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 2023/C 211/05
Date: 2023-06-16
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, still wine, white wine








C_2023211EN.01000901.xml










16.6.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 211/9






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
(2023/C 211/05)
This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).
COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Gigondas’


PDO-FR-A0143-AM03


Date of communication: 20.4.2023


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Editorial amendment to the geographical area and the area in immediate proximity

In Chapter I of the specification, Section IV ‘Geographical area’ and ‘Area in immediate proximity’ has, without further change, been supplemented with a reference to the Official Geographical Code, which recognises and lists the communes by department at national level. This editorial amendment allows the geographical area to be identified with reference to the 2022 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 same reference has been added to the single document, under the headings ‘Geographical area’ and ‘Additional conditions – area in immediate proximity’.
2.   Production conditions for white wines

The PDO has been extended to cover the production of white wines from grape varieties already listed in the specification as white grape varieties for use in the production of red and rosé wines. As the archives and various texts on the history of Gigondas show, the winegrowers have always produced white wines.
The production conditions and a description of the wine produced have been added to both the specification and the single document.
The following sections of the specification have been amended:






—


Section V ‘Grape varieties’: a list has been added of the grape varieties that may be used for the production of white wines.
The varieties Clairette Blanc B, Bourboulenc B, Clairette Rose Rs, Grenache Blanc B, Grenache Gris, Marsanne B, Piquepoul Blanc B and Roussanne B have been added under ‘Wine grape varieties’ in the single document.
The varieties Viognier B and Ugni Blanc B have been added under ‘Secondary wine grape varieties’ in the single document.










—


Section IX, point 1 ‘Blends of grape varieties’: the proportion of Clairette Blanc in the blend has been set at a minimum of 70 %. That provision has also been added under ‘Description of the wine(s)’ in the single document.










—


Section X ‘Link with the geographical area’: an organoleptic description of the white wines has been added under point 2 ‘Information on product quality’. That description has also been added to the single document, under ‘Description of the wine(s)’.










—


Section VII ‘Grape harvest, transport and ripeness’ sets the minimum sugar content of white grape varieties used for white wine production at 196 g/l. This provision does not affect the single document.










—


Section VII of the specification also sets the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of the white wines at 12 % vol., and the same provision has been added under ‘Description of the wine(s)’ in the single document.










—


In Chapter I of the specification, Section IX ‘Processing, production’ sets the volatile acidity of the white wines at no more than 17.30 milliequivalents per litre. That parameter has also been added to the single document, under ‘Description of the wine(s)’.










—


Section VIII ‘Yield’: the yield for the white wines has been set at a maximum of 44 hl/ha. That provision has also been added under ‘Maximum yields’ in the single document.




3.   Amendment to the production conditions for red wines







—


Pruning rules:
In Chapter I of the specification, point 1 of Section VI ‘Vineyard management’ has been amended to supplement the pruning rules so as to allow the use of single or double Guyot pruning for the Syrah and Viognier varieties.
Those provisions have also been added to the single document, under ‘Winemaking practices’.










—


List of main grape varieties:
In Section V ‘Grape varieties’ of Chapter I of the specification, Cinsaut has been moved from the list of secondary grape varieties to the list of main grape varieties. This variety is of interest to producers because it gives the wines an appealing finesse and lightness without altering their organoleptic profile. The same amendment has also been made to the single document, under ‘Main wine grape varieties’.










—


Change to the rules on blending:
In Chapter I of the specification, point 1 of Section IX has been amended under ‘Blending of grape varieties’, because the applicant group wishes to increase the proportion of other varieties in the red and rosé wines by reducing the minimum proportion of the Grenache variety to 50 %.
The proportion of Clairette Blanc in the white wines has been set at a minimum of 70 %. The same provisions have also been added under ‘Description of the wine(s)’ in the single document.










—


Reduction of the maximum malic acid content of the red wines from 0,4 g/l to 0,3 g/l.
This value will make it easier to determine when malolactic fermentation has finished. It has been specified in Section IX ‘Processing, production’ of Chapter I of the specification and has been amended under ‘Description of the red wines’ in the single document.










—


Removal of the maturation requirement for red and rosé wines:
In Chapter I of the specification, point 2 ‘Provisions concerning each product’ of Section IX has been amended to remove the dates for maturation of the wines, namely 1 January following the year of harvest for rosé wines and 15 January following the year of harvest for red wines. The applicant group wishes to abolish the maturation requirement, which is not justified for the production of wines bearing this designation, and to prevent traders from being discriminated against. This amendment does not affect the single document.










—


Change to the date of release for sale to the consumer:
In Chapter I of the specification, point 5 ‘Provisions concerning product circulation and release for sale to the consumer’ of Section IX sets the date of release for sale to the consumer as 15 January following the year of harvest for the rosé wines and 31 January for the red wines. As the maturation requirement has been abolished, the applicant group wishes to bring the date of release for sale to the consumer forward to 15 December for the rosé wines, while the date of release for sale remains unchanged for the red wines. This amendment does not affect the single document.




4.   Declaration requirements

In Chapter II of the specification, Section I ‘Declaration requirements’ has been amended as follows:






—


The packaging declaration has been brought into line with the inspection plan and may be sent directly to the inspection body up to 3 working days after packaging.










—


The withdrawal declaration is not needed. It has been abolished because the wines cannot be declared under the broader designation of origin ‘Côtes du Rhône’, as the production conditions are different.




These amendments do not affect the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Gigondas
2.   Type of geographical indication

PDO – protected designation of origin
3.   Category of grapevine product









1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Still rosé wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 12,5 %.
At the time of packaging: the fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) content is not more than 3 g per litre.
The other analytical criteria are in line with EU rules.
The red and rosé wines are mostly produced from the Grenache N, Syrah N and Mourvèdre N varieties. The proportion of Grenache N in the wines is at least 50 %.
Grenache N brings tannins and roundness to the blends. A moderate quantity of Syrah N strengthens the colour and aromatic intensity and gives the wine greater ageing potential, without altering its character. Mourvèdre N, with its high antioxidant capacity, perfectly complements Grenache N. It enhances the wine’s aromatic complexity, adds spicy notes and is perfectly suited to maturing in wood. The rosé wine, despite making up only a small percentage of the overall production, deserves considerable attention, notably due to its fullness on the palate. It is a rich pink colour with tints of purple. The nose is characterised by a bouquet of almonds and cooked berries, while on the palate, it is heady yet well balanced.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


14,5 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


14,28 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   Still red wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 12,5 %.
At the time of packaging:






—


the malic acid content is no more than 0,3 g per litre at the time of packaging;










—


the total polyphenol index is at least 45;










—


the fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) content is not more than 3 g per litre.




The other analytical criteria are in line with EU rules.
The red and rosé wines are mostly produced from the Grenache N, Syrah N and Mourvèdre N varieties. The proportion of Grenache N in the wines is at least 50 %.
Grenache N brings tannins and roundness to the blends. A moderate quantity of Syrah N strengthens the colour and aromatic intensity and gives the wine greater ageing potential, without altering its character. Mourvèdre N, with its high antioxidant capacity, perfectly complements Grenache N. It enhances the wine’s aromatic complexity, adds spicy notes and is perfectly suited to maturing in wood. The red wine is well suited to ageing. Its shimmering red colour ranges from ruby to a dark garnet. Robust and generous, it possesses aromas of very ripe red and black fruits in its youth, later developing wild notes of undergrowth and truffles.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


14,5 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


17,30 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




3.   Still white wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The white wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 12 %.
The fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) content is not more than 3 g per litre.
The other analytical criteria are in line with EU rules.
The white wines are made from grapes or wines which comprise at least 70 % Clairette Blanc.
The white wines are produced in three zones. They show minerality and balance and have a brilliant, pale colour with green tints, which can become slightly more intense and golden with ageing.
On the high ground, the white grape varieties, mainly Clairette, ripen slowly, which gives them freshness. The minerality, in turn, is derived from the limestone substratum. The combination of those two elements gives the wines an airy quality.
On the colluvial cone, the white grape varieties take on a slightly more dense structure, while still reflecting the presence of the limestone that can be found everywhere in Gigondas.
On the Miocene sands, the white grape varieties, in particular Clairette, display salinity and aromatic complexity.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


14,5 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


17,30 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Winemaking practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Training of the vines
Cultivation method






—


The distance between rows must not exceed 2,50 m.










—


The area available for each vine must not exceed 2,50 m2. This area is calculated by multiplying the distance between rows by the distance between vines in the same row.










—


The distance between vines in the same row must be between 0,80 m and 1,25 m.










—


The vines are pruned short (goblet or cordon de Royat) with a maximum of six spurs. There are a maximum of two count buds on each spur.










—


The formation or regeneration period for the cordon de Royat is limited to 2 years. During this period, single Guyot pruning, with a maximum of eight count buds on the cane and one spur with a maximum of two count buds, or double Guyot pruning, with two rods with five buds each and two replacement spurs with two buds each, is permitted.










—


Single Guyot pruning, with a maximum of eight count buds on the cane, and one or two spurs with a maximum of two count buds, may be used for the Syrah N and Viognier B varieties.




Irrigation may be authorised.
2.   Winemaking practices
Specific oenological practice






—


Any heat treatment of the wine harvest at a temperature above 40 °C is forbidden.










—


The use of woodchips is forbidden.










—


When making rosé wines, the use of oenological charcoal is forbidden, whether alone or mixed in preparations.




In addition to the above provisions, all winemaking practices followed must also comply with the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.
5.2.   Maximum yields







1.


Red and rosé wines
40 hectolitres per hectare










2.


White wines
44 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and matured in the commune of Gigondas in the department of Vaucluse, on the basis of the 2022 Official Geographical Code.
7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)







 


Bourboulenc B – Doucillon Blanc










 


Cinsaut N – Cinsault










 


Clairette B










 


Clairette Rose Rs










 


Grenache N










 


Grenache Blanc B










 


Grenache Gris G










 


Marsanne B










 


Mourvèdre N – Monastrell










 


Piquepoul Blanc B










 


Roussanne B










 


Syrah N – Shiraz




8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Description of the natural and human factors relevant to the link

Located at the heart of the southern vineyards of the Rhône Valley and recognised as a Cru des Côtes du Rhône, the area defined for the production of wines bearing the registered designation of origin ‘Gigondas’ forms an integral part of the remarkable Dentelles de Montmirail limestone massif, which erosion has sculpted into an imposing and spectacular shape. The demarcated geographical area comprises the commune of Gigondas in the department of Vaucluse. The vineyards are planted at an altitude of between 160 and 400 metres, and the orientation of the land is such that they are protected from excessive summer sun. Their hillside location protects them from fog and spring frosts, ensuring a regular harvest each year. The climate is typically Provençal, a climate of contrasts, marked by Mediterranean summer heat and the fierce Mistral wind. As in all parts of the Mediterranean region, rainfall can be very heavy around the spring and autumn equinoxes.
For 2 000 years, the people of Gigondas, a village at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, have made their living mainly from viticulture. The first winemaking estates are thought to have been established by the soldiers of the second Roman legion. In the 19th century, the production of ‘Gigondas’ wines steadily increased, as did their renown. On the basis of this reputation ‘Gigondas’ became a protected designation of origin in 1924, in accordance with the law of 6 May 1919.
Initially registered under the ‘Côtes du Rhône’ registered designation of origin (recognised by decree on 19 November 1937), ‘Gigondas’ wines were soon recognised for their quality and their distinctive character. As a result, from 1951 the name of the commune was naturally allowed to appear on the label alongside the registered designation of origin ‘Côtes du Rhône’. On 6 January 1971, ‘Gigondas’ itself was recognised by decree as a registered designation of origin, thereby joining the Crus des Côtes du Rhône family of wines.
In 2009, the vineyards covered an area of 1 230 hectares, with an average production of 32 500 hectolitres.
Three types of wine are produced: red wines, which account for 99 % of production, and a much smaller quantity of rosé and white wines. Some 80 % of the wines are produced by private wineries.
8.2.   Causal interactions

Gigondas, once known as jucunditas (Latin for ‘great joy’), may justly be considered a prime location for the production of wines with a strongly distinctive identity whose quality has long been recognised.
The area is perfectly suited to winegrowing, and over the centuries the local people have been able to turn this to best advantage and work carefully with the unique raw material, which is the fruit of their labours on the land.
In magnificent surroundings, among holm oak and olive trees, with a good mesoclimate, the vineyards are planted on permeable soils that lessen the erosion caused by run-off water and enable the carefully selected plots of land to dry out quickly. Generally, these soils combine a clayey matrix, suitable for controlled water management, with a high gravel content that helps them to dry out and has a beneficial effect on temperatures when the grapes are ripening. The slopes are located at an altitude of 160 m to 400 m, above the Rhône mists, and this, together with their orientation (north-north-west), protects the vines from excessive sun and from spring frosts.
The commune of Gigondas thus offers all the advantages of the Provençal climate, i.e. plentiful sunshine and the Mistral, a cold, dry wind that helps to reduce fungal diseases and increase natural concentrations in the fruit, without the disadvantages, thanks to the protection provided by the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range.
Over 2 000 years, all these factors, combined with the winegrowers’ hard work and expertise, notably evident in their choice of grape varieties and mandatory sorting of the fruit, have led to the recognition and renown of the wines produced under the ‘Gigondas’ registered designation of origin and have above all allowed them to retain their distinctive character.
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 immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturing of the wines, comprises the territory of the following communes in the department of Vaucluse, on the basis of the 2022 Official Geographical Code:
Aubignan, Le Barroux, Beaumes-de-Venise, Beaumont-du-Ventoux, Bédarrides, Bollène, Buisson, Caderousse, Cairanne, Camaret-sur-Aigues, Caromb, Carpentras, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Courthezon, Le Crestet, Entrechaux, Faucon, Jonquières, Lafare, Lagarde-Paréol, Lamotte-du-Rhône, Lapalud, Loriol-du-Comtat, Malaucène, Mazan, Mondragon, Mornas, Orange, Piolenc, Puymeras, Rasteau, Roaix, La Roque-Alric, Sablet, Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, Saint-Hippolyte-le-Graveyron, Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux, Saint-Marcellin-lès-Vaison, Saint-Romain-en-Viennois, Saint-Roman-de-Malegarde, Sarrians, Séguret, Sérignan-du-Comtat, Sorgues, Suzette, Travaillan, Uchaux, Vacqueyras, Vaison-la-Romaine, Vedène, Villedieu, Violès and Visan.

Additional labelling information

Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:






(a)


Wines bearing the registered designation of origin may display the name of a smaller geographical unit on their labels, provided that:






—


it is a registered location;










—


it appears on the harvest declaration.














(b)


Wines bearing the registered designation of origin may indicate the broader geographical unit ‘Cru des Côtes du Rhône’ or ‘Vignobles de la Vallée du Rhône’ on their labels. The rules governing the use of the broader geographical unit ‘Vignobles de la Vallée du Rhône’ are set out in the agreement signed between the protection and management bodies concerned.





Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-ba4e714e-f1f5-476d-9097-07279359da1a


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.