Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2020/C 70/05)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Coteaux du Layon’

PDO-FR-A0826-AM02

Date of communication: 13 November 2019

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Geographical designations

In chapter I(II)(1), after the word ‘municipality’ the wording ‘(or delegated municipalities where they exist)’ has been added.

There have been some mergers recently among certain municipalities with names eligible to appear after the controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux du Layon’. Nevertheless they continue to be delegated municipalities within the new municipalities formed by these mergers. In such cases, delegated municipalities retain a recognised administrative identity within the local government structure.

Only chapter II has been amended. Throughout the rest of the specification, for those municipalities with names eligible to appear after the controlled designation of origin, there is no distinction between municipalities and delegated municipalities.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

2.   Geographical area

The geographical area has been amended as follows:

‘a) -

The entire production process takes place in the geographical area encompassing the municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire named below, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux and La Jumellière), Cléré-sur-Layon, Doué-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Brigné, Concourson-sur-Layon, Saint-Georges-sur-Layon and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Lys-Haut-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipalities of La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné and Trémont), Passavant-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Terranjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Chavagnes and Martigné-Briand), Val-du-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay). Maps of this geographical area can be found on the website of the French National Origin and Quality Institute (INAO).

b) -

For wines eligible to bear the term “premier cru” followed by the supplementary geographical designation “Chaume”, all stages of production take place in the geographical area encompassing the following municipality of the department of Maine-et-Loire, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Rochefort-sur-Loire. Maps of this geographical area can be found on the website of the National Origin and Quality Institute (INAO)’.

Amended wording: the new list of administrative bodies takes into account any mergers or other changes in administrative boundaries that have occurred since the approval of the specification. To increase legal certainty, the list follows the current version of the Official Geographic Code, updated annually by the INSEE (the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies). The boundary of the geographical area remains entirely unchanged.

Finally, for the purposes of better public information, attention is drawn to the maps of the geographical area available on the INAO website.

Point 6 of the single document on the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

3.   Demarcated parcel area

In Chapter I(IV)(2), first paragraph, of the specification for PDO ‘Coteaux de Layon’, the words ‘and 19 January 2017’ have been added after ‘5 September 2007’.

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. The demarcated parcel area is the land within the geographical area that is suitable for growing the material for this Protected Designation of Origin.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

4.   Area in immediate proximity

In Chapter I(IV)(3)(a), the list of municipalities has been replaced by:

‘—

Department of Deux-Sèvres: Argenton-l’Église, Bouillé-Loretz, Brion-près-Thouet, Louzy, Mauzé-Thouarsais, Oiron, Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Sainte-Radegonde, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Thouars, Tourtenay, Val-en-Vignes (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul and Cersay);

—	Department of Indre-et-Loire: Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil;

—	Department of Loire-Atlantique: Ancenis, Le Loroux-Bottereau, Le Pallet, La Remaudière, Vair-sur-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipality of Anetz), Vallet;

—

Department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Sulpice), Bouchemaine, Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brézé, Brissac Loire Aubance (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Les Alleuds, Brissac-Quincé, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Brossay, Cernusson, Chacé, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chemillé-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipality of Valanjou), Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Denée, Dénezé-sous-Doué, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Forges, Meigné, Montfort), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Les Garennes sur Loire (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Gennes-Val-de-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé, Ingrandes-Le Fresne sur Loire (former territory of the delegated municipality of Ingrandes), Jarzé Villages (former territory of the delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Les Cerqueux-sous-Passavant and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, Le Marillais, Le Mesnil-en-Vallée, Montjean-sur-Loire, La Pommeraye, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine and Saint-Laurent-du-Mottay), Mazé-Milon (former territory of the delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée d’Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels and La Varenne), Parnay, Passavant-sur-Layon, La Possonnière, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rou-Marson, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Just-sur-Dive, Saint-Macaire-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Sigismond, Saumur, Savennières, Soucelles, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Souzay-Champigny, Terranjou (former territory of the delegated municipality of Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine), Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Verrie, Verrières-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Pellouailles-les-Vignes et Saint-Sylvain-d’Anjou) Villevêque;

—	Department of Vienne: Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay, Les Trois-Moutiers’.

In Chapter I(IV)(3)(b), the list of municipalities has been replaced by:

This change takes into account the various mergers of municipalities that have occurred since the last version of the specification. The boundaries of the area in immediate proximity remain exactly the same.

Point 9 of the single document concerning additional conditions has been amended accordingly.

5.   Agri-environment provision

The following has been added to point Chapter I(VI)(2): ‘Managed plant cover, either natural or planted, is compulsory between rows. Where there is no such plant cover, operators must tend the soil to ensure that naturally occurring plant growth is managed. Otherwise, operators must provide justification for using bio-control products approved by the wine-growing authorities. Where bio-control herbicides are used on a land parcel, use of other herbicides is not permitted’.

This amendment reflects current developments in the practices of operators promoting conservation agriculture throughout the vineyards of Anjou. It takes into account growing concern for the environment as part of technical procedures. By encouraging the existence of vegetation cover, or mechanised weeding, or even use of bio-control products, the amendment aims to reduce the use of chemical herbicides. The reduction in herbicides will certainly strengthen the defences of wine-growing soils and preserve their natural properties such as fertility, bio-diversity and self-cleaning. This will contribute to the quality and authenticity of the wines and strengthen the sense of terroir.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

6.   Harvest proclamation

At Chapter I(VII)(1), the following sentence has been deleted: ‘The start date of the harvests is set in accordance with Article D. 645-6 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code’.

It is no longer necessary to set a start date for harvests as operators have a large selection of tools at their disposal to enable them to gauge the ripeness of the grapes with the greatest possible accuracy. All operators have access to various machines and equipment, both individually and collectively, enabling them to determine accurately the ideal start date for harvesting each parcel, depending on the production objectives.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

7.   Fermenting room capacity

At Chapter I(IX)(1)(d), the sentence: ‘All operators have a fermenting room capacity for wine production equal to at least 1,4 times the average yield of their holding during the preceding five years’ is replaced by: ‘All operators have a fermenting room capacity for producing wine equal to at least 1,4 times the average volume of wine produced over the past five years.’

The specification made reference not to a volume capacity (expressed in hectolitres or cubic metres) but to a yield, which is the harvest volume divided by the production area (expressed for example in hectolitres per hectare). The proposed amendment removes this inconsistency regarding measurements without making any substantial changes. The minimum capacity remains 1,4 times the average volume of wine produced by a holding in the preceding years.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

8.   Circulation of wines

Chapter I(IX)(5)(b), on the date of entry into circulation of the wines between authorised warehouses, has been deleted.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

9.   Link with the geographical area

The link has been revised in order to update the number of municipalities involved (13 instead of 27). This section now includes an explanation that the average temperatures are expressed as annual temperatures.

Point 8 of the single document, on the link with the geographical area, has been amended accordingly.

10.   Transitional measure

The following has been inserted under point XI of chapter I: ‘The provisions relating to the requirement for managed plant cover, either natural or planted, between rows, along with the provisions relating to the requirement for operators to tend the soil or use bio-control products to ensure that naturally occurring plant growth is managed, do not apply to vineyard parcels already in existence at the time of accreditation of this specification and in which the spacing between rows is a maximum of 1,7 metres’.

The transitional measure avoids the need to penalise existing vineyards currently using a training method not adapted to the agri-environmental provisions. In densely planted vineyards, where the spacing between rows is a maximum of 1.7 metres, maintaining permanent grass cover or attempting to work the soil could, in effect, cause technical problems with machinery, materials or tools, for example. In low-growing vines, grass cover actually increases the risk of spring frosts. Furthermore, the presence of vegetation cover significantly increases the pressure on the water supply to the vines in the more densely-planted vineyards. Nevertheless, any vines planted after the specification has been approved will have to comply fully with the new agri-environmental provisions, regardless of planting density and spacing between rows.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

11.   Record-keeping

In Chapter II(II)(3), the word ‘potential’ has been replaced by ‘natural’, and the word ‘degree’ has been replaced ‘natural alcoholic strength by volume’.

In order to ensure consistency in the drafting across all specifications from the Anjou Saumur area, the formula ‘natural alcoholic strength by volume’ replaces ‘potential strength’ or ‘degree’. These amendments improve the readability of the specifications. The harmonisation of record-keeping provisions is intended to make it easier to draw up inspection plans and check records.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

12.   Main points to be checked

Chapter 3 has been revised to bring consistency to the main points to be checked in specifications from the Anjou Saumur area.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of the product

Coteaux du Layon

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO - Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

Coteaux du Layon

Still white wines with residual sugar, made from late-harvested grapes of the Chenin B variety. They are characteristic, elegant, with complex aromas and suitable for ageing. In the mouth, they combine smoothness and freshness, power and finesse.

The wines have:

a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14 %;

The minimum actual alcoholic strength is 10 %, or 11 % for wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume below 18 %.

fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) after fermentation of at least 34 grams per litre.

The total acid and total sulphur dioxide content are as laid down by EU legislation.

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)	25
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

‘Sélection grains nobles’

Wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ express all the charms of highly concentrated grapes. These original wines emphasise aromatic strength and persistence. The fruity and floral aromas blend with late-harvest aromas such as dried or candied fruit or honeyed scents. The balance between acidity, alcohol and smoothness allows the wines to develop even greater complexity over the years.

The wines have:

a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 19 %;

fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) after fermentation is at least 34 grams per litre.

The minimum actual alcoholic strength is 10 %, or 11 % for wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume below 18 %.

The total acid and total sulphur dioxide content are those set out in EU legislation.

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)	25
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

‘Coteaux du Layon’ + name of municipality

Wines eligible for the controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originated generally have a slightly higher fermentable sugar content. The differences in the nature of the soils and their orientation allow certain subtleties to emerge in the wines. For example, wines produced from grapes grown on the slopes of Rochefort-sur-Loire, with a slight northern exposure, have pronounced minerality. By contrast, wines from grapes grown on the south-facing slopes of Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Fayed’Anjou and Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné are often distinguished by the characteristic notes associated with the development of the ‘noble rot’ as a result of Botrytis cinerea. Wines produced from grapes grown on the low slopes, on the left bank of the Layon, in the territory of the municipalities of Rablay-sur-Layon and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay, are powerful and harmonious.

The wines have:

a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 15 %;

fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) after fermentation of at least 34 grams per litre.

The minimum actual alcoholic strength is between 10 % and 12 % for wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume below 19 %.

The total acid and total sulphur dioxide content are as laid down by EU legislation.

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)	25
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

‘Premier cru Chaume’

Wines eligible to bear the wording ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ are known especially for their finesse and elegance, as well as their huge and beautiful aromatic complexity in which notes of candied fruit and quince paste are often present.

The wines have:

a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 16,5 %;

fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) after fermentation of at least 80 grams per litre.

The total acid and total sulphur dioxide content are as laid down by EU legislation.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	11
Minimum total acidity
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	25
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

a.   Essential oenological practices

Use of wood chips

Specific oenological practice

Use of wood chips is not permitted.

Enrichment

Specific oenological practice

Enrichment is permitted under the rules set out in the specification.

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’, enrichment of any kind is not permitted.

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, enrichment of any kind is not permitted, nor is any heat treatment of the wine harvest where the temperature falls below -5 °C.

Specific oenological practice

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, use of a receiving hopper with screw conveyor, combined crusher and pump, or continuous press is not permitted.

The wines are subject to cellar operations according to the conditions laid down in the specification.

In addition to the above provisions, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

Density

Cultural practice

The minimum vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed 2,5 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre. In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is between 3 300 and 4 000 plants per hectare, the controlled designation of origin can be applied to their harvest, provided that they comply with the rules on trellising and foliage height laid down in the specification. The spacing between the rows in such vineyard parcels must not exceed 3 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre.

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, the minimum density in the vineyard must be 4 500 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed 2,2 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre.

Vine pruning and trellising

Cultivation method

The vines must be pruned by 30 April at the latest. Mixed pruning is used, with a maximum of 12 buds per plant and a maximum of four buds on the cane.

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, vines must be pruned by 30 April at the latest. Mixed pruning is used, with a maximum of 12 buds per plant. At the 11- or 12-leaf growth stage, each plant may not have more than ten fruiting canes for the year.

The height of the foliage when trellised must be at least 0.6 times the spacing between the rows. The trellised height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0,4 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0,2 metres above the height of the trellising wire.

In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the following trellising rules apply: the minimum height of the trellising posts above the ground is 1,9 metres; there are four levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the highest wire is 1,85 metres above the ground. These particular provisions do not apply to wines eligible to bear the wording ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’.

Irrigation

Cultivation method

Irrigation is not permitted.

Harvest

Cultivation method

The wines are made from late-harvested grapes. A feature of wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ is the further concentration on the vinestock due to the action of noble rot.

The grapes are harvested by hand in multiple passes.

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, use of self-emptying trailers with screw conveyor or vane pump is not permitted. Grapes must not be piled higher than 1 metre in the containers used for transporting the harvest.

b.   Maximum yields

‘Coteaux du Layon’

40 hectolitres per hectare

‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originated

35 hectolitres per hectare

‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the term ‘premier cru’ together with the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’.

30 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

a)

The entire production process takes place in the geographical area encompassing the municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire named below, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux and La Jumellière), Cléré-sur-Layon, Doué-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Brigné, Concourson-sur-Layon, Saint-Georges-sur-Layon and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Lys-Haut-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipalities of La Fosse-de-Tigné, Nueil-sur-Layon, Tancoigné, Tigné and Trémont), Passavant-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Terranjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Chavagnes and Martigné-Briand), Val-du-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay)

b)

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, all stages of production take place in the geographical area encompassing the following municipality of the department of Maine-et-Loire on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Rochefort-sur-Loire.

7.   Main grape varieties

Chenin B

8.   Description of the link(s)

1 -   Information on the geographical area

a)   Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The ‘Coteaux du Layon’ vineyards occupy the slopes of an undulating landscape along the Layon, a river that runs along the bottom of a small valley. Flowing in the direction south-west to north-east, the river subsequently veers north-west to its confluence with the Loire at the municipality of Verchers-sur-Layon. In 2018, the geographical area extended through the territory of 13 municipalities of the Maine-et-Loire department, distributed across the right and left banks of the Layon.

Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay are municipalities whose names can follow the controlled designation of origin. They constitute the heart of these vineyards and are grouped downstream on either side of the Layon. In the territory of the municipality of Rochefort-sur-Loire, the river meanders southward creating the hill of Chaume.

The parcels specifically allocated for the grape harvest have soils formed on a somewhat degraded schist substratum. Some of these soils are covered by detrital formations from the Cenomanian or the Pliocene, depending on the topography. Some random parcels have soils formed of igneous rocks of an acidic (rhyolite) or basaltic (spilite) nature; stony soils on puddingstone and sedimentary rock from the Carboniferous; and shallow soils interspersed with quartz and phthanites from the Silurian.

Topography plays an important part in the formation of the natural surroundings. The two banks of the Layon do not have the same typology. The slopes of the right bank are very steep, with an incline at times as much as 40 %, often rising more than 60 metres above the water. On the left bank, the slopes are generally much gentler, their tops rarely rising higher than 20 metres above the water.

Nevertheless, all of these parcels share some characteristics. They all have the advantage of an open landscape and soils with good thermal performance. These soils show no sign of hydromorphy and their water reserves are very limited.

The geographical area is an enclave with limited irrigation, sheltered from maritime mists by the higher slopes of Choletais and Mauges. Annual rainfall is around 550 to 600 millimetres, compared with 800 millimetres in Choletais. During the vine growing-cycle, rainfall in the area is 100 millimetres below the rest of the department. The average annual temperatures are relatively high, around 12 degrees, which is 1 degree higher than the rest of the department of Maine-et-Loire as a whole. The particular mesoclimate of this geographical area is emphasised by the rather southern nature of the vegetation, which includes holm oak and umbrella pine.

b)   Description of the human factors relevant to the geographical link

The continuous existence of vineyards in Anjou has been recognised since the first century CE. In 1529, poet Charles de Bourdigné spoke of these vineyards as Noah’s masterpiece. Vines have flourished there since the sixth century. In 1600, in his work ‘Théâtre d’agriculture et mesnage des champs’, Olivier de Serres made an unusual observation: ‘Generally throughout the provinces of this kingdom ... it is necessary to wait until the vine-leaves fall before picking the grapes. Further afield, towards Anjou, le Maine and thereabouts, the grapes themselves, when ripe, begin to fall to the ground. This is due both to the lateness of seasons and to the nature of the grapes that are nourished by the frost’. It must therefore be concluded that late harvesting of grapes has been the practice for a long time.

Meanwhile, the vineyards of Anjou began acquiring their reputation from the 12th and 13th centuries, thanks to the Plantagenet family. Under the influence of Henri II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, the ‘wine of Anjou’ made its way to the finest tables. The vineyards of ‘Coteaux du Layon’ developed over the 16th century with the arrival of Dutch merchants. Their recognition that these wines were suitable to be transported by sea meant that the qualities of the Chenin B grape variety became known beyond the borders. In 1780, the vineyards received an important boost with the works undertaken to adapt the Layon for the large vessels of the Dutch fleet.

As for the Chenin B variety, it appears to be indigenous to the region. It is a hardy variety, with potential that varies greatly depending on the type of soil in which it is planted. Local winemakers also quickly recognised the benefits of harvesting this variety at an advanced stage of ripeness, using certain techniques. Count Odart wrote the following in his 1845 ‘Traité des cépages’ treatise on vines: ‘We should also add the condition of not harvesting the grapes until around All Saints Day, when the grapes are beyond ripeness and their skin sloughed off after being softened by the rains’.

Lateness is therefore an integral part of the harvest. In his 1816 work ‘Topographie de tous les vignobles connus’, Jullien stated that ‘In good vineyards, harvesting occurs in several stages. The first two pickings take only the ripest grapes and are used to produce wines for export. The wines made with the third picking are for domestic [French] consumption’.

Among these vineyards, some municipalities have always been renowned. The ‘New Universal Geography’ of British geographer William Guthrie (1708-1770) was published in French translation in 1802. Even at that time, it names most of those municipalities that today are entitled to add their names to the name of the controlled designation of origin. The decree of 18 February 1950 recognising the controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux du Layon’ conferred this entitlement on the municipalities of Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay.

The supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ extends over a south-facing hillside, its unusual topographical situation at the heart of a meander, located in the municipality of Rochefort-sur-Loire and surrounded by the municipalities of Beaulieu-sur-Layon and Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné. Property of Fulk III, Count of Anjou, in the early 11th century, this hillside was bequeathed to the Abbey of Ronceray in Angers. It would swiftly acquire a very great reputation. More recently, and particularly since the 1980s, producers have optimised the vine pruning and training techniques. They have enhanced their mastery of the rules of picking and of late harvest at the optimum moment, and they have made technical improvements to the management and duration of cellar operations. This collective commitment can be seen in the recognition of the term ‘premier cru’.

2 -   Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

The wines are characteristic and elegant. In the mouth, they combine smoothness with freshness, power with finesse, and their aromas are complex. Suitable for long ageing, these wines delight experienced tasters.

Wines eligible for the controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux du Layon’ followed by the name of the municipality from which the grapes originate generally have a slightly higher fermentable sugar content. The differences in the nature of the soils and their orientation allow certain subtleties to emerge in the wines. Wines produced from grapes grown on the slopes of Rochefort-sur-Loire, with a slight northern exposure, emphasise their minerality. By contrast, wines from grapes grown on the south-facing slopes of Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Fayed’Anjou and Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné are frequently distinguished by their characteristic notes associated with the development of the ‘noble rot’ as a result of Botrytis cinerea. Wines produced from grapes grown on the low slopes, on the left bank of the Layon, in the territory of the municipalities of Rablay-sur-Layon and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay, are powerful and harmonious.

Wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ express all the charms of highly concentrated grapes. These original wines emphasise aromatic strength and persistence. The fruity and floral aromas blend with late-harvest aromas such as dried or candied fruit or honeyed scents. The balance between acidity, alcohol and smoothness allow the wines to develop even greater complexity over the years.

Wines eligible to bear the wording ‘premier cru’ followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ are known especially for their finesse and elegance, as well as their huge and beautiful aromatic complexity in which notes of candied fruit and quince paste are often present.

3 -   Causal interactions

The shallow soils combine with a topography providing vineyard parcels with excellent exposure. The result is a regular, albeit limited, water supply to the Chenin B variety which is able to achieve its full range of expression. Following local customs, the ‘demarcated parcel area’ comprises only hillside vineyards with shallow soils. This requires skilful management of the plants, a full understanding of their vigour and fruiting potential, as stressed in the specification by the practice of low yields associated with short pruning.

The mesoclimate is characteristically southern. The vineyards are situated on, at times, precipitous slopes. These factors, combined with adapted vine training, provide the right conditions for grapes concentrated by withering or drying on the plant (raisining on the vine) which is characteristic of these vineyards.

The presence of the waterway also makes it possible to take ripeness to its extreme, thanks to the formation of the morning mists essential to the development of Botrytis cinerea, and thus the ‘noble rot’. This is especially important for those wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’.

Waiting for the grapes to become extremely ripe; leaving the harvest until well into the autumn; and harvesting by hand in multiple passes within a single parcel in order to select grapes that are naturally concentrated or affected by ‘noble rot’ (‘roasted’): these practices attest to the know-how of producers and the particular suitability of the Chenin B variety. By retaining the traditional manual harvesting of grapes, wine-producers contribute to preserving both the originality and the characteristics of these hillside vineyards.

The cellar operations to which the wines are subjected, set out in the specification, can continue at least until 1 July of the year following the year of harvest in the case of wines eligible for the term ‘premier cru’. For wines eligible for the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’, cellar operations can continue until 1 June of the second year following the year of harvest. This practice leads to suitability for bottle ageing and contributes to enhancing the aromatic complexity apparent on tasting. As local folk wisdom has it: ‘Coteaux du Layon wines never die, it’s the cork that perishes’.

Godard Faultrier, 19th century historian of Anjou, wrote: ‘If a native of Anjou had set foot on the island of Java before the Revolution, and if he had entered the palace of the Governor of the Dutch East India Company, he would have experienced, I imagine, great joy on seeing the wine of Anjou sparkling in the glass of that personage who, according to Voltaire, never appeared in public unless robed in royal purple. From the amber hue of the liqueur, our native of Anjou would have recognised that it came from our most sought-after wines of Coteaux du Layon’.

Conscious of possessing exceptional lands, which they tend with the greatest care, down the generations the producers have developed the reputation of their wines, which is now international.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

In EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the identified geographical area

Description of the condition:

a)

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for wine-growing, production and cellar operations, comprises: ‘— Department of Deux-Sèvres: Argenton-l’Église, Bouillé-Loretz, Brion-près-Thouet, Louzy, Mauzé-Thouarsais, Oiron, Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Sainte-Radegonde, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Thouars, Tourtenay, Val-en-Vignes (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Bouillé-Saint-Paul and Cersay); — Department of Indre-et-Loire: Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil; — Department of Loire-Atlantique: Ancenis, Le Loroux-Bottereau, Le Pallet, La Remaudière, Vair-sur-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipality of Anetz), Vallet; — Department of Maine-et-Loire: Allonnes, Angers, Antoigné, Artannes-sur-Thouet, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Sulpice), Bouchemaine, Brain-sur-Allonnes, Brézé, Brissac Loire Aubance (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Les Alleuds, Brissac-Quincé, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Brossay, Cernusson, Chacé, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chemillé-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipality of Valanjou), Cizay-la-Madeleine, Le Coudray-Macouard, Courchamps, Denée, Dénezé-sous-Doué, Distré, Doué-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Forges, Meigné and Montfort), Épieds, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Les Garennes sur Loire (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Juigné-sur-Loire and Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets), Gennes-Val-de-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Huillé, Ingrandes-Le-Fresne sur Loire (former territory of the delegated municipality of Ingrandes), Jarzé Villages (former territory of the delegated municipality of Lué-en-Baugeois), Louresse-Rochemenier, Lys-Haut-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Les Cerqueux-sous-Passavant and Vihiers), Mauges-sur-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipalities of La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, Le Marillais, Le Mesnil-en-Vallée, Montjean-sur-Loire, La Pommeraye, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine and Saint-Laurent-du-Mottay), Mazé-Milon (former territory of the delegated municipality of Fontaine-Milon), Montilliers, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Orée-d’Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Bouzillé, Champtoceaux, Drain, Landemont, Liré, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels and La Varenne), Parnay, La Possonnière, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Rou-Marson, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Just-sur-Dive, Saint-Macaire-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Sigismond, Saumur, Savennières, Soucelles, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Souzay-Champigny, Terranjou (former territory of the delegated municipality of Notre-Dame-d’Allençon), Tuffalun (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine), Turquant, Les Ulmes, Varennes-sur-Loire, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Verrie, Verrières-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Pellouailles-les-Vignes and Saint-Sylvain-d’Anjou) Villevêque; — Department of Vienne: Berrie, Curçay-sur-Dive, Glénouze, Pouançay, Ranton, Saint-Léger-de-Montbrillais, Saix, Ternay, Les Trois-Moutiers’.

b)

For wines eligible to bear the term ‘premier cru’, followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, the area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for wine-growing, production and cellar operations, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2018: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Champ-sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Faye-d’Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon and Thouarcé), Brissac Loire Aubance (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Brissac-Quincé and Vauchrétien) Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipality of Chanzeaux), Denée, Doué-en-Anjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Brigné and Les Verchers-sur-Layon), Mauges-sur-Loire (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye), Mozé-sur-Louet, Savennières, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Terranjou (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Chavagnes, Martigné-Briand Notre-Dame-d’Allençon) and Val-du-Layon (former territory of the delegated municipalities of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné et Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay).

Labelling: supplementary terms - municipality of origin of the grapes

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The name of the controlled designation of origin may be followed by the name of the municipality of origin of the grapes, in accordance with the provisions laid down in the specification.

The name of the municipality of origin of the grapes must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or width, than the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Labelling: traditional term ‘Sélection de grains nobles’

Legal framework:

In EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The name of the controlled designation of origin, whether or not it is followed by the name of the municipality of origin of the grapes, may be supplemented by the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ in accordance with the provisions laid down in the specification.

Wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ must also state the vintage.

Labelling: traditional term ‘premier cru’

Legal framework:

In EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The term ‘premier cru’ is reserved for wines of the controlled designation of origin followed by the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’, according to the provisions laid down in the specification.

The name of the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ must not appear on the same line as the term ‘premier cru’.

The name of the supplementary geographical designation ‘Chaume’ must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or width, than the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Labelling: geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The name of the controlled designation of origin may be followed by the geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’, in accordance with the rules laid down in the specification regarding use of this geographical designation. The size of the letters of the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ may not be larger, either in height or width, than two-thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Labelling: specification of a smaller geographical entity and optional term

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Wines with the controlled designation of origin may specify a smaller geographical entity on their labels, provided that:

—	it is a registered place name;

—	it appears on the harvest declaration.

The place name must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or in width, than half the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Labelling: Font size:

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The size of the letters of all optional terms whose use, under Community provisions, may be regulated by the Member States, must not be larger, either in height or width, than half of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-7ab93419-47c9-4eb0-94fd-ae83a8828145

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.