COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

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

‘Pays d’Oc’

EU reference number: PGI-FR-A1367-AM04 – 23.12.2025

1.   Name of product

‘Pays d’Oc’

2.   Geographical indication type

☐

PDO

☑

PGI

☐

GI

3.   Sector

☐	Agricultural products

☑

Wines

☐	Spirit drinks

4.   Country to which the geographical area belongs

France

5.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment

Name

Ministry of Agriculture, Agri-food and Forestry, Directorate-General for the Economic and Environmental Performance of Enterprises

6.   Qualification as standard amendment

The French authorities consider the application to meet the requirements of Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013 and (EU) 2024/1143.

The amendments to the product specification are standard amendments as defined in Article 24(4) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.

The amendments are thus not considered Union amendments within the meaning of Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. More specifically, they do not:

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

(b)	risk voiding the link to the geographical area referred to in the single document;

(c)	entail further restrictions on the marketing of the product.

7.   Description of the approved standard amendment(s)

Title

Introduction of two smaller geographical units

Description

1.

Chapter I, point 2 ‘Additional terms and geographical units’ of the product specification has been amended to include two smaller geographical units. The following smaller geographical units may be used together with the protected geographical indication ‘Pays d’Oc’: — ‘Coteaux de Narbonne’, — ‘Cité de Carcassonne’. Chapter I, point 10 ‘Presentation and labelling requirements’ of the product specification has been amended to set out specific rules for indicating the name of a smaller geographical unit on the labelling. The name of the smaller geographical unit must appear immediately after the term ‘Pays d’Oc’, with the whole name printed over one or two lines. The smaller geographical unit must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or in width, than those used for the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI. The ‘Further conditions – Labelling’ section of the single document has been amended accordingly.

2.

Chapter I, point 4.1 ‘Geographical area’ of the product specification has been amended to specify the municipalities of the Department of Aude where the grapes are harvested and the wine is made and developed for wines bearing the name ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI supplemented by the geographical unit ‘Coteaux de Narbonne’ or ‘Cité de Carcassonne’. The ‘Demarcated geographical area’ section of the single document has been amended accordingly.

3.

Chapter I, point 4.12 ‘Area in immediate proximity’ of the product specification has been amended to specify the municipalities of the Departments of Aude and Hérault where the wine is made and developed for wines bearing the name ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI supplemented by the geographical unit ‘Coteaux de Narbonne’ or ‘Cité de Carcassonne’. The ‘Further conditions – Area in immediate proximity’ section of the single document has been amended accordingly. The link to the geographical area remains unchanged for the municipalities added under this point. ☑ The amendment affects the single document.

Title

Analytical standards

Description

1.

Chapter I, point 8 ‘Processing – Storage – Packaging’ of the product specification has been amended to specify that the malolactic fermentation of red wines is considered to have finished when the malic acid content is 0,40 g/l or less. This has also been specified in the ‘Description of the wine(s)’ section of the single document.

2.

Chapter I, point 3.2 ‘Specific analytical standards’ of the specification has been amended to replace the term ‘de-alcoholisation’ with the more accurate term ‘reduction in alcohol content’. The provision in question states that the minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume may be reduced to 9 % in the case of a ‘reduction in alcohol content’ (previously ‘de-alcoholisation’). This has also been specified in the ‘Description of the wine(s)’ section of the single document. ☑ The amendment affects the single document.

Title

Control body

Description

Chapter III of the product specification has been amended to specify that the National Institute of Origin and Quality (Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité, INAO) is the body in charge of checks, and that compliance with the product specification is checked, on the basis of an approved control plan, by a third-party body delegated by the INAO offering guarantees of competence, impartiality and independence. The contact details of the INAO have been updated.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

☐	The amendment affects the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

Designations of origin and geographical indications of wines

‘ Pays d’Oc’

EU reference number: PGI-FR-A1367-AM04 – 23.12.2025

1.   Name(s)

‘Pays d’Oc’

2.   Geographical indication type

☐

PDO

☑

PGI

☐

GI

3.   Country to which the demarcated geographical area belongs

France

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

2204 – Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must other than that of heading 2009

5.   Categories of grapevine product as listed in Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013

1.

Wine

5.	Quality sparkling wine

16.	Wine of overripe grapes

6.   Description of the wine(s)

Grapevine product

Still wines

Organoleptic characteristics

Visual appearance

The whites are yellow in colour, with tints ranging from green to golden yellow.

The rosés have tints ranging from violet to pale pink for gri and gri de gri wines.

The reds are generally of a garnet red colour of varying intensity.

Aroma

The whites are quite aromatic, with aromas ranging from citrus fruit to floral notes such as white flowers and violets.

The rosés are characterised by a delicate freshness and lightness, with harmonious notes of fruits such as blackcurrants and strawberries as well as of flowers. These characteristics are brought out, in particular, by the Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah varieties.

The reds have aromas of varying intensity, ranging from red fruits such as blackcurrant, raspberry or cherry to more pronounced notes of spice, liquorice or cocoa.

Taste

The whites, of the Viognier, Sauvignon and Chardonnay varieties, for example, have a pronounced minerality; they are lively and aromatic, with citrus fruit or floral notes such as white flowers and violets the dominant aroma, enhanced by a touch of liveliness.

The rosés are delicate, fresh and light with harmonious notes of fruits (blackcurrants, strawberries) and flowers.

The reds are rich in pigments and mild tannins when aged. The reds are often blends of several varieties, with each variety contributing flavour (leather, undergrowth), intensity of colour (intense red, dark purple) and tannin structure thanks to modern winemaking methods.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

The ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI is used for still wines, quality sparkling wines and wines from overripe grapes. These may be red, rosé, white, gris [very pale rosés] or gris de gris [extremely pale rosés].

The PGI ‘Pays d’Oc’ covers a wide range of products, with varietal wines making up over 90 % of the volume produced. Alongside Mediterranean varieties such as Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah – which are preferred for the light and fruity gris and rosé wines – more recently introduced vine varieties, such as Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, give well-structured reds with red fruit aromas.

Analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)	—
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	10
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 minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume may be reduced to 9 % in the case of a reduction in alcohol content.

Rosé and white ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines have a maximum iron content of 10 mg/l.

Red wines must undergo full malolactic fermentation, with the exception of those labelled primeur [early] or nouveau [new] and wines made from overripe grapes. The malolactic fermentation is considered to be completed when the malic acid content of a red wine is 0,40 g/l or less.

Any analytical values not specified below comply with the requirements of EU legislation.

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

Grapevine product

Quality sparkling wines

Organoleptic characteristics

Visual appearance

The quality sparkling wines are of the same colour as the still wines.

The whites are yellow in colour, with tints ranging from green to golden yellow.

The rosés have tints ranging from violet to pale pink for gri and gri de gri wines.

The reds are generally of a garnet red colour of varying intensity.

Aroma

The wines are characterised by the freshness and aromatic finesse of the grape varieties from the Pays d’Oc most suited to making these wines, mainly Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Viognier and Muscat à Petits Grains. By tailoring the different winemaking techniques, winemakers are able to preserve the intrinsic qualities of these grape varieties, in particular their primary aromas of fresh fruit and their vivaciousness.

Taste

The quality sparkling wines have light, elegant bubbles and floral or fruity aromas, depending on the varieties used.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

A range of quality sparkling wines made from single grape varieties has been developed, and since the 1990s it has been possible to market these wines under their varietal names. Their colours and aromatic properties match those of the still wines, and they are characterised by the freshness and aromatic finesse of the grape varieties from the Pays d’Oc region that are most suitable for making these wines, mainly Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Viognier and Muscat à Petits Grains. These quality sparkling wines have light, elegant bubbles and floral or fruity aromas depending on the varieties used. By tailoring the different winemaking techniques, winemakers are able to preserve the intrinsic qualities of these grape varieties – their primary aromas of fresh fruit and their vivaciousness in particular. The processing of wine into sparkling wine is increasingly carried out by external firms that are able to provide this service on demand.

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

—

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

Grapevine product

Wines from overripe grapes

Organoleptic characteristics

Visual appearance

Wines from overripe grapes have straw yellow to brown tints.

Aroma

Wines from overripe grapes have aromas of pear and yellow fruit.

Taste

Wines from overripe grapes have notes of pear and yellow fruit.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

Wines made from grapes harvested when they are overripe or affected by noble rot – which makes them rich in sugars and allows them to develop complex aromas – are produced in smaller quantities. This production of a small quantity of Pays d’Oc PGI wines from overripe grapes is a throwback to the Languedoc region’s ancient history of making these strong wines, the only wines that stood up to storage and transportation. With hints of colour ranging from straw yellow to brown and pear and yellow fruit aromas, they are made by leaving the grapes to raisin on the vine and/or develop noble rot.

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 whites, made without the use of enrichment, are made from grapes harvested when they are overripe or affected by noble rot, and their fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content is at least 45 g/l, with volatile acidity not exceeding 24,48 meq/l.

The other analytical parameters comply with the values established in EU legislation.

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

7.   Winemaking practices

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

Winemaking practice

—

Type of oenological practice

Specific oenological practice

Description

For a wine to use the PGI, the main grape varieties must make up more than 50 % of its volume. Any secondary varieties used must account for less than 50 % of the volume and novel varieties may not account for more than 15 %. The PGI name may be supplemented with the name of a single grape variety provided that:

—	the variety in question is on the list of main varieties;

—	the wine is declared under this varietal name;

—	the variety in question accounts for at least 85 % of the blend.

The PGI name may be supplemented with the name of two or more grape varieties provided that:

—	the varieties in question are on the list of main varieties;

—	the wine is declared under these varietal names, whether or not they are in a blend;

—	each of the varieties in question account for at least 15 % of the blend.

Red and rosé wines may be made using a white grape variety from the list of main varieties or the list of novel secondary varieties provided that:

—	the musts of the different grapes are made into wine together;

—	if the white grapes used are from the list of main varieties, the white must accounts for no more than 20 % of the declared volume of wine;

—	if the white grapes used are from the list of novel varieties, the white must accounts for no more than 15 % of the declared volume of wine.

Malolactic fermentation must be completed by the first taste-testing for red wines, with the exception of those labelled primeur or nouveau and red wines from overripe grapes.

Winemaking practice

—

Type of oenological practice

Specific oenological practice

Description

Wines from overripe grapes must come exclusively from the vintage year stated on the label. ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines from overripe grapes must be aged for at least six months from the harvest date. ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines labelled sur lie [aged on the lees] spend only one winter in the vat or cask and are on their fine lees at the time of bottling. ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI sur lie wines may not be bottled before 21 March of the year following harvest. Malolactic fermentation must be completed by the first taste-testing for ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI red wines, with the exception of those labelled primeur or nouveau and red wines from overripe grapes. In addition to the above rules, the winemaking practices used must comply with EU law and the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

7.2.   Maximum yields

All wines / category / variety / type

‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI red and white wines

Maximum yield:

Maximum yield	90
Maximum yield unit	hectolitres per hectare

All wines / category / variety / type

‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI rosé, gris and gris de gris wines

Maximum yield:

Maximum yield	100
Maximum yield unit	hectolitres per hectare

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

—	Alicante Henri Bouschet N

—

Altesse B

—	Alvarinho – Albariño

—	Bourboulenc B – Doucillon blanc

—	Cabernet franc N

—	Cabernet-Sauvignon N

—

Caladoc N

—	Carignan N

—	Carmenère N

—	Chardonnay B

—

Chasan B

—

Chenin B

—	Cinsaut N – Cinsault

—	Clairette rose Rs

—	Colombard B

—	Cot N – Malbec

—

Gamay N

—	Gewurztraminer Rs

—	Grenache N

—	Grenache blanc B

—	Grenache gris G

—	Gros Manseng B

—	Macabeu B – Macabeo

—	Marsanne B

—	Marselan N

—

Mauzac B

—

Merlot N

—	Mondeuse N

—	Morrastel N – Minustellu, Graciano

—	Mourvèdre N – Monastrell

—	Muscat d’Alexandrie B – Muscat, Moscato

—	Muscat de Hambourg N – Muscat, Moscato

—	Muscat à petits grains blancs B – Muscat, Moscato

—	Muscat à petits grains rouges Rg – Muscat, Moscato

—	Nielluccio N – Nielluciu

—	Négrette N

—	Petit Manseng B

—	Petit Verdot N

—	Pinot blanc B

—	Pinot gris G

—	Pinot noir N

—

Portan N

—	Riesling B

—	Roussanne B

—	Sauvignon B

—	Sauvignon gris G – Fié gris

—	Semillon B

—	Sylvaner B

—	Syrah N – Shiraz

—	Tempranillo N

—	Terret blanc B

—	Vermentino B – Rolle

—	Viognier B

9.   Concise definition of the demarcated geographical area

The grapes to be used to make still ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines – including wines from overripe grapes – must be harvested, and the wine made and developed, in the Departments of Aude, Gard, Hérault, Pyrénées-Orientales and the municipalities of Ispagnac, Montbrun, Quézac, Sainte-Enimie, La Malène and Les Vignes in the Department of Lozère.

For wines bearing the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI supplemented by the smaller geographical unit ‘Coteaux de Narbonne’, the grapes must be harvested and the wines made and developed in the following municipalities in the Department of Aude: Armissan, Coursan, Cuxac-d’Aude, Fleury-d’Aude, Narbonne, Marcorignan, Moussan, Ouveillan, Salles d’Aude, Sallèles d’Aude and Vinassan.

For wines bearing the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI supplemented by the smaller geographical unit ‘Cité de Carcassonne’, the grapes must be harvested and the wines made and developed in the following municipalities in the Department of Aude: Berriac, Bouilhonnac, Carcassonne, Caux-et-Sauzens, Cavanac, Cazilhac, Couffoulens, Leuc, Montirat, Palaja, Pennautier, Pezens, Preixan, Rouffiac-d’Aude, Trèbes, Verzeille et Villedubert, Villemoustaussou and Villeséquelande.

The grapes to be used to make quality sparkling wines must be harvested, and the wine made and developed, in the Departments of Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales and in certain municipalities in the Departments of Lozère and Aude, namely: Ispagnac, Montbrun, Quézac, Sainte-Enimie, La Malène and Les Vignes in the Department of Lozère; Aigues-Vives, Airoux, Alaigne, Alairac, Albas, Albières, Alzonne, Aragon, Argeliers, Argens-Minervois, Armissan, Arques, Arquettes-en-Val, Artigues, Arzens, Aunat, Auriac, Axat, Azille, Badens, Bages, Bagnoles, Baraigne, Barbaira, Belcaire, Belcastel-et-Buc, Belflou, Belfort Sur Rebenty, Bellegarde-du-Razès, Belpech, Belvèze-du-Razès, Belvianes-et-Cavirac, Belvis, Berriac, Bessède-de-Sault, Bizanet, Bize-Minervois, Blomac, Bouilhonnac, Bouisse, Bourigeole, Boutenac, Bram, Brenac, Brézilhac, Brousses-et-Villaret, Brugairolles, Bugarach, Cabrespine, Cahuzac, Cailla, Cailhau, Cailhavel, Cambieure, Campagna-de-Sault, Camplong-d’Aude, Camps-sur-l’Agly, Camurac, Canet, Capendu, Carcassonne, Carlipa, Cascastel-des-Corbières, Castans, Castelnau-d’Aude, Castelnaudary, Caudebronde, Caudeval, Caunes-Minervois, Caunette-sur-Lauquet, Caunettes-en-Val, Caux-et-Sauzens, Cavanac, Caves, Cazalrenoux, Cazilhac, Cenne-Monestiés, Chalabre, Citou, Clermont-sur-Lauquet, Comigne, Comus, Conilhac-Corbieres, Conques-sur-Orbiel, Corbières, Counozouls, Coudons, Couffoulens, Coursan, Courtauly, Coustouge, Cruscades, Cubières-sur-Cinoble, Cucugnan, Cumiès, Cuxac-Cabardès, Cuxac-d’Aude, Davejean, Dernacueillette, Donazac, Douzens, Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, Durban-Corbières, Embres-et-Castelmaure, Escales, Escouloubre, Escueillens-et-Saint-Just-de-Beleng, Espezel, Fabrezan, Fajac-en-Val, Fajac-la-Relenque, Fanjeaux, Félines-Termenès, Fendeille, Fenouillet-du-Razès, Ferrals-les-Corbières, Ferran, Feuilla, Fitou, Fleury, Floure, Fontcouverte, Fontanès-de-Sault, Fonters-du-Razès, Fontiers-Cabardès, Fontiès-d’Aude, Fontjoncouse, Fournes-Cabardès, Fourtou, Fraisse-Cabardès, Fraisse-des-Corbières, Galinagues, Gaja-la-Selve, Generville, Gincla, Ginestas, Ginoles, Gourvieille, Gramazie, Granès, Greffeil, Gruissan, Gueytes-et-Labastide, Homps, Hounoux, Issel, Jonquières, Joucou, La Bezole, La Cassaigne, La Courtète, La Fajeolle, La Force, La Louvière-Lauragais, La Palme, La Pomarède, La Redorte, La Tourette-Cabardès, Labastide-d’Anjou, Labastide-en-Val, Labastide-Esparbairenque, Labécède-Lauragais, Lacombe, Lafage, Lagrasse, Lairière, Lanet, Laprade, Laroque-de-Fa, Lasbordes, Lasserre-de-Prouille, Lastours, Laurabuc, Laurac, Lauraguel, Laure-Minervois, Lavalette, Les Brunels, Le Bousquet, Le Clat, Les Casses, Les Ilhes, Les Martys, Lespinassière, Leuc, Leucate, Lézignan-Corbières, Lignairolles, Limousis, Luc-sur-Orbieu, Mailhac, Maisons, Malves-en-Minervois, Malviès, Marcorignan, Marquein, Marsa, Marseillette, Mas-Cabardès, Mas-des-Cours, Mas-Saintes-Puelles, Massac, Mayreville, Mayronnes, Mazerolles-du-Razès, Mazuby, Merrial, Mézerville, Miraval-Cabardès, Mirepeisset, Mireval-Lauragais, Missègre, Molandier, Molleville, Montauriol, Montbrun-des-Corbières, Montclar, Montferrand, Montfort-sur-Boulsane, Montgaillard, Montgradail, Monthaut, Montirat, Montjardin, Montjoi, Montlaur, Montmaur, Montolieu, Montréal, Montredon-des-Corbières, Montséret, Monze, Moussan, Moussoulens, Mouthoumet, Moux, Narbonne, Nébias, Névian, Niort-de-Sault, Ornaisons, Orsans, Ouveillan, Padern, Palairac, Palaja, Paraza, Payra-sur-l’Hers, Paziols, Pech-Luna, Pécharic-et-le-Py, Pennautier, Pépieux, Pexiora, Peyrefitte-du-Razès, Peyrefitte-sur-l’Hers, Peyrens, Peyriac-de-Mer, Peyriac-Minervois, Pezens, Plaigne, Plavilla, Pomy, Port-la-Nouvelle, Portel-des-Corbières, Pouzols-Minervois, Pradelles-Cabardes, Pradelles-en-Val, Preixan, Puginier, Puichéric, Puylaurens, Puivert, Quillan, Quintillan, Quirbajou, Raissac-d’Aude, Raissac-sur-Lampy, Rennes-le-Château, Rennes-les-Bains, Ribaute, Ribouisse, Ricaud, Rieux-en-Val, Rieux-Minervois, Rivel, Rodome, Roquecourbe-Minervois, Roquefere, Roquefeuil, Roquefort-des-Corbières, Roquefort-de-Sault, Roubia, Rouffiac-des-Corbières, Roullens, Routier, Rouvenac, Rustiques, Saint-Amans, Saint-André-de-Roquelongue, Saint-Benoît, Sainte-Colombe-sur-Guette, Saint-Couat-d’Aude, Saint-Denis, Saint-Ferriol, Saint-Frichoux, Saint-Gauderic, Saint-Jean-de-Barrou, Saint-Jean-de-Paracol, Saint-Julia-de-Bec, Saint-Julien-de-Briola, Saint-Just-et-le-Bezu, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, Saint-Louis-et-Parahou, Saint-Marcel-sur-Aude, Saint-Martin-de-Villereglan, Saint-Martin-des-Puits, Saint-Martin-Lalande, Saint-Martin-le-Vieil, Saint-Martin-Lys, Saint-Michel-de-Lanes, Saint-Nazaire-d’Aude, Saint-Papoul, Saint-Paulet, Saint-Pierre-des-Champs, Saint-Sernin, Sainte-Camelle, Sainte-Colombe-sur-l’Hers, Sainte-Eulalie, Sainte-Valière, Saissac, Sallèles-Cabardès, Sallèles-d’Aude, Salles-d’Aude, Salles-sur-l’Hers, Salsigne, Salvezine, Salza, Seignalens, Serviès-en-Val, Sigean, Sonnac-sur-l’Hers, Sougraigne, Souilhanels, Souilhe, Soulatge, Soupex, Talairan, Taurize, Termes, Terroles, Thézan-des-Corbières, Tournissan, Tourouzelle, Trassanel, Trausse, Trèbes, Treilles, Tréville, Tréziers, Tuchan, Valmigère, Ventenac-Cabardès, Ventenac-en-Minervois, Véraza, Verdun-en-Lauragais, Verzeille, Vignevieille, Villalier, Villanière, Villar-en-Val, Villardebelle, Villardonnel, Villarzel-Cabardès, Villarzel-du-Razès, Villasavary, Villautou, Villedaigne, Villedubert, Villefloure, Villefort, Villegailhenc, Villegly, Villemagne, Villemoustaussou, Villeneuve-la-Comptal, Villeneuve-les-Corbières, Villeneuve-les-Montréal, Villeneuve-Minervois, Villepinte, Villerouge-Termenès, Villesèque-des-Corbières, Villesèquelande, Villesiscle, Villespy, Villetritouls and Vinassan in the Department of Aude.

10.   Link with the geographical area

The causal link with the geographical origin is based on:

☑	reputation

☑	a specific quality

☑	other characteristics

Category of grapevine product

1.

Wine

Summary of the link

Specificity of the geographical area

The geographical area of production spans the entire Departments of Languedoc-Roussillon, Aude, Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales as well as six municipalities in Lozère.

It forms a vast amphitheatre framed by a series of mountain ranges to the north, from the Pyrenees to the Cévennes, and extends down to the Mediterranean Sea, passing through a range of geological contexts, from the Paleozoic Era to the Quaternary Period. Whatever their geological origins, the soils in which the vines grow are suitable for this purpose: they are all dry and rather stony, not particularly fertile but with good drainage, allowing roots to grow deep.

Amidst debate on how to establish a much-needed differentiation between the various products of France’s vineyards, the Vin de Pays category was created in 1979. On 10 October 1987 a Decree was issued recognising Pays d’Oc as a regional Vin de Pays. Developed on the basis of favouring both Languedoc’s historical varieties and varieties from beyond the region’s borders, Pays d’Oc PGI follows in the Mediterranean tradition of trading, including in vine varieties.

Specificity of the product

The list of vine varieties authorised for making ‘Pay d’Oc’ PGI wines currently numbers 63. Alongside Mediterranean varieties such as Carignan, Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, there are other varieties of international renown that have been more recently introduced to France. The most important examples are red Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Caladoc grapes and white Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Viognier and Alvarinho grapes.

Each with its own distinctive features and complementing one another, these different vine varieties are perfectly suited to the climate of the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI region, particularly now that climate change has demonstrably warmed up the region. They also allow winemakers to unleash their creativity in making their authentic wines. For example, the Petit Verdot lends itself well enough to ageing to be made into a varietal wine.

Although the Mediterranean varieties are generally favoured for the rosés, Carignan gives harmonious results when made into red wine, lending it an intense depth of colour, and can be blended with other varieties, most notably Merlot.

The use of these different varieties in winemaking is constantly developing. Reds tend to make up half of the volume of wine made, with rosés and whites accounting for a quarter each.

Varietal and multi-varietal wines account for 95 % of the volume made, placing ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI as the European leader in varietals and varietal blends.

In order to ensure the best possible quality, there are strict rules on production conditions and analytical values, and all batches are systematically taste-tested.

It is the region’s unique Mediterranean conditions that makes it possible for varietals to account for the vast majority of the wines made there.

The specific requirement that wines labelled sur lie be bottled in establishments located within the defined geographical area and the area in immediate proximity has been included in the product specification with the aim of preserving the essential characteristics of those wines, which are the result of the interaction between the natural environment and the expertise developed by winemakers on how best to bring out the wines’ organoleptic qualities through vinification and cellar operations.

Causal link between the specificity of the geographical area and the specificity of the product

The combination of a typical Mediterranean climate with soils that are rather dry, not very fertile but with good draining, allowing roots to grow deep, makes it possible to grow a range of different varieties and means that their agricultural potential can be harnessed in full. How these different varieties express themselves within the territory, marked by the influence of a southern climate, is what makes Pays d’Oc PGI unique.

Since the designation was recognised in 1987, the production of ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines has grown steadily, almost doubling in the past decade. This has helped boost the winegrowing sector across all production segments. The wide range of products on offer allows consumers’ renewed expectations to be met.

This undisputed success has only been possible thanks to a long tradition of production and ancestral expertise, and the fact that the vine varieties are perfectly suited to the soil and climate of the ‘Pay d’Oc’ PGI territory.

The fact that a range of different varieties are used to make a range of complementary and high-quality products clearly demonstrates that the Pays d’Oc PGI vineyards are modern, efficient, and suited to the territory, while being mindful and respectful of their history.

Almost 2 000 businesses – 200 cooperative wineries, 1 200 individual wineries, 65 trading winemakers and over 450 wine merchants – are involved in making and selling Pays d’Oc wines.

Each year, grapes for the Pays d’Oc PGI are grown on almost 115 000 of the 240 000 hectares of vineyards present in Languedoc-Roussillon.

A restructuring process – both in terms of oenological engineering and varietal development – that began almost 40 years ago has benefited from the work of further and higher education centres in the region conducting scientific and technical research into winegrowing: the ENTAV (the National Technical Institute for Improvements in Winegrowing) in the Department of Gard, where all French vine varieties and clones are kept, the Institut des Hautes Études de la Vigne et du Vin (Institute for Higher Education in Vine and Wine) in Montpellier and the technological exchange at INRA (National Agronomic Research Institute) Pech Rouge in the Department of Aude.

As a result, Pays d’Oc PGI wines – whether still wines or wines from overripe grapes – have, thanks to the uniqueness of the grape varieties used, made a name and a place for themselves, not just on European markets but around the world.

They are present in 170 countries, with northern Europe accounting for 75 % of the volume, North America 9 % and China 7 %.

‘Pays d’Oc’ therefore represents a long-standing winemaking tradition that has been carried on within a context of modernity, allowing the wines to become known by consumers and contributing to the PGI’s reputation.

Numerous promotion initiatives are conducted throughout the wine season, from harvest to the tasting of the current vintage, both within the region and at trade fairs around the world. The region’s attractiveness as a tourist destination means that a large number of visitors have the opportunity to discover its vineyards by following driving or walking tours, bringing them to the wineries attached to those vineyards, where they can discover their wines and admire their architectural heritage. All of these initiatives help to develop Pays d’Oc PGI and build up its reputation.

It is an undisputed fact that, since it was created, Pays d’Oc PGI has been at the heart of the revival of the Languedoc-Roussillon winegrowing industry, helping to preserve the region’s vineyards, a key element that structures life in its villages and influences spatial planning in the region.

Category of grapevine product

16.	Wine of overripe grapes

Summary of the link

The production of a small quantity of Pays d’Oc PGI wines from overripe grapes is a throwback to the Languedoc region’s ancient history of making these strong wines, the only wines that stood up to storage and transportation. With hints of colour ranging from straw yellow to brown and pear and yellow fruit aromas, they are made by leaving the grapes to raisin on the vine and/or develop noble rot.

Category of grapevine product

5.	Quality sparkling wine

Summary of the link

In the same context, the region’s long-standing tradition of sparkling winemaking has undergone major development since the beginning of the century, resulting in a range of quality sparkling wines.

Languedoc’s vineyards, which date back to Roman times, actually produced their first sparkling wines through the use of perforated amphorae to ferment musts.

Sparkling wine was first made at the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Hilaire in the Department of Aude in 1531. This paved the way for sparkling winemaking to develop throughout the region that today constitutes the production area for Pays d’Oc PGI. In 1883, basing itself on the concept of ‘rural modernity’, the Compagnie des Salins du Midi developed the Domaine Royal de Jarras in the Department of Gard – owned by the Benedictine monks of Psalmody Abbey and acquired by Saint Louis in 1244 – into a larger-scale winery, and this included making sparkling wines.

As sparkling wine production was increasing, there was a need to develop the technology used, and in 1907, Jean-Eugène Charmat, a Montpellier-based agronomist, was granted a patent for his invention, a technique for fermenting musts in pressure tanks to make sparkling wines, at the Ecole Supérieure Agronomique de Montpellier (which in 1946 became Montpellier SupAgro). The fact that this method, known as Charmat, was developed in the Languedoc-Roussillon region shows the importance of sparkling winemaking – and of the development of the associated expertise – to the region’s economy.

From the beginning of the 20th century sparkling wine production expanded throughout the Departments making up the Languedoc-Roussillon region, stimulated by the economic growth of the region’s winemaking industry and the vineyards’ ability to adapt to this type of production.

The specific properties of these wines – characterised by their hues, freshness and aromatic finesse – reflect the choice selection of varieties, planted on well-exposed slopes in soils with a good water reserve, giving good-quality red, white and rosé sparkling wines made mainly from Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Viognier and Muscat à Petits Grains.

A century-old tradition of sparkling winemaking in the region, combined with the winemakers’ experience and expertise and the benefits of top-class technical equipment, come together to produce top-of-the-range original quality sparkling wines. In terms of varietal wines, these have a special place in the quality sparkling wines category thanks to the presence of varieties that are naturally suited to the territory.

The influence of the sea breezes on the entire production area gives the varieties that are harvested early a set of intense primary aromas, perfect for making quality sparkling wines.

The Languedoc-Roussillon area owes its sparkling winemaking tradition to a combination of factors that have proven highly beneficial to the production of sparkling wines: soils with a good water reserve on well-exposed slopes, a particularly sunny Mediterranean climate tempered by the influence of sea breezes, and the expertise of local growers.

The combination of these elements (soils, climate, and the influence of the winds), the growers’ mastery of farming techniques, and the fact that the range of suitable aromatic varieties is limited, brings resistance to diseases caused by cryptograms allowing them to be kept in check. This means that the vineyards stay healthy, without major pest attacks, so the grapes can be harvested at technological maturity, and are very well placed to produce quality sparkling wines with fine bubbles and a long-lasting foam.

Sparkling winemaking is a deeply rooted tradition in the Pays d’Oc area. A large volume of these wines is made and they have a high added value. This sector involves up to 150 cooperative wineries and 1 000 individual wineries, and their products are sold both in France and abroad.

This undisputed success has only been possible thanks to the long tradition of production, ancestral expertise, and the fact that the vine varieties are perfectly suited to the soil and climate of the Pay d’Oc PGI territory.

11.   Further applicable requirements

Title of the requirement/derogation

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of additional 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 production of still ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines comprises the cantons that border the Departments of Aude, Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales: Anglès, Arles, Avignon-1, Avignon-2, Avignon-3, Ax-Les-Thermes, Barre-des-Cévennes, Bollène, Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Camarès, Campagnac, Châteaurenard, Cornus, Coucouron, Dourgne, Labruguière, Lacaune, Lavelanet, Le-Pont-de-Montvert, Le Pontet (municipalities of Le Pontet and Vedéne), Les Vans, Mazamet, Meyrueis, Mirepoix, Murat-sur-Vèbre, Nailloux, Nant, Orange, Peyreleau, Quérigut, Revel, Saint-Germain-de-Calberte, Saint-Amans-Soult, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Saverdun, Sorgues, Tarascon, Valgorge, Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Vaison-la-Romaine (municipalities of Camaret-sur-Aigues, Travaillan and Violès), Villefort and Villefranche-de-Lauragais.

The area in immediate proximity defined by derogation for making and developing quality sparkling ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines comprises the Departments of Ardèche, Ariège, Aveyron, Bouches-du-Rhône, Haute-Garonne, Lozère, Tarn and Vaucluse.

Wines bearing the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI supplemented by the smaller geographical unit ‘Coteaux de Narbonne’ are made and developed in the municipalities of Argeliers, Bages, Bizanet, Gruissan, Mirepeisset, Montredon-des-Corbières, Névian, Peyriac-de-Mer, Port-la-Nouvelle, Raissac-d’Aude, Saint-André-de-Roquelongue, Saint-Marcel-sur-Aude, Saint-Nazaire-d’Aude and Sigean in the Department of Aude and the municipalities of Capestang, Cruzy, Lespignan, Montels, Nissan-lez-Ensérune, Quarante and Vendres in the Department of Hérault.

Wines bearing the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI supplemented by the smaller geographical unit ‘Cité de Carcassonne’ are made and developed in the municipalities of Alairac, Aragon, Arzens, Badens, Bagnoles, Barbaira, Capendu, Conques-sur-Orbiel, Floure, Fontiès-d’Aude, Ladern-sur-Lauquet, Laure-Minervois, Lavalette, Malves-en-Minervois, Marseillette, Mas-des-Cours, Montclar, Monze, Moussoulens, Pomas, Roullens, Rustiques, Saint-Hilaire, Sainte-Eulalie, Ventenac-Cabardès, Villalier, Villefloure and Villegailhenc in the Department of Aude.

Title of the requirement/derogation

Packaging

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of additional requirement/derogation

Packaging within the demarcated area

Description of the requirement/derogation

‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines labelled as sur lie must be bottled in establishments located within the geographical area or the area in immediate proximity. This preserves the essential characteristics of those wines and minimises the amount of naturally occurring carbon dioxide that is lost, so they retain their slight fizz.

Title of the requirement/derogation

Labelling

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of additional requirement/derogation

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the requirement/derogation

The name of one or more vine varieties may be used alongside the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI in accordance with the conditions laid down in the product specification. The name of the vine variety (or varieties) must be displayed in the same visual field as the words ‘Pays d’Oc’.

The ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI may be supplemented by the terms primeur or nouveau. The terms primeur and nouveau are used for still wines only.

For still rosé and white wines, the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI may be supplemented by the words sur lie. Where the term sur lie is used, the year of harvest must be stated on the label.

The year of harvest must be stated on the labels of ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI wines made from overripe grapes.

If the traditional term Vin de Pays is used instead of Indication Géographique Protégée (Protected Geographical Indication), the EU PGI logo must be displayed on the label.

The ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI may be supplemented by the following smaller geographical units:

—	‘Coteaux de Narbonne’,

—	‘Cité de Carcassonne’.

The name of the smaller geographical unit must appear immediately after the term ‘Pays d’Oc’, with the whole name printed over one or two lines.

The smaller geographical unit must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or in width, than those used for the ‘Pays d’Oc’ PGI.

Electronic reference (URL) to publication of the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/boagri/document_administratif-9231994c-2220-475c-b784-b51d291c7c7c

---

(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).