Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 2022/C 246/06
Date: 2022-06-29
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, still wine, white wine








C_2022246EN.01000701.xml










29.6.2022   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 246/7






Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33
(2022/C 246/06)
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

‘Cadillac’


PDO-FR-A0686-AM03


Date of communication: 1 April 2022


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Official Geographic Code

The municipalities making up the geographical area and the area in immediate proximity have been updated in line with the Official Geographic Code.
The boundaries of the area remain unchanged.
Points 6 and 9 of the single document have been amended.
2.   Packaging

In point IX(3)(a) of the specification, the option to package the wines in airtight vacuum containers of no more than 5 litres has been added.
The purpose of this amendment was to increase the options as regards containers in order to better meet demand, in particular in the catering sector.
Point 9 of the single document has been amended.
3.   Circulation between authorised warehouses

Point IX(5)(b) of Chapter 1 concerning the date from which the wines may be circulated between authorised warehouses has been deleted.
This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.
4.   Reference to the inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording used in other product specifications. This is a purely editorial amendment.
This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Cadillac
2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin
3.   Categories of grapevine product







1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The name ‘Cadillac’ can only be used for still white wines.
These wines have:






—


a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 15 %;










—


a fermentable sugar content of at least 51 g/l.




These still white wines with residual sugars are obtained from the varieties Sémillon B (the dominant variety), Sauvignon B, Sauvignon Gris G and Muscadelle B.
Their golden colour gradually becomes amber with ageing. The wines frequently develop aromas of white fruit and flowers when they are young, often evolving into aromas of candied fruit and citrus fruit as they age, occasionally with toasted notes when aged in barrels. They are balanced and combine sweetness and elegance with long-lasting aromas. They are well suited to ageing.
The minimum total acidity content and maximum total sulphur dioxide content comply with the thresholds laid down in EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


19




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


12




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


25




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Specific oenological practice

Enrichment by rectified concentrated grape must or chaptalisation must not result in the total alcoholic strength by volume exceeding 15 % after enrichment. Enrichment by partial concentration of musts to be used in wine production is permitted, subject to a 10 % concentration limit for the volumes enriched using this method, allowing the total alcoholic strength by volume to be increased to 19 %.
2.   Planting density and pruning

Cultivation method
The minimum vine planting density is 4 500 plants per hectare. The spacing between vine rows must not exceed 2,50 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,80 metres.
Pruning is carried out at the unfolded leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9) at the latest. The vines are pruned using the following techniques: single, double or mixed Guyot, spur pruning, cordon de Royat, fan or cane pruning, with a maximum of 12 buds per plant.
3.   Harvest

Cultivation method
The wines are made from overripe grapes (presence of noble rot and/or raisining on the vine). The wines are obtained from grapes harvested by hand in multiple passes.
5.2.   Maximum yields







1.


40 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed, aged and packaged in the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, based on the Official Geographical Code in force on 1 January 2021: Baurech, Béguey, Cadillac, Capian, Cardan, Donzac, Gabarnac, Haux, Langoiran, Laroque, Lestiac-sur-Garonne, Monprimblanc, Omet, Paillet, Rions, Saint-Germain-de-Grave, Saint-Maixant, Semens, Tabanac, Le Tourne, Verdelais and Villenave-de-Rions.
7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)

Muscadelle B
Semillon B
8.   Description of the link(s)

The geographical area of the ‘Cadillac’ controlled designation of origin is characterised by its hilly and sometimes steep terrain, with the high points reaching an altitude of 120 metres. Numerous streams, tributaries of the Garonne, have formed their courses through the limestone base, providing the landscape with perfect drainage. The ‘Cadillac’ geographical area benefits from a temperate climate and the influences of the Garonne valley and the Atlantic Ocean, which mitigate against the spring frosts. It stretches from north to south for about 30 kilometres, with, in the centre, located 40 kilometres from Bordeaux, the walled town of Cadillac, which gave its name to the designation. The area spans 22 municipalities of the Gironde department running alongside the Garonne, the territory of which includes plains, areas at the bottom of hills, sloping land and plateaus. Situated on the right bank of the Garonne, upstream and to the south-east of the conurbation of Bordeaux, the territory lies within the southern part of the ‘Premières Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation but does not include the enclaves of Sainte-Croix-du-Mont and Loupiac.
The geographical area benefits from a particular mesoclimate in the autumn. The humidity of the morning mists rising from the meandering Garonne alternates with hot and sunny periods on these well-exposed slopes, fostering the development of ‘noble rot’ (Botrytis cinerea) on the skin of the grapes, a microscopic fungus which, in specific ecological conditions, leads to the production of great sweet wines.
With the exception of parcels on recent alluvial deposits, no particular type of soil is excluded in principle from the production parcel area. Nevertheless, valley floors are excluded whenever parcels beside, or close to, streams do not slope or have a concave shape, thus not allowing easy water drainage. Likewise, parcels with naturally poor drainage, with hydromorphic soils, are not included in the designation. Areas with very dense urbanisation, which are not planted, are excluded.
The landscape is characterised by various types of forest. Woods on valley floors running in strips alongside streams were historically not used in wine-growing and are excluded from the production parcels. The old deciduous woods are an integral part of the landscape of the ‘Cadillac’ region and are therefore also excluded.
This demarcation requires the best possible management of the vines with control of their strength and production potential. ‘Cadillac’ wines are made from overripe grapes. For this purpose, the number of bunches per plant is restricted. The planting density is quite high and the maximum crop load per parcel is restricted before overripening. The ripe grapes, covered with a down of Botrytis, dry out gradually, concentrating the sugars and aromas. The grape pickers proceed to select these roasted grapes by hand, plant by plant: this is the first selection. This is followed by two or three subsequent rounds of selection, depending on the climatic conditions favouring the development of the fungus and the concentration of the grapes. The pressed grapes ferment very slowly; their richness eventually brings the fermentation of the wines – still full of sugars – to a natural halt as the alcohol content kills the yeasts.
These still white wines with residual sugars are obtained from the varieties Sémillon B (which accounts for the vast majority of vines), Sauvignon B, Sauvignon Gris G and Muscadelle B.
Their golden colour gradually becomes amber with ageing. These wines frequently develop aromas of white fruit and flowers when they are young, often evolving into aromas of candied fruit and citrus fruit as they age, occasionally with toasted notes when aged in barrels. They are balanced and combine sweetness and elegance with long-lasting aromas. They are well suited to ageing.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Packaging in the demarcated geographical area
Description of the condition:
The wines are aged at least until 15 March of the year following the year of harvest.
In order to preserve the essential characteristics and authenticity of the wines, they are packaged either in glass bottles or in airtight vacuum containers with a maximum capacity of 5 litres. Packaging must take place where the wine is made and aged.
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 vinification, development, ageing and packaging, comprises the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 January 2021: Arbanats, Artigues-près-Bordeaux, Ayguemorte-les-Graves, Baigneaux, Baron, Barsac, Beautiran, Bellebat, Bellefond, Beychac-et-Caillau, Blésignac, Bommes, Bonnetan, Bouliac, Branne, La Brède, Budos, Cabara, Cadarsac, Cadaujac, Camarsac, Cambes, Camiac-et-Saint-Denis, Camblanes-et-Meynac, Camiran, Carignan-de-Bordeaux, Casseuil, Castelviel, Castres-Gironde, Caudrot, Cénac, Cérons, Cessac, Coirac, Courpiac, Créon, Croignon, Cursan, Daignac, Dardenac, Daubèze, Escoussans, Espiet, Les Esseintes, Faleyras, Fargues, Fargues-Saint-Hilaire, Frontenac, Génissac, Gironde-sur-Dropt, Gornac, Grézillac, Guillac, Illats, Isle-Saint-Georges, Izon, Jugazan, Ladaux, Landiras, Langon, Léogeats, Léognan, Lignan-de-Bordeaux, Loupes, Loupiac Lugaignac, Lugasson, Madirac, Martillac, Martres, Mazères, Montignac, Morizès, Moulon, Mourens, Naujan-et-Postiac, Nérigean, Le Pian-sur-Garonne, Podensac, Pompignac, Porte-de-Benauge, Portets, Le Pout, Preignac, Pujols-sur-Ciron, Quinsac, Rauzan, Roaillan, Romagne, Sadirac, Saint-André-du-Bois, Saint-Aubin-de-Branne, Saint-Brice, Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, Saint-Exupéry, Saint-Félix-de-Foncaude, Saint-Genès-de-Lombaud, Saint-Genis-du-Bois, Saint-Germain-du-Puch, Saint-Hilaire-du-Bois, Saint Laurent du Bois, Saint-Laurent-du-Plan, Saint-Léon, Saint-Loubert, Saint-Loubès, Saint-Macaire, Saint-Martial, Saint-Martin-de-Sescas, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret, Saint-Morillon, Saint-Pierre-d’Aurillac, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Saint-Quentin-de-Baron, Saint-Selve, Saint-Sulpice-de-Pommiers, Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Sainte-Foy-la-Longue, Sallebœuf, Sauternes, La Sauve, Soulignac, Targon, Tizac-de-Curton, Toulenne, Tresses and Virelade.
Municipalities partially included:
Castets et Castillon (only the former municipality of Castets-en-Dorthe following its merger with the municipality of Castillon-de-Castets on 1 January 2017).
Labelling: Optional terms
Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
All optional terms, the use of which, under EU rules, may be regulated by the Member States, must be printed on the labels in letters that are no larger, in height or in width, than twice the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.
Labelling: Broader geographical unit
Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
Wines with the controlled designation of origin may specify on their labels the broader geographical unit ‘Vin de Bordeaux’ or ‘Grand Vin de Bordeaux’.
The size of the letters used for this broader geographical unit must not be larger, either in height or in width, than two thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

http://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-dea6e836-191b-42a7-b58d-c62e78a39b38


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.