Publication of the single document referred to in Article 94(1)(d) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and of the reference to the publication of the product specification for a name in the wine sector 2023/C 202/14
Date: 2023-06-09
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: France, Occitanie, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, still wine, white wine








C_2023202EN.01007601.xml










9.6.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 202/76






Publication of the single document referred to in Article 94(1)(d) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and of the reference to the publication of the product specification for a name in the wine sector
(2023/C 202/14)
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.
SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Terres du Midi’

PGI-FR-02484


Date of submission of the application: 28.9.2018

1.   Name(s) to be registered

Terres du Midi
2.   Member State

France
3.   Geographical indication type

PGI – Protected geographical indication
4.   Categories of grapevine product







1.


Wine




5.   Description of the wine(s)

The protected geographical indication ‘Terres du Midi’ covers still red, rosé and white wines.
These wines are noted for their fruity aromas, the character and intensity of which vary according to the grape varieties and technologies used.
The reds, which have good depth of colour (raspberry to garnet) and are blended to obtain a fleshy, supple and harmonious structure, generally reveal notes of red or spicy fruit.
The whites range in colour from greenish yellow to golden yellow. Also made from a blend of different varieties, they exhibit the freshness of white-fleshed fruit with notes of citrus fruit.
The rosés have excellent balance as they are made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and sometimes Cinsault and Carignan, resulting in the colour deepening from peach to raspberry pink. These fresh rosé wines develop aromas of red fruit and flowers.
As regards oenological practices, the wines must comply with all the requirements of EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


10 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


 




6.   Wine-making practices

a.   Essential oenological practices

As regards oenological practices, the wines must comply with the requirements of EU and national legislation.
b.   Maximum yields

‘Terres du Midi’ PGI red, rosé and white wines
120 hectolitres per hectare
7.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes used to make wines bearing the ‘Terres du Midi’ PGI must be harvested and the wines made and developed in the geographical area, within the territory of the following municipalities:






—


all of the municipalities in the departments of Aude, Hérault, Gard and Pyrénées-Orientales;










—


in the department of Lozère: Gorges du Tarn Causses, Ispagnac, La Malène, Massegros Causses Gorges, only for the territory of the delegated municipality of Les Vignes.




8.   Main grape variety (varieties)

Alicante Henri Bouschet N
Alphonse Lavallée N
Altesse B
Alvarinho - Albariño
Aramon N
Aramon blanc B
Aramon gris G
Aranel B
Arinarnoa N
Arvine B - Petite Arvine
Aubun N - Murescola
Auxerrois B
Baco blanc B
Bourboulenc B - Doucillon blanc
Cabernet franc N
Cabernet-Sauvignon N
Caladoc N
Cardinal Rg
Carignan N
Carignan blanc B
Carmenère N
Chambourcin N
Chardonnay B
Chasan B
Chasselas B
Chasselas rose Rs
Chenanson N
Chenin B
Cinsaut N - Cinsault
Clairette B
Clairette rose Rs
Colombard B
Côt N - Malbec
Couderc noir N
Counoise N
Danlas B
Egiodola N
Fer N - Fer Servadou, Braucol, Mansois, Pinenc
Gamay N
Gamay de Chaudenay N
Gewürztraminer Rs
Grenache N
Grenache blanc B
Grenache gris G
Gros Manseng B
Jurançon blanc B
Landal N
Listan B - Palomino
Lival N
Lledoner pelut N
Macabeu B - Macabeo
Marsanne B
Marselan N
Mauzac B
Merlot N
Meunier N
Mondeuse N
Morrastel N - Minustellu, Graciano
Mourvèdre N - Monastrell
Muscadelle B
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
Nielluccio N - Nielluciu
Négrette N
Parrellada B
Petit Manseng B
Petit Verdot N
Pinot gris G
Pinot noir N
Portan N
Ravat blanc B
Riesling B
Rivairenc N - Aspiran noir
Rivairenc blanc B - Aspiran blanc
Roussanne B
Sauvignon B - Sauvignon blanc
Sauvignon gris G - Fié gris
Savagnin rose Rs
Sciaccarello N
Semillon B
Servant B
Seyval B
Sylvaner B
Syrah N - Shiraz
Tannat N
Tempranillo N
Terret blanc B
Terret gris G
Terret noir N
Ugni blanc B
Verdelho B
Vermentino B - Rolle
Villard blanc B
Villard noir N
Viognier B
9.   Description of the link(s)

9.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

Located in the South of France, bordering the Mediterranean coastline, the ‘Terres du Midi’ PGI covers the departments of Gard, Hérault, Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales, as well as some municipalities belonging to Lozère. The Bas Languedoc area - more specifically the departments of Gard, Hérault and Aude - form a territory in the Mediterranean arc, known as the ‘Midi vineyards’, which has been almost exclusively devoted to winegrowing since the beginning of the 19th century.
This geographical area features different soil conditions, the most representative being acidic schists on the high slopes, calcareous soils on the wine-growing plateaux and plains and stony alluvial terraces. All of these offer dry, low-fertility soils that are suitable for vines and allow for deep rooting to take place. From the mountains of the Cévennes, the Montagne Noire and the foothills of the Pyrenees to the shores of the lagoon, the ‘Terres du Midi’ PGI area is criss-crossed by the rivers Aude, Orb, Hérault, Vidourle and Gardon and forms a large amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean.
This area benefits from a Mediterranean climate that is ideal for winegrowing, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, as well as two rainy seasons in autumn and spring.
There are a number of different winds in the area. A ‘sea wind’ sweeps through the Gulf of Lion regularly and sometimes forcefully, especially during the period that the grapes are ripening. The spray it carries has a moderating effect on excessive temperatures. There are dry and strong northerly or westerly winds (Tramontane, Cers and Mistral) that help ensure the good health status of the vineyards. These aspects of the climate are conducive to planting grape varieties in different environments, of which there are three in this area: mountains and highlands, foothills and intermediate plains, and finally, the coastal plain. Vines are the monoculture from the Rhône delta to the Spanish border.
9.2.   Specificity of the product

‘Terres du Midi’ PGI is a product linked to the history of the wine-growing South of France. Wine has been produced in this area since the first vineyards in Western Europe were planted in the surroundings of Agde, around the year 600 BC.
A crisis in the wine-growing sector involving aspects linked to wine production, social issues and the economy of the wine-growing enterprises culminated in 1907. Multiple taxes, overproduction and fraud acted as a catalyst for discontent. Prices fell and the quality of the wines weakened. Faced with the intransigence of the authorities, the winegrowers of the Languedoc set up numerous wine protection committees with delegations in the majority of the municipalities in the South of France. These then rapidly regrouped under the Confédération Générale des Vignerons du Midi (General Confederation of ‘Midi’ Winegrowers). The idea of the ‘Midi Viticole’ (i.e. the wine-growing South of France) started to take shape when this Confederation was recognised by the State. This allowed dialogue to resume and solutions to be found for tackling the crisis (lower taxes, fraud prevention, rules on the declaration and movement of wines, amnesty). The deed founding this movement makes clear reference to the contours of the ‘Midi Viticole’, comprising the four wine-growing departments of Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Hérault and Gard. This land is almost exclusively devoted to winegrowing.
A precise statutory definition of ‘vin de canton’ (canton wine) was established in 1964 in reference to wines tied to an administrative area of production with a specific set of soil and climatic conditions. A 1968 decree changed ‘vin de canton’ to ‘vin de pays’ (regional wine). Regional wines were initially identified by the name of the department where they were produced and had to conform to specific production criteria that required a higher level of quality. This stage allowed the ‘vins du Midi’ to benefit from specific recognition that led to the emergence of the PGI ‘Terres du Midi’.
Some 100 000 hectolitres of wine in the three colours are produced under the PGI ‘Terres du Midi’. Reds account for the majority (55 % of production). Rosés (35 %) are gradually advancing and whites make up the remainder.
The PGI ‘Terres du Midi’ is mainly expressed by blending grape varieties that are either traditionally grown in the region or brought in from other wine-growing regions.
It is thanks to the winegrowers' expertise in growing the vines, taking advantage of the different soil conditions in the geographical area in order to produce quality grapes, that these varieties can be established. The hot, dry Mediterranean climate is key to ensuring that the grapes reach full ripeness in all areas and for all varieties, and that the primary aromas are preserved and even strengthened. The resulting wines are thus characterised by their aromatic quality (fruity and floral), the intensity and nature of which vary depending on the varieties included in the blends.
In the case of the reds, the blends result in the fruity, supple wines with ripe, harmonious tannins that are characteristic of the wines bearing this PGI. As for the whites and rosés, blending allows to maintain excellent balance, preserving the freshness of the wines and their aromatic quality, which tends to be fruity in the case of the whites but also floral in the case of the rosés.
9.3.   Causal link between the specificity of the geographical area and the specificity of the product

The link to the origin of the product is based on the characteristics of the product. It is derived from the interplay between the specific soil and climate profiles in the geographical area and the grape varieties selected, which have a major influence on these characteristics.
Thanks to the essential influence of the hot, dry and well-ventilated Mediterranean climate on the PGI varieties, the grapes reach full ripeness in all areas and are noted for their aromas.
The name ‘Terres du Midi’ reflects the characteristics of the area and its Mediterranean soil and climate conditions, which are conducive to the ripening of different varieties and the expression of their primary aromas. The name is shared by the winegrowers involved, who offer aromatic wines with a pleasant gourmet profile from this area that is mainly devoted to winegrowing.
From the mountains of the Cévennes, the Montagne Noire and the foothills of the Pyrenees to the shores of the lagoon, the ‘Terres du Midi’ PGI area is criss-crossed by the rivers Aude, Orb, Hérault, Vidourle and Gardon and forms a large amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean.
While the geographical area has different soil conditions, the soils have certain features in common. They are dry and low in fertility, thus allowing for the deep rooting that enables many varieties to be planted. The vegetative vigour of the vines therefore remains constant, allowing for regular yields of fleshy grapes. The relief of this well-ventilated area, which has a moderating effect on excess heat, from the mountains to the sunny coastline, guarantees good conditions for the development and ripening of the various vine varieties, thus preserving the freshness and aromatic potential of the grapes that are the hallmarks of the wines bearing this PGI. In the case of the white wines, the positive influence of winds on the vines grown mostly on the plain protects the grapes against dryness and this is what gives the wines their fresh, fruity flavours. The reds, characterised by their aromas of red or spicy fruit, with a good balance between tannins and alcohol, owe their expression to the influence of the dry, sunny and well-ventilated climate on the grape varieties. The rosés, which are fresh, fruity or floral depending on the blends, owe their structure balanced between aromatic quality and freshness to the combined influence of the sun and the sea wind.
In artfully blending the primary characteristics of the varieties (colour, aromas, tannins, vivacity) as expressed by the terroir, the winegrowers preserve these distinctive and invariably aromatic, supple and fresh traits in the organoleptic profile of each colour of wine produced. The reds made from strong, colourful varieties have a depth of colour ranging from raspberry to garnet. Their bouquet features notes of red or spicy fruit. Their flavours reveal tannic notes that are supple and harmonious. The whites range in colour from greenish yellow to golden yellow. Made from aromatic and acidic varieties, they exhibit the freshness of white-fleshed fruit and reveal notes of citrus fruit. The rosés are made from varieties with good colour intensity and fruity characteristics, resulting in fresh wines with hints of red fruit and floral tints.
These aspects, together with the blending expertise and the organisation of ‘Midi Viticole’ into tight-knit collective wine-growing structures, are all characteristic of the ‘Terres du Midi’ PGI.
This is a solid foundation for the development of the wine-growing economy in this region. Winegrowing and winemaking are the main economic activity in three-quarters of the rural villages in the departments in the South of France.
10.   Essential further conditions


Labelling

Legal framework:






 


National legislation




Type of further condition:






 


Additional provisions relating to labelling




Description of the condition:






 


It is strictly prohibited for one or more grape varieties to be mentioned.




The European Union PGI logo must appear on the label if the words ‘Indication Géographique Protégée’ (‘Protected Geographical Indication’) are replaced by the traditional term ‘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 of immediate proximity’ defined by derogation for the production and development of wines eligible for the ‘Terres du Midi’ PGI comprises the cantons that border the departments of Aude, Hérault, Gard and Pyrénées-Orientales:
Arles, Avignon (No 1, No 2, No 3), Haute-Ariège (municipalities of Ax-les-Thermes, Artigues, Ascou, Carcanières, Ignaux, Mérens-les-Vals, Mijanès, Montaillou, Orgeix, Orlu, Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains, Perles-et-Castelet, Le Pla, Prades, Le Puch, Quérigut, Rouze, Savignac-les-Ormeaux, Sorgeat, Tignac and Vaychis), Collet de Dèze (municipalities of Le Collet-de-Dèze, Barre-des-Cévennes, Bassurels, Cassagnas, Cans and Cévennes only for the territory of Saint-Julien-d’Arpaon, Fraissinet-de-Fourques, Gabriac, Moissac-Vallée-Française, Molezon, Le Pompidou, Saint-André-de-Lancize, Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française, Saint-Germain-de-Calberte, Saint-Hilaire-de-Lavit, Saint-Julien-des-Points, Saint-Martin-de-Boubaux, Saint-Martin-de-Lansuscle, Saint-Michel-de-Dèze, Saint-Privat-de-Vallongue, Sainte-Croix-Vallée-Française and Ventalon en Cévennes), Bollène, Bourg-Saint-Andéol (municipalities of Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Bidon, Gras, Larnas, Saint-Just-d’Ardèche, Saint-Marcel-d’Ardèche, Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche and Saint-Montan), Causses-Rougiers (municipalities of La Cavalerie, Arnac-sur-Dourdou, Brusque, Camarès, Le Clapier, Cornus, La Couvertoirade, Fayet, Fondamente, Gissac, L’Hospitalet-du-Larzac, Lapanouse-de-Cernon, Marnhagues-et-Latour, Mélargues, Montagnol, Peux-et-Couffouleux, Saint-Beaulize, Saint-Jean-et-Saint-Paul, Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon, Sauclières, Sylvanès, Tauriac-de-Camarès and Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux), Tarn et Causses (municipalities of Campagnac, La Capelle-Bonance, La Cresse, Mostuéjouls, Peyreleau, Rivière-sur-Tarn, La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite, Saint-André-de-Vézines, Saint-Laurent-d’Olt, Saint-Martin-de-Lenne, Saint-Saturnin-de-Lenne and Veyreau), Châteaurenard (municipalities of Châteaurenard, Barbentane, Boulbon, Eyragues, Graveson, Saint-Pierre-de-Mézorgues, Noves, Rognonas and Tarascon), Haute-Ardèche (municipalities of Coucouron, Issanlas, Issarlès, Le Lac-d’Issarlès, Lachapelle-Graillouse, Lanarce, Lavillatte and Lespéron), La Montagne Noire, Le Pastel (municipalities of Garrevaques, Palleville, Soual and Viviers-lès-Montagnes), Hautes Terres d’Oc (municipalities of Lacaune, Anglès, Barre, Berlats, Escroux, Espérausses, Gijounet, Lamontélarié, Lasfaillades, Moulin-Mage, Murat-sur-Vèbre, Nages, Senaux and Viane), Pays d’Olmes (municipalities of Lavelanet, L’Aiguillon, Bélesta, Bénaix, Carla-de-Roquefort, Dreuilhe, Fougax-et-Barrineuf, Ilhat, Lesparrou, Leychert, Lieurac, Montferrier, Montségur, Nalzen, Péreille, Raissac, Roquefixade, Roquefort-les-Cascades, Saint-Jean-d’Aigues-Vives, Sautel and Villeneuve-d’Olmes), Saint-Etienne-du-Valdonnez (municipalities of Altier, Pied-de-Borne, Pont-de-Montvert-Sud Mont Lozère, Pourcharesses, Prévenchère, Saint-André-Capcèze, Vialas and Villefort), Le Pontet (municipalities of Le Pontet and Vedéne), Cévennes Ardéchoises (municipalities of Les Vans, Les Assions, Banne, Beaumont, Berrias-et-Casteljau, Chambonas, Dompnac, Gravières, Laboule, Loubaresse, Malarce-sur-la-Thines, Malbosc, Montselgues, Saint-André-de-Cruzières, Saint-Mélany, Saint-Paul-le-Jeune, Saint-Pierre-Saint-Jean, Saint-Sauveur-de-Cruzières, Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère, Les Salelles and Valgorge), Mazamet-1, Mazamet-2 Vallée du Thoré, Castres (municipality of Saint-Salvy-de-la-Balme), Florac (municipalities of Gatuzières, Hures-la-Parade, Meyrueis, Le Rozier and Saint-Pierre-des-Tripiers), Mirepoix, Escalquens (municipalities of Auragne, Caignac, Calmont, Gibel, Mauvaisin, Monestrol, Montgeard, Nailloux, Saint-Léon and Seyre), Millau-2 (municipalities of Nant and Saint-Jean-du-Bruel), Orange, Revel (municipalities of Revel, Avignon-et-Lauragais, Beauteville, Bélesta-en-Lauragais, Cessales, Falga, Folcarde, Gardouch, Juzes, Lagarde, Lux, Mauremont, Maurens, Montclair-Lauragais, Montégut-Lauragais, Montesquieu-Lauragais, Montgaillard-Lauragais, Mourvilles-Hautes, Nogaret, Renneville, Rieumajou, Roumens, Saint-Félix-Lauragais, Saint-Germier, Saint-Julia, Saint-Rome, Saint-Vincent, Trébons-sur-la-Grasse, Vallègue, Vaudreuille, Vaux, Vieillevigne, Villefranche-de-Lauragais and Villenouvelle), Les Portes d’Ariège (municipalities of Saverdun, La Bastide-de-Lordat, Brie, Canté, Esplas, Gaudiès, Justiniac, Labatut, Lissac, Mazères, Montaut, Saint-Quirc, Trémoulet and Le Vernet), Sorgues, Salon de Provence-1 (municipalities of Mas-Blanc-des-Alpilles and Saint-Etienne-du-Grès), Vallon-Pont-d’Arc (municipalities of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Balazuc, Bessas, Labastide-de-Virac, Lagorce, Organc-d’Aven, Pradons, Ruoms, Saint-Remèze, Salavas, Sampzon and Vagnas), Vaison-la-Romaine (municipalities of Camaret-sur-Aigues, Travaillan and Violès).

Reference to publication of the specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-e251ee13-3a0d-45e8-a272-733874b7a36a


(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.