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: 2026-07-03
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_202603579EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2026/3579


3.7.2026






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/2026/3579)

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

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


‘Côtes de Bordeaux’


EU reference number: PDO-FR-A0987-AM05 – 2.4.2026
                  

1.   Name of product

‘Côtes de Bordeaux’
2.   Geographical indication type







☑


PDO










☐


PGI




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 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 amendment of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ PDO 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 products or category of 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

Demarcated parcel area of the supplementary geographical designation ‘Cadillac’

Description

The demarcated parcel area of the supplementary geographical designation ‘Cadillac’ has been updated. The date of the national committee granting approval, 11 and 12 June 2025, has been added to the product specification in Section IV ‘Areas and places in which the various operations take place’, 2) ‘Demarcated parcel area’, point c).
The detailed list of municipalities in this section has been removed.






☐


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Demarcated parcel area of the supplementary geographical designation ‘Blaye’

Description

The demarcated parcel area of the supplementary geographical designation ‘Blaye’ has been updated. The date of the national committee granting approval, 12 February 2026, has been added to the product specification in Section IV ‘Areas and places in which the various operations take place’, 2) ‘Demarcated parcel area’, point b).






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Areas and places in which the various operations take place

Description

Section IV, ‘Areas and places in which the various operations take place’, has been reworded. The reference to the Official Geographic Code has been updated to refer to the 2025 version and account has been taken of the digitisation of the areas, which can now be found on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO).
The dates on which the National Institute of Origin and Quality gave approval, during sessions of the national committee, have been added at points a), b), c), d), e) and f) of the product specification, in Section IV, ‘Areas and places in which the various operations take place’, 1) ‘Geographical area’.






☐


The amendment affects the single document.




SINGLE DOCUMENT

Designations of origin and geographical indications of wine


‘Côtes de Bordeaux’


EU reference number: PDO-FR-A0987-AM05 – 2.4.2026
                  

1.   Name(s)

‘Côtes de Bordeaux’
2.   Geographical indication type







☑


PDO










☐


PGI




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 wines

Organoleptic characteristics


Colour

The ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ protected designation of origin is reserved for still red wines.
The supplementary geographical designations ‘Cadillac’, ‘Castillon’, ‘Blaye’, ‘Francs’ and ‘Sainte-Foy’ are reserved for still red wines.

Aroma/nose

Wines with the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ are round, fruity and can be kept for 3 to 10 years.

Taste/mouth

The red wines are often based on Merlot N as the main grape variety, grown on clay-limestone soils that bring out all its specific qualities. Blending with Cabernet Sauvignon N, Cabernet Franc N or Cot N (known locally as Malbec) gives wines that are fruity and supple.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

The red wines of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Blaye’ are elegant and refined with their deep and intense colour, their fruit and the subtlety of their aromas. They are particularly suitable for ageing.
The red wines of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Castillon’ are deep ruby in colour. The aromas express a sense of concentration and depth, often with notes of plum, leather and game, sometimes with fresh touches of forest floor and very ripe red fruits. In the mouth, these wines are fruity, full-bodied and powerful. They are very well suited to ageing.
The red wines of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Cadillac’ are characterised by their deep colour, which is almost black, great aromatic subtlety and round, structured sensation in the mouth. They can be enjoyed when young and fruity, but they deserve to be consumed with age, between 4 and 10 years, or more, when their powerful body mellows and becomes rounded, and their aromas increase in complexity and intensity.
The red wines of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Francs’ are richly coloured and robust with a certain roundness.
The red wines of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Sainte-Foy’ have a strong intensity of colour with an aromatic composition dominated by red fruits. In the mouth, the wine is fully balanced with a touch of freshness at first taste and astringence at the end. Blending with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wines complexity and structure.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


in milliequivalents per litre




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 11 %.
The fermentable sugar content does not exceed 3 grams per litre.
The total alcoholic strength by volume of the wines after enrichment does not exceed 13,5 %.
Malolactic fermentation is mandatory for the red wines. Each batch of red wine, packaged or unpackaged (bulk wines), has a maximum malic acid content of 0,3 grams per litre.
The wines have a maximum volatile acidity content of 13,26 milliequivalents per litre until 31 July of the year following the harvest, and 16,33 milliequivalents per litre after that date.
Before packaging, or when in bulk, the wines have a SO2 content of no more than 140 milligrams per litre.






☑


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





Grapevine product

Still white wines

Organoleptic characteristics


Colour

The supplementary geographical designation ‘Blaye’ is reserved for still dry white wines.
The supplementary geographical designation ‘Francs’ is reserved for still dry white wines and sweet white wines.
The supplementary geographical designation ‘Sainte-Foy’ is reserved for still white wines that can be dry, semi-sweet or sweet.

Aroma/nose

The white wines are generally made from Sauvignon B blended with Semillon B and Muscadelle B. Wines entitled to the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ are fruity.

Taste/mouth

Wines with the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ are round and can be kept for 3 to 10 years.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

The white wines of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Blaye’ are usually characterised by aromas of broom, citrus and yellow fruits.
The dry white wines of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Francs’ are lively at first taste and develop richness and elegance. The white wines with residual sugar of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Francs’ often develop aromas of honey and citrus.
The white wines of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Sainte-Foy’ develop aromas of white flowers and fresh fruits as a result of blending Semillon B with Muscadelle B. Their roundness, combined with a slight acidity, is agreeable on the palate. Long in the mouth, the wines are flavoursome and rich and finish with notes of exotic fruits. Finally, the wines with residual sugar have considerable semi-sweetness with softness and subtlety.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


—




Minimum total acidity:


—




Minimum total acidity unit:


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


—




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


—





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The still dry wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 10,5 %.The fermentable sugar content does not exceed 4 grams per litre. The total alcoholic strength by volume of the wines after enrichment does not exceed 13 %. The wines have a maximum volatile acidity content of 13,26 milliequivalents per litre until 31 July of the year following the harvest, and 16,33 milliequivalents per litre after that date. Before packaging, or when in bulk, the wines have a SO2 content of no more than 180 milligrams per litre.
The still sweet white wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14,5 %. The fermentable sugar content exceeds 51 grams per litre. Before packaging, or when in bulk, the wines have a SO2 content of no more than 400 milligrams per litre. By way of derogation, before packaging and when in bulk, the wines’ volatile acidity content is established by decree.
The semi-sweet white wines with residual sugar are made from grapes harvested with a minimum sugar content of 221 grams per litre of must. These wines have considerable semi-sweetness with softness and subtlety. Natural alcoholic strength by volume: at least 13,5 %. Total alcoholic strength by volume after enrichment: 15 %. Fermentable sugar content between 17 and 45 grams per litre.






☑


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 and spacing

Type of oenological practice

Cultivation practice

Description

The minimum vine planting density is 4 500 plants per hectare. The spacing between rows must not exceed:






—


2,50 metres for Guyot trained vines (single or double) or vines trained on low trellised cordons;










—


3 metres for lyre-trained vines with double trellising. The spacing between plants in the same row must be at least:










—


0,85 metres for Guyot trained vines (single or double) or vines trained on low trellised cordons;










—


0,74 metres for lyre-trained vines with double trellising.





Winemaking practice

Pruning rules

Type of oenological practice

Cultivation practice

Description

Pruning is carried out at the unfolded leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9) at the latest. The vines are pruned using either the spur or the cane pruning method, with a maximum of 45 000 buds per hectare and a maximum of 14 buds per vine.

Winemaking practice

Specific provisions for harvest

Type of oenological practice

Cultivation practice

Description

For sweet white wines, the grapes are harvested by hand in multiple passes.

Winemaking practice

Enrichment

Type of oenological practice

Specific oenological practice

Description

Subtractive enrichment techniques are permitted for the red wines up to a concentration rate of 15 %. After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume does not exceed 13,5 % for the red wines; 13 % for the dry white wines; and 15 % for the semi-sweet white wines. The sweet wines are not subject to any enrichment.
7.2.   Maximum yields


All wines / category / variety / type

Still red wines

Maximum yield







Maximum yield:


65




Maximum yield unit:


hectolitres per hectare





All wines / category / variety / type

Still dry white wines

Maximum yield







Maximum yield:


72




Maximum yield unit:


hectolitres per hectare





All wines / category / variety / type

Still white sweet wines

Maximum yield







Maximum yield:


40




Maximum yield unit:


hectolitres per hectare





All wines / category / variety / type

Still white semi-sweet wines

Maximum yield







Maximum yield:


55




Maximum yield unit:


hectolitres per hectare




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







—


Cabernet Franc N










—


Cabernet-Sauvignon N










—


Côt N - Malbec










—


Merlot N










—


Muscadelle B










—


Sauvignon B - Sauvignon blanc










—


Sauvignon Gris G - Fié gris










—


Semillon B




9.   Concise definition of the demarcated geographical area

1)   Geographical area







(a)


The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and matured in the following municipalities, or parts of municipalities, of the department of Gironde, as approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the session of the competent national committee of 8 June 2016, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 January 2025: Anglade, Bassens, Baurech, Béguey, Belvès-de-Castillon, Berson, Blaye, Bouliac, Braud-et-Saint-Louis, Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cambes, Camblanes-et-Meynac, Campugnan, Capian, Caplong, Carbon-Blanc, Cardan, Carignan-de-Bordeaux, Cars, Cartelègue, Castillon-la-Bataille, Cavignac, Cénac, Cenon, Cézac, Civrac-de-Blaye, Cubnezais, Donnezac, Donzac, Etauliers, Eynesse, Eyrans, Floirac, Fours, Francs, Gabarnac, Gardegan-et-Tourtirac, Générac, Gensac, Haux, Landerrouat, Langoiran, Laroque, Laruscade, Latresne, Lestiac-sur-Garonne, Les Lèves-et-Thoumeyragues, Ligueux, Lormont, Loupiac, Marcenais, Margueron, Marsas, Massugas, Mazion, Monprimblanc, Omet, Paillet, Pellegrue, Pessac-sur-Dordogne, Pineuilh, Plassac, Pleine-Selve, the part of the municipality of Pugnac that belonged to Lafosse before they merged on 1 July 1974, the part of the municipality of Puisseguin that belonged to Monbadon before they merged on 1 January 1989, Quinsac, Reignac, Riocaud, Rions, La Roquille, Saint-André-et-Appelles, Saint-Androny, Saint-Aubin-de-Blaye, Saint-Avit-de-Soulège, Saint-Avit-Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, Saint-Christoly-de-Blaye, Saint-Cibard, Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde, Saint-Genès-de-Blaye, Saint-Genès-de-Castillon, Saint-Germain-de-Grave, Saint-Girons-d’Aiguevives, Saint-Magne-de-Castillon, Saint-Maixant, Saint-Mariens, Saint-Martin-Lacaussade, Saint-Palais, Saint-Paul, Saint-Philippe-d’Aiguille, Saint-Philippe-du-Seignal, Saint-Quentin-de-Caplong, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Saint-Savin, Saint-Seurin-de-Cursac, Saint-Vivien-de-Blaye, Saint-Yzan-de-Soudiac, Sainte-Colombe, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Sainte-Eulalie, Les Salles-de-Castillon, Saugon, Semens, Tabanac, Tayac, Le Tourne, Val-de-Livenne, Verdelais, Villenave-de-Rions and Yvrac.










(b)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Blaye’, the grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and matured in the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, as approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the session of the competent national committee of 5 March 2009, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 January 2025: Anglade, Berson, Blaye, Braud-et-Saint-Louis, Campugnan, Cars, Cartelègue, Cavignac, Cézac, Civrac-de-Blaye, Cubnezais, Donnezac, Etauliers, Eyrans, Fours, Générac, Laruscade, Marcenais, Marsas, Mazion, Plassac, Pleine-Selve, the part of the municipality of Pugnac that belonged to Lafosse before they merged on 1 July 1974, Reignac, Saint-Androny, Saint-Aubin-de-Blaye, Saint-Christoly-de-Blaye, Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde, Saint-Genès-de Blaye, Saint-Girons-d’Aiguevives, Saint-Mariens, Saint-Martin-Lacaussade, Saint-Palais, Saint-Paul, Saint Savin, Saint-Seurin-de-Cursac, Saint-Vivien-de-Blaye, Saint-Yzan-de-Soudiac, Saugon and Val-de-Livenne.










(c)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Cadillac’, the grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and matured in the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, as approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the session of the competent national committee of 5 March 2009, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 January 2025: Bassens, Baurech, Béguey, Bouliac, Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cambes, Camblanes-et-Meynac, Capian, Carbon-Blanc, Cardan, Carignan-de-Bordeaux, Cénac, Cenon, Donzac, Floirac, Gabarnac, Haux, Langoiran, Laroque, Latresne, Lestiac-sur-Garonne, Lormont, Loupiac, Monprimblanc, Omet, Paillet, Quinsac, Rions, Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Sainte-Eulalie, Saint-Germain-de-Grave, Saint-Maixant, Semens, Tabanac, Le Tourne, Verdelais, Villenave-de-Rions and Yvrac.










(d)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Castillon’, the grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and matured in the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, as approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the session of the competent national committee of 5 March 2009, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 January 2025: Belvès-de-Castillon, Castillon-la-Bataille, Gardegan-et-Tourtirac, Les Salles-de-Castillon, the part of the municipality of Puisseguin that belonged to Monbadon before they merged on 1 January 1989, Sainte-Colombe, Saint-Genès-de-Castillon, Saint-Magne-de-Castillon and Saint-Philippe-d’Aiguille.










(e)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Franc’, the grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and matured in the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, as approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the session of the competent national committee of 5 March 2009, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 January 2025: Francs, Saint-Cibard and Tayac.










(f)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Sainte-Foy’, the grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and matured in the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, as approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the session of the competent national committee of 8 June 2016, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 January 2025: Caplong, Eynesse, Gensac, Landerrouat, Les Lèves-et-Thoumeyragues, Ligueux, Margueron, Massugas, Pellegrue, Pessac-sur-Dordogne, Pineuilh, Riocaud, La Roquille, Saint-André-et-Appelles, Saint-Avit-de-Soulège, Saint-Avit-Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Philippe-du-Seignal, Saint-Quentin-de-Caplong and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande.




Maps of the geographical area can be viewed on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality.
2)   Demarcated parcel area







(a)


For the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’, the wines are made exclusively from vines situated on the parcels of the production areas laid down at b), c), d) and e), or on the parcels identified in accordance with f) as follows.










(b)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Blaye’, the wines are made exclusively from vines situated on the parcels of the production area as approved for the protected designation of origin ‘Premières Côtes de Blaye’ by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the sessions of the competent national committee on the following dates: 31 May 1991 for the municipalities of Berson, Blaye, Cars, Civrac-de-Blaye, Eyrans, Fours, Marcenais, Mazion, Saint-Androny, Saint-Genès-de-Blaye, Saint-Martin-Lacaussade, Saint-Seurin-de-Cursac and Saint-Yzan-de-Soudiac; 4 November 1992 for the municipality of Cavignac; 7 November 2013 for the municipality of Reignac; 3 May 2017 for the municipalities of Laruscade, Marsas, Plassac, Saint-Mariens and Saugon; and 12 February 2026 for the municipalities of Anglade, Braud-et-Saint-Louis, Campugnan, Cartelègue, Cézac, Cubnezais, Donnezac, Etauliers, Générac, Pleine-Selve, the part of the municipality of Pugnac that belonged to Lafosse before they merged on 1 July 1974, Saint-Aubin-de-Blaye, Saint-Christoly-de-Blaye, Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde, Saint-Girons-d’Aiguevives, Saint-Palais, Saint-Paul, Saint-Savin, Saint-Vivien-de-Blaye and Val-de-Livenne.










(c)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Cadillac’, the wines are made from vine situated on parcels in the production area for the protected designation of origin ‘Premières Côtes de Bordeaux’ as approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the meetings of the relevant national committee on 7 and 8 November 2002, 8 and 9 November 2006, 5 March 2009, 10 and 11 February 2010, 5 November 2015, 3 May 2017 and 11 and 12 June 2025.










(d)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Castillon’, the wines are made from vines situated on parcels in the production area for the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes de Castillon’ as approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the meeting of the competent national committee on 25 February 1988, and its standing committee on 10 July 2014.










(e)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Francs’, the wines are made from vines situated on parcels in the production area as approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality at the meeting of the competent national committee on 3 June 1983 and 9 June 2015.




Maps of the demarcated parcel area can be viewed on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality.






(f)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Sainte-Foy’, the wines are made from grapes harvested on parcels that have undergone an identification procedure.




Parcels are identified on the basis of criteria relating to their location. The criteria were set by the competent national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality at its meeting on 13 February 2014, following the opinion of the expert committee established for that purpose.
Any producer wishing to have a vineyard parcel identified sends a request to the protection and management body, which forwards a copy to the National Institute of Origin and Quality before 31 March of the harvest year.
The list of new parcels identified is approved each year by the competent national committee of the National Institute of Origin and Quality following an opinion from the above-mentioned expert committee.
The lists of criteria and parcels identified may be obtained from the National Institute of Origin and Quality and from the relevant defence and management organisation.
10.   Link with the geographical area


Category of grapevine product







1.


Wine





Summary of the link

The geographical area of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ protected designation of origin is located in the department of Gironde, on the banks of the Garonne, the Dordogne and the Gironde rivers, in a hilly landscape with mainly clay-limestone soils. The designation is centred around five historical winegrowing centres: Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon-la-Bataille, Francs and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. The vineyards of ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ overlook valleys where freshwater mixes with seawater. Maritime influences reach far inland. The Dordogne and Garonne rivers merge into the broad waterway of the Gironde Estuary. The area of ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ stretches from the plain and the foot of the slopes overlooking the river, largely south-west facing, to steep hillsides with a gradient ranging from some 30 metres to over 70 metres. It is dominated by plateaux, criss-crossed in places by the secondary river network. This broad region benefits from favourable, relatively homogeneous climate conditions for grape production. These conditions include its location close to large bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, the Gironde Estuary, and the Garonne and Dordogne valleys, all of which play an important role in regulating the temperature. Furthermore, the maritime influences moderate the effects of spring frosts. Heirs to a long tradition, the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ wines have qualities resulting from the diversity of the environment, grape varieties and people. Historically, equal preference was given to parcels at the foot of the slopes, on the inclines or indeed on the plateaux, depending on their drainage capacities and relative topographical situation. Every year, a thousand winegrowers bring their skills to the fore to produce these wines. In this way, each holding does whatever it takes, in the vineyard and in the winery, to make a famous product: the planting density requirement; the limited maximum load for each parcel; rules on blending the main and secondary grape varieties; a minimum maturation period for the wines until 15 March of the year following the harvest. The vineyards of ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ also offer wonderful heritage: historic châteaux, stately homes and fortresses, Romanesque churches, luxurious accommodation associated with the memory of famous writers and artists. Preserved villages with narrow streets, fortifications and imposing mills are witness to a wealth of viticultural and business activities. Representing around 14 % of Bordeaux production, the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ wines today constitute a significant force in the field of Bordeaux wines. They bear witness to the historical wealth and power of the traditional grape varieties of Bordeaux. The Côtes de Bordeaux designation and its supplementary geographical names have acquired a significant reputation in their principal markets: France and Belgium. Over the last 10 years, retail sales in France have grown by over 40 %, and over 15 % of French households bought wines of this designation. In terms of export, the Côtes de Bordeaux wines enjoy a strong reputation in Europe, especially in Belgium. They are now being rolled out further, notably on the Asian markets. These still wines are largely made from blends of main and secondary grape varieties. The red wines are often based on Merlot N as the main grape variety, grown on clay-limestone soils that bring out all its specific qualities. Blending with Cabernet Sauvignon N, Cabernet Franc N or Cot N (known locally as Malbec) gives wines that are fruity and supple. The white wines are generally made from Sauvignon B blended with Semillon B and Muscadelle B. Wines with the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ are round, fruity and can be kept for 3 to 10 years.
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


Area in immediate proximity







(a)


For the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’, the area in immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturation of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographic Code of 1 January 2025:






—


Department of Gironde:




Ambarès-et-Lagrave, Arbanats, Artigues-près-Bordeaux, Auriolles, Ayguemorte-les-Graves, Baigneaux, Baron, Barsac, Beautiran, Bellebat, Bellefond, Beychac-et-Caillau, Blésignac, Bommes, Bonnetan, Bossugan, Branne, La Brède, Budos, Cabara, Cadarsac, Cadaujac, Camarsac, Camiac-et-Saint-Denis, Camiran, Casseuil, Castelviel, the part of the municipality of Castets et Castillon corresponding to the delegated municipality of Castets-en-Dorthe, Castres-Gironde, Caudrot, Caumont, Cazaugitat, Cérons, Cessac, Civrac-sur-Dordogne, Coirac, Coubeyrac, Courpiac, Créon, Croignon, Cursan, Daignac, Dardenac, Daubèze, Doulezon, Escoussans, Espiet, Les Esseintes, Faleyras, Fargues, Fargues-Saint-Hilaire, Flaujagues, Frontenac, Gauriac, Gauriaguet, Génissac, Gironde-sur-Dropt, Gornac, Grézillac, Guillac, Illats, Isle-Saint-Georges, Izon, Jugazan, Juillac, Ladaux, Landiras, Langon, Lansac, Lapouyade Léogeats, Léognan, Lignan-de-Bordeaux, Listrac-de-Durèze, Loupes, Lugaignac, Lugasson, Lussac, Madirac, Martillac, Martres, Mazères, Mombrier, Montagne, Montignac, Montussan, Morizès, Mouliets-et-Villemartin, Moulon, Mourens, Naujan-et-Postiac, Nérigean, Peujard, Le Pian-sur-Garonne, Podensac, Pompignac, Porte-de-Benauge, Portets, Le Pout, Preignac, Pugnac, Puisseguin, Pujols, Pujols-sur-Ciron, Rauzan, Roaillan, Romagne, Sadirac, Saint-Antoine-du-Queyret, Saint-Aubin-de-Branne, Saint-Brice, Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Saint-André-du-Bois, Saint-Brice, Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, Saint-Ciers-de-Canesse, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, Saint-Exupéry, Saint-Félix-de-Foncaude, Saint-Ferme, Saint-Genès-de-Lombaud, Saint-Germain-du-Puch, Saint-Hilaire-du-Bois, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac, Saint-Laurent-d’Arce, Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, Saint-Laurent-du-Plan, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Léon, Saint-Loubert, Saint-Loubès, Saint-Macaire, Saint-Martial, Saint-Martin-de-Sescas, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret, Saint-Morillon, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Saint-Pey-d’Armens, Saint-Pey-de-Castets, Saint-Pierre-d’Aurillac, Saint-Quentin-de-Baron, Saint-Selve, Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac, Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, Saint-Sulpice-de-Pommiers, Saint-Trojan, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Saint-Vincent-de-Pertignas, Sainte-Florence, Sainte-Foy-la-longue, Sainte-Radegonde, Sainte-Terre, Salleboeuf, Samonac, Sauternes, La Sauve, Soulignac, Soussac, Targon, Tauriac, Teuillac, Tizac-de-Curton, Tizac-de-Lapouyade, Toulenne, Tresses, Vignonet, Villeneuve and Virelade.






—


Department of Dordogne:




Bergerac, Bonneville-et-Saint-Avit-de-Fumadière, Bosset, Cunèges, Le Fleix, La Force, Fraisse, Gageac-et-Rouillac, Gardonne, Ginestet, Lamonzie-Saint-Martin, Lamothe-Montravel, Les Lèches, Lunas, Mescoules, Minzac, Monbazillac, Monestier, Monfaucon, Montazeau, Montcaret, Nastringues, Pomport, Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt, Prigonrieux, Razac-de-Saussignac, Ribagnac, Rouffignac-de-Sigoulès, Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh, Saint-Georges-de-Blancaneix, Saint-Géry, Saint-Méard-de-Gurçon, Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, Saint-Pierre-d’Eyraud, Saint-Seurin-de-Prats, Saint-Vivien, Saussignac, Sigoulès et Flaugeac, Thénac, Vélines and Villefranche-de-Lonchat.






—


Département de Charente-Maritime: Saint-Georges-des-Agoûts.














(b)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Blaye’, the area in immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturation of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographic Code of 1 January 2025:






—


Department of Gironde:




Gauriac, Gauriaguet, Lansac, Lapouyade, Mombrier, Peujard, the part of the municipality of Pugnac that belonged to Lafosse before they merged on 1 July 1974, Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Saint-Ciers-de-Canesse, Saint-Laurent-d’Arce, Saint-Trojan, Tauriac, Teuillac, Tizac-de-Lapouyade and Villeneuve.






—


Département de Charente-Maritime: Saint-Georges-des-Agoûts.














(c)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Cadillac’, the area in immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturation of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the Gironde department, based on the Official Geographic Code of 1 January 2025: Ambarès-et-Lagrave, Arbanats, Artigues-près-Bordeaux, Ayguemorte-les-Graves, Baigneaux, Baron, Barsac, Beautiran, Bellebat, Bellefond, Beychac-et-Caillau, Blésignac, Bommes, Bonnetan, Branne, La Brède, Budos, Cabara, Cadarsac, Cadaujac, Camarsac, Camiac-et-Saint-Denis, Camiran, Casseuil, Castelviel, the part of the municipality of Castets et Castillon corresponding to the delegated municipality of Castets-en-Dorthe, Castres-Gironde, Caudrot, Cérons, Cessac, Coirac, Courpiac, Créon, Croignon, Cursan, Daignac, Dardenac, Daubèze, Escoussans, Espiet, Les Esseintes, Faleyras, Fargues, Fargues-Saint-Hilaire, Frontenac, Génissac, Gironde-sur-Dropt, Gornac, Grézillac, Guillac, Illats, Isle-Saint-Georges, Izon, Jugazan, Ladaux, Landiras, Langon, Léogeats, Léognan, Lignan-de-Bordeaux, Loupes, Lugaignac, Lugasson, Madirac, Martillac, Martres, Mazères, Montignac, Montussan, Morizès, Moulon, Mourens, Naujan-et-Postiac, Nérigean, Le Pian-sur-Garonne, Podensac, Pompignac, Porte-de-Benauge, Portets, Le Pout, Preignac, Pujols-sur-Ciron, Rauzan, Roaillan, Romagne, Sadirac, Saint-André-du-Bois, Saint-Aubin-de-Branne, Saint-Brice, Saint-Exupéry, Saint-Félix-de-Foncaude, Saint-Genès-de-Lombaud, Saint-Germain-du-Puch, Saint Hilaire-du-Bois, Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, Saint-Laurent-du-Plan, Saint Léon, Saint-Loubert, Saint-Loubès, Saint-Macaire, Saint-Martial, Saint-Martin-de-Sescas, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret, Saint-Morillon, Saint-Pierre-d’Aurillac, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Saint-Quentin-de-Baron, Saint-Selve, Saint-Sulpice-de-Pommiers, Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Sainte-Foy-la-longue, Salleboeuf, Sauternes, La Sauve, Soulignac, Targon, Tizac-de-Curton, Toulenne, Tresses and Virelade.










(d)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Castillon’, the area in immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturation of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographic Code of 1 January 2025:






—


Department of Gironde:




Francs, Montagne, Puisseguin, Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, Saint-Cibard, Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac, Saint-Pey-d’Armens, Saint-Pey-de-Castets, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, Sainte-Terre, Tayac and Vignonet.






—


Department of Dordogne:




Minzac, Saint-Méard-de-Gurçon, Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne and Villefranche-de-Lonchat.










(e)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Francs’, the area in immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturation of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographic Code of 1 January 2025:






—


Department of Gironde:




Belvès-de-Castillon, Castillon, Gardegan-et-Tourtirac, Lussac, Montagne, Puisseguin, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, Saint-Genès-de-Castillon, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Magne-de-Castillon, Saint-Philippe-d’Aiguille, Sainte-Colombe, Les Salles-de-Castillon and Vignonet.






—


Department of Dordogne:




Minzac, Saint-Méard-de-Gurçon, Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne and Villefranche-de-Lonchat.










(f)


For the supplementary geographical designation ‘Sainte-Foy’, the area in immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturation of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographic Code of 1 January 2025:






—


Department of Gironde:




Auriolles, Bossugan, Caumont, Cazaugitat, Civrac-sur-Dordogne, Coubeyrac, Doulezon, Flaujagues, Juillac, Listrac-de-Durèze, Mouliets-et-Villemartin, Pujols, Rauzan, Saint-Antoine-du-Queyret, Saint-Ferme, Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac, Saint-Pey-de-Castets, Saint-Vincent-de-Pertignas, Sainte-Florence, Sainte-Radegonde and Soussac.






—


Department of Dordogne:




Bergerac, Bonneville-et-Saint-Avit-de-Fumadière, Bosset, Cunèges, Le Fleix, La Force, Fraisse, Gageac-et-Rouillac, Gardonne, Ginestet, Lamonzie-Saint-Martin, Lamothe-Montravel, Les Lèches, Lunas, Mescoules, Monbazillac, Monestier, Monfaucon, Montazeau, Montcaret, Nastringues, Pomport, Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt, Prigonrieux, Razac-de-Saussignac, Ribagnac, Rouffignac-de-Sigoulès, Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh, Saint-Georges-de-Blancaneix, Saint-Géry, Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, Saint-Pierre-d’Eyraud, Saint-Seurin-de-Prats, Saint-Vivien, Saussignac, Sigoulès et Flaugeac, Thénac and Vélines.
In accordance with Article 5(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33, the area in immediate proximity corresponds to an area in the immediate proximity of the demarcated area in question.





Title of the requirement/derogation

Supplementary geographical names

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the requirement/derogation

The name of the designation may be accompanied by ‘Blaye’, ‘Cadillac’, ‘Castillon’, ‘Francs’ or ‘Sainte-Foy’ as a supplementary geographical name if the wines meet the production requirements laid down for these supplementary geographical names.

Title of the requirement/derogation

Larger geographical unit

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the requirement/derogation

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

Title of the requirement/derogation

Collective identifier

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the requirement/derogation

Labelling of wines with the designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’, which may also include one of the supplementary geographical names ‘Blaye’, ‘Cadillac’, ‘Castillon’, ‘Francs’ or ‘Sainte-Foy’, bears the collective identifier according to the provisions of the collective charter in force, drawn up by the group and made available to all operators.

Title of the requirement/derogation

Smaller geographical unit

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the requirement/derogation

Wines with the protected designation of origin may specify on their labels the name of a smaller geographical unit, provided that:






—


it is a place name listed in the land registry;










—


it appears on the harvest declaration.





Title of the requirement/derogation

Labelling terms

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the requirement/derogation

The term ‘moelleux’ [semi-sweet] must appear on the labelling of white wines with the designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ accompanied by the supplementary geographical name ‘Sainte-Foy’ that have a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) between 17 and 45 grams per litre.

Electronic (URL) reference to the publication of the product specification


https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/boagri/document_administratif-eb0e9ab0-8b16-46a0-a705-59f6140c1b51



(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/2026/3579/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)