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: 2026-05-08
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: France, Occitanie, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, white wine








C_202602590EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2026/2590


8.5.2026






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/2026/2590)

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

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


‘Duché d’Uzès’


EU reference number: PDO-FR-A1165-AM02 – 9.2.2026
                  

1.   Name of product

‘Duché d’Uzès’
2.   Geographical indication type







☑


PDO










☐


PGI










☐


GI




3.   Sector







☐


Agricultural products










☑


Wines










☐


Spirit drinks




4.   Country to which the geographical area belongs

France
5.   National authority communicating the standard amendment


Name

Ministry of Agriculture, Agri-food and Forestry – Directorate-General for the Economic and Environmental Performance of Enterprises – Office for Wines and Other Drinks
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 reason is that these amendments are not considered as Union amendments within the meaning of Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. More specifically, they:






(a)


do not amend the name, the use of the name, or the products or categories of product designated by the geographical indication;










(b)


do not risk voiding the link to the geographical area described in the single document;










(c)


do not entail further restrictions on the marketing of the product.




7.   Description of the approved standard amendment(s)


Title

Geographical area

Description

Chapter I, point IV(1) ‘Geographical area’ of the specification has been amended to remove the municipality of Saint-Jean-du-Pin in the department of Gard and add 10 municipalities from the department of Gard adjacent to the current boundaries: ‘Argilliers, Collias, Domessargues, Euzet, Mauressargues, Montagnac, Quissac, Saint-Hippolyte-de-Caton, Saint-Just-et-Vacquières, Vers-Pont-du-Gard’.
The revision of the geographical area was carried out at the request of the protection and management body to take account of the long-standing practices observed in these municipalities. It was conducted using the initial demarcation criteria applied when establishing the boundaries of the geographical area of the PDO. The municipalities come within the former perimeter of the Vin de pays Duché d’Uzès, with sufficiently large areas under vines which meet the PDO demarcation criteria and show consistency in terms of grape variety.
The municipality of ‘Saint-Jean-du-Pin’, bordering the northern edge of the area, has been removed because it was not used for wine-growing and had no vineyards.
The area in immediate proximity has not changed.
The single document has been amended under the heading ‘Geographical area’.
The reference to the 2024 Official Geographic Code was added in view of this revision of the geographical area. This amended wording allows the geographical area to be identified with reference to the 2024 version of the Official Geographic Code, which is issued 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 heading ‘Geographical area’.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Area in immediate proximity

Description

The reference to the 2024 Official Geographic Code has been added, unchanged, to point IV(3) ‘Area in immediate proximity’ of Chapter I of the specification. This editorial amendment allows the geographical area to be identified with reference to the 2024 version of the Official Geographic Code, issued by INSEE, and gives the definition of the geographical area legal certainty.
The single document has been updated with this reference under the heading ‘Additional conditions – area in immediate proximity’.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Rules on vine varieties and blends

Description

Point V ‘Vine varieties’ of Chapter I of the specification has been amended to simplify the rules on vine varieties for rosé and white wines, with the hallmark varieties of the PDO (Viognier and Grenache blanc B for white wines, Grenache noir N and Syrah N for red and rosé wines) remaining in the majority. An overall reduction of 10 % has been applied to the proportion of certain main varieties in the rules on vine varieties (Grenache blanc B for white wines and Grenache noir N for rosé wines), while preserving the identity of the wines.






—


Clairette B for white wines has been changed from a secondary variety to a supplementary variety and therefore becomes an obligatory vine variety, as are Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino B. Only Ugni blanc remains secondary and non-obligatory in the variety mix.










—


Introduction of an exemption to the rules on planting proportions for small holdings which do not make their own wine.










—


Introduction of a period of 5 years for compliance with the rules on vine varieties in the event of a change in structure.




Point IX ‘Processing Production, etc.’ of Chapter I of the specification has also been amended to adapt the rules on blending to the rules on vine varieties in order to keep the main varieties in the majority in the blends.
These amendments to the rules on vine varieties and blending do not affect the single document.






☐


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Pruning rules

Description

Subparagraph 1(b) ‘Pruning rules’ of VI ‘Vineyard management’ in Chapter I of the specification has been amended in order to extend the possibility of cane pruning to the Viognier variety, which is not very productive, and to allow for adaptation to global warming.
This amendment has been added to the single document, under the heading ‘Winemaking practices’.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Training systems – Agri-environmental provisions

Description

Chapter I of the specification has been supplemented under point VI ‘Vineyard management’ to include environmental practices which make it possible to preserve the characteristics of the physical and biological environment, which is a fundamental part of the terroir.
The added provisions are:






—


chemical weed control is prohibited on the parcel and on headlands;










—


the use of plastic mulching in planting is forbidden.




Those provisions have also been added to the single document, under ‘Winemaking practices’.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Provision on the circulation of products before the date of placing on the market for the consumer

Description

Point IX ‘Processing, production, maturation, packaging, storage’ of Chapter I of the specification has been amended to delete the date from which the wines may circulate between merchants and traders, before the date on which the wines are made available to the consumer. This date has been removed in order to allow wines to circulate between all operators and to remove any risk of unfair competition.
The deletion of this provision does not affect the single document.






☐


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Additional labelling term

Description

Point XII ‘Presentation and labelling rules’ of Chapter I of the specification has been supplemented to add the labelling conditions for the broader term ‘Vignoble de la Vallée du Rhône’. This information must appear in the same visual field as all the mandatory details, be printed in characters of the same graphic design and colour as those of the designation, and be no bigger than two thirds of the size of the designation.
These additional labelling conditions have been moved to the point ‘Supplementary conditions – Additional labelling information’ of the single document.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Updating of figures in the link with the geographical area

Description

Point X ‘Link with the geographical area’ of Chapter I of the specification has been amended to update production figures for the 2023 harvest instead of the 2010 harvest.
These figures have also been updated in the section ‘Link with the geographical area’ of the single document.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Deletion of an obsolete transitional measure

Description

Point XI ‘Transitional measures’ of Chapter I of the specification has been amended to remove a now obsolete transitional measure concerning the proportion of the white varieties Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino until the 2022 harvest.
This provision does not affect the single document.






☐


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Reporting requirements

Description

Chapter II ‘Reporting obligations’ of the specification has been simplified and brought into line with the control plan. These provisions have been amended to bring them into line with the arrangements for monitoring the designation.
These provisions do not affect the single document.






☐


The amendment affects the single document.




SINGLE DOCUMENT

Designations of origin and geographical indications of wines


‘Duché d’Uzès’


EU reference number: PDO-FR-A1165-AM02 – 9.2.2026
                  

1.   Name(s)

‘Duché d’Uzès’
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 products as listed in Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013







1.


Wine




6.   Description of the wine(s)


Grapevine product

Red wines

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The colour of the red wines varies from ruby to garnet and can take on russet tones upon maturation. They have a strong to intense colour, and are clear wines.

Aroma/Nose

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.

Taste/Palate

Their tannic, round and balanced structure ensures that they will be suitable for ageing.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

The red wines come from a blend in which Syrah N and Grenache N predominate and may be supplemented by the Carignan N, Cinsault N and Mourvèdre N varieties.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




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

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 12 %.
After fermentation, the red wines with a maximum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14 % have a maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of 3 g/l.
After fermentation, red wines with natural alcoholic strength by volume exceeding 14 % have a maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of 4 g/l.
Batches of red wines ready to be marketed in bulk or bottled must have a malic acid content that does not exceed 0,4 g/l.






☑


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





Grapevine product

Rosé wines

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

They range in colour from lychee pink to coral. They are bright, luminous and clear.

Aroma/Nose

Their aromatic palette is reminiscent of red fruit.

Taste/Palate

They are harmonious, fresh and powerful. Their freshness is determined by the location of the geographical area in the foothills of the Cévennes.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

The rosé wines are blended wines, with Grenache N as the dominant variety.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




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

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 12 %.
After fermentation, the wines have a maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of 4 g/l.






☑


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





Grapevine product

White wines

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The white wines have a pale gold colour, with tints of green.

Aroma/Nose

The white wines have intense notes of fresh fruit on the palate, such as peach or apricot.

Taste/Palate

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.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

The white wines are produced from a main blend of Grenache Blanc B and Viognier B.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




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

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 12 %.
After fermentation, the wines have a maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of 4 g/l.






☑


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

Density

Type of oenological practice:

Winemaking restriction
Description:






—


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










—


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.





Winemaking practice

Pruning

Type of oenological practice:

Winemaking restriction
Description:






—


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 N and Viognier B varieties 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.





Winemaking practice

Cultivation methods

Type of oenological practice:

Winemaking restriction
Description:






—


Irrigation may be authorised.










—


To preserve the characteristics of the physical and biological environment, which is a fundamental part of the terroir:






—


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;










—


chemical weed control is prohibited on headlands;










—


the total chemical weed control of the parcels is forbidden;










—


the use of plastic mulching in planting is forbidden.









Winemaking practice

—

Type of oenological practice:

Specific oenological practice
Description:






—


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










—


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










—


The use of wood chips is forbidden.










—


The rosé wines are produced by direct pressing.










—


The use of continuous presses is prohibited.










—


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.
7.2.   Maximum yields


All wines / category / variety / type

Red wines
Maximum yield:






Maximum yield:


53




Maximum yield unit:


hectolitres per hectare





All wines / category / variety / type

Rosé and white wines
Maximum yield:






Maximum yield:


60




Maximum yield unit:


hectolitres per hectare




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







—


Carignan N










—


Cinsaut N – Cinsault










—


Clairette B










—


Grenache N










—


Grenache Blanc B










—


Marsanne B










—


Mourvèdre N – Monastrell










—


Roussanne B










—


Syrah N – Shiraz










—


Ugni Blanc B










—


Vermentino B – Rolle










—


Viognier B




9.   Concise definition of the demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged in the following municipalities of the department of Gard, based on the 2024 Official Geographic Code:
Aigaliers, Aigremont, Argilliers, Arpaillargues-et-Aureillac, Aubussargues, Bagard, Baron, La Bastide-d’Engras, Belvézet, Blauzac, Bourdic, Bragassargues, Brignon, La Bruguière, La Calmette, Canaules-et-Argentières, La Capelle-et-Masmolène, Cardet, Cassagnoles, Castelnau-Valence, Collias, Collorgues, Cruviers-Lascours, Dions, Domessargues, Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac, Euzet, Flaux, Foissac, Fons, Fontarèches, Fressac, Gajan, Garrigues-Sainte-Eulalie, Goudargues, Lédignan, Lézan, Logrian-Florian, Martignargues, Maruéjols-lès-Gardon, Massanes, Massillargues-Attuech, Mauressargues, Monoblet, Montagnac, Montaren-et-Saint-Médiers, Moussac, Ners, Puechredon, Quissac, Ribaute-les-Tavernes, La Rouvière, Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis, Saint-Bauzély, Saint-Bénézet, Saint-Césaire-de-Gauzignan, Saint-Chaptes, Saint-Christol-lès-Alès, Saint-Dézéry, Saint-Félix-de-Pallières, Saint-Hippolyte-de-Caton, Saint-Hippolyte-de-Montaigu, Saint-Jean-de-Ceyrargues, Saint-Jean-de-Crieulon, Saint-Jean-de-Serres, Saint-Just-et-Vacquières, Saint-Laurent-la-Vernède, Saint-Maurice-de-Cazevieille, Saint-Maximin, Saint-Nazaire-des-Gardies, Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, Saint-Siffret, Saint-Théodorit, Saint-Victor-des-Oules, Sainte-Anastasie, Sanilhac-Sagriès, Sauve, Savignargues, Serviers-et-Labaume, Seynes, Tornac, Uzès, Vallabrix, Verfeuil, Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Vézénobres.
10.   Link with the geographical area


Categories of grapevine product







1.


Wine





Summary of the link


Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The ‘Duché d’Uzès’ PDO area extends between Nîmes and Alès over 86 municipalities in the department of Gard, with the town of Uzès located in its eastern part. It comprises two contiguous basins:






—


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










—


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




The area as a 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 regions of Nîmes, Sommières, and the Rhône valley. Lastly, the Gardon river, which is an important part of the local hydrographic network, crosses the area from the north-west to the south-east. The geographical area lies on limestone substrates for the most part, 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 the ‘Cévenol’ storms).
The geographical area thus covers a wholly mixed-crop terrain, where vines are omnipresent on the slopes, and where the natural vegetation is mainly split between evergreen oak and downy oak, reflecting the transitional climate of the area.

Description of the human factors relevant to the geographical link

Over the centuries, vines have marked the history and agricultural life of the Uzès region and there is 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 that 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 holding two occupations, 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 boosts the authenticity of the wines.
The vineyards will be restructured using the most noble Mediterranean varieties, namely Syrah N and Grenache N for the red and rosé wines, and Grenache Blanc B and Viognier B for the white wines. In 2023, 10 500 hectolitres were claimed by 40 private wineries and 6 cooperative wineries; red wines accounted for 54 % of production, rosé wines for 17 % and white wines for 29 %.

Causal interactions

The transitional Mediterranean climate of the particular geographical location of the PDO Duché d’Uzès, at the meeting point between the 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 two varieties, for both the red and the rosé wines, is obligatory and ensues the originality of the ‘Duché d’Uzès’ wines.
The producers’ know-how is shown in how they manage the plants, through full mastery of their vigour and fruiting potential, using moderate yield practices founded on precise rules on pruning and foliage height. This know-how is also shown 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 easier to recognise, a Syndicat bottle featuring the Duché d’Uzès coat of arms was created in 2003. It was soon 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 fertile 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 in evidence 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 medieval houses in its village-like centre.
11.   Further applicable requirements


Title of the requirement/derogation

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the requirement/derogation

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the making and maturing of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Gard, on the basis of the 2024 Official Geographic Code:
Cornillon, Orsan, Pougnadoresse, Pouzilhac and Vabres.

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 labels of wines entitled to the controlled designation of origin can mention the larger geographical unit ‘Vignobles de la Vallée du Rhône’ in accordance with the conditions specified 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, be printed in characters of the same graphic design and colour as those of the designation, and be no bigger than two thirds of the size of the designation.

Electronic (URL) reference to publication of the product specification


https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/boagri/document_administratif-b2da2023-1541-41ad-a6cd-7fec96b2fdee



(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/2026/2590/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)