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
Date: 2023-11-09
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, still wine, white wine








C_202300799EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
Series C













C/2023/799


9.11.2023






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
(C/2023/799)

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


                     ‘Bordeaux supérieur’
                  


PDO-FR-A0306-AM07


Date of communication: 5.9.2023
                  


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Official Geographic Code

The reference to the official geographic code has been amended as regards the list of municipalities within the geographic area and the immediately adjacent area.
The boundary of the area remains the same.
Points 6 and 9 of the single document have been amended.
2.   Vine varieties

The list of vine varieties has been amended, with further varieties being added for purposes of adaptation.
In addition, a limit has been imposed on the proportion of these varieties that are to be planted and used to make up batches of wine for sale.
The document is not affected by this amendment.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Bordeaux supérieur
2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – protected designation of origin
3.   Categories of grapevine products







1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Still white wines with fermentable sugars

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The still white wines have: a natural alcoholic strength ≥ 12 %; a fermentable sugar content > 17 g/L. Before processing, they have: a volatile acidity ≥ 13,26 meq/L; a total SO2 content of ≤ 260 mg/L. After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume is ≤ 15 %.
The other analytical standards comply with EU rules. The white wines with fermentable sugars are based on the Semillon B variety, which gives round, generous wines with a golden colour and aromas of candied fruit, sometimes blended with Sauvignon B or Muscadelle B to add freshness. The wines are suited to ageing (for 4 to 8 years) and have aromas, often floral, of honey and spices.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11 




Minimum total acidity


 




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


18 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


300 




2.   Still red wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The still red wines have: a natural alcoholic strength ≥ 11 %; a fermentable sugar content ≤ 3 g/L; a malic acid content ≤ 0,3 g/L. Prior to packaging, they have: a volatile acidity ≥ 13,26 meq/L; a total SO2 content ≤ 140 mg/L. The other analytical standards are in line with EU rules.
After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume is ≤ 13,5 %. The red wines, mostly a blend of the red vine varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Franc, are round, generous and structured. The young wines generally develop aromas of fresh and candied red fruit that often evolve into notes of spices and cooked fruit with ageing.






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)


20 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


150 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   
Specific oenological practices


1.   Planting density – Spacing

Growing method
The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 500 plants per hectare (for parcels planted after 1 August 2008). The spacing between vine rows must not exceed 2,20 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,85 metres.
This density may be reduced to 3 300 plants per hectare. In that case, the spacing between vine rows must not exceed 3 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre.
2.   Pruning rules

Growing method
Only spur pruning and cane pruning are allowed. For the Merlot N, Semillon B and Muscadelle B vine varieties, the number of buds when pruning must not exceed 40 000 per hectare and 17 per plant. For the other varieties, including Cabernet Franc N, Cabernet Sauvignon N, Sauvignon B and Sauvignon Gris G, the number of buds when pruning must not exceed 45 000 per hectare and 19 per plant. After debudding, the number of fruit-bearing branches per plant must not exceed: for the Merlot N, Semillon B and Muscadelle B grape varieties, 11 branches per plant if the vine planting density is 4 500 plants per hectare or more, and 14 branches per plant if the vine planting density is less than 4 500 plants per hectare; for the other varieties, including Cabernet Franc N, Cabernet Sauvignon N, Sauvignon B and Sauvignon Gris G, 13 branches per plant if the vine planting density is 4 500 plants per hectare or more, and 16 branches per plant if the vine planting density is less than 4 500 plants per hectare. Pruning is carried out at the latest at the unfolded leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9).
Debudding is carried out prior to fruit setting.
3.   Enrichment

Specific oenological practice
After enrichment, red wines do not exceed a total alcoholic strength per volume of 13,5 %. After enrichment, white wines do not exceed a total alcoholic strength per volume of 15 %.
Enrichment by partial concentration is permitted for the red wines, subject to a 15 % concentration limit for the volumes enriched using this method.
5.2.   
Maximum yields








1.



Still white wines with fermentable sugars

60 hectolitres per hectare










2.



Still red wines – vine planting density ≥ 4 500 plants/ha

66 hectolitres per hectare










3.



Still red wines – vine planting density ≥ 4 000 plant/ha and < 4 500 plants/ha

55 hectolitres per hectare










4.



Still red wines – vine planting density ≥ 3 300 plant/ha and < 4 000 plants/ha

50 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and matured on the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Gironde, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 January 2022: Abzac, Aillas, Ambarès-et-Lagrave, Ambès, Anglade, Arbanats, Arcins, Arsac, Artigues-près-Bordeaux, Arveyres, Asques, Aubiac, Auriolles, Auros, Avensan, Ayguemorte-les-Graves, Bagas, Baigneaux, Barie, Baron, Barsac, Bassanne, Bassens, Baurech, Bayas, Bayon-sur-Gironde, Bazas, Beautiran, Bégadan, Bègles, Béguey, Bellebat, Bellefond, Belvès-de-Castillon, Bernos-Beaulac, Berson, Berthez, Beychac-et-Caillau, Bieujac, Birac, Blaignac, Blaignan-Prignac, Blanquefort, Blasimon, Blaye, Blésignac, Bommes, Bonnetan, Bonzac, Bordeaux, Bossugan, Bouliac, Bourdelles, Bourg, Branne, Brannens, Braud-et-Saint-Louis, Brouqueyran, Bruges, Budos, Cabanac-et-Villagrains, Cabara, Cadarsac, Cadaujac, Cadillac, Cadillac-en-Fronsadais, Camarsac, Cambes, Camblanes-et-Meynac, Camiac-et-Saint-Denis, Camiran, Camps-sur-l’Isle, Campugnan, Canéjan, Capian, Caplong, Carbon-Blanc, Cardan, Carignan-de-Bordeaux, Cars, Cartelègue, Casseuil, Castelmoron-d’Albret, Castelnau-de-Médoc, Castelviel, Castets et Castillon, Castillon-la-Bataille, Castres-Gironde, Caudrot, Caumont, Cauvignac, Cavignac, Cazats, Cazaugitat, Cénac, Cenon, Cérons, Cessac, Cestas, Cézac, Chamadelle, Cissac-Médoc, Civrac-de-Blaye, Civrac-sur-Dordogne, Civrac-en-Médoc, Cleyrac, Coimères, Coirac, Comps, Coubeyrac, Couquèques, Courpiac, Cours-de-Monségur, Cours-les-Bains, Coutras, Coutures, Créon, Croignon, Cubnezais, Cubzac-les-Ponts, Cudos, Cursan, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Daignac, Dardenac, Daubèze, Dieulivol, Donnezac, Donzac, Doulezon, Escoussans, Espiet, Etauliers, Eynesse, Eyrans, Eysines, Faleyras, Fargues, Fargues-Saint-Hilaire, Flaujagues, Floirac, Floudès, Fontet, Fossés-et-Baleyssac, Fours, Francs, Fronsac, Frontenac, Gabarnac, Gaillan-en-Médoc, Gajac, Galgon, Gans, Gardegan-et-Tourtirac, Gauriac, Gauriaguet, Générac, Génissac, Gensac, Gironde-sur-Dropt, Gornac, Gours, Gradignan, Grayan-et-l’Hôpital, Grézillac, Grignols, Guillac, Guillos, Guîtres, Haux, Hure, Illats, Isle-Saint-Georges, Izon, Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac, Jugazan, Juillac, La Brède, La Lande-de-Fronsac, La Réole, La Rivière, La Roquille, La Sauve, Labarde, Labescau, Ladaux, Lados, Lagorce, Lalande-de-Pomerol, Lamarque, Lamothe-Landerron, Landerrouat, Landerrouet-sur-Ségur, Landiras, Langoiran, Langon, Lansac, Lapouyade, Laroque, Laruscade, Latresne, Lavazan, Le Bouscat, Le Fieu, Le Haillan, Le Nizan, Le Pian-Médoc, Le Pian-sur-Garonne, Le Pout, Le Puy, Le Taillan-Médoc, Le Tourne, Le Verdon-sur-Mer, Léogeats, Léognan, Les Artigues-de-Lussac, Les Billaux, Les Eglisottes-et-Chalaures, Les Esseintes, Les Lèves-et-Thoumeyragues, Les Peintures, Les Salles, Lesparre-Médoc, Lestiac-sur-Garonne, Libourne, Lignan-de-Bazas, Lignan-de-Bordeaux, Ligueux, Listrac-de-Durèze, Listrac-Médoc, Lormont, Loubens, Loupes, Loupiac, Loupiac-de-la-Réole, Ludon-Médoc, Lugaignac, Lugasson, Lugon-et-l’Ile-du-Carnay, Lussac, Macau, Madirac, Maransin, Marcenais, Margaux-Cantenac, Margueron, Marimbault, Marions, Marsas, Martignas-sur-Jalle, Martillac, Martres, Masseilles, Massugas, Mauriac, Mazères, Mazion, Mérignac, Mérignas, Mesterrieux, Mombrier, Mongauzy, Monprimblanc, Monségur, Montagne, Montagoudin, Montignac, Montussan, Morizès, Mouillac, Mouliets-et-Villemartin, Moulis-en-Médoc, Moulon, Mourens, Naujac-sur-Mer, Naujan-et-Postiac, Néac, Nérigean, Neuffons, Noaillac, Noaillan, Omet, Ordonnac, Paillet, Parempuyre, Pauillac, Pellegrue, Périssac, Pessac, Pessac-sur-Dordogne, Petit-Palais-et-Cornemps, Peujard, Pineuilh, Plassac, Pleine-Selve, Podensac, Pomerol, Pompéjac, Pompignac, Pondaurat, Porchères, Porte-de-Benauge, Portets, Préchac, Preignac, Prignac-et-Marcamps, Pugnac, Puisseguin, Pujols, Pujols-sur-Ciron, Puybarban, Puynormand, Queyrac, Quinsac, Rauzan, Reignac, Rimons, Riocaud, Rions, Roaillan, Romagne, Roquebrune, Ruch, Sablons, Sadirac, Saillans, Saint-Aignan, Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Saint-André-du-Bois, Saint-André-et-Appelles, Saint-Androny, Saint-Antoine-du-Queyret, Saint-Antoine-sur-l’Isle, Saint-Aubin-de-Blaye, Saint-Aubin-de-Branne, Saint-Aubin-de-Médoc, Saint-Avit-de-Soulège, Saint-Avit-Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Brice, Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, Saint-Christoly-de-Blaye, Saint-Christoly-Médoc, Saint-Christophe-de-Double, Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, Saint-Cibard, Saint-Ciers-d’Abzac, Saint-Ciers-de-Canesse, Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde, Sainte-Colombe, Saint-Côme, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Saint-Denis-de-Pile, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, Sainte-Eulalie, Saint-Exupéry, Saint-Félix-de-Foncaude, Saint-Ferme, Sainte-Florence, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Sainte-Foy-la-Longue, Sainte-Gemme, Saint-Genès-de-Blaye, Saint-Genès-de-Castillon, Saint-Genès-de-Fronsac, Saint-Genès-de-Lombaud, Saint-Genis-du-Bois, Saint-Germain-de-Grave, Saint-Germain-de-la-Rivière, Saint-Germain-d’Esteuil, Saint-Germain-du-Puch, Saint-Gervais, Saint-Girons-d’Aiguevives, Sainte-Hélène, Saint-Hilaire-de-la-Noaille, Saint-Hilaire-du-Bois, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac, Saint-Jean-d’Illac, Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, Saint-Laurent-d’Arce, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, Saint-Laurent-du-Plan, Saint-Laurent-Médoc, Saint-Léon, Saint-Loubert, Saint-Loubès, Saint-Louis-de-Montferrand, Saint-Macaire, Saint-Magne-de-Castillon, Saint-Maixant, Saint-Mariens, Saint-Martial, Saint-Martin-de-Laye, Saint-Martin-de-Lerm, Saint-Martin-de-Sescas, Saint-Martin-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Puy, Saint-Martin-Lacaussade, Saint-Médard-de-Guizières, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, Saint-Michel-de-Fronsac, Saint-Michel-de-Lapujade, Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret, Saint-Morillon, Saint-Palais, Saint-Pardon-de-Conques, Saint-Paul, Saint-Pey-d’Armens, Saint-Pey-de-Castets, Saint-Philippe-d’Aiguille, Saint-Philippe-du-Seignal, Saint-Pierre-d’Aurillac, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Saint-Quentin-de-Baron, Saint-Quentin-de-Caplong, Sainte-Radegonde, Saint-Romain-la-Virvée, Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Sauveur-de-Puynormand, Saint-Savin, Saint-Selve, Saint-Seurin-de-Bourg, Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, Saint-Seurin-de-Cursac, Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle, Saint-Sève, Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, Saint-Sulpice-de-Guilleragues, Saint-Sulpice-de-Pommiers, Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac, Sainte-Terre, Saint-Trojan, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Saint-Vincent-de-Pertignas, Saint-Vivien-de-Blaye, Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc, Saint-Vivien-de-Monségur, Saint-Yzan-de-Soudiac, Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc, Salaunes, Salleboeuf, Samonac, Saucats, Saugon, Sauternes, Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, Sauviac, Savignac, Savignac-de-l’Isle, Semens, Sendets, Sigalens, Sillas, Soulac-sur-Mer, Soulignac, Soussac, Soussans, Tabanac, Taillecavat, Talais, Talence, Targon, Tarnès, Tauriac, Tayac, Teuillac, Tizac-de-Curton, Tizac-de-Lapouyade, Toulenne, Tresses, Uzeste, Val-de-Livenne, Val de Virvée, Valeyrac, Vayres, Vendays-Montalivet, Vensac, Vérac, Verdelais, Vertheuil, Vignonet, Villandraut, Villegouge, Villenave-de-Rions, Villenave-d’Ornon, Villeneuve, Virelade, Virsac and Yvrac.
7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)







 


Cabernet Franc N










 


Cabernet Sauvignon N










 


Carmenère N










 


Cot N – Malbec










 


Merlot N










 


Muscadelle B










 


Petit Verdot N










 


Sauvignon B – Sauvignon blanc










 


Sauvignon Gris G – Fié gris










 


Semillon B




8.   Description of the link(s)

The Bordeaux vine varieties, grown in a maritime climate, have needed support poles (‘échalas’) since the 17th and 18th centuries, followed by widespread trellising to ensure a well-distributed grape harvest and sufficient leaf area for proper chlorophyll synthesis and optimum ripeness. The various types of soils and exposures have led to different varieties being selected and adapted according to the characteristics of the environment; this explains the historical focus on blended wines. Four distinct types can be identified:






 


clay-limestone and marly-limestone soils, which are very widespread on the slopes of the hillsides ideal for the Merlot N variety;










 


siliceous soils mixed with clays and calcareous elements that are perfect for the Merlot N and Sauvignon B varieties, for example;










 


leached soils (‘boulbènes’) with fine siliceous elements, which are lighter soils suitable for the production of white wines;










 


gravelly soils made up of gravel, water-worn quartz and relatively coarse sands forming well-drained terraces that are warm and ideal for growing vines, in particular Cabernet Sauvignon N.




The ‘Bordeaux supérieur’ protected designation of origin meets requirements the producers have set for themselves over the years as compared to those of the ‘Bordeaux’ designation in terms of planting density (which is higher), pruning techniques (the number of buds is lower) and maximum crop load per parcel (which is smaller). These production conditions allow more concentrated wines to be produced, whose minimum sugar content and minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume are higher than is the case for the ‘Bordeaux’ protected designation of origin. Both the red and the white ‘Bordeaux supérieur’ PDO wines have a particular style. They are distinguished by their harmony, elegance, rich aromas and good balance, qualities that make them suited to ageing and that are derived, among other things, from a diverse biophysical environment, the vine varieties used, the way in which the vines are tended and the winemaking process. Bordeaux’s port and close historical ties with other nations soon gave rise to strong and structured trade, and the region’s vineyards have always been oriented towards the rest of the world. Able to both benefit from and spread technical innovations, the holdings’ dynamism was boosted, allowing them to strengthen, develop and export knowhow, always in line with age-old practices. The marriage in 1152 of Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, to Henry Plantagenet, the future king of England, paved the way for extensive trade. The English exported food, textiles and metals and imported Bordeaux wines. In the 17th century, a new commercial era began with the emergence of new consumers. Exports continue to account for a large part of the sales of Bordeaux wines, and the expertise, image and reputation associated with ‘Bordeaux supérieur’ PDO wines, two thirds of which are still bottled at the winery, are thus spread across the world too. The wines have a more complex structure than ‘Bordeaux’ PDO wines and can be aged for longer, up to 5 or 6 years.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Area in immediate proximity
Legal framework:






 


National legislation




Type of further condition:






 


Packaging in the demarcated geographical area




Description of the condition:
The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for making, processing and ageing the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 January 2022:






 


Department of Dordogne: Le Fleix, Fougueyrolles, Gageac-et-Rouillac, Gardonne, Minzac, Pomport, Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt, Razac-de-Saussignac, Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh, Saint-Seurin-de-Prats, Saussignac, Thénac and Villefranche-de-Lonchat.










 


Department of Lot-et-Garonne: Baleyssagues, Cocumont, Duras, Esclottes, Loubès-Bernac, Sainte-Colombe-de-Duras, Savignac-de-Duras and Villeneuve-de-Duras.










 


Broader geographical unit




Legal framework:






 


National legislation




Type of further condition:






 


Additional provisions relating to labelling




Description of the condition:






 


Wines with this controlled designation of origin may specify the broader geographical unit ‘Vin de Bordeaux’ or ‘Grand Vin de Bordeaux’ on their labels. The size of the letters used for this broader geographical unit must not be larger, either in height or in width, than two thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.





Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-14098a14-659d-4216-858b-1dde9fa42e33


(1)  
            OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2023/799/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)