 0,4 grams per litre.

Wines that are finished and ready to be released for consumption conform to the following analytical standards:

Maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose): 3 grams per litre.

The standards provided for in EU regulations apply to the maximum total alcoholic strength, minimum actual alcoholic strength, minimum total acidity and maximum total sulphur dioxide content.

The wines are a beautiful violet-red colour which develops garnet shades over time. On the nose, they often have floral as well as red fruit notes, developing spiced notes with ageing. In the mouth, they are bold but not aggressive. The acidity is not obvious. This wine is often referred to as the most ‘feminine’ of the ‘crus de Beaujolais’, on account of its lightness and finesse.

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) 14,17 Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. Wine-making practices

5.1. Specific oenological practices

1. Specific oenological practice

— The use of wood chips is not permitted.

— The total alcoholic strength by volume of the wines after enrichment does not exceed 13 %.

— Subtractive enrichment techniques are permitted up to a concentration rate of 10 %.

— The wines must be aged until at least 15 January of the year following the harvest.

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

2. Cultivation method

Planting density

The minimum vine planting density is 6 000 plants per hectare.

The spacing between the rows is 2,1 meters or less. Between plants in the same row, spacing is at least 0,8 meters.

Provided that the minimum density of 6 000 plants per hectare is maintained, for the purposes of mechanisation, the spaces between rows may be a maximum of 3 meters.

Pruning rules

— Pruning is completed by 15 May.

— The wines are made from vines subject to spur pruning and trained to ‘gobelet’, ‘éventail’, or single or double ‘cordon de Royat’, or ‘Charmet’. Each plant has a maximum of ten buds.

— Each plant has three to five spurs with a maximum of two buds. For regeneration purposes, each plant may also have a spur with a maximum of two buds cut from a water shoot growing out of the permanent wood.

— During initial pruning, or conversion to a different form of pruning, vines are pruned to a maximum of 12 buds per plant.

Irrigation is prohibited.

Provisions relating to mechanised harvesting

— The harvest is piled no higher than 0,5 metres high in the containers transporting it from the parcel to the winery.

— The containers are made of inert material suitable for food-use.

— The equipment for picking and transporting the harvest includes a special water-drainage or protection system.

5.2. Maximum yields

1. 61 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines are produced, developed and aged in the following municipality of the Rhône department, based on the 2019 Official Geographic Code: Fleurie

7. Main wine grape variety(-ies)

Gamay N

8. Description of the link(s)

8.1. Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The geographical area is located at the heart of the ‘Beaujolais’ vineyards, on the eastern edge of the Beaujolais hills.

It occupies the sole municipality of Fleurie in the Rhône department, north of Lyon.

In an undulating landscape, the often steep slopes are almost entirely covered in vines. In the background, forest covers the higher hills.

The parcels demarcated for the grape harvest lie on a substrate of pink porphyroid granite, with a low mica content, known as ‘Fleurie granite’.

There are two different geological formations with contrasting morphology:

— above the village, at an altitude of between 300 metres and 450 metres, there are steep inclines with frequent outcrops of bedrock and very sandy and poor soils;

— below the village, the slope steadily declines towards the Saône to a height of 230 metres, where the rock is covered by colluvium descended from the hillsides. Here, the soils become denser and richer in clay, fine sand and silt.

The ‘bief de Roclaine’ millstream and the Presle stream flow down the mountain to join the Saône, carving up the formation and diversifying the aspects.

The climate is semi-maritime, with an annual average annual temperature close to 11 °C and moderate rainfall, 750 millimetres on average, evenly distributed throughout the year. The geographical area is subject to continental influences, such as summer storms and freezing winter fog. There are also southern influences with summer heat and most of the rain falling in autumn and spring. Sheltered from the west winds by the Beaujolais hills, the geographical area also occupies a small secondary set of hills. The south-east facing slopes are generally preferred for their aspect. As dawn breaks, the first rays of sunshine bring warmth and light to the hillside. Planted mid-slopes, the vines are usually spared the spring frosts and the morning mists from the Saône plain. They benefit from maximum sunshine, and any excess rainfall quickly drains away.

8.2. Description of the human factors relevant to the geographical link

Fleurie is an ancient village. Having a water supply, the site was suitable for very early human habitation, especially in the settlements on the western side.

Evidence for vines on the site of ‘Fleurie’ dates back to 987 in the form of an act drawn up for Arpayé Abbey, located below the village and directly dependent on Cluny Abbey. The act contains negotiations for a ‘curtil’, or patch of land, with ‘vines’.

From the end of the 15th century, having grown rich from silk and banking, the bourgeoisie of Lyons developed viticulture.

In the 18th century, the highly rated wines of ‘Fleurie’ were brought to Paris by the wine-merchants of Burgundy. Then, gradually they were made available for sale to northern France and to England. At the start of the 20th century, the wine was being sold throughout France and on foreign markets in Switzerland, Belgium and Germany.

In 1927, thanks to the initiative of some enterprising local families, the cooperative wine-cellar of Fleurie opened its doors. Marguerite Chabert, whose family was behind the creation of the cooperative wine-cellar in Fleurie, served for a while as its president and left her mark on the history of the ‘cru’ (vineyard).

In 1936, the controlled designation of origin ‘Fleurie’ was recognised. It is among the premium range of ‘crus du Beaujolais’. The Swiss market, in particular, buys the wines at very high prices.

The village is open to tourism. In 2007, some 30 estates collaborated to open a cellar called ‘La maison de Fleurie’.

The people of Fleurie identify with ‘la Madone’, the statue of the Madonna that protects the vineyards, watching over them from the chapel of Fleurie. Over the years, she has become the symbol of the municipality and vineyard, appearing on most of the labels and promotional logos.

The vines are entirely devoted to the production of red wines. The main grape variety is gamay N. In order to restrict the fertility of this variety, the vines are spur pruned with gobelet-training.

The estates are mostly family-owned. Multiple generations are involved, often working together. The average cultivated area of each holding is around 9 hectares. In 2010, the ‘Fleurie’ vineyards covered an area of around 1 400 hectares. The wine is produced by 180 producers, a cooperative cellar and a dozen ‘négociants’ or wine merchants.

8.3. Causal interactions

Dating back over a millennium, down the years the historic vineyards of ‘Fleurie’ have forged a unique landscape in which they occupy the prime position.

In an undulating area and on a granitic substratum, the vines are located at heights rising from 200 metres to 450 metres, on slopes that are, at times, very steep. They enjoy excellent aspects, enabling them to produce wines of wonderful aromatic complexity.

Their position looking out over the broad Saône plain provides the sunlight necessary for the chlorophyll in the vines to function. These conditions, assisted by the altitude and mainly south-east aspect, ensure excellent and consistent ripening of the grapes.

The soils formed of granitic sand are poor with good filtering qualities, ideal for controlled production. The gamay N grape variety is soil-sensitive and especially suitable for soils with low fertility. It produces a light, perfumed wine with delicate tannins.

In these particular geographical conditions, down the generations producers of ‘Fleurie’ have developed techniques enabling them to make the most of gamay N.

Their know-how is evident in the customary practice of spur pruning, with the vines gobelet-trained, as well as in the high density planting, growing-techniques to limit soil erosion, wine-making practices adapted to produce a richly coloured premium product, while always preserving the finesse, fruitiness and elegance of the wines.

Long before ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’ had conquered the planet, the wines of ‘Fleurie’ were already highly rated and enjoyed a sound reputation. At the start of the 18th century, they were brought to Paris by the wine-merchants of Burgundy. In the 19th century, various authors including Jullien, Guyot and Danguy studied and wrote about the wines of France. The wines of ‘Fleurie’ were always ranked among the best.

Consumers of Switzerland and England, attracted by the similarity of the name ‘Fleurie’ to the word ‘flower’, contributed to its reputation all across Europe. This reputation is still in evidence during the trade fair which takes place in Fleurie every year, over the weekend following All Saints Day, and which draws a large crowd.

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 the immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for wine-making, maturing and ageing comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographic Code for 2019:

— Department of Côte-d’Or: Agencourt, Aloxe-Corton, Ancey, Arcenant, Argilly, Autricourt, Auxey-Duresses, Baubigny, Beaune, Belan-sur-Ource, Bévy, Bissey-la-Côte, Bligny-lès-Beaune, Boncourt-le-Bois, Bouix, Bouze-lès-Beaune, Brion-sur-Ource, Brochon, Cérilly, Chamboeuf, Chambolle-Musigny, Channay, Charrey-sur-Seine, Chassagne-Montrachet, Châtillon-sur-Seine, Chaumont-le-Bois, Chaux, Chenôve, Chevannes, Chorey-lès-Beaune, Clémencey, Collonges-lès-Bévy, Combertault, Comblanchien, Corcelles-les-Arts, Corcelles-les-Monts, Corgoloin, Cormot-Vauchignon, Corpeau, Couchey, Curley, Curtil-Vergy, Daix, Dijon, Ebaty, Echevronne, Epernay-sous-Gevrey, L’Etang-Vergy, Etrochey, Fixin, Flagey-Echézeaux, Flavignerot, Fleurey-sur-Ouche, Fussey, Gerland, Gevrey-Chambertin, Gilly-lès-Cîteaux, Gomméville, Grancey-sur-Ource, Griselles, Ladoix-Serrigny, Lantenay, Larrey, Levernois, Magny-lès-Villers, Mâlain, Marcenay, Marey-lès-Fussey, Marsannay-la-Côte, Massingy, Mavilly-Mandelot, Meloisey, Merceuil, Messanges, Meuilley, Meursanges, Meursault, Molesme, Montagny-lès-Beaune, Monthelie, Montliot-et-Courcelles, Morey-Saint-Denis, Mosson, Nantoux, Nicey, Noiron-sur-Seine, Nolay, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Obtrée, Pernand-Vergelesses, Perrigny-lès-Dijon, Plombières-lès-Dijon, Poinçon-lès-Larrey, Pommard, Pothières, Premeaux-Prissey, Prusly-sur-Ource, Puligny-Montrachet, Quincey, Reulle-Vergy, La Rochepot, Ruffey-lès-Beaune, Saint-Aubin, Saint-Bernard, Saint-Philibert, Saint-Romain, Sainte-Colombe-sur-Seine, Sainte-Marie-la-Blanche, Santenay, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Segrois, Tailly, Talant, Thoires, Vannaire, Velars-sur-Ouche, Vertault, Vignoles, Villars-Fontaine, Villebichot, Villedieu, Villers-la-Faye, Villers-Patras, Villy-le-Moutier, Vix, Volnay, Vosne-Romanée and Vougeot

— Department of Rhône: Alix, Anse, L’Arbresle, Les Ardillats, Arnas, Bagnols, Beaujeu, Belleville-en-Beaujolais, Belmont-d’Azergues, Blacé, Le Breuil, Bully, Chambost-Allières, Chamelet, Charentay, Charnay, Chasselay, Châtillon, Chazay-d’Azergues, Chénas, Chessy, Chiroubles, Cogny, Corcelles-en-Beaujolais, Dardilly, Denicé, Deux Grosnes (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipality of Avenas), Dracé, Emeringes, Fleurieux-sur-l’Arbresle, Frontenas, Gleizé, Juliénas, Jullié, Lacenas, Lachassagne, Lancié, Lantignié, Légny, Létra, Limas, Lozanne, Lucenay, Marchampt, Marcy, Moiré, Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, Morancé, Odenas, Le Perréon, Pommiers, Porte des Pierres Dorées, Quincié-en-Beaujolais, Régnié-Durette, Rivolet, Sain-Bel, Saint-Clément-sur-Valsonne, Saint-Cyr-le-Chatoux, Saint-Didier-sur-Beaujeu, Saint-Etienne-des-Oullières, Saint-Etienne-la-Varenne, Saint-Georges-de-Reneins, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, Saint-Julien, Saint-Just-d’Avray, Saint-Lager, Saint-Romain-de-Popey, Saint-Vérand, Sainte-Paule, Salles-Arbuissonnas-en-Beaujolais, Sarcey, Taponas, Ternand, Theizé, Val d’Oingt, Vaux-en-Beaujolais, Vauxrenard, Vernay, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Ville-sur-Jarnioux, Villié-Morgon and Vindry-sur-Turdine (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipalities of Dareizé, Les Olmes and Saint-Loup)

— Department of Saône-et-Loire: Aluze, Ameugny, Azé, Barizey, Beaumont-sur-Grosne, Berzé-la-Ville, Berzé-le-Châtel, Bissey-sous-Cruchaud, Bissy-la-Mâconnaise, Bissy-sous-Uxelles, Bissy-sur-Fley, Blanot, Bonnay, Bouzeron, Boyer, Bray, Bresse-sur-Grosne, Burgy, Burnand, Bussières, Buxy, Cersot, Chagny, Chaintré, Chalon-sur-Saône, Chamilly, Champagny-sous-Uxelles, Champforgeuil, Chânes, Change, Chapaize, La Chapelle-de-Bragny, La Chapelle-de-Guinchay, La Chapelle-sous-Brancion, Charbonnières, Chardonnay, La Charmée, Charnay-lès-Mâcon, Charrecey, Chasselas, Chassey-le-Camp, Château, Châtenoy-le-Royal, Chaudenay, Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Chenôves, Chevagny-les-Chevrières, Chissey-lès-Mâcon, Clessé, Cluny, Cormatin, Cortambert, Cortevaix, Couches, Crêches-sur-Saône, Créot, Cruzille, Culles-les-Roches, Curtil-sous-Burnand, Davayé, Demigny, Dennevy, Dezize-lès-Maranges, Donzy-le-Pertuis, Dracy-le-Fort, Dracy-lès-Couches, Epertully, Etrigny, Farges-lès-Chalon, Farges-lès-Mâcon, Flagy, Fleurville, Fley, Fontaines, Fragnes-La-Loyère (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipality of La Loyère), Fuissé, Genouilly, Germagny, Givry, Granges, Grevilly, Hurigny, Igé, Jalogny, Jambles, Jugy, Jully-lès-Buxy, Lacrost, Laives, Laizé, Lalheue, Leynes, Lournand, Lugny, Mâcon, Malay, Mancey, Martailly-lès-Brancion, Massilly, Mellecey, Mercurey, Messey-sur-Grosne, Milly-Lamartine, Montagny-lès-Buxy, Montbellet, Montceaux-Ragny, Moroges, Nanton, Ozenay, Paris-l’Hôpital, Péronne, Pierreclos, Plottes, Préty, Prissé, Pruzilly, Remigny, La Roche-Vineuse, Romanèche-Thorins, Rosey, Royer, Rully, Saint-Albain, Saint-Ambreuil, Saint-Amour-Bellevue, Saint-Boil, Saint-Clément-sur-Guye, Saint-Denis-de-Vaux, Saint-Désert, Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé, Saint-Gengoux-le-National, Saint-Germain-lès-Buxy, Saint-Gervais-sur-Couches, Saint-Gilles, Saint-Jean-de-Trézy, Saint-Jean-de-Vaux, Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune, Saint-Mard-de-Vaux, Saint-Martin-Belle-Roche, Saint-Martin-du-Tartre, Saint-Martin-sous-Montaigu, Saint-Maurice-de-Satonnay, Saint-Maurice-des-Champs, Saint-Maurice-lès-Couches, Saint-Pierre-de-Varennes, Saint-Rémy, Saint-Sernin-du-Plain, Saint-Symphorien-d’Ancelles, Saint-Vallerin, Saint-Vérand, Saint-Ythaire, Saisy, La Salle, Salornay-sur-Guye, Sampigny-lès-Maranges, Sancé, Santilly, Sassangy, Saules, Savigny-sur-Grosne, Sennecey-le-Grand, Senozan, Sercy, Serrières, Sigy-le-Châtel, Sologny, Solutré-Pouilly, Taizé, Tournus, Uchizy, Varennes-lès-Mâcon, Vaux-en-Pré, Vergisson, Vers, Verzé, Le Villars, La Vineuse sur Fregande (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipalities of Donzy-le-National, Massy and La Vineuse), Vinzelles and Viré

— Department of Yonne: Aigremont, Annay-sur-Serein, Arcy-sur-Cure, Asquins, Augy, Auxerre, Avallon, Bazarnes, Beine, Bernouil, Béru, Bessy-sur-Cure, Bleigny-le-Carreau, Censy, Chablis, Champlay, Champs-sur-Yonne, Chamvres, La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, Charentenay, Châtel-Gérard, Chemilly-sur-Serein, Cheney, Chevannes, Chichée, Chitry, Collan, Coulangeron, Coulanges-la-Vineuse, Courgis, Cruzy-le-Châtel, Dannemoine, Deux Rivières, Dyé, Epineuil, Escamps, Escolives-Sainte-Camille, Fleys, Fontenay-près-Chablis, Gy-l’Evêque, Héry, Irancy, Island, Joigny, Jouancy, Junay, Jussy, Lichères-près-Aigremont, Lignorelles, Ligny-le-Châtel, Lucy-sur-Cure, Maligny, Mélisey, Merry-Sec, Migé, Molay, Molosmes, Montigny-la-Resle, Montholon (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipalities of Champvallon, Villiers sur Tholon and Volgré), Mouffy, Moulins-en-Tonnerrois, Nitry, Noyers, Ouanne, Paroy-sur-Tholon, Pasilly, Pierre-Perthuis, Poilly-sur-Serein, Pontigny, Préhy, Quenne, Roffey, Rouvray, Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, Saint-Cyr-les-Colons, Saint-Père, Sainte-Pallaye, Sainte-Vertu, Sarry, Senan, Serrigny, Tharoiseau, Tissey, Tonnerre, Tronchoy, Val-de-Mercy, Vallan, Venouse, Venoy, Vermenton, Vézannes, Vézelay, Vézinnes, Villeneuve-Saint-Salves, Villy, Vincelles, Vincelottes, Viviers and Yrouerre.

Labelling

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

a) Wines with the registered designation of origin may specify on their labels the name of a smaller geographical unit, provided that: — it is the name of a place in the land register; — it appears on the harvest declaration. The name of the registered location appears immediately after the controlled designation of origin, and is printed in lettering no greater in both height and width than the letters in which the name of the controlled designation of origin is written.

b) The labels of wines entitled to the controlled designation of origin can mention the larger geographical entity ‘Vin du Beaujolais’, ‘Grand Vin du Beaujolais’ or ‘Cru du Beaujolais’. The size of the letters for the broader geographical unit must 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.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-163ce6ee-43f3-40c6-b350-36ff801081a0

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