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 2023/C 185/16
Date: 2023-05-26
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: France, Loire Region, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, still wine, white wine, wine of superior quality








C_2023185EN.01005701.xml










26.5.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 185/57






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
(2023/C 185/16)
This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).
COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’


PDO-FR-A0149-AM03


Date of communication: 27 February 2023


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 Code officiel géographique [Official Geographic Code].
This does not affect the boundary of the demarcated geographical area.
Points 6 and 9 of the single document have been amended.
2.   Spacing between vines

The minimum spacing between the individual vines in the same row has been changed from 1 m to 0,90 m.
The purpose of this amendment is to allow greater planting density without altering the spacing between the rows of vines.
A special provision has also been added for vines located on slopes of over 10 %, for which a minimum spacing of 0,80 m between plants is permitted.
This addition has been made to take into account the particular situation of vines planted on steep slopes, which require special arrangements during planting: rows parallel rather than perpendicular to the slope.
Point 5 of the single document has been amended.
3.   Pruning

The pruning rules have been aligned with those of the other designations in the Anjou Saumur area in the Val de Loire.
This alignment is intended to ensure that winegrowers are better informed, and to simplify inspections. This amendment gives winegrowers the possibility of adapting when frosts occur, which is happening later and later in the year.
Point 5 of the single document has been amended.
4.   Link

The Link section has been edited, and the reference to the year 2018 has been changed to 2021.
Point 8 of the single document has been amended.
5.   Transitional measures

Transitional measures no longer in force have been deleted.
The single document has not been amended.
6.   Main points for checking

Harvesting by hand in multiple passes has been added to the main points to be checked.
The single document has not been amended.
7.   Editorial amendments

A number of editorial amendments have been made to the specification.
These amendments do not require any amendments to the single document.
8.   Labelling

The rules on labelling have been clarified and aligned with those of the other designations in the Anjou Saumur area in the Val de Loire. This is a purely editorial amendment.
Point 9 of the single document has been amended.
9.   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 lead to any changes to the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Coteaux de l’Aubance
2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin
3.   Categories of grapevine product







1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
These white wines are still with residual sugar. They are made from grapes harvested when over-ripe (natural concentration on the vine, with or without noble rot). These harmonious wines develop aromas of white and citrus fruit as well as floral scents and late-harvest aromas - with the same harmony in the mouth in terms of richness in sugar, acidity and structure. Ageing brings out their elegance and complexity. They have: a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14 %; in order to be eligible for the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’, a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 19 %; a fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content after fermentation greater than or equal to 34 g/l. The total acid and total sulphur dioxide content are those set out in EU legislation. After fermentation, wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume below 18 % have a minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %.






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)


25 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

Enrichment is permitted according to the rules set out in the specification.
The use of wood chips is forbidden.
The wines are aged according to the conditions laid down in the specification.
In addition to the above provisions, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.
1.   Density
Growing method
The minimum vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare. Spacing between vine rows must not exceed 2,50 metres, and spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,90 metres.
Grape harvests are eligible for the controlled designation of origin if they come from vineyard parcels with spacing of at least 0,80 metres but less than 0,90 metres between plants in the same row, where they are on slopes of more than 10 %.
In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the harvests are eligible for the controlled designation of origin provided that they comply with the rules on trellising and foliage height laid down in this specification. The spacing between the rows of the vines must not exceed 3 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre.
2.   Vine pruning and trellising
Growing method
The vines are pruned with a maximum of 12 buds per plant, regardless of whether spur pruning, cane pruning or mixed pruning is used.
At the phenological stage corresponding to 11 or 12 leaves (separate buds), the number of fruit-bearing branches for the year per plant must not exceed 12.
The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0,6 times the spacing between the rows. This height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0,4 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0,2 metres above the height of the upper trellising wire.
In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the following trellising rules apply: the minimum height of the trellising posts above the ground is 1,9 m; there are 4 levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the highest wire is 1,85 metres above the ground.
3.   Irrigation
Growing method
Irrigation is prohibited.
4.   Harvesting
Growing method
The wines are made from grapes that are harvested late. A feature of wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ is the further concentration on the vinestock due to the action of noble rot.
The grapes are harvested by hand in multiple passes.
5.2.   Maximum yields

40 hectolitres per hectare
6.   Demarcated geographical area

All stages of production take place in the geographical area, which encompasses the municipalities of the Maine-et-Loire department named below, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2021: Brissac Loire Aubance (for the single territory of the delegated municipalities of Brissac-Quincé, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Denée, Les Garennes sur Loire, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Saint-Melaine-surAubance and Soulaines-sur-Aubance.
Maps showing the geographical area can be viewed on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality.
7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)

Chenin B
8.   Description of the link(s)

a) -   Description of the natural factors relevant to the link
The geographical area is characterised by a landscape of numerous low and gentle slopes of varying orientations. Altitudes range between 50 and 90 metres to the south-west of the city of Angers. As of 2021, the geographical area extends across seven municipalities. It is bordered to the west by the confluence of the River Aubance with the Loire; to the east by a Cretaceous plateau at the edge of the Paris basin; to the north by the course of the Loire; and at the southern edge by the forests of Brissac and Beaulieu.
The Aubance is a small tributary of the Loire, emblematic of this geographical area. It flows northwards from its source to the municipality of Brissac-Quincé, which is famous for its sixteenth century castle. The Aubance then takes a north-west course as far as the municipality of Mûrs-Erigné from where it flows parallel to the Loire to a point south-west of the city of Angers.
The soils developed on the schist, or schist and sandstone, substratum of the Armorican Massif, which forms a plateau tilting slightly towards the Loire. Usually shallow with good thermal performance, the soils are characterised by limited water reserves. The western part of the geographical area is studded with subvolcanic rocks formed of igneous rocks of an acidic (rhyolite) or basaltic (spilite) nature producing very stony soils. A foundation of schist and slate formations is a characteristic of the municipalities in the north of the geographical area. For centuries these were used to build the walls of houses, to construct roofs, to lay floors and even to make fixtures such as sinks, tables or staircases. All of this demonstrates the unique nature of this land. These elements are very apparent in the landscape and contribute to vineyard identity.
The geographical area is an enclave with limited irrigation, benefiting from a foehn effect, sheltered from maritime mists by the higher slopes of Choletais and Mauges. Annual rainfall is around 585 millimetres, compared with 800 millimetres in Choletais. The figures recorded in Brissac-Quincé are the lowest among the meteorological stations in the department of Maine-et-Loire. Similarly, during the growing cycle, there is a difference in rainfall levels of around 100 millimetres compared with the rest of the department. The average annual temperatures are relatively high, around 12 degrees, which is 1 degree higher than the rest of the department of Maine-et-Loire as a whole. The characteristic mesoclimate of this area is evident in the Mediterranean nature of the vegetation, which includes holm oak and umbrella pine.
b) -   Description of the human factors relevant to the geographical link
Some of the emblematic properties of the ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ vineyards are of ancient origin, dating back to the end of the sixteenth century. The vineyards themselves were first identified at the close of the nineteenth century, immediately following the phylloxera crisis that destroyed over three quarters of the vineyards of Anjou. Neighbouring wine-producers from the Layon region were seeking unaffected land parcels away from their own vineyards. They planted the traditional Chenin B variety. In 1922, the name ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ was mentioned for the first time in a harvest declaration. In 1925, the Syndicat des viticulteurs (wine-growers’ union) of Coteaux de l’Aubance was founded. The stated aim in the union’s statutes is: ‘to bring to the attention of the whole world wines renowned for their terroir but nevertheless unknown further afield’.
The proximity of the city of Angers plays an important role in vineyard development. The Aubance area has become an important source of supplies for beverage retailers in the surrounding municipalities, especially in Mûrs-Erigné and Saint-Mélaine-sur-Aubance.
Historically, grapes were harvested when ripe to make dry or semi-dry wines. However, the practices of the neighbouring Layon region were quickly adopted, i.e. late harvesting and multiple passes producing a concentrated harvest for making semi-sweet wine.
The controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ was recognised by a Decree of 18 February 1950 as a white wine made from grapes harvested late with multiple passes. In 2009, vineyards covered 200 hectares.
c) -   Information on the quality and characteristics of the product
The wines are still white wines with fermentable sugars.
They are fully harmonious wines. Harmonious on the nose, they frequently have aromas of white and citrus fruit blended with floral scents, combined with late-harvesting aromas such as dried or candied fruit. The same harmony is also found in the mouth with the richness in sugar, the acidity and the structure.
Ageing, which can last for several decades, heightens the finish and complexity of these wines.
d) -   Causal interactions
The vineyards are planted in shallow, stony soils on clearly demarcated land parcels that demonstrate the methods in use. The topography is hilly with gentle slopes, and the nearby rivers, the Loire and the Aubance, provide atmospheric moisture that encourages the noble rot. All of these factors combine in the geographical area to produce favourable conditions for the late harvesting of grapes naturally concentrated on the vine, with or without the noble rot. They account for the characteristics of a product for which people have learned to adapt their techniques. The late harvest with hand-picked multiple passes is proof of the concern for quality.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)


Labelling: traditional term‘Sélection de grains nobles’
Legal framework:
EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
The controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ may be supplemented by the traditional term ‘sélection de grains nobles’, in accordance with the provisions laid down in the specification. Wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ must also state the vintage.

Labelling: Optional terms

Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
Under EU rules, the use of optional terms may be regulated by the Member States. On the labels, the size of the letters used for such terms must not be larger, either in height, width or thickness, than double the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Labelling: geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’

Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
The name of the controlled designation of origin may be followed by the geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’, in accordance with the rules laid down in the specification regarding use of this geographical designation. 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.

Labelling: specifying a smaller geographical entity

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 a smaller geographical unit on their label, provided that: it is a place name listed in the land registry; 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 wine-growing, production and ageing, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire, on the basis of the Official Geographical Code of 2021: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice, Bouchemaine, Brissac Loire Aubance (for the single territory of the delegated municipalities of Alleuds, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne and Saulgé-l’Hôpital), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (for the single territory of the delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux and Valanjou), Doué-en-Anjou (for the single territory of the delegated municipality of Brigné), Gennes-Valde-Loire (for the single territory of the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Lys-Haut-Layon (for the single territory of the delegated municipality of Tigné), Parnay, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Savennières, Terranjou, Tuffalun and Val-du-Layon.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-c3ae57c9-8342-4de4-8756-38a6322eacae


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.