Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 2023/C 224/10
Date: 2023-06-27
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, still wine, white wine








C_2023224EN.01003601.xml










27.6.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 224/36






Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council
(2023/C 224/10)
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.
REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

‘Duché d’Uzès’


PDO-FR-A1165-AM01


Date of application: 12 November 2013

1.   Rules applicable to the amendment

Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 - Non-minor amendment
2.   Description of and reasons for amendment

2.1.   Conversion from PGI to PDO

Since 1989, and since the work on achieving recognition of the ‘Vin de Pays Duché d’Uzès’ came to an end in 1992, producers have endeavoured to dedicate this production to a wine associated with the concept of ‘terroir’ in demarcated areas and to apply for the category of designations of origin. From that point, the definition of this ‘Vin de Pays’ and then of the PGI has reflected the focus on quality, with production criteria corresponding to those expected of a designation of origin (yield, list of grape varieties) and a demarcation of the terroir in which it is produced. Since then, the Syndicat (Wine-Growers’ Union) has been working on these criteria and their transposal into the specification in order to define the typical characteristics of the products and their production criteria in keeping with the demarcated terroir.
The amendments made to the specification to accompany the conversion from PGI to PDO relate to the following points, detailed one by one:






—


the demarcation of the geographical production area intended to identify parcels suitable for the production of grapes which can be used to produce the wines benefiting from the protected designation,










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the rules on vine varieties without amendment to the list of varieties,










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vineyard and harvest management, transport and ripeness of the grapes,










—


processing, preparation, maturation, packaging and storage of the wines,










—


labelling of the wines.




2.2.   Demarcated parcel area

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of the specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by point IV 2. Demarcated parcel area.
This point has been added to the designation specification in order to identify precisely which vineyard parcels within the geographical area whose grapes can produce wines of the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin.
No provision has been made in the PGI for this parcel demarcation, so it has been added as part of the conversion from PGI to PDO.
The addition of this point to the specification does not affect the single document.
2.3.   Vine varieties

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 5 – Vine varieties.
The minimum percentage of varieties from those grown on the holdings must be specified, without amending the authorised list of varieties.
The list of varieties selected for the production of the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ PDO is set out under the point ‘Main wine grape varieties’ of the single document.
The proportions of the various vine varieties does not affect the single document.
2.4.   Vineyard management

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 6 – Vineyard management.
The addition of this point brings the specification into line with the national rules on designation of origin. It sets out wine-making practices in terms of planting density, pruning, trellising and authorisation of irrigation.
These provisions have been carried over to the single document under the heading ‘Wine-making practices’.
2.5.   Grape harvest, transport and ripeness

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of the specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 7 - Harvest, transport and ripeness of the grape.
The addition of this point brings the specification into line with the national rules on designation of origin. It sets out provisions on the ripeness of the grape and on transport of the harvest which do not affect the single document. It also provides for a minimum natural alcoholic strength of 12 %, which has been carried over to the single document under the heading ‘Description of the wine(s)’.
2.6.   Processing, winemaking, winegrowing, market preparation, storage

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of the specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 9 - Processing, preparation, maturation, packaging, storage.
The addition of this point brings the specification into line with the more restrictive national rules on designation of origin.
It provides for proportions of blended grape varieties in the wines, in line with the rules introduced for vine varieties. These provisions do not affect the single document.
This point lays down provisions concerning obligatory malolactic fermentation for red wines, and maximum fermentable sugar content. These provisions have been added to the single document under ‘Description of the wine(s)’.
This point also sets out stricter provisions on oenological practices and the placing on the market of wines, which have been carried over to the single document under the heading ‘Specific oenological practices’.
This point also lays down recommendations on storage and cellar maintenance which do not affect the single document.
2.7.   Transitional provisions

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 11 – Transitional provisions.
This point allows operators to adapt to the more restrictive rules of the PDO specification in terms of:






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the proportion of vine varieties to be planted










—


planting density










—


rules on trellising and foliage height




These provisions in the specification do not affect the single document.
2.8.   Rules on presentation and labelling

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of the specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 12 - Rules on presentation and labelling. It is a general provision common to all the designations of origin bearing the national label ‘AOC’ (PDO). It states that wines for which the controlled designation of origin ‘Duché d’Uzès’ is used and which are presented with that name cannot be declared after harvest, offered to the public, dispatched, marketed or sold unless the above-mentioned controlled designation of origin appears in very prominent characters in the harvest declaration, in advertisements, in catalogues, and on any labels, invoices or receipts.
This provision does not affect the single document.
2.9.   Organoleptic description of the wines

The specification has been amended in Chapter I - point ‘10- Information on the quality and characteristics of the product’ in order to clarify the visual and organoleptic description of the wines.
These additions have also been carried over to the single document under the heading ‘Description of the wine(s)’.
2.10.   Link with the geographical area

The specification has been amended in Chapter I - point ‘10.3- Causal interactions’ to clarify that the causal link is due to the impact of the regional climate and the soil types on the production of fresh and fruity wines.
As part of the move from PGI to PDO, work on identifying the terroirs was undertaken, taking into account the climate and soil conditions of the area, thereby allowing producers to benefit from the best match between the wine-growing location and grape varieties, which reinforces the authenticity of the wines.
The additional details relating to demonstration of the causal link have been carried over to the single document under the point ‘Link with the geographical area - Causal interactions’.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Duché d’Uzès
2.   Geographical indication type

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







1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Analytical characteristics

The ‘Duché d’Uzès’ controlled designation of origin is reserved for still red, rosé and white wines.
Still wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 12 %. Batches of wine that are ready to be marketed in bulk or packaged have a maximum fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content of:






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3 g/l for red wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 14 %.










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4 g/l for red wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume of more than 14 % vol. 4 g/l for rosé wines.










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4 g/l for white wines.




Red wines ready to be marketed in bulk or bottled must have a malic acid content that does not exceed 0,4 g/l.
The minimum and maximum levels for total alcoholic strength by volume, minimum actual alcoholic strength, total acidity and total sulphur dioxide are those set by EU legislation.






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):


 




2.   Organoleptic characteristics

The ‘Duché d’Uzès’ controlled designation of origin is produced in all three colours.
The red wines come from a blend, in which Syrah N and Grenache N account for at least 60 % and can be supplemented by the Carignan N, Cinsault N and Mourvèdre N varieties. Their colour ranges from ruby to garnet and can take on russet tones upon maturation. They have a strong to intense colour, and are clear wines. The aromatic expressions are reminiscent of ripe or candied fruit, often accompanied by notes of liquorice, reflecting the particular character of Syrah on this terroir. Their tannic, round and balanced structure offers the guarantee that they will be suitable for ageing.
The rosé wines are blends, with Grenache N as the dominant variety. Their colour ranges from lychee pink to coral. They are bright, luminous and clear. Their aromatic palette is reminiscent of red fruit. They are harmonious, fresh and powerful. Their freshness is determined by the location of the geographical area in the foothills of the Cévennes.
The white wines, produced from a main blend of Grenache B and Viognier B, are pale gold in colour with hints of green. They are outstandingly fresh, with intense notes of fresh fruit on the palate, such as peach or apricot. They also benefit from this transitional Mediterranean climate which slows maturation and preserves the acidity and balance of the wines.
5.   Wine-making practices

a.   Essential oenological practices

Growing method






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The minimum vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the vine rows must not exceed 2,50 metres.










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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. - Pruning takes place before 30 April of the harvest year; - The vines are spur-pruned, with a maximum of 12 buds per vine. each spur has a maximum of 2 buds. - the Syrah variety can be long-pruned with a maximum of 10 buds per plant, of which a maximum of 6 buds on the cane and 2 spurs with a maximum of 2 buds - Irrigation may be authorised.




Specific oenological practices






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Any heat treatment of the grape harvest at a temperature above 40 °C is prohibited.










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The use of oenological charcoal in making the white and rosé wines is prohibited, whether alone or mixed in preparations.










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The use of wood chips is forbidden.










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The rosé wines are produced by direct pressing.










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The use of continuous presses is prohibited.










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The red wines must be aged until at least 1 February of the year following the harvest. These wines are placed on the market for the consumer at the end of the ageing period, i.e. from 15 February of the year following the harvest.




Besides the above provisions set out above, the oenological practices adopted for the wines must comply with the obligations laid down by EU legislation and by the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code.
b.   Maximum yields







1.


red wines
53 hectolitres per hectare










2.


rosé and white wines
60 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged on the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Gard: Aigaliers, Aigremont, Arpaillargues-et-Aureillac, Aubussargues, Bagard, Baron, Belvézet, Blauzac, Bourdic, Bragassargues, Brignon, Canaules-et-Argentières, Cardet, Cassagnoles, Castelnau-Valence, Collorgues, Cruviers-Lascours, Dions, Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac, Flaux, Foissac, Fons, Fontarèches, Fressac, Gajan, Garrigues-Sainte-Eulalie, Goudargues, La Bastide-d'Engras, La Bruguière, La Calmette, La Capelle-et-Masmolène, La Rouvière, Lédignan, Lézan, Logrian-Florian, Martignargues, Maruéjols-lès-Gardon, Massanes, Massillargues-Attuech, Monoblet, Montaren-et-Saint-Médiers, Moussac, Ners, Puechredon, Ribaute-les-Tavernes, Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis, Saint-Bauzély, Saint-Bénézet, Saint-Césaire-de-Gauzignan, Saint-Chaptes, Saint-Christol-lès-Alès, Saint-Dézéry, Sainte-Anastasie, Saint-Félix-de-Pallières, Saint-Hippolyte-de-Montaigu, Saint-Jean-de-Ceyrargues, Saint-Jean-de-Crieulon, Saint-Jean-de-Serres, Saint-Jean-du-Pin, Saint-Laurent-la-Vernède, Saint-Maurice-de-Cazevieille, Saint-Maximin, Saint-Nazaire-des-Gardies, Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, Saint-Siffret, Saint-Théodorit, SaintVictor-des-Oules, Sanilhac-Sagriès, Sauve, Savignargues, Serviers-et-Labaume, Seynes, Tornac, Uzès, Vallabrix, Verfeuil, Vézénobres.
7.   Main grape variety (varieties)







 


Carignan N










 


Cinsaut N - Cinsault










 


Clairette B










 


Grenache N










 


Marsanne B










 


Mourvèdre N - Monastrell










 


Roussanne B










 


Syrah N - Shiraz










 


Ugni Blanc B










 


Vermentino B - Rolle










 


Viognier B




8.   Description of the link(s)

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

The ‘Duché d’Uzès’ PDO area extends between Nîmes and Alès over 77 municipalities of the department of Gard, with the town of Uzès located in the eastern region. It comprises two contiguous basins:






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in the west, the Lédignan basin is structured around a dome-shaped Cretaceous (Valanginian) anticline, the marl core of which has been hollowed out by erosion;










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to the east, the Uzès basin is a syncline oriented east-west on Tertiary rocks (Eocene) which gradually change to marine deposits (Miocene).




The whole is bordered to the west by the foothills of the Cévennes; to the north by the Lussan limestone massif which peaks at Mount Bouquet (630 m); to the east and south, by vast limestone plateaux, often wooded, separating it from the countries of Nîmes, Sommières, and the Rhône valley. Lastly, the Gardon river, which is a major element in the local hydrographic network, crosses the area from the north-west to the south-east. The geographical area lies on principally limestone substrates and the vineyards are generally planted on stony slopes in shallow soil. The sector has a Mediterranean climate, albeit attenuated by its distance from the coast and by the mountainous terrain which curtails the influence of the sea. As a result, there are greater temperature contrasts than on the coast, and a decrease of one to two degrees in average annual temperature between the south-east and the north-west of the area. This transitional climate is reflected in particular by less severe summer drought; annual rainfall of around 700 mm is subject to significant inter-annual variation caused by the autumn rainfall, which is sometimes considerable (due to Cévenol episodes).
The geographical area thus extends from the heart of mixed-crop terrain, where vines are omnipresent on the slopes, and where the annual vegetation is divided between green oak and pubescent oak, reflecting the transitional climate of the area.
Over the centuries, vines have marked the history and agricultural life of the Uzès region and there has been ample evidence of vine cultivation on this land since Roman times.
Later, in the Middle Ages, vines were still present and took on strong symbolic meaning in the eyes of the Christian clergy, leading the first bishops to become winegrowers.
Reports on the quality of the vineyards and the noble wines on the territory of the Duchy of Uzès date back to the 15th century. Since this time and despite the successive crises, the hillside vineyards, a landscape feature associated with the olive tree and flanking richer plains planted with cereal crops, have remained a constant. The land ownership structure, dominated by small mixed-crop holdings, would encourage the development of hillside vines, a phenomenon which took hold in the 18th century through the practice of dual activity, where workers in the textile industries also cultivated small parcels of vines.
Since 1981, the wines have been recognised under the term ‘Vin de Pays de l’Uzège’, which in 1992 became ‘Vin de Pays Duché d’Uzès’, at which point production conditions were tightened and a Mediterranean grape variety was defined.
Taking into account the climate and soil conditions of the area, the Syndicat has been working on the identification of terroirs, thereby allowing producers to benefit from the best match between the wine-growing location and grape varieties, which reinforces the authenticity of the wines.
The vineyards will be restructured using the most noble Mediterranean varieties, namely Syrah N and Grenache N for red and rosé wines, and Grenache blanc B and Viognier B for white wines.
In 2010, almost 9 000 hectolitres were claimed by 32 private wineries and 11 cooperative wineries; red wines accounted for 60 % of production, rosé wines for 25 % and white wines for 15 %.
8.2.   Causal interactions

The transitional Mediterranean climate of the particular geographical location of the PDO Duché d’Uzès, at the meeting point between Cévennes, Languedoc and Provence, allows the Mediterranean grape varieties to ripen slowly, giving the wines an original character marked by elegance, fruitiness and freshness.
The know-how of the winegrowers, the choice of only Mediterranean grape varieties and the studies of the terroir have thus made it possible for the various varieties to be planted in conditions which ensure optimal expression. Indeed, well-exposed parcels with shallow, stony and well-drained soils are always preferred. Moreover, thanks to the Cévennes foothills, the temperature varies significantly from day to night. It is this temperature range, and in particular the cooler nights, which allows the grapes to ripen slowly, enhancing their colour and preserving the acidity and aromatic expression of the berries, which are distinguishing characteristics of the fresh and fruity PDO Duché d’Uzès wines.
The Grenache N variety provides smoothness, depth and highly elegant yet intense fruitiness.
The Syrah N variety provides elegance, structure and aromatic complexity.
The blend of these 2 varieties, for both red and rosé wines, is obligatory and guarantees the originality of the ‘Duché d’Uzès’ wines. Producers’ know-how is expressed in how they manage the plants, through full mastery of their vigour and fruiting potential, using moderate yield practices associated with precise rules on pruning and foliage height. This know-how is also reflected in the adaptation of wine-making techniques and in particular in the need for a maturation period for red wines.
In order to make the designation more easily distinguished, a Syndicat bottle embellished with the Duché d’Uzès coat of arms was created in 2003. It was quickly adopted by producers, private producers and cooperative members, and is now used for around 70 % of all Duché d’Uzès wines. As a guarantee of perfect product control, 95 % of the wines are bottled in the production area.
The winegrowers of the Duché d’Uzès thus sustain an agricultural balance based on Mediterranean-type mixed farming, where the rich land is planted with cereal or fruit crops, and Mediterranean vineyards are planted on the most favourable hillsides, which are generally limited in size in the municipality.
Although the reputation of the wines has been reported since the 15th century, it became stronger in the 1970s and 1980s, thanks to bottling taking place almost exclusively in the area and to the many tourists coming to discover the town of Uzès, its duchy and the heart of the village with its medieval houses.
9.   Essential further conditions

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 making and development of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Gard: Cornillon, Orsan, Pougnadoresse, Pouzilhac and Vabres.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-455370ad-04ad-4e6e-be9a-6e7d88987e94


(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.