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 208/10
Date: 2023-06-15
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: France, Occitanie, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, still wine, white wine, wine of superior quality








C_2023208EN.01006801.xml










15.6.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 208/68






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 208/10)
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

‘Haute Vallée de l'Orb’


PGI-FR-A1163-AM01


Date of communication: 31.3.2023


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Organoleptic description of the products

Chapter I, section 3.3 of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ has been supplemented to complete the organoleptic description of the wines bearing the PGI.
The single document has been supplemented at the point entitled ‘Description of the wine(s)’.
2.   Area in immediate proximity

Chapter I, section 4.2 – Area in immediate proximity – of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ has been amended to add the following three municipalities: ‘Caussiniojouls, Laurens, and Saint-Pons-de-Thomières’. The purpose is to include the area where wine-making facilities belonging to operators identified in the PGI production area are located. These municipalities are adjacent to the existing area in immediate proximity, thus ensuring that a homogeneous perimeter is maintained.
The section of the single document entitled ‘Further conditions – area in immediate proximity’ has been supplemented.
3.   Vine varieties

Chapter I, section 5 of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ has been amended to add the following vine varieties approved for the production of wines bearing the PGI:






—


white varieties: Cabernet blanc B, Colombard B, Floreal B, Muscaris B, Sauvignac B, Soreli B, Souvignier gris B, Voltis B.










—


black varieties: Aramon N, Artaban N, Cabernet Cortis N, Caladoc N, Chenanson N, Vidoc N.










—


grey varieties: Pinot gris G.




These varieties are resistant to drought and fungal diseases. With similar physiological and oenological properties to the varieties used in the PGI production, they reduce the need for plant protection products. They do not affect the characteristics of the PGI wines.
The introduction of these varieties does not affect the single document. They have been added under the heading ‘Wine grape varieties’.
4.   Maximum production yield

Chapter I, section 6 – Yield – of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ has been amended. Still wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ are to be produced with a maximum yield per hectare of 80 hectolitres for red, rosé and white wines, instead of 65 hl/ha for red wines and 70 hl/ha for rosés and whites. The purpose is to allow production under this PGI to develop, as the market is very dynamic, and to adjust the yield limits to the market segment of PGI wines from the region.
The ‘Maximum yields’ section of the single document has been amended.
5.   Link with the geographical area

The last paragraph of Chapter I, section 8.1 of the specification for the ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ protected geographical indication has been amended to enhance the description of the geographical area.
The ‘Link with the geographical area’ section of the single document has been amended and supplemented.
6.   Inspection body

Chapter III of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ has been amended to simplify the section entitled ‘Inspection body’, specifying that compliance with the product specification must be checked on the basis of an approved control plan and by a third-party body delegated by the INAO and offering guarantees of competence, impartiality and independence.
This simplification does not affect the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Haute Vallée de l'Orb
2.   Geographical indication type

PGI - Protected geographical indication
3.   Categories of grapevine product







1.


Wine










5.


Quality sparkling wine










16.


Wine from overripe grapes




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Still red, rosé and white wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ is reserved for red, white and rosé wines in the still wine, quality sparkling wine, and wine from overripe grapes categories.
The wines produced are primarily characterised by their intense aromatic expression and freshness.
Red wines made from Syrah, Pinot, Merlot or Marselan grapes harvested after slow ripening on plots with moderate yields are cherry red to deep ruby in colour, highly concentrated in the mouth with a tannic structure that is noticeable but silky, and a freshness that adds a particular tension. The main characteristics in the nose are the notes of red fruits, blackberries and black pepper.
The white wines are made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon or Viognier grapes, which ripen at least 10 days later than in the rest of the department. They are greenish yellow to straw yellow in colour. They are very aromatic, with notes of white flowers, citrus fruits, boxwood and exotic fruit; vivacious and with a pleasing length in the mouth due to the acidity.
The rosé wines are made from Cinsaut, Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are harvested early to preserve their acidity and moderate alcoholic strength. They are rather pale, ranging from cherry pink to a slight salmon hue, with cherry, blackcurrant and amylic notes. They are easy to drink with a pleasant length due to the acidity.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11,5




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   Red, rosé and white wines from overripe grapes.

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The wines made from overripe grapes are in the amber colour range in the case of the whites and vary from garnet to brick-red in the case of the reds. Round and fat in the mouth, their slight sweetness is nicely balanced by the acidity, and they develop complex aromas of black fruit, spices such as cinnamon or clove, and walnuts.






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)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




3.   Quality sparkling wines (red, rosé and white)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The quality sparkling wines are to be made exclusively using the secondary bottle fermentation method. They have fine, elegant bubbles with floral or fruity aromas depending on the varieties used for the cuvée.






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)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.
Specific oenological practice
Quality sparkling wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ are to be made exclusively using the secondary bottle fermentation method.
In addition to the above provision, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.
5.2.   Maximum yields

1.   Still wine
80 hectolitres per hectare
2.   Wine of overripe grapes
30 hectolitres per hectare
3.   Quality sparkling wine
70 hectolitres per hectare
6.   Demarcated geographical area

The harvesting of the grapes and the production and development of wines bearing the ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ PGI must take place in the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Aude:
Avène, Les Aires, Bédarieux, Le Bousquet-d’Orb, Camplong, Carlencas-et-Levas, Colombières-sur-Orb, Combes, Dio-et-Valquières, Graissessac, Hérépian, Joncels, Lamalou-les-Bains, Lunas, Mons, Olargues, Pézènes-les-Mines, Le Poujol-sur-Orb, Le Pradal, Prémian, Roquebrun, Rosis, Saint-Etienne-d’Albagnan, Saint-Etienne-d’Estréchoux, Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare, Saint-Julien, Saint-Martin-de-l’Arçon, Saint-Vincent-d’Olargues, Taussac-la-Billière, La Tour-sur-Orb, Vieussan, Villemagne.
7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)







 


Aramon N










 


Artaban N










 


Bourboulenc B - Doucillon blanc










 


Cabernet blanc B










 


Cabernet cortis N










 


Cabernet franc N










 


Cabernet-Sauvignon N










 


Caladoc N










 


Carignan N










 


Carignan blanc B










 


Chardonnay B










 


Chasan B










 


Chenanson N










 


Cinsaut N - Cinsault










 


Clairette B










 


Colombard B










 


Côt N - Malbec










 


Floreal B










 


Grenache N










 


Grenache blanc B










 


Grenache gris G










 


Macabeu B - Macabeo










 


Marsanne B










 


Marselan N










 


Merlot N










 


Morrastel N - Minustellu, Graciano










 


Mourvèdre N - Monastrell










 


Muscaris B










 


Muscat à petits grains blancs B – Muscat, Moscato










 


Muscat à petits grains rouges Rg - Muscat, Moscato










 


Petit Verdot N










 


Pinot gris G










 


Pinot noir N










 


Roussanne B










 


Sauvignac










 


Sauvignon B - Sauvignon blanc










 


Soreli B










 


Souvignier gris Rs










 


Syrah N - Shiraz










 


Tempranillo N










 


Terret blanc B










 


Terret gris G










 


Terret noir N










 


Vermentino B - Rolle










 


Vidoc N










 


Viognier B










 


Voltis B




8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

The geographical area for this geographical indication located in the department of Hérault in the south of France has a well-defined natural boundary formed by the mountains that surround it:






—


Espinouse and Caroux (altitude 1 065 m) to the north,










—


Avants-Monts (altitude 753 m) to the south,










—


Monts d’Orb and Escandorgue from east to west.




This region is in the westernmost part of the Cévennes, extended by the Montagne Noire to the west. Three valleys following the main faults (Orb, Mare and Jaur) cut through the mountains and highlight the brutal outlines of the relief. There are several different substrates in the Upper Orb Valley. It is located in the area of geological fractures in the Cévennes, south of the Massif Central.
The soils are diverse in terms of both their chemical composition and their texture. Seven soil and landscape units (in terms of slopes, depths and stoniness) have been identified, where the vine behaviour is homogeneous: plateaux over volcanic formations, hills over metamorphic substrates, slopes over sandstone and marls, the ‘Ruffes du Lodévois’ (red earth) area, calcareous plateaux and hills, recent colluvial plains, and acidic sandstone.
In terms of climate, the Upper Orb Valley has an attenuated Mediterranean mesoclimate. Most of the wine-growing area is characterised by:






—


different humidity levels, receiving between 800 and 1 200 mm of water per year;










—


vines located in a ‘cool to cold’ area, where the sum of active temperatures is less than 1 350o during the growing season of the vine.




There are no early water restrictions. There are moderate water restrictions when the vines are ripe.
As a mountainous region with a multitude of different terroirs from one valley or slope to another, the production area is characterised by its typical summer climate. Hot days alternate with cool nights throughout the grape development and ripening cycle. This characteristic thermal range allows for strong ripening on account of the elevated average temperatures, while the low night-time temperatures preserve the aromas and acidity, resulting in wines with freshness and aromatic expression.
8.2.   Specificity of the product

Vines were introduced in the region in ancient times. By the Middle Ages, the monks at the abbeys of Joncels and Villemagne, municipalities within the PGI area, were developing vineyards on the slopes of the Upper Orb Valley.
However, agriculture in the upland cantons remained diversified and focused on subsistence: livestock farming, some crops, chestnuts and vines.
It was in the 19th century, when mining developed, that many miners started to cultivate little vineyard parcels, thus helping to develop winegrowing in the local area.
More recently, producers keen to meet demand from new consumers developed the production of wines with great aromatic expression.
The quality and distinctive character of the wines are guaranteed by the strict production conditions.
‘Vin du pays de la Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ was given recognition by the Decree of 5 April 1982. There are currently about ten winemakers producing 5 000 hectolitres of red, rosé and white wines, the majority of which is bottled in the production area.
Compared to wines produced in more southern locations and at lower altitude, tastings reveal that the products are characterised by more powerful aromas of various types: fruity and floral for the whites, and fruity and spicy for the reds and rosés. The acidity is also more pronounced, which has the effect of boosting the freshness of the whites and adding a touch of vivaciousness to the reds and rosés. The colours of the reds are deeper, with a silky tannic structure.
8.3.   Causal link between the specificity of the geographical area and the specificity of the product

In general terms, the natural conditions of the Upper Orb Valley ensure that the vines ripen properly and that the grapes are healthy. The wines owe all of their specific characteristics to this geographical area.
The diversity of its soils ensures a good water supply to the vineyards at all stages of the growing cycle. The relative heterogeneity of the microclimates owing to the particular geographical location in mid-range mountains with a variety of slopes, exposures and altitudes, makes it possible to optimise how each variety is planted while taking account of the plot location.
Consequently, in the recent restructuring of the vineyards, preference has been given to varieties of northern or oceanic origin: Chardonnay B, Viognier B, Sauvignon B, Syrah N, Cabernet Sauvignon N, Cabernet Franc N, Merlot N, Pinot N, the traditionally more Mediterranean varieties (Clairette B, Muscat à petits grains B, Grenache B and N, Cinsault N, Carignan N, Mourvèdre N, etc.) have not been overlooked, but are reserved for the warmest locations (altitude, slope, exposure). As regards vine-training systems, the likelihood of ripening being difficult in certain locations has made it necessary to define appropriate yield targets, based on training methods adapted to the potential provided by the climate and soil.
For all of the existing combinations, there is always a correlation between the Mediterranean climate with significant day/night temperature variations and the intrinsic quality of the ripe grapes. Organic acids, polyphenolic compounds and aromatic precursors are less degraded than in locations where both day and night temperatures are high in summer. The resulting wines can therefore have a pleasingly balanced structure, giving the impression of lightness.
Sold mainly through direct sale, ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ wines occupy a privileged place in the economic development of the upland cantons, particularly through wine tourism, which leads increasing numbers of tourists every year to meet the winemakers at their wineries and take part in the wine-growing festivals.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

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 the making and development of wines with the protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’, comprises the following municipalities bordering the geographical area:










 


Berlou, Brénas, Cabrerolles, Cambon-et-Salvergues, Castanet-le-Haut, Causses-et-Veyran, Caussiniojouls, Ceilhes-et-Rocozels Cessenon, Faugères, Ferrières-Puissarou, Fos, Fraïsse-sur-Agout, Laurens, Lodève, Lavalette, Les Plans, Octon, Mérifons, Montesquieu, Riols, Roqueredonde, Roquessels, Saint-Géniès-de-Varansal, Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez, Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, Salasc, Valmascle.




Legal framework:






 


National legislation




Type of further condition:






 


Additional provisions relating to labelling




Description of the condition:






 


The protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ may be supplemented by the name of one or more grape varieties.










 


The protected geographical indication ‘Haute Vallée de l’Orb’ may be supplemented by the terms ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’. The terms ‘primeur’ (early) and ‘nouveau’ (new) are reserved for still wines only.










 


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’.





Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-70f18729-e4b2-4879-ae2c-5390d5fb9833


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.