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: 2024-10-15
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, Occitanie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, wine








C_202406185EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2024/6185


15.10.2024






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/2024/6185)

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


                     ‘Côtes du Rhône’
                  


PDO-FR-A0325-AM05


Date of communication: 24.7.2024
                  


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Vine varieties

The list of secondary varieties in Chapter I, Section V, point 1, ‘Vine varieties’ of the product specification has been expanded.
(a)   White wines:
The varieties Carignan B, Floréal B and Rolle B have been added, limited to 5 % of the variety mix and 10 % of blends.
(b)   Red and rosé wines:
The varieties Carignan B, Floréal B, Rolle B and Vidoc N have been added, limited to 5 % of the variety mix and 10 % of blends.
The inclusion of these varieties is one of the solutions adopted for the designation in response to climate change and reduced use of plant health products. The new secondary varieties are consistent with the profile of the wines of the designation and allow adaptation to drought and fungal diseases. They allow the use of plant protection products to be reduced.
The varieties in question have been added in the ‘Wine grape varieties’ section of the single document.
The proportion of 5 % of Carignan B, Floréal B, Rolle B and Vidoc N in the variety mix has been specified in Section V, point 2, ‘Rules on planting proportions’ of the product specification. This amendment does not affect the single document.
The proportion of 10 % of Carignan B, Floréal B, Rolle B and Vidoc N in blends has been specified in Section IX, point 1, ‘Blend of varieties’ of the product specification. This amendment does not affect the single document.
2.   Labelling rules

Rules on specifying the larger geographical unit ‘Vignobles de la Vallée du Rhône’ on the labelling have been set out in Chapter I, Section XII, ‘Rules on presentation and labelling’ of the product specification. This information must appear in the same visual field as all the mandatory details and must be printed in the same font and colour as the designation, provided that it is no bigger than two thirds of the size of the designation.
This amendment has been included in the ‘Further conditions’ section of the single document.
In Chapter I, Section XII, ‘Rules on presentation and labelling’ of the product specification it has been specified that the names of the varieties of interest for adaptation purposes, i.e. Carignan B, Floréal B, Rolle B and Vidoc N, may not appear on the labelling.
This amendment has been included in the ‘Further conditions’ section of the single document.
3.   Declaration requirements

Chapter II of the product specification on declaration requirements has been brought into line with the inspection plan for the designation.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
4.   References to the inspection body

Chapter III of the product specification concerning the inspection body has been complemented to specify that checks on compliance with the product specification must be carried out on the basis of an approved inspection plan and by a third-party body offering guarantees of competence, impartiality and independence delegated by the INAO, the inspection body.
This addition does not affect the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Côtes du Rhône
2.   Geographical indication type

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







1.


Wine




3.1.   Combined Nomenclature code







—


22 - BEVERAGES, SPIRITS AND VINEGAR
2204 – Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must other than that of heading 2009




4.   Description of the wine(s)

Red, rosé and white wines
BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The wines are still and dry.
Red wines account for the bulk of production (93 %). The wines are fruity and generous with good colour intensity. They are suited to ageing for varying lengths of time depending on the soil type (sandy or sandy-loamy soils give lighter wines and stony or clayey soils richer, tannic wines) and on the blend of varieties, as determined by producers based on their expertise.
The rosé wines (4 % of production) very quickly built up a reputation in certain sectors. They are fruity or floral.
The white wines (3 % of production) are floral and round on the palate, sometimes with exotic notes.
The wines must meet the following analytical criteria:






1.


Natural alcoholic strength by volume of 10,5 %.










2.


Fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) content of not more than 3 g/l for a natural alcoholic strength by volume of less than 14 %.










3.


Fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) content of not more than 4 g/l for a natural alcoholic strength by volume exceeding 14 %.










4.


Red wines: a malic acid content not exceeding 0,4 g/l. Colour intensity (OD 420 + 520 + 620 nm) of at least 4,5 at the time of packaging. Total polyphenols index (OD 280 nm) of at least 35 at the time of packaging.




The other analytical criteria must comply with the values established in EU legislation.
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): 16,33










—


Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre): —




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Spacing between rows and plants
Growing method
The spacing between rows is ≤ 2,50 m. The area available for each plant is up to 2,50 m2. The spacing between plants in the same row is between 0,80 m and 1,25 m.
2.   Pruning of the vine
Growing method
The vines are pruned with a maximum of six spurs per plant. Each spur has a maximum of two buds. The period for establishing the cordon is limited to 2 years. Pruning is as specified for Viognier B.
The Viognier B variety may either be pruned with a maximum of eight buds on the cane and one or two spurs with a maximum of two buds, or it may be pruned with a maximum of six buds on each cane and one or two spurs with a maximum of two buds.
3.   Irrigation
Growing method
Irrigation may be authorised.
4.   Method of preserving the characteristics of the physical and biological environment of the terroir
Growing method
To preserve the characteristics of the physical and biological environment, which is a fundamental part of the terroir:






—


chemical weed control is prohibited on headlands;










—


chemical weed control on more than 50 % of the vineyard surface, headlands not included, is prohibited;










—


plastic mulching is prohibited;










—


no substantial alterations may be made to the shape and contours of the landscape or the natural pedological sequence of parcels intended for production of wine bearing the controlled designation of origin.




5.   Enrichment
Specific oenological practice
Subtractive enrichment techniques are permitted for the red wines up to a 10 % concentration rate.
To produce the rosé wines, winemakers are permitted to use oenological charcoal exclusively on press musts, without exceeding 20 % of the total volume made into wine by the operator for that harvest.
5.2.   Maximum yields







1.


Wines
60 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines are made and developed in the following municipalities, based on the 2022 Official Geographic Code:






—


Department of Ardèche: Andance, Ardoix, Arras-sur-Rhône, Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Champagne, Charnas, Châteaubourg, Cornas, Félines, Glun, Guilherand-Granges, Lemps, Limony, Mauves, Ozon, Peyraud, Saint-Désirat, Saint-Etienne-de-Valoux, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban, Saint-Just-d’Ardèche, Saint-Marcel-d’Ardèche, Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, Saint-Péray, Sarras, Sécheras, Serrières, Talencieux, Toulaud, Tournon-sur-Rhône, Vion;










—


Department of Drôme: Beaumont-Monteux, Bouchet, Chanos-Curson, Crozes-Hermitage, Erôme, Gervans, Larnage, Livron-sur-Drôme, Mercurol-Veaunes (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Mercurol), Mérindol-les-Oliviers, Mirabel-aux-Baronnies, Mollans-sur-Ouvèze, Montbrison-sur-Lez, Nyons, Le Pègue, Piégon, Pont-de-l’Isère, La Roche-de-Glun, Rochegude, Rousset-les-Vignes, Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues, Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes, Serves-sur-Rhône, Suze-la-Rousse, Tain-l’Hermitage, Taulignan, Tulette, Venterol, Vinsobres;










—


Department of Gard: Aiguèze, Aramon, Bagnols-sur-Cèze, Carsan, Castillon-du-Gard, Cavillargues, Chusclan, Codolet, Comps, Connaux, Cornillon, Domazan, Estézargues, Fournès, Gaujac, Laudun-l’Ardoise, Laval-Saint-Roman, Lirac, Montfaucon, Montfrin, Orsan, Le Pin, Pont-Saint-Esprit, Pougnadoresse (Section A of the land register updated for 1934), Pouzilhac, Pujaut, Remoulins, Rochefort-du-Gard, Roquemaure, La Roque-sur-Cèze, Sabran, Saint-Alexandre, Saint-André-d’Olérargues, Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts, Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas, Saint-Gervais, Saint-Hilaire-d’Ozilhan, Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas, Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols, Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, Saint-Marcel-de-Careiret, Saint-Michel-d’Euzet, Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Paul-les-Fonts, Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, Saint-Pons-la-Calm, Saint-Victor-la-Coste, Sauveterre, Saze, Tavel, Théziers, Tresques, Valliguières, Vénéjan, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon;










—


Department of Loire: Chavanay, Malleval, Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf, Vérin;










—


Department of Rhône: Ampuis, Condrieu, Saint-Cyr-sur-le-Rhône, Tupin-et-Semons;










—


Department of Vaucluse: Avignon, Beaumes-de-Venise, Bédarrides, Bollène, Buisson, Cairanne, Camaret-sur-Aigues, Caumont-sur-Durance, Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Courthézon, Faucon, Gigondas, Grillon, Jonquerettes, Jonquières, Lafare, Lagarde-Paréol, Mondragon, Morières-lès-Avignon, Mornas, Orange, Piolenc, Puyméras, Rasteau, Richerenches, Roaix, La Roque-Alric, Sablet, Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, Saint-Marcellin-lès-Vaison, Saint-Romain-en-Viennois, Saint-Roman-de-Malegarde, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon, Sarrians, Séguret, Sérignan-du-Comtat, Sorgues, Suzette, Travaillan, Uchaux, Vacqueyras, Vaison-la-Romaine, Valréas, Vedène, Villedieu, Violès, Visan.




7.   Wine grape variety(ies)

Bourboulenc B – Doucillon blanc
Brun Argenté N – Vaccarèse
Caladoc N
Carignan N
Carignan blanc B
Cinsaut N – Cinsault
Clairette B
Clairette rose Rs
Counoise N
Couston N
Floreal B
Grenache N
Grenache blanc B
Grenache gris G
Marsanne B
Marselan N
Mourvèdre N – Monastrell
Muscardin N
Piquepoul blanc B
Piquepoul noir N
Roussanne B
Syrah N – Shiraz
Terret noir N
Ugni blanc B
Vermentino B – Rolle
Vidoc N
Viognier B
8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Natural and human factors relevant to the link

The geographical area comprises the Rhône valley natural region. The river Rhône runs right through the area, providing an essential link to the outside world.
The geographical area extends between Vienne and Avignon, across six departments along the western and eastern banks of the river.
During the Tertiary era, the Rhône valley was a Mediterranean ‘fjord’ extending as far as Vienne. A series of sedimentary basins opening out to the south were formed during that period, bounded by slopes from the Mesozoic era. As the sea receded, during the Quaternary era, the landscape acquired its current features through the effect of erosion (rain, winds, fluvial erosion). As a result, the landscape is dominated by slopes and terraces.
The types of soil found in the area vary greatly:






—


soils formed on river terrasses;










—


soils formed on marns and soft limestone;










—


and soils created by erosion (marns, sand, sandstone or molasse).




The climate in the southern Rhône valley is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and low annual rainfall, while the climate in the north is moderate and continental, with the same level of rainfall as in the south.
It rains mainly in autumn and in late winter.
During the vine-growing season, evapotranspiration is offset only by infrequent rainfall, occurring as storms in summer. The shortage of water gradually depletes soil water reserves, slowing and ultimately stopping plant growth.
The climate is also strongly influenced by the Mistral, a dry and often violent northerly wind. The Mistral blows for 120 days a year on average, clearing the sky and ensuring plenty of sunshine, always in excess of 2 500 hours per year. The mountains and hills framing the valley create a corridor effect that reinforces wind speeds (Rhône corridor Venturi effect).
The controlled designation of origin was recognised in 1937. The ‘Côtes du Rhône’ controlled designation of origin lies at the heart of France’s second largest wine-growing region by surface area. It is as significant to the wider wine-growing region as the river Rhône is to the landscape.
Some 1,5 million hectolitres, including 60 000 hectolitres of rosé wine and 45 000 hectolitres of white wine, were produced in 2010.
Production mainly occurs in the southern part of the geographical area, between Avignon and Donzère, while in the north, the main focus of production is the ‘Crus des Côtes du Rhône’ controlled designations of origin. However, natural factors and plant-growing expertise in the area of the wine-growing region north of the ‘Montélimar latitude’ (44°33') imply adjusting the variety mix and the rules on grape ripening within the ‘Côtes du Rhône’ area.
8.2.   Causal interactions

The ‘Côtes du Rhône’ wine-growing area is uniquely diverse, the result of long-standing and shared expertise coming together to gradually create a community of producers keen to preserve the unity brought by the river, while respecting the specific identities of the various microregions comprising or bordering the area.
The wines produced thus bear witness to and are the result of a ‘unique diversity’ that producers have been able to harness, adapting the variety mix and selecting the best plots to take advantage of the favourable climate and the presence of the Rhône.
Historically, the Grenache N variety was found in the southern part of the geographical area, while the Syrah N variety, less demanding in terms of its overall temperature needs, was favoured in the north. The range of varieties available to the winegrowers has enabled them to optimise where varieties are grown according to the soil type and exposure of each parcel.
The Rhône valley has a climate well suited to growing vines, due to the ‘cleansing’ effect of the Mistral – the violent cold and dry wind that protects the vines from fungal diseases – the abundant sunshine which provides good ripening conditions for the grapes, and the right level and concentration of rainfall, which is also linked to the frequent Mistral winds.
This specific climate produces generous, deeply coloured and well-structured red wines with fruity aromatic notes. Furthermore, it brings out floral aromas in white and rosé wines.
Since the time of Greek colonisation the Rhône valley has provided a major maritime and later rail and land route for the wine trade and has allowed the wine-growing tradition to be upheld for more than two millennia.
The identity of the ‘Côtes du Rhône’ family of wines has been created by the combination of the know-how of the producers, acquired down the generations, and the land available to them, comprising a selection of demarcated parcels. It has been possible to create within this family the separate controlled designation of origin ‘Côtes du Rhône Villages’, which may or may not be followed by a supplementary geographical designation, and the controlled designations of origin ‘Crus des Côtes du Rhône’ in both the southern and northern parts of the geographical area.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)


Wine presentation and labelling rules

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






(a)


Wines eligible to bear the term ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’ must also state the vintage.










(b)


The labels of wines bearing the controlled designation of origin may specify the larger geographical unit ‘Vignobles de la Vallée du Rhône’ under the conditions set out in the agreement signed between the protection and management bodies concerned. This information must appear in the same visual field as all the mandatory details and must be printed in the same font and colour as the designation, provided that it is no bigger than two thirds of the size of the designation.










(c)


The names of the varieties of interest for adaptation purposes, i.e. Carignan B, Floréal B, Rolle B, Vidoc N, may not appear on the labelling.





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 and development of the wines, is made up of the territory of the following municipalities, on the basis of the 2022 Official Geographic Code:






—


Department of Ardèche: Alboussière, Arlebosc, Baix, Beauchastel, Bidon, Boffres, Bogy, Champis, Charmes-sur-Rhône, Cheminas, Colombier-le-Cardinal, Eclassan, Etables, Flaviac, Gilhac-et-Bruzac, Gras, Labastide-de-Virac, Peaugres, Plats, Le Pouzin, Quintenas, Rompon, Saint-Barthélemy-le-Plain, Saint-Cierge-la-Serre, Saint-Cyr, Saint-Georges-les-Bains, Saint-Laurent-du-Pape, Saint-Montan, Saint-Remèze, Saint-Romain-d’Ay, Saint-Romain-de-Lerps, Saint-Symphorien-sous-Chomérac, Saint-Vincent-de-Durfort, Savas, Soyons, Thorrenc, Vernosc-lès-Annonay, Vinzieux, La Voulte-sur-Rhône;










—


Department of Drôme: Albon, Aleyrac, Allex, Ambonil, Andancette, Aubres, La Baume-de-Transit, Beausemblant, Benivay-Ollon, Bourg-lès-Valence, Chamaret, Chantemerle-les-Blés, Chantemerle-les-Grignan, Châteauneuf-de-Bordette, Châteauneuf-sur-Isère, Chavannes, Clansayes, Clérieux, Colonzelle, Condorcet, Donzère, Etoile-sur-Rhône, La Garde-Adhémar, Grane, Granges-les-Beaumont, Les Granges-Gontardes, Grignan, Laveyron, Loriol-sur-Drôme, Mercurol-Veaunes (only the territory of the delegated municipality of Veaunes), Montaulieu, Montjoux, Montoison, Montségur-sur-Lauzon, La Penne-sur-l’Ouvèze, Pierrelatte, Pierrelongue, Le Poët-Laval, Les Pilles, Ponsas, Propiac, Roche-Saint-Secret-Beconne, Roussas, Saint-Barthélemy-de-Vals, Saint-Donat-sur-l’Herbasse, Saint-Gervais-sur-Roubion, Saint-Jean-de-Galaure (only the territory of the delegated municipality of La Motte-de-Galaure), Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, Saint-Rambert-d’Albon, Saint-Restitut, Saint-Uze, Saint-Vallier, Salles-sous-Bois, Solérieux, Teyssières, Triors, Valaurie, Valence;










—


Department of Gard: Les Angles, Argilliers, La Bastide-d’Engras, Beaucaire, Bellegarde, La Capelle-et-Masmolène, Collias, Flaux, Le Garn, Goudargues, Issirac, Jonquières-Saint-Vincent, Meynes, Pougnadoresse (excluding Section A of the land register updated for 1934), Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis, Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard, Saint-Christol-de-Rodières, Saint-Laurent-la-Vernède, Salazac, Sernhac, Vallabrix, Verfeuil, Vers-Pont-du-Gard;










—


Department of Isère: Chonas-l’Amballan, Les Côtes d’Arey, Le-Péage-de-Roussillon, Reventin-Vaugris, Les Roches-de-Condrieu, Sablons, Saint-Alban-du-Rhône, Saint-Clair-du-Rhône, Saint-Maurice-l’Exil, Salaise-sur-Sanne, Seyssuel, Vienne;










—


Department of Loire: Bessey, La Chapelle-Villars, Chuyer, Lupe, Maclas, Pélussin, Roisey, Saint-Romain-en-Jarez;










—


Department of Rhône: Les Haies, Loire-sur-Rhône, Longes, Sainte-Colombe, Saint-Romain-en-Gal;










—


Department of Vaucluse: Althen-les-Paluds, Aubignan, Le Barroux, Beaumont-du-Ventoux, Bédoin, Blauvac, Brantes, Caderousse, Caromb, Carpentras, Cavaillon, Le Crestet, Crillon-le-Brave, Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue, Entrechaux, Flassan, Lamotte-du-Rhône, Lapalud, Loriol-du-Comtat, Malaucène, Malemort-du-Comtat, Mazan, Méthamis, Modène, Monteux, Mormoiron, Pernes-les-Fontaines, Le Pontet, Saint-Hippolyte-le-Graveyron, Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux, Saint-Pierre-de-Vassols, Savoillan, Le Thor, Villes-sur-Auzon.





Area in immediate proximity (cont.)

Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area
Description of the condition:






—


Department of Isère: Chonas-l’Amballan, Le-Péage-de-Roussillon, Reventin-Vaugris, Les Roches-de-Condrieu, Sablons, Saint-Alban-du-Rhône, Saint-Clair-du-Rhône, Saint-Maurice-l’Exil, Salaise-sur-Sanne, Seyssuel, Vienne;










—


Department of Loire: Bessey, La Chapelle-Villars, Chuyer, Lupe, Maclas, Pélussin, Roisey, Saint-Romain-en-Jarez;










—


Department of Rhône: Les Haies, Loire-sur-Rhône, Longes, Sainte-Colombe, Saint-Romain-en-Gal;










—


Department of Vaucluse: Althen-les-Paluds, Aubignan, Le Barroux, Beaumont-du-Ventoux, Caderousse, Caromb, Carpentras, Cavaillon, Le Crestet, Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue, Entrechaux, Lamotte-du-Rhône, Lapalud, Loriol-du-Comtat, Malaucène, Mazan, Monteux, Pernes-les-Fontaines, Le Pontet, Saint-Hippolyte-le-Graveyron, Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux, Le Thor.





Area in immediate proximity (cont.)

Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area
Description of the condition:






—


Department of Drôme: Albon, Aleyrac, Allex, Ambonil, Andancette, Aubres, La Baume-de-Transit, Beausemblant, Benivay-Ollon, Bourg-lès-Valence, Chamaret, Chantemerle-les-Blés, Chantemerle-les-Grignan, Châteauneuf-de-Bordette, Châteauneuf-sur-Isère, Chavannes, Clansayes, Clérieux, Colonzelle, Condorcet, Donzère, Etoile-sur-Rhône, La Garde-Adhémar, Grane, Granges-les-Beaumont, Les Granges-Gontardes, Grignan, Laveyron, Loriol-sur-Drôme, Montjoux, Montoison, Montaulieu, Montségur-sur-Lauzon, La Motte-de-Galaure, La Penne-sur-l’Ouvèze, Pierrelatte, Pierrelongue, Le Poët-Laval, Les Pilles, Ponsas, Propiac, Roche-Saint-Secret-Beconne, Roussas, Saint-Barthélemy-de-Vals, Saint Donat sur l’Herbasse, Saint-Gervais-sur-Roubion, Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, Saint-Rambert-d’Albon, Saint-Restitut, Saint-Uze, Saint-Vallier, Salles-sous-Bois, Solérieux, Teyssières, Triors, Valaurie, Valence, Veaunes;










—


Department of Gard: Les Angles, Argilliers, La Bastide-d’Engras, Beaucaire, Bellegarde, La Capelle-et-Masmolène, Collias, Flaux, Le Garn, Goudargues, Issirac, Jonquières-Saint-Vincent, Meynes, Montfaucon, Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis, Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard, Saint-Christol-de-Rodières, Saint-Laurent-la-Vernède, Salazac, Sernhac, Vallabrix, Verfeuil, Vers-Pont-du-Gard.





Link to the product specification


https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-6eb78f58-4ff6-4404-90d9-959067933433



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


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/6185/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)