Publication of the communication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a geographical indication in accordance with Article 5(4) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27
Date: 2026-04-09
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: France, Occitanie, 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_202602094EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2026/2094


9.4.2026






Publication of the communication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a geographical indication in accordance with Article 5(4) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27 (1)

(C/2026/2094)

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

(Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143)



                     ‘Alpilles’
                  


EU reference number: PGI-FR-A1197-AM02 – 26.1.2026
                  

1.   Name of product


               ‘Alpilles’
            
2.   Geographical indication type







☐


PDO










☑


PGI










☐


GI




3.   Sector







☐


Agricultural products










☑


Wines










☐


Spirit drinks




4.   Country to which the geographical area belongs

France
5.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment


Name

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Directorate-General for the Economic and Environmental Performance of Enterprises
6.   Qualification as standard amendment

The French authorities consider that the application meets the requirements of Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013 and (EU) 2024/1143.
The amendments to this product specification are standard amendments as defined in Article 24(4) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
The application for an amendment to the PGI does not involve any of the three situations constituting a Union amendment; specifically, it does not:






(a)


include a change in the name or in the use of the name, or in the category of product or products designated by the geographical indication;










(b)


risk voiding the link to the geographical area;










(c)


entail further restrictions on the marketing of the product.




The French authorities therefore consider that the application is for a standard amendment.
7.   Description of the approved standard amendment(s)


Title

Geographical areas in which the operations take place

Description

In Chapter 1 of the product specification, point 4 ‘Geographical area’ has been amended to include a reference to the 2025 Official Geographic Code.
This editorial amendment allows the geographical area to be identified with reference to the 2025 version of the Official Geographic Code, which is updated by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), and gives the delimitation of the geographical area legal certainty.
The single document has been amended under the heading ‘Geographical area’.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Declaration requirement

Description

In Chapter 2, point 1 ‘Declaration requirements’ has been amended to give 31 January of the year following the harvest as the deadline for the harvest declaration and/or production declaration. The volumes declared by that date constitute the maximum volume eligible for the PGI.
This deadline for the harvest declaration to be taken into account is common to all PGIs in the region and is intended to stabilise the PGI segment at regional level and ensure greater clarity with regard to the volumes placed on the market.
This amendment does not affect the single document.






☐


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Inspection authority

Description

In Chapter 3 of the product specification, point 2, concerning the details of the inspection structure, has been simplified 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 National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO), which is the inspection authority.
This update does not affect the single document.






☐


The amendment affects the single document.




SINGLE DOCUMENT

Designations of origin and geographical indications of wine



                     ‘Alpilles’
                  


EU reference number: PGI-FR-A1197-AM02 – 26.1.2026
                  

1.   Name(s)


               ‘Alpilles’
            
2.   Geographical indication type







☐


PDO










☑


PGI










☐


GI




3.   Country to which the demarcated geographical area belongs

France
4.   Classification of the agricultural product in accordance with the Combined Nomenclature heading and code, as referred to in Article 6(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143


               2204  – Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must other than that of heading 2009
5.   Categories of grapevine product as listed in Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013







1.


Wine




6.   Description of the wine or wines


Grapevine product

Still red, rosé and white wines

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The red wines are a dark, reddish-purple colour, with violet tints.
The white wines are notable for their green tints.
The rosé wines are muted in colour, with pearly tints.

Aroma

The red wines are always very harmonious and very fragrant. Depending on the grape varieties used, they may possess different aromas – liquorice, red fruits (particularly raspberry) or spice – complemented by toasted notes.
The white wines have an expressive nose, with aromas of citrus fruit and citron, or fresh plant matter and thiol.
The rosé wines are aromatic. Depending on the grape varieties and the winemaking methods used, they may have dried fruit or thiol aromas.

Taste

The red wines are always very harmonious and very fragrant, with a full, generous structure that gives them good ageing potential. Depending on the grape varieties used, they may possess different aromas – liquorice, red fruits (particularly raspberry) or spice – complemented by toasted notes. Their tannins are smooth and silky.
The white wines are fresh and tart, with aromas of citrus fruit and citron, or fresh plant matter and thiol. If aged in barrels, they may possess a rounder, more complex character, with honey and patisserie aromas.
The rosé wines are fine and very supple, with a mild acidity that gives them great balance. Depending on the grape varieties and the winemaking methods used, they may have dried fruit or thiol aromas.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

The red wines are fragrant, with a full, generous structure. The white and rosé wines are aromatic, fine and very supple, with low acidity.
The wines are made from a selection of grape varieties that is often original and diverse. The white varieties include Roussanne B, Marsanne B and Viognier B, which are typical of the Rhône valley, as well as Provençal varieties, such as Vermentino B (or Rolle) or Clairette B, which broaden the range of wines.
As for red or coloured grape varieties, Syrah N and Grenache N are very widespread but there is also a significant proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety that has adapted particularly well to the natural environment of the Alpilles. The list also includes red varieties traditionally grown in Provence, such as Carignan N, Cinsaut N and Counoise N.
There are also specific varieties that have been introduced to the area from other winemaking regions, such as Chardonnay and Petit Verdot, as well as specific varieties created by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) for Mediterranean climates, such as Chasan, Marselan and Caladoc.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


9




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


—




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

—






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.




7.   Winemaking practices

7.1.   Specific oenological practices used to make the wine or wines, relevant restrictions on making them


Winemaking practice

—

Type of oenological practice

Specific oenological practice

Description

The oenological practices used to make the wines must comply with EU regulations.
7.2.   Maximum yields


All wines / category / variety / type

Still red, rosé and white wines
Maximum yield:






Maximum yield:


90




Maximum yield unit:


hectolitres per hectare




8.   Indication of the wine grape variety or varieties from which the wine or wines are produced







—


Alicante Henri Bouschet N










—


Aramon N










—


Arinarnoa N










—


Aubun N – Murescola










—


Barbaroux Rs










—


Bourboulenc B – Doucillon Blanc










—


Cabernet Franc N










—


Cabernet-Sauvignon N










—


Caladoc N










—


Carignan N










—


Carignan Blanc B










—


Chardonnay B










—


Chasan B










—


Chenanson N










—


Chenin B










—


Cinsaut N – Cinsault










—


Clairette B










—


Cot N – Malbec










—


Counoise N










—


Egiodola N










—


Grenache N










—


Grenache Blanc B










—


Grenache Gris G










—


Macabeu B – Macabeo










—


Marsanne B










—


Marselan N










—


Merlot N










—


Mourvèdre N – Monastrell










—


Muscardin N










—


Muscat d’Alexandrie B – Muscat, Moscato










—


Muscat de Hambourg N – Muscat, Moscato










—


Muscat à petits grains blancs B – Muscat, Moscato










—


Muscat à petits grains rouges Rg – Muscat, Moscato










—


Nielluccio N – Nielluciu










—


Petit Manseng B










—


Petit Verdot N










—


Pinot Gris G










—


Pinot Noir N










—


Rosé du Var Rs










—


Roussanne B










—


Rousseli Rs










—


Sauvignon B – Sauvignon Blanc










—


Sauvignon Gris G










—


Sciaccarello N










—


Semillon B










—


Syrah N – Shiraz










—


Tannat N










—


Tempranillo N










—


Tibouren N










—


Ugni Blanc B










—


Vermentino B – Rolle










—


Viognier B




9.   Concise definition of the demarcated geographical area

The wines are made from grapes grown on parcels located within the following municipalities of the department of Bouches-du-Rhône, based on the 2025 Official Geographic Code:
Aureille, Les Baux-de-Provence, Châteaurenard, Eygalières, Eyguières, Eyragues, Fontvieille, Lamanon, Mas-Blanc-des-Alpilles, Maussane-les-Alpilles, Mollégès, Mouriès, Noves, Orgon, Paradou, Saint-Etienne-du-Grès, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Sénas and Tarascon.
Wines covered by the ‘Alpilles’ geographical indication must be made and developed within the following municipalities, based on the 2025 Official Geographic Code:
Department of Bouches-du-Rhône:
Aureille, Barbentane, Boulbon, Cabannes, Châteaurenard, Eygalières, Eyguières, Eyragues, Fontvieille, Graveson, Lamanon, Les Baux-de-Provence, Maillane, Mas-Blanc-des-Alpilles, Maussane-les-Alpilles, Mollégès, Mouriès, Noves, Orgon, Paradou, Plan d’Orgon, Rognonas, Saint-Andiol, Saint-Etienne-du-Grès, Saint-Pierre-de-Mézoargues, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Sénas, Tarascon and Verquières.
Department of Gard: Beaucaire and Vallabrègues.
Department of Vaucluse: Caumont-sur-Durance and Morières-lès-Avignon.
10.   Link with the geographical area

The causal link with the geographical origin is based on:






☑


reputation










☑


specific quality










☑


other characteristics





Category of grapevine product







1.


Wine





Summary of the link

Located in the north/north-west of the department of Bouches du Rhône, in a triangle bordered by the Rhône to the west, the Durance to the east and the Crau to the south, the area covered by the Alpilles protected geographical indication comprises 33 municipalities, the centremost of which, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, is internationally famous. The area forms a distinct geographical unit on either side of the Alpilles massif.
The Alpilles form a barrier of limestone or limestone-marl rock that stretches for around 30 km from east to west across the north of Bouches-du-Rhône. At the foot of the massif lie scree deposits, clustered in cones of rocky debris that are highly typical of the site. Surrounding the Alpilles are alluvial lands, some of which were formed from old riverbeds of the Rhône and its tributary the Durance (area between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Châteaurenard).
The vines are usually planted on very gravelly and highly porous limestone soils formed from these slope deposits.
Located between the Rhône and the Durance, the beautiful landscape of the Alpilles is famous worldwide, and the Alpilles are one of Provence’s major tourism and heritage sites. The area has a Mediterranean climate; the summers are dry and the times of year when the seasons change are wet. Average temperatures are relatively mild, although large temperature variations are sometimes recorded. There are only between 70 and 80 days of precipitation a year, chiefly occurring in autumn but also, to a lesser degree, in spring. The Alpilles massif receives a considerable amount of sunshine. The climate of the Alpilles is subject to a maritime influence from the south and a more continental influence from the Rhône valley to the north. The mistral, a cold north to north-westerly wind channelled by the Rhône valley, hits the Alpilles with full force as it sweeps across Provence.
The vineyards of the Alpilles lie at the point where two major wine-producing areas meet: the Rhône valley and Provence. This has quite naturally had a significant influence, and the proportion of red wines produced is significantly higher than in other parts of Provence.
The wine is sold mainly by direct sale via the extensive network of private wine cellars and the cellars of the area’s two cooperatives. The producers are constantly striving to increase the quality of their wines and establish the reputation of PGI Alpilles wines as high-end wines.
The proportion of wine types produced differs from the rest of Provence, consisting of nearly 50 % red wines and only 40 % rosé, the remainder being white wines. The winemaking methods used extend slightly beyond the area in which the grapes are grown. The combination of methods inspired by the Rhône valley (for red wines) and Provence (for rosé wines), allied to the use of vine varieties planted in well-drained, sunlit, gravelly limestone soils frequently swept by the mistral wind, which keeps the grapes in sound condition and allows the vineyards to be farmed in an environmentally friendly way, has resulted in the production of wines with specific connotations. Owing to the considerable amount of sunshine and the decent yields obtained from the generally poor soils of the grape-growing area, the grapes ripen very well and can be harvested relatively early. This endows the wines with their typical characteristics, both physical (the colour) and organoleptic (the aromatic richness of the white, rosé and red wines, the tartness of the whites, and the ageing capacity and silky tannins of the reds).
11.   Further applicable requirements


Title of the requirement/derogation

Labelling

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the requirement/derogation

The protected geographical indication ‘Alpilles’ may be supplemented by the name of one or more wine grape varieties.
The protected geographical indication ‘Alpilles’ may be supplemented by the terms ‘primeur’ [early] or ‘nouveau’ [new].
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’.

Electronic (URL) reference to publication of the product specification


https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/boagri/document_administratif-80b34450-60ca-449c-9a03-83774c1af515



(1)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27 of 30 October 2024 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council with rules concerning the registration and the protection of geographical indications, traditional specialities guaranteed and optional quality terms and repealing Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (OJ L, 2025/27, 15.1.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2025/27/oj).


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/2094/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)