EN
C 88/90
Official Journal of the European Union
24.2.2022
The red wines, in which Merlot N is often the predominant variety, are supple, fruity and not very acidic.
In years of good ripeness, freshness can be added through the acidity of the Petit Verdot N and Cot N varieties.
However, the main combination is Merlot N with Cabernet Sauvignon N and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Franc N, both of which give the wines an aromatic complexity and a tannic power that allows them to maintain and develop their bouquet.
General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
5.
Minimum total acidity
in milliequivalents per litre
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
20
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)
150
Wine-making practices
5.1.
Specific oenological practices 1.
Pla nt in g d e n s i ty – s pa c i n g
Cultivation method The minimum planting density of the vines is 4 000 plants per hectare (for parcels planted as from 1 August 2008).
The spacing between vine rows must not exceed 2.50 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0.85 metres.
This density may be reduced to 3 300 plants per hectare.
In that case, the spacing between vine rows must not exceed 3 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0.85 metres.
2.
Pr u n i n g r ul es
Cultivation method Only spur (short) pruning and cane (long) pruning are allowed.
For the Merlot N, Sémillon B and Muscadelle B grape varieties, the number of count buds when pruning must not exceed 45 000 per hectare and 18 per plant.
For the other varieties, including Cabernet Franc N, Cabernet Sauvignon N, Sauvignon B and Sauvignon Gris G, the number of count buds when pruning must not exceed 50 000 per hectare and 20 per plant.
After debudding, the number of fruit-bearing branches per plant must not exceed: — for the Merlot N, Sémillon B and Muscadelle B grape varieties, 12 branches per plant if the vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare or more, and 15 branches per plant if the vine planting density is less than 4 000 plants per hectare; — for the other varieties, including Cabernet Franc N, Cabernet Sauvignon N, Sauvignon B and Sauvignon Gris G, 14 branches per plant if the vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare or more, and 17 branches per plant if the vine planting density is less than 4 000 plants per hectare.
Pruning is carried out at the unfolded leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9) at the latest.
Debudding is carried out prior to fruit setting.
3.
Spe c i f ic oen ol o g i ca l pra c ti c e
The use of oenological charcoal is permitted for musts in the production of rosé wines other than those eligible to use the indication ‘clairet’, in a proportion not exceeding 20 % of the volume of rosé wine produced by the winemaker concerned, for the harvest in question.