This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within 2 months from the date of this publication.

REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’

PDO-FR-A0999-AM01

Date of application: 20 April 2018

1.   Rules applicable to the amendment

Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 - Non-minor amendment

2.   Description of and reasons for the amendment

2.1.   Demarcated parcel area

The date of 6 September 2016 has been added to the specification at Chapter I, Section IV, point 2(a). The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the competent national authority approved a modification of the demarcated parcel area within the geographical area of production. Parcels are demarcated by identifying the parcels within the geographical area of production that are suited to production of the registered designation of origin in question.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

2.2.   Inclusion of the supplementary geographical designation ‘Les Aspres’

The supplementary geographical designation ‘Les Aspres’ has been added. This designation has been transferred from the ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ PDO to the ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ PDO. The purpose is to bring all the supplementary designations under the ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ PDO.

Additions have been made at various points in the specification and single document.

The designation ‘Les Aspres’ has been added to the specification at Chapter I, Section II ‘Geographical designations and supplementary indications’. Reference to the designation has been added under ‘Additional conditions – labelling’ in the single document.

In the specification, Chapter I, Section IV, ‘Geographical area and areas in which the various operations are carried out’: the geographical area of production of the designation has been extended to include the municipalities covered by the supplementary designation ‘Les Aspres’. The list of the municipalities concerned has been added at point 1(a), ‘Geographical area’.

The following municipalities in Pyrénées-Orientales are involved: Bages partially, Banyuls-dels-Aspres partially, Brouilla partially, Elne partially, Fourques, Llupia partially, Montauriol partially, Ortaffa partially, Passa, Ponteilla partially, Saint-Jean-Lasseille, Sainte-Colombe-de-la-Commanderie partially, Terrats, Thuir partially, Tordères partially, Tresserre partially, Trouillas, Villemolaque partially and Vivès partially.

The ‘Link with the geographical area’ section of the specification has been set out in the single document. This section describes the special characteristics of the geographical area of the designation, as well as those of the supplementary designation.

The supplementary geographical designation ‘Les Aspres’ has been transferred from the ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ PDO to the ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ PDO. The purpose is to bring all the supplementary geographical designations under the ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ PDO.

The transfer of the geographical designation ‘Les Aspres’ from the designation ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ to ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ does not require any amendment to the link with the geographical area. This is because the parcels transferred have been carefully selected to ensure that they meet the criteria of the designation ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’.

The section on the ‘Demarcated geographical area’ of the single document has been revised accordingly.

A further point (d), has been added to the specification in Chapter I, Section IV, point 1, ‘Geographical area and areas in which the various operations are carried out’. This is to define the production area specifically for the designation ‘Les Aspres’.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

In the specification, Chapter I, Section IV, point 3, ‘Area in immediate proximity’ has been amended. It now includes the supplementary designation ‘Les Aspres’ as this designation has been transferred from the ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ PDO to the ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ PDO.

The rules regarding use of other supplementary geographical references have been clarified. A single area has been demarcated to cover vinification under all supplementary references (except ‘Les Aspres’). This new area covers all of the areas of vinification laid down in the previous version of the specification. The rules regarding supplementary references and labelling are set out in the specification and have not been repeated in the single document, which is not affected by this amendment.

The word ‘development’ has been deleted from Chapter I, Section IV of the specification for the PDO ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’. This word has also been deleted from Section 2.6 of the single document. This is a change of a clerical nature. The winemaking process covers the stages of vinification and maturation, which are both included and defined.

Information relating to the supplementary designation ‘Les Aspres’ has been added to the specification in Chapter I, Section X, ‘Link with the geographical area’.

In Section X, point 2, ‘Information on the quality and characteristics of the products’ and point 3, ‘Causal interactions’, clarifications have been added to describe the specific characteristics of the products linked to the terroir with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Les Aspres’.

Section 2: ‘Wines with the supplementary geographical designation “Les Aspres” are suitable for ageing and need to be matured for at least 12 months. They are full and generous wines with an aromatic expression dominated by notes of ripe fruit and spices.

Section 3: The area of “Les Aspres” has soils of a depth and texture able to provide sufficient water to mitigate the effects of the dry climate. The blend of at least three grape varieties produces perfectly balanced wines with sound structure, freshness and body, particularly suited to long ageing.’

2.3.   Extension to the area in immediate proximity

In the specification, Chapter I, Section IV, point 3, ‘Area in immediate proximity’ has been amended on account of the transfer of the designation ‘Les Aspres’. The area permitted for maturing the wines is a more extensive than the area for vinification. The area in immediate proximity covers the whole of the Pyrénées-Orientales department as well as the neighbouring departments of Gard, Hérault and Aude, according to the practice of the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

The word: ‘development’ has been removed from the definition of the area in immediate proximity (Chapter I, Section IV of the specification). This is a change of a clerical nature.

The section on ‘Additional conditions’ of the single document has been amended accordingly.

2.4.   Rules on proportions of grape varieties

1)

In Section V, ‘Grape varieties’, of the specification, a row for the designation ‘Les Aspres’ has been added to the table setting out the grape varieties for each supplementary designation, and to the table setting out the rules for the proportions of the different varieties to be used.

2)

An exception to the rules on the proportion of grape varieties has been included for grape producers with small areas of land. The rules on proportions of grape varieties are not appropriate for such small operations, which comprise only a few parcels and do not make their own wine. This amendment does not affect the single document.

2.5.   Pruning rules

1)

A clarification has been added to the general rules on vine pruning in the specification at Chapter I, Section VI, ‘Vine training’, with reference to the supplementary designation ‘Les Apres’: for this designation, the Syrah N grape variety cannot be pruned to single Guyot. This is in order to limit the yield in areas with deeper soils. This provision has also been added to the single document, under ‘Winemaking practices’.

2)

In Chapter I, Section VI of the specification, the rule has been relaxed regarding rejuvenation of vineyard parcels trained to cordon de Royat: it is now permissible to exceed the limit of 10 % of existing plants. Derogations can be granted in accordance with the conditions laid down in the specification. This amendment does not affect the single document.

2.6.   Transitional measures

The following provision has been added to the specification in Chapter I, Section XI, ‘Transitional measures’: ‘As of the 2015 harvest, wines made in accordance with the provisions of the “Côtes du Roussillon” PDO with the supplementary designation “Les Aspres” can be placed on the market as “Côtes du Roussillon Villages” PDO with the supplementary designation “Les Aspres” ’.

This provision concerns wines originally produced on parcels under the designation ‘Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres’ which have become ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Aspres’, and the naming of those wines when they are placed on the market. It is intended to enable the operators to transition from ‘Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres’ to ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Aspres’ without having to interrupt production or sales, provided that the conditions for production of ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Aspres’ are respected.

This amendment to the product specification does not affect the single document.

The following provision has been added to the specification in Chapter I, Section XI ‘Transitional measures’: ‘Parcels excluded from the demarcated parcel area of the supplementary designation “Les Aspres” may continue to use this name until they are grubbed up, by 2030 at the latest.’

This refers to 35 parcels, or parts of parcels, representing 13,64 hectares, which do not meet the criteria for the demarcated parcel area of ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Aspres’ but which had previously belonged to the designation ‘Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres’, between the 2011 and 2015 harvests. To allow the operators involved to transition without interrupting production, such parcels will remain productive, using the designation ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Aspres’, until the 2030 harvest.

The list of parcels concerned is as follows:

Demarcated parcels - PDO Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Aspres

Transitional measures

MUNICIPALITY	LOCALITY	SECTION	NUMBER	VARIETY	AREA Ha
BANYULS-DELS-ASPRES	FUMASSOTTES	A	961	SYRAH	1,0640
CAMELAS	BELLEVISTE	B	104	GRENACHE N	0,5850
CAMELAS	POLITG	B	756	CARIGNAN N	0,2196
CANOHES	LAS CLOTTES	AT	18	GRENACHE N	0,2000
CASTELNOU	LE RIGAL	A	645	MOURVEDRE	0,0953
CASTELNOU	LE RIGAL	A	680	CARIGNAN N	0,0700
CASTELNOU	LE RIGAL	A	828	GRENACHE N	0,1005
FOURQUES	LAS COUMES	A	443	SYRAH	0,1900
FOURQUES	RIBE DE MATTE	A	671	CARIGNAN N	0,1700
FOURQUES	LA CUGULLADE	A	718	CARIGNAN N	0,5300
FOURQUES	OULIBEDE FOUSQUE	B	329	SYRAH	1,0000
MONTAURIOL	LA GARRIGUETTE	A	162	GRENACHE N	1,0000
MONTAURIOL	LAS PLANES	B	636	SYRAH	0,4502
PASSA	MAS D’ EN LLAURO	A	523	CARIGNAN N	0,2700
PASSA	MAS D’ EN LLAURO	A	535	SYRAH	1,0000
PASSA	MAS D’ EN LLAURO	A	535	CARIGNAN N	0,2500
PASSA	MAS D’ EN LLAURO	A	535	GRENACHE N	0,3000
PASSA	SERRE ST LUC	B	221	GRENACHE N	0,1700
PASSA	SERRE ST LUC	B	221	GRENACHE N	0,3000
PASSA	MAS D’ EN BADIE	B	400	CARIGNAN N	0,5000
SAINTE-COLOMBE-DE-LA-COMMANDERIE	LE VIDRE	A	126	CARIGNAN N	0,3120
SAINTE-COLOMBE-DE-LA-COMMANDERIE	LE VIDRE	A	126	SYRAH	0,3510
SAINTE-COLOMBE-DE-LA-COMMANDERIE	POUX ROUDOUN	B	77	MOURVEDRE	0,1420
SAINTE-COLOMBE-DE-LA-COMMANDERIE	POUX ROUDOUN	B	78	MOURVEDRE	0,0660
TERRATS	LO BENTANA	A	508	CARIGNAN N	0,2850
TERRATS	LOS COUMAILS	B	22	MOURVEDRE	0,1130
TERRATS	LAS PLANES	B	320	MOURVEDRE	0,2815
TERRATS	LAS PLANES	B	320	MOURVEDRE	0,4735
TERRATS	CANTERRANE	B	717	GRENACHE N	0,4370
TERRATS	CANTERRANE	B	723	MOURVEDRE	0,3300
THUIR	L’ADOU	B	21	MOURVEDRE	0,7515
TROUILLAS	PLAS D’AMONT	A	59	MOURVEDRE	1,0800
TROUILLAS	ETANG BAS	B	1 169	GRENACHE N	0,2800
TROUILLAS	LA CREOUETTE	B	1 002	CARIGNAN N	0,2715
TROUILLAS	LA CREOUETTE	B	1 004	CARIGNAN N	0,0055
TOTAL				13,6441

This amendment to the specification does not affect the single document.

2.7.   Date of entry into circulation of the wines

In the specification, Chapter I, Section IX, point 5, ‘Wine-making, production, maturing, packaging, storing’ has been amended as follows:

—

The date on which the wine is made available to consumers on the market has been specified: 15 February of the year following the harvest for all wines except those with the supplementary designation ‘Les Aspres’ or ‘Tautavel’. The latter can be placed on the market as of 1 October of the year following the harvest. These dates are established in accordance with the periods for maturation laid down for each supplementary geographical designation. These provisions have also been included in the single document under the heading ‘Specific oenological practices’.

—

The date of entry into circulation between authorised warehouses has been brought back to 15 December of the year of harvest, instead of 1 February of the year following the harvest. The date of entry into circulation of the wines between producers and traders has been brought back in order for authorisation for vinification and maturation to be included in trade deals before the wine is made available to consumers on the market. This amendment has also been included in the single document at the point on ‘Specific oenological practices’.

2.8.   Declaration and record-keeping requirements

These requirements are set out in Chapter II of the specification. The amendments to this chapter do not affect the single document. These provisions are included in the inspection plan. They have been amended to bring them into line with inspection procedures for the designation. They do not affect the single document.

Declaration of the assignment of parcels: conditions have been specified for ensuring continuity over time in the allocation of parcels. Declarations now cover data on the percentage of dead or missing plants, whether irrigation equipment is present, and any transitional measures.

Production waiver declaration: the words ‘as soon as possible’ have been replaced by the word: ‘immediately’.

Claim declaration: the deadline for submitting the declaration has been put back to 31 May of the year following the harvest. The name of any supplementary geographical designation claimed must be declared.

Declaration of transactions in bulk: the words ‘established in the inspection plan’ have been deleted.

Claim declaration: the routine declaration 8 days before packaging has been replaced by a monthly summary or, for operators undertaking more than 12 packaging operations per year, a quarterly summary.

Withdrawal declaration: the deadline for the withdrawal declaration has been reduced from 15 to 8 days.

Declaration renouncing a geographical designation: the declaration deadline has been reduced from 15 to 8 days.

The register of transitional provisions has been deleted.

The cellar plan can be replaced by a list stating the number, name and capacity of vessels.

f)	Main points for checking: the table in Chapter III of the specification has been simplified. This amendment does not affect the single document.

The list of main points to be checked has been adapted to make it more efficient.

With regard to structural rules:

—	The protection and management body wishes to strengthen checks on grape varieties and on the first production of young vines. The pruning method is a fundamental question which is now included in the structural measures and not in the rules on the production cycle.

With regard to the rules on the production cycle:

—	Oenological practices and treatments have been removed from the main points to be checked. They are checked throughout the production cycle of the wine, and as part of the general rules.

With regard to product presentation:

—	The original check on labelling is covered by the general rules and does not require a specific check in the specification. It has therefore been withdrawn from the main points to be checked. These points are in the inspection plan and do not affect the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Côtes du Roussillon Villages

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Category of grapevine products

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Analytical characteristics of the product

The protected designation of origin ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ applies exclusively to still, dry, red wines.

The minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of the wines is 12,5 %.

The wines ready to be placed on the market in bulk or packaged have a maximum malic acid content 0,4 grams per litre.

The wines ready to be placed on the market in bulk or packaged have a maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of 3 grams per litre.

Batches of wine with a natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14 % or more, when ready to be placed on the market in bulk or packaged, have a maximum fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) of 4 grams per litre.

The parameters for volatile acidity, total acidity, total sulphur dioxide, total alcoholic strength by volume and minimum actual alcoholic strength are as laid down in EU rules.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum total acidity
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

2.   Organoleptic properties of the products

The wines are still, dry, red wines. They are deep red in colour, elegant on the nose with red or black fruit. In the mouth their initial impression is full-bodied and powerful with finely balanced tannins and a long finish, often marked by red fruit and spices.

Wines with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Caramany’ have aromas of black fruit and spices. They are supple, fresh and rich. This is largely due to the compulsory carbonic maceration of the grapes of the variety Carignan N as part of the production process.

Wines with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Latour-de-France’ are characterised by notes of wilderness and spices. Balanced, powerful and full of flavour, they are very suitable for ageing.

Wines with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Les Aspres’ are suitable for ageing and need to be matured for at least 12 months. They are full and generous wines with an aromatic expression dominated by notes of ripe fruit and spices.

Wines with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Lesquerde’ are full of minerality and freshness, developing notes of red fruits and pepper. Syrah N grapes are blended with Carignan N, for which the use of carbonic maceration softens the effect of the tannins.

Wines with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Tautavel’ are complex, long and have notes of ripe fruit, garrigue and spices. Their powerful tannins lend themselves to a long maturation of 12 months following the harvest.

5.   Winemaking practices

a.   Essential oenological practices

All winemaking practices followed must comply with the requirements laid down in EU law and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ wines, with or without the supplementary geographical designation ‘Latour-de-France’, are matured at least until 31 January of the year following the harvest.

For ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ wines, with or without the supplementary designations ‘Caramany’ and ‘Lesquerde’, Carignan N grapes are fermented using carbonic maceration. The wines are matured at least until 31 January of the year following the harvest.

‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’, with or without the supplementary designations ‘Les Aspres’ and ‘Tautavel’ are matured at least until 15 September of the year following the harvest.

All wines with the PDO ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ are made available for sale to consumers from 15 February of the year following the harvest, with the exception of wines with the supplementary designations ‘Les Aspres’ and ‘Tautavel’. These are made available for sale to consumers from 1 October of the year following the harvest.

Wines with the PDO ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’, with or without a supplementary designation, cannot circulate between authorised warehouses before 15 December of the year of harvest.

Cultivation method

The minimum vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,50 metres. The area available for each plant must not exceed 2,5 square metres. This area is calculated by multiplying the distance between rows by the distance between vines in the same row.

For vines planted in squares or in a staggered pattern, the area available for each plant must not exceed 3 square metres. This area is calculated by multiplying the distance between rows by the distance between vines in the same row.

The spacing between rows and spacing between plants in the same row must be less than or equal to 1,70 metres.

Provided that the minimum planting density is respected, a spacing between rows exceeding 2,50 metres is permitted for vines planted in continuation of an existing plantation.

The vines are pruned using spur pruning, with a maximum of 7 spurs per plant. Each spur has a maximum of 2 buds.

The rejuvenation of a vineyard parcel trained to cordon de Royat may not exceed 10 % of the existing plants each year.

Single Guyot pruning may be used for Syrah N grapes, with a maximum of 8 buds per plant, of which no more than 6 are on the cane, together with 1 spur with a maximum of 2 buds. This provision does not apply to the supplementary geographical designation ‘Les Aspres’.

Irrigation may be authorised.

b.   Maximum yields

54 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grape harvest, vinification and maturation take place in the geographical area of production, as approved by the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO) during the meeting of the Standing Committee of 10 July 2014 on a delegation from the competent national committee. The area comprises the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales on the basis of the Official Geographic Code on 1 January 2023:

Ansignan, Bages partially, Baho, Baixas, Banyuls-dels-Aspres partially, Bélesta, Brouilla partially, Calce, Caramany, Cases-de-Pène, Cassagnes, Corneilla-la-Rivière, Elne partially, Espira-de-l’Agly, Estagel, Fourques, Lansac, Latour-de-France, Lesquerde, Llupia partially, Maury, Millas (only the part of the area north of the Têt), Montalba-le-Château, Montauriol partially, Montner, Opoul-Périllos, Ortaffa partially, Passa, Perpignan (only the part of the area north of the Têt), Peyrestortes, Pézilla-la-Rivière, Planèzes, Ponteilla partially, Rasiguères, Rivesaltes, Saint-Arnac, Saint-Estève, Saint-Jean-Lasseille, Sainte-Colombe-de-la-Commanderie partially, Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Salses-le-Chateau, Tautavel, Terrats, Thuir partially, Tordères partially, Tresserre partially, Trouillas, Villemolaque partially, Villeneuve-la-Rivière, Vingrau and Vivès.

7.   Main grape variety (varieties)

Carignan N

Grenache N

Lledoner pelut N

Mourvèdre N - Monastrell

Syrah N - Shiraz

8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

In the department of Pyrénées-Orientales, the geographical area is naturally demarcated by boundaries formed as follows:

—	to the north, the Corbières Massif, the administrative boundary with the department of Aude;

—	to the south, the Tech River and the foothills of the Pyrenees;

—	to the west, the high slopes of Fenouillèdes and Caniglou;

—	and, to the east, the areas of Salanque around the lakes, Salses-le-Château and Canet-en-Roussillon and the Mediterranean Sea.

On either side of the Têt, the biggest river in the foothills of the mountains, the geographical area is formed around interconnecting river networks.

On the left bank, the Agly River traces a winding course through the geographical area, creating steep gorges in the Fenouillèdes. The Agly then empties into the Estagel catchment area, where it is joined by its two tributaries, which are often dry. These smaller rivers are the Maury, which crosses the geographical area of the protected designation of origin with the same name, and the Verdouble, which flows in a north-east/south-west direction from Tautavel. From there, the Agly resumes its random course through the limestone foothills of Corbières before reaching the terraces of Rivesaltes and the sea.

On the right bank, the geographical area extends over the catchment areas of the Réart and its tributaries: the Canterrane, Galserane and others. The rivers have transformed the molasse into a landscape of hills in various states of erosion, carving out ravines that slope eastwards.

The often steep slopes, hills, ravines, valleys and outwash terraces constitute a geographical area almost exclusively devoted to vineyards. It is a rural winegrowing landscape, dotted with villages and winegrowing estates still untouched by urban development.

This territory covers 51 municipalities or parts of municipalities which constitute the geographical area of the protected designation of origin.

All geological eras since the uplift of the nearest part of the Pyrenees are represented, presenting highly varied soils within a restricted area. The soils are formed as a result of degradation on the bedrock, or else created by lacustrine and marine movements and deposits. The vineyards generally occupy large areas of soils formed from brown and assimilated schist, black schist, clay-limestone, gneiss, granitic sands and terraces, and soils formed from stony and gravelly molasse. This diversity means that each geographical area produces wines with their own character.

However, in the parcels specifically demarcated to produce grapes for the designation, the soils have certain characteristics in common: they are low in organic matter, dry, stony and well-drained.

The climate is Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters. There are more than 2 500 hours of sunshine. The annual rainfall is between 450 and 650 millimetres. It is often stormy, leading to significant losses as a result of run-off. The average temperature ranges from 15 °C by the sea to 13 °C moving westwards, on account of the elevation contributing to greater freshness.

The most notable characteristic of the climate of Roussillon is, however, the frequency (1 day in 3) of the Tramontane, a north-westerly wind that is often strong and very cold in winter after crossing the peaks of the Pyrenees. It causes branches to break in spring, and exacerbates the summer drought, but it purifies the atmosphere, making it possible to keep vine treatments to a minimum. The less frequent sea breeze brings moisture and rainfall.

In this very Mediterranean setting, vineyards are everywhere, between garrigue and scrubland, in a tumultuous, and often mineral, landscape of wild beauty.

8.2.   Description of the human factors relevant to the geographical link

Roussillon takes it name from the Ibero-Ligurian city of Ruscino, which flourished from the sixth century BC. The area opened up to vine cultivation with the arrival of the Phocaeans on the rocky coast, around 600 BC. They taught the local inhabitants the art of vine-pruning and wine production. The earliest wines made in that hot and windy climate were highly alcoholic and suitable for transporting.

In the province where Narbonne was the capital, to which Roussillon belonged under Roman rule, vines occupied the slopes, together with olive trees, leaving the flatter lands for livestock and crops.

Since then, winegrowing has been a permanent feature of agriculture in this region. Strengthened by the Visigoths, the vineyards were destroyed by barbarian hordes but reborn in the ninth century thanks to the Benedictine Abbeys. In the tenth century, numerous documents record the presence of vineyards stretching as far as Fenouillèdes, the most western part of the geographical area.

Originally, it was the naturally sweet wines that gave the region its reputation.

With the arrival of the railway, the vineyards were greatly expanded and, most importantly, began producing quality dry wines.

In January 1952, ‘Corbières du Roussillon’ was recognised as an ‘appellation d’origine vin délimité de qualité supérieure’ [high quality wine with a designation of origin], specifically for wines produced north of the River Têt. At the same time, ‘Corbières supérieures du Roussillon’ was also recognised an ‘appellation d’origine vin délimité de qualité supérieure’ for some 40 municipalities with ‘the best terroirs’ (J. Fanet - Les vins du Roussillon – 1980).

In 1977, the ‘appellations d’origine vin délimité de qualité supérieure’ were brought together under the name ‘Côtes du Roussillon’. With this reform, the particular geographical demarcation of the historical area ‘Corbières supérieure du Roussillon’ was recognised under the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’.

At that time, two municipalities were especially famous for their wines, which they sold through reputed wine merchants, and were permitted to use the supplementary designation ‘Caramany’ and ‘Latour-de-France’. These supplementary designations could be added to the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’.

Subsequently, following full consideration of the pyramid representing the production hierarchy, further supplementary geographical designations were created, based on recognition of identified areas with shared soil and climate conditions. These are:

—	in 1995, ‘Lesquerde’, characterised by elevated areas of granitic sandy soils;

—	1997, ‘Tautavel’ in the Verdouble valley, characterised by areas of clay-limestone soils;

—	2017, ‘Les Aspres’, situated on stony and gravelly molasse soils.

8.3.   Causal interactions

Roussillon combines an ancient winegrowing tradition with know-how shared by a human community keen to develop unique identities for the wines within different geographical sub-areas. It is this combination that has resulted in the vineyards of ‘Côtes du Roussillon’, ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ and ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ with a supplementary geographical designation.

Wines with the designation ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ are made from grapes grown on carefully selected parcels within the demarcated parcel area. The grape varieties are chosen for their adaptation to the places where they are planted. These wines offer a diversity of expression resulting from the interaction of natural and local human factors, revealing the richness and originality of the wines produced.

The natural conditions are favourable: the mild and dry Mediterranean climate, significant hours of sunshine, low rainfall and the purifying effect of the Tramontane on the health of the grapes. These conditions contribute to the production of quality grapes with optimum ripeness.

The traditional grape varieties are Grenache N, Mourvèdre N and Carignan N. They are remarkably adapted to the poor soils and dry, windy climate, especially through the practice of spur pruning. The latter is a legacy of the ancient vineyards planted in untrellised rows, enabling them to withstand wind and drought. Syrah N vines are usually trellised as the variety is sensitive to wind. It is planted in places with cooler deep soils.

The combination of these different factors characterises the terroir used to produce Côtes du Roussillon Villages. The result is red wines notable for their intense colour and aromatic richness, combining notes of ripe red or black fruit with spices, and their concentrated tannins.

Within the geographical area of the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’, there is diversity in the natural environments and the resulting products. This diversity is especially apparent in the five supplementary geographical designations, based on parcels specifically demarcated for harvesting grapes for each designation.

‘Caramany’ has gneiss soils with a freshness which helps to express the aromatic finesse of the Syrah N variety. Here, carbonic maceration brings out the aromatic potential of Carignan N, allowing the structure of the wines to gain suppleness.

The geographical sub-area of ‘Latour-de-France’ is located at the outlet of the Agly, with parcels in clearly identified communes and localities. It has warm soils, allowing the Grenache N variety to express its Mediterranean temperament. Carignan N vines are well adapted to very sunny slopes, while Syrah N grapes, planted in cooler soils, bring an aromatic touch of spices to the full-bodied wines, with excellent ageing potential.

The area of ‘Les Aspres’ has soils with a depth and texture that can provide sufficient water to mitigate the effects of the very dry climate. The blend of at least three grape varieties produces perfectly balanced wines with sound structure, freshness and body, particularly suited to long ageing.

‘Lesquerde’ has poor soils of granitic sands, located at elevation, where the varieties Syrah N and Grenache N ripen slowly and express the minerality of these acidic soils. Carignan N, fermented by carbon maceration, gives the wines a very lively character, which is apparent when they are young.

‘Tautavel’ is located in the heart of the valley of the same name. It has clay-limestone soils where Grenache N grapes, planted in thin soils on stony arid slopes, express warmth and power. Balance is achieved by maturation of several months, often in oak. Meanwhile, the varieties Syrah N and Mourvèdre N find the freshness necessary for their full expression in the valley. Here, Carignan N finds the soil and climate conditions particularly favourable for expressing its potential.

In a territory with often marked relief, the vines form part of a Mediterranean landscape made up of scrubland, bush and rock with a rich cultural and historical heritage.

The villages are untouched by the increasing urban development typical of the coastal area and plain. This allows the preservation of vineyards used by numerous private winegrowers grouped together in modernised cooperative wineries.

This cooperation has contributed to developing the reputation of the ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ and promoting the various designations.

The identity of the family of ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ wines has been created by the combination of the know-how of the producers, acquired down the generations, and the diversity of soils and climate in the precisely demarcated area available to them. This area has enabled the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ to be created, for red wines only. The designation may or may not be followed by a supplementary geographical designation.

This richness of diversity shows the historical attachment of the producers to their lands, and their dynamism in promoting the products rooted in those lands.

9.   Essential further conditions

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

The PDO ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ can be followed by the supplementary geographical designations ‘Caramany’, ‘Latour-de-France’, ‘Les Aspres’, ‘Lesquerde’ and ‘Tautavel’, in accordance with the provisions laid down in the specification.

All optional terms are marked on the labels in letters that must not be larger, either in height or width, than double the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

When used in labelling and publicity for the wines, the name of the supplementary geographical designation must not appear in letters that are larger, either in height or width, than those used for the name of the protected designation of origin.

Wines with this protected designation of origin must specify the broader geographical unit ‘Grand Vin du Roussillon’ on their labels.

The size of the letters used for this broader geographical unit must not be larger, either in height or width, than two thirds of the size of the letters used for the name of the protected designation of origin.

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

The area in immediate proximity, identified by derogation for vinification of wines with the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes du Roussillon Villages’ comprises the territory of the municipalities listed below, in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales, based on the Official Geographic Code of 1 January 2023, excluding the parts of the municipalities listed in Section IV, point 1(a), of which parts are within the geographical area.

Alenya, Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, Arboussols, Argelès-sur-Mer, Bages, Banyuls-dels-Aspres, Bompas, Bouleternère, Le Boulou, Brouilla, Cabestany, Caixas, Camélas, Canet-en-Roussillon, Canohès, Castelnou, Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes, Céret, Claira, Les Cluses, Collioure, Corbère, Corbère-les-Cabanes, Corneilla-del-Vercol, Elne, Espira-de-Conflent, Estoher, Feilluns, Finestret, Fosse, Ille-sur-Têt, Joch, Laroque-des-Albères, Latour-Bas-Elne, Llauro, Llupia, Marquixanes, Maureillas-las-Illas, Millas, Montauriol, Montescot, Montesquieu-des-Albères, Néfiach, Oms, Ortaffa, Palau-del-Vidre, Perpignan, Pézilla-de-Conflent, Pia, Pollestres, Ponteilla, Prats-de-Sournia, Prugnanes, Reynès, Rigarda, Rodès, Saint-André, Saint-Cyprien, Sainte-Colombe-de-la-Commanderie, Sainte-Marie-la-Mer Saint-Féliu-d’Amont, Saint-Féliu-d’Avall, Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, Saint-Martin-de-Fenouillet, Saint-Michel-de-Llotes, Saint-Nazaire, Saleilles, Le Soler, Sorède, Sournia, Taillet, Tarerach, Théza, Thuir, Tordères, Torreilles, Toulouges, Tresserre, Trévillach, Trilla, Villelongue-de-la-Salanque, Villelongue-dels-Monts, Villemolaque, Villeneuve-de-la-Raho, Vinça, Vivès and Le Vivier.

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

The area in immediate proximity, identified by derogation for maturing wines, comprises the territory of the municipalities listed above, which belong to the area in immediate proximity to the area demarcated for making wines with the designation, as well as the municipalities below based on the Official Geographic Code of 1 January 2023:

Department of Aude: Aigues-Vives, Ajac, Albas, Alet-les-Bains, Alzonne, Antugnac, Aragon, Argeliers, Argens-Minervois, Armissan, Arquettes-en-Val, Azille, Badens, Bages, Bagnoles, Barbaira, Bizanet, Bize-Minervois, Blomac, Bouilhonnac, Bouriège, Boutenac, Cabrespine, Campagne-sur-Aude, Camplong-d’Aude, Canet, Capendu, Cascastel-des-Corbières, Cassaignes, Castelnau-d’Aude, Castelreng, Caunes-Minervois, Caunettes-en-Val, Caves, Cépie, Comigne, Conilhac-Corbières, Conques-sur-Orbiel, Couiza, Cournanel, Coustaussa, Coustouge, Cruscades, Cucugnan, Davejean, Dernacueillette, La Digne-d’Amont, La Digne-d’Aval, Douzens, Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, Durban-Corbières, Embres-et-Castelmaure, Escales, Espéraza, Fabrezan, Felines-Termenès, Ferrals-les-Corbières, Festes-et-Saint-André, Feuilla, Fitou, Fleury, Floure, Fontcouverte, Fontiès-d’Aude, Fontjoncouse, Fournes-Cabardès, Fraisse-Cabardès, Fraissé-des-Corbières, Gaja-et-Villedieu, Gardie, Ginestas, Gruissan, Homps, Les Ilhes, Jonquières, Labastide-en-Val, Ladern-sur-Lauquet, Lagrasse, Laroque-de-Fa, Lastours, Laure-Minervois, Leucate, Lézignan-Corbières, Limousis Limoux, Loupia, Luc-sur-Aude, Luc-sur-Orbieu, Magrie, Mailhac, Maisons, Malras, Malves-en-Minervois, Marseillette, Mayronnes, Mirepeisset, Montazels, Montbrun-des-Corbières, Montgaillard, Montirat, Montolieu, Montredon-des-Corbières, Montséret, Monze, Moussoulens, Moux, Narbonne, Névian, Ornaisons, Padern, Palairac, La Palme, Paraza, Pauligne, Paziols, Pennautier, Pépieux, Peyriac-de-Mer, Peyriac-Minervois, Peyrolles, Pezens, Pieusse, Pomas, Portel-des-Corbières, Port-la-Nouvelle, Pouzols-Minervois, Puichéric, Quintillan, La Redorte, Ribaute, Rieux-en-Val, Rieux-Minervois, Roquecourbe-Minervois, Roquefort-des-Corbières, Roquetaillade-et-Conilhac, Rouffiac-d’Aude, Roubia, Rouffiac-des-Corbières, Rustiques, Saint-André-de-Roquelongue, Saint-Couat-d’Aude, Saint-Couat-du-Razès, Sainte-Eulalie, Sainte-Valière, Saint-Frichoux, Saint-Hilaire, Saint-Jean-de-Barrou, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, Saint-Nazaire-d’Aude, Saint-Pierre-des-Champs, Saint-Polycarpe, Sallèles-Cabardès, Salles-d’Aude, Salsigne, La Serpent, Serres, Serviès-en-Val, Sigean, Talairan, Taurize, Termes, Thézan-des-Corbières, Tournissan, Tourouzelle, Tourreilles, Trassanel, Trausse, Trèbes, Treilles, Tuchan, Val-de-Dagne, Val-du-Faby (the part corresponding to the territory of the delegated municipality of Fa), Ventenac-Cabardès, Ventenac-en-Minervois, Vignevieille, Villalier, Villanière, Villardonnel, Villar-en-Val, Villar-Saint-Anselme, Villarzel-Cabardès, Villebazy, Villedubert, Villegailhenc, Villegly, Villelongue-d’Aude, Villemoustaussou, Villeneuve-les-Corbières, Villeneuve-Minervois, Villerouge-Termenès, Villesèque-des-Corbières, Villetritouls and Vinassan;

Department of Gard: Aspères, Aujargues, Brouzet-lès-Quissac, La Cadière-et-Cambo, Calvisson, Cannes-et-Clairan, Carnas, Combas, Conqueyrac, Corconne, Crespian, Fontanès, Gailhan, Junas, Langlade, Lecques, Liouc, Montmirat, Montpezat, Moulézan, Nages-et-Solorgues, Nîmes, Orthoux-Sérignac-Quilhan, Saint-Clément, Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, Saint-Mamert-du-Gard, Salinelles, Sardan, Sommières, Souvignargues, Vic-le-Fesq and Villevieille;

Department of Pyrénées-Orientales: Banyuls-sur-Mer, Cerbère and Port-Vendres;

Department of Hérault: Adissan, Agel, Aigne, Aigues-Vives, Alignan-du-Vent, Aniane, Arboras, Argelliers, Aspiran, Assas, Assignan, Aumelas, Autignac, Azillanet, Babeau-Bouldoux, Bassan, Beaufort, Beaulieu, Berlou, Béziers, Boisseron, Le Bosc , Boujan-sur-Libron, Brignac, Brissac, Cabrerolles, Cabrières, Campagne, Canet, Cassagnoles, Castelnau-le-Lez, Castries, La Caunette, Causse-de-la-Selle, Causses-et-Veyran, Caussiniojouls, Caux, Cazedarnes, Cazevieille, Cazouls-lès-Béziers, Cébazan, Cessenon-sur-Orb, Cesseras, Ceyras, Claret, Clermont-l’Hérault, Combaillaux, Corneilhan, Cournonsec, Cournonterral, Creissan, Cruzy, Entre-Vignes, Faugères, Félines-Minervois, Ferrières-Poussarou, Fontanès, Fontès, Fos, Fouzilhon, Fozières, Gabian, Garrigues, Gignac, Guzargues, Jonquières, Juvignac, Lacoste, Lagamas, Laurens, Lauret, Lauroux, Lavalette, Lavérune, Liausson, Lieuran-Cabrières, La Livinière, Lodève, Lunel, Lunel-Viel, Magalas, Margon, Les Matelles, Mauguio, Mérifons, Minerve, Montagnac, Montarnaud, Montbazin, Montblanc, Montesquieu, Montouliers, Montoulieu, Montpellier, Montpeyroux, Moulès-et-Baucels, Mourèze, Murles, Murviel-lès-Béziers, Murviel-lès-Montpellier, Nébian, Neffiès, Nézignan-l’Evêque, Nissan-lez-Enserune, Nizas, Octon, Olmet-et-Villecun, Olonzac, Oupia, Paulhan, Pégairolles-de-Buèges, Pégairolles-de-l’Escalette, Péret, Pézenas, Pierrerue, Pignan, Plaissan, Poujols, Poussan, Pouzolles, Prades-le-Lez, Prades-sur-Vernazobre, Le Puech, Puéchabon, Puisserguier, Quarante, Restinclières, Roquebrun, Roquessels, Roujan, Saint-André-de-Buèges, Saint-André-de-Sangonis, Saint-Aunès, Saint-Bauzille-de-la-Sylve, Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel, Saint-Chinian, Saint-Clément-de-Rivière, Saint-Drézéry, Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues, Saint-Félix-de-Lodez, Saint-Gély-du-Fesc, Saint-Geniès-des-Mourgues, Saint-Georges-d’Orques, Saint-Guiraud, Saint-Jean-de-Buèges, Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles, Saint-Jean-de-Fos, Saint-Jean-de-la-Blaquière, Saint-Jean-de-Minervois, Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers, Saint -Nazaire-de-Ladarez, Saint-Pargoire, Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens, Saint-Privat, Saint-Saturnin-de-Lucian, Saint-Sériès, Saint-Thibéry, Saint-Vincent-de-Barbeyrargues, Saturargues, Sauteyrargues, Sauvian, Sérignan, Servian, Siran, Soubès, Soumont, Sussargues, Le Triadou, Usclas-du-Bosc, Vacquières, Vailhan, Vailhauquès, Valflaunès, Valmascle, Vendémian, Vendres, Vieussan, Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, Villeneuvette, Villespassans and Villeveyrac.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-cf71b94d-3d97-44c4-a6f1-89ed875b3c9c

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(1)   OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.