22.5.2023

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/7

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

(2023/C 178/06)

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

‘Aude’

PGI-FR-A1215-AM02

Date of communication: 24.2.2023

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Geographical area – demarcation by municipalities in smaller geographical units

Section 4.1 - Geographical area - of Chapter I of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ has been amended to update the breakdown of municipalities comprising each of the smaller geographical units. This amendment involves adapting the information on the geographical units to ensure a more consistent layout and bringing the focus back to their geological characteristics.

This amendment does not affect the single document.

2. Area in immediate proximity

Section 4.2 - Area in immediate proximity - of Chapter I of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ has been updated to add the reference to the Official Geographical Code of January 2022 and convert the list of cantons, with no changes, into a list of the municipalities that make up the area in immediate proximity.

This editorial amendment allows the geographical area to be identified with reference to the 2022 version of the Official Geographical Code, which is updated by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), and gives the delimitation of the geographical area legal certainty.

This update has also been carried over to the ‘Area in immediate proximity’ section of the single document.

3. Vine varieties

Chapter I, section 5 – Vine varieties – of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ has been amended.

The list of varieties selected for the production of the protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ has been amended as follows:

—	Introduction of 13 varieties considered ‘resistant’ to vine diseases:

Artaban N, Cabernet Blanc B, Cabernet Cortis N, Floréal B, Monarch N, Muscaris B, Prior N, Saphira B, Soreli B, Souvignier Gris R, Sauvignac B, Vidoc N, Voltis B

—	Introduction of 12 varieties with the potential to adapt to climate change:

Agiorgitiko N, Assyrtiko B, Calabrese N, Carricant B, Fiano B, Montepulciano N, Moschofilero Rs, Primitivo N, Roditis Rs, Touriga Nacional N, Verdejo B, Xinomavro N.

These varieties are resistant to drought and fungal diseases. With similar physiological and oenological properties to the varieties used in the production of the PGI, they reduce the need for plant protection products. They do not affect the characteristics of the PGI wines.

—	Deletion of 12 varieties listed in the specification but not recorded as being used in production:

Altesse B, Baroque B, Chasselas B, Chasselas Rs, Danlas B, Gamay de Chaudenay N, Ganson N, Liliorila B, Mérille N, Mondeuse N, Ribol N, Semebat N.

These amendments have been carried over to the section ‘Wine grape varieties’ of the single document.

4. Link with the geographical area

Section 8.2 – Link with the geographical area - Specificity of the product – of Chapter I of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ has been amended to update the description of the smaller geographical unit ‘Hauterive’ and highlight that it is located around the municipality of Lézignan.

This update has been carried over to the ‘Link with the geographical area - Specificity of the product’ section of the single document.

5. Inspection body

Chapter III of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ has been amended to simplify the section entitled ‘Inspection body’, specifying that compliance with the product specification must be checked on the basis of an approved control plan and by a third-party body delegated by the INAO and offering guarantees of competence, impartiality and independence.

This simplification does not affect the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Aude

2. Geographical indication type

PGI - Protected geographical indication

3. Categories of grapevine products

Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ covers still red, rosé and white wines.

The minimum and maximum levels for total alcoholic strength by volume, total acidity, volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide are those set by EU legislation.

With typically fruity aromas, the intensity and character of the wines vary depending on the grape varieties and technologies used. The red wines are noted for the elegance and finesse of the tannins. The white and rosé wines are balanced, with characteristic freshness.

The reds are generally smooth and easy to drink, but they can sometimes be more structured, particularly in the case of wines produced in smaller geographical units.

In the case of the whites and rosés, the wine-making techniques ensure excellent balance while preserving their freshness and fruitiness.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	9
Minimum total acidity
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. Wine-making practices

5.1. Specific oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

All wine-making practices followed must comply with the requirements laid down at EU and national level in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

5.2. Maximum yields

120 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The harvesting of grapes, the winemaking and the processing of ‘Aude’ PGI wines must take place in the department of Aude.

7. Wine grape variety(-ies)

Agiorgitiko N

Alicante Henri Bouschet N

Alphonse Lavallée N

Alvarinho - Albariño

Aramon N

Aranel B

Arinarnoa N

Arriloba B

Artaban N

Assyrtiko B

Aubun N - Murescola

Bourboulenc B - Doucillon blanc

Cabernet Blanc B

Cabernet Cortis N

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet Sauvignon N

Calabrese N

Caladoc N

Cardinal Rg

Carignan N

Carignan blanc B

Carmenère N

Carricante

Chardonnay B

Chasan B

Chenanson N

Chenin B

Cinsaut N - Cinsault

Clairette B

Clairette rose Rs

Colombard B

Côt N - Malbec

Counoise N

Egiodola N

Ekigaïna N

Fer N - Fer Servadou, Braucol, Mansois, Pinenc

Fiano

Floreal B

Gamay N

Gewürztraminer Rs

Gramon N

Grenache N

Grenache blanc B

Grenache gris G

Gros Manseng B

Jurançon noir N - Dame noire

Listan B - Palomino

Lival N

Lledoner pelut N

Macabeu B - Macabeo

Marsanne B

Marselan N

Mauzac B

Mauzac rose Rs

Merlot N

Monarch N

Monerac N

Montepulciano

Morrastel N - Minustellu, Graciano

Moschofilero Rs

Mourvèdre N - Monastrell

Muscaris B

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

Parrellada B

Perdea B

Petit Manseng B

Petit Verdot N

Pinot Blanc B

Pinot Gris G

Pinot Noir N

Piquepoul blanc B

Piquepoul noir N

Portan N

Primitivo N - Zinfandel

Prior N

Riesling B

Roditis Rs

Roussanne B

Saphira B

Sauvignac

Sauvignon B - Sauvignon blanc

Sauvignon Gris G - Fié gris

Semillon B

Servant B

Soreli B

Souvignier Gris Rs

Sylvaner B

Syrah N - Shiraz

Tannat N

Tempranillo N

Terret blanc B

Terret gris G

Terret noir N

Tourbat B

Touriga Nacional N

Ugni Blanc B

Verdejo B

Verdelho B

Vermentino B - Rolle

Vidoc N

Villard blanc B

Villard noir N

Viognier B

Voltis B

Xinomavro N

8. Description of the link(s)

8.1. Specificity of the geographical area

This PGI is named after the capricious River Aude in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon in the south of France. Originating in the Pyrenees and with a course that is just over 200 km long, it runs through an astonishing diversity of landscapes featuring varied soils, schists and limestone, with stony terraces and alluvial soils closer to its estuary.

Vines are grown almost throughout the whole department, from the Corbières massif to the south, to the Montagne Noir to the north, the last chain of the Massif Central. The mid section is formed by an area of rolling hills through which the River Aude flows, ending its course in the vicinity of Narbonne. Bordered to the east by the Mediterranean Sea, the Malepère massif forms the western boundary.

The climate is as varied and changeable as the landscape: strictly Mediterranean in the eastern section (hot, dry summers and rainfall - sometimes heavy - in autumn and spring), with oceanic influences in the western section. Rainfall is often below 500 mm on the coastline but can reach 800 mm in the case of the vineyards inland, where its effects are amplified by the altitude. There is a twofold wind pattern: the sea breeze, which attenuates the rigours of the climate, particularly in summertime; and the westerly wind known as ‘cers’, which is stormy and drying but very conducive to healthy grape development.

8.2. Specificity of the product

The first major vineyards in Aude date back to the time when Narbonne was the capital of the Roman province of Gaul.

After various vicissitudes, winegrowing was started up again on a modest scale by monks in the surroundings of the abbeys that dotted the department. However, it was the inauguration of the Canal du Midi connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, in the late 17th century, which enabled new vineyards to be set up for commercial purposes. They reached their heyday with the development of the railways in the 19th century.

Since then, the vineyards have benefited from all the technological developments that have made it possible to respond to the changes in consumption patterns.

In regulatory terms, the first step was the definition of ‘vin de canton’, which gave ‘Aude’ wines recognition at national level. The Decree of 13 September 1968 changed the status of these ‘vins de canton’ to ‘vins de pays’, based on specific production criteria.

‘Aude’ PGI wines are produced in the three colours, mostly reds (70 % of production), but also rosés (25 %) and whites (5 %).

Some 700 000 hectolitres of wine are produced each year, mainly from a blend of varieties traditional in Languedoc (Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault) and others such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, or hybrids such as Marselan, Caladoc or Chasan, which have made it possible to diversify the product range.

Managing this rich palette of varieties according to the soil and climate characteristics ensures that the grapes ripen well in all circumstances. The wine-making process benefits from state of the art technologies, smooth extraction and controlled temperatures, which brings out the fruitiness of these wines intended to be consumed young.

The protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ may be supplemented by the name of nine smaller geographical units spread throughout the area, each of which has its own specificity based on its particular soil and climate conditions.

Seven of these smaller geographical units have stricter production conditions:

—	Côtes de Lastours: vineyards located to the north of Carcassonne, in the foothills of the Montagne Noir, where slow ripening enhances the aromatic expression of the wines in all three colours.

—

Côtes de Prouilhe: vineyards in the westernmost area of the department of Aude, most of whose wines are lively, aromatic whites, essentially made from Chardonnay and Grenache blanc. The reds are mainly made from the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties, as well as the hybrids Portan and Marselan.

—	Coteaux de Miramont: located to the north of Montagne d’Alaric in the Corbières massif, these vineyards produce an average of 10 000 litres, mostly red and rosé wines.

—	Coteaux de la Cabrerisse: a small wine-growing area in the heart of Corbières in an environment consisting mostly of clay-limestone hills, resulting in wines that are elegant and with a fine tannic structure in the case of the red wines.

—	Hauterive: a major wine-growing area stretching from the source of the River Orbieu to where it flows into the River Aude, consisting of a diverse range of soil and climate scenarios that are suitable for many different varieties.

—	Pays de Cucugnan: a wine-growing area at altitude, located south of the Corbières massif. Its name was popularised by Alphonse Daudet in one of his short stories from ‘Lettres de mon moulin’ [Letters from my windmill]. The altitude is reflected in the remarkable freshness of the wines.

—	Val de Cesse: a lowland and hillside wine-growing area located to the north-west of the city of Narbonne in a strictly Mediterranean environment, resulting in wines that are generally strong and warm.

Thanks to its overall production of some 700 000 hectolitres per year, ‘Aude’ PGI wines can be found throughout France.

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

The climate and soil diversity of the Aude area means it forms a mosaic of vineyards where winegrowers have been adapting the vines to the environment on a continuous basis. ‘Aude’ PGI has therefore benefited from the introduction of new varieties and the technological developments promoted by the INRA [National Institute for Agronomic Research] in Gruissan, with a view to adapting its production to new consumer demands.

The influence of the hot dry Mediterranean climate, with cooler oceanic influences, determines the ripening of the planted varieties by promoting early development and the production of red wines that are fruity and easy to drink, and whites and rosés that are balanced and characteristically fresh.

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

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ may be supplemented by the name of one or more wine grape varieties.

The protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ may be supplemented by the terms ‘primeur’ (early) or ‘nouveau’ (new).

The protected geographical indication ‘Aude’ can be followed by the name of the following smaller geographical units, according to the conditions set out in the specification:

Coteaux de la Cabrerisse

Coteaux de Miramont

Côtes de Lastours

Côtes de Prouilhe

Hauterive

La côte rêvée

Pays de Cucugnan

Val de Cesse

Val de Dagne

The European Union PGI logo must appear on the label if the words ‘Indication géographique protégée’ (Protected Geographical Indication) are replaced by the traditional term ‘Vin de pays’.

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity defined by derogation for the making and processing of wines eligible for the protected geographical indication ‘Aude’, which may be supplemented by the name of a smaller geographical unit as referred to in Section 2, shall consist of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographical Code of 1 January 2022:

Department of Ariège:

Aigues-Juntes, Aigues-Vives, L'Aiguillon, Albiès, Alliat, Allières, Alzen, Appy, Arabaux, Arignac, Arnave, Artigat, Artigues, Artix, Arvigna, Ascou, Aston, Aulos-Sinsat, Auzat, Axiat, Ax-les-Thermes, La Bastide-de-Besplas, La Bastide-de-Bousignac, La Bastide-de-Lordat, La Bastide-de-Sérou, La Bastide-sur-l'Hers, Baulou, Bédeilhac-et-Aynat, Bélesta, Belloc, Bénac, Benagues, Bénaix, Besset, Bestiac, Bézac, Bompas, Bonnac, Les Bordes-sur-Arize, Le Bosc, Bouan, Brassac, Brie, Burret, Les Cabannes, Cadarcet, Calzan, Camarade, Camon, Campagne-sur-Arize, Canté, Capoulet-et-Junac, Carcanières, Carla-Bayle, Carla-de-Roquefort, Le Carlaret, Castéras, Castex, Caussou, Caychax, Cazals-des-Baylès, Cazaux, Cazenave-Serres-et-Allens, Celles, Château-Verdun, Clermont, Cos, Coussa, Coutens, Crampagna, Dalou, Daumazan-sur-Arize, Dreuilhe, Dun, Durban-sur-Arize, Durfort, Esclagne, Escosse, Esplas, Ferrières-sur-Ariège, Foix, Fornex, Le Fossat, Fougax-et-Barrineuf, Freychenet, Gabre, Ganac, Garanou, Gaudiès, Génat, Gestiès, Gourbit, Gudas, L'Herm, L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre, Ignaux, Ilhat, Illier-et-Laramade, Les Issards, Justiniac, Labatut, Lagarde, Lanoux, Lapège, Lapenne, Larbont, Larcat, Larnat, Laroque-d'Olmes, Lassur, Lavelanet, Léran, Lercoul, Lescousse, Lesparrou, Leychert, Lézat-sur-Lèze, Lieurac, Limbrassac, Lissac, Lordat, Loubaut, Loubens, Loubières, Ludiès, Luzenac, Madière, Malegoude, Malléon, Manses, Le Mas-d'Azil, Mazères, Méras, Mercus-Garrabet, Mérens-les-Vals, Miglos, Mijanès, Mirepoix, Monesple, Montagagne, Montaillou, Montaut, Montbel, Montégut-Plantaurel, Montels, Montfa, Montferrier, Montgailhard, Montoulieu, Montségur, Montseron, Moulin-Neuf, Nalzen, Nescus, Niaux, Orgeix, Orlu, Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains, Orus, Pailhès, Pamiers, Pech, Péreille, Perles-et-Castelet, Le Peyrat, Le Pla, Prades, Pradettes, Pradières, Prayols, Le Puch, Les Pujols, Quérigut, Quié, Rabat-les-Trois-Seigneurs, Raissac, Régat, Rieucros, Rieux-de-Pelleport, Roquefixade, Roquefort-les-Cascades, Roumengoux, Rouze, Sabarat, Saint-Amadou, Saint-Amans, Saint-Bauzeil, Sainte-Suzanne, Saint-Félix-de-Rieutord, Saint-Félix-de-Tournegat, Sainte-Foi, Saint-Jean-d'Aigues-Vives, Saint-Jean-de-Verges, Saint-Jean-du-Falga, Saint-Julien-de-Gras-Capou, Saint-Martin-de-Caralp, Saint-Martin-d'Oydes, Saint-Michel, Saint-Paul-de-Jarrat, Saint-Pierre-de-Rivière, Saint-Quentin-la-Tour, Saint-Quirc, Saint-Victor-Rouzaud, Saint-Ybars, Saurat, Sautel, Saverdun, Savignac-les-Ormeaux, Ségura, Senconac, Sentenac-de-Sérou, Serres-sur-Arget, Sieuras, Siguer, Sorgeat, Soula, Surba, Suzan, Tabre, Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Teilhet, Thouars-sur-Arize, Tignac, La Tour-du-Crieu, Tourtrol, Trémoulet, Troye-d'Ariège, Unac, Unzent, Urs, Ussat, Val-de-Sos, Vals, Varilhes, Vaychis, Vèbre, Ventenac, Verdun, Vernajoul, Vernaux, Le Vernet, Verniolle, Villeneuve-d'Olmes, Villeneuve-du-Latou, Villeneuve-du-Paréage, Vira, Viviès.

Area in immediate proximity (continued)

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

Department of Hérault:

Abeilhan, Adissan, Agde, Agel, Aigne, Aigues-Vives, Les Aires, Alignan-du-Vent, Assignan, Aumes, Autignac, Avène, Azillanet, Babeau-Bouldoux, Bassan, Beaufort, Bédarieux, Berlou, Bessan, Béziers, Boisset, Boujan-sur-Libron, Le Bousquet-d'Orb, Brenas, ,Cabrerolles, Cambon-et-Salvergues, Camplong, Capestang, Carlencas-et-Levas, Cassagnoles, Castanet-le-Haut , Castelnau-de-Guers, La Caunette, Causses-et-Veyran, Caussiniojouls, Caux, Cazedarnes, Cazouls-d'Hérault, Cazouls-lès-Béziers, Cébazan, Ceilhes-et-Rocozels, Cers, Cessenon-sur-Orb, Cesseras, Colombières-sur-Orb, Colombiers, Combes, Corneilhan, Coulobres, Courniou, Creissan, Cruzy, Dio-et-Valquières, Espondeilhan, Faugères, Félines-Minervois, Ferrals-les-Montagnes, Ferrières-Poussarou, Florensac, Fos, Fouzilhon, Fraisse-sur-Agout, Gabian, Graissessac, Hérépian, Joncels, Lamalou-les-Bains, Laurens, Lespignan, Lézignan-la-Cèbe, Lieuran-lès-Béziers, Lignan-sur-Orb, La Livinière, Lunas, Magalas, Maraussan, Margon, Maureilhan, Minerve, Mons, Montady, Montagnac, Montblanc, Montels, Montesquieu, Montouliers, Murviel-lès-Béziers, Neffiès, Nézignan-l'évêque, Nissan-lez-Enserune, Nizas, Olargues, Olonzac, Oupia, Pailhès, Pardailhan, Pézenas, Pézènes-les-Mines, Pierrerue, Pinet, Poilhes, Pomérols, Portiragnes, Le Poujol-sur-Orb, Pouzolles, Le Pradal, Prades-sur-Vernazobre, Prémian, Puimisson, Puissalicon, Puisserguier, Quarante, Rieussec, Riols, Roquebrun, Roquessels, Rosis, Roujan, Saint-Chinian, Saint-étienne-d'Albagnan, Saint-étienne-Estréchoux, Saint-Geniès-de-Varensal, Saint-Geniès-de-Fontedit, Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare, Saint-Jean-de-Minervois, Saint-Julien, Saint-Martin-de-l'Arçon, Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez, Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens, Saint-Thibéry, Saint-Vincent-d'Olargues, La Salvetat-sur-Agout, Sauvian, Sérignan, Servian, Siran, Le Soulié, Taussac-la-Billière, Thézan-lès-Béziers, Tourbes, La Tour-sur-Orb, Vailhan, Valras-Plage, Valros, Vélieux, Vendres, Verreries-de-Moussans, Vias, Vieussan, Villemagne-l'Argentière, Villeneuve-lès-Béziers, Villespassans.

Area in immediate proximity (continued)

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

Department of Haute-Garonne:

Aigrefeuille, Ayguesvives, Albiac, Aucamville, Aureville, Auriac-sur-Vendinelle, Aurin, Aussonne, Auzeville-Tolosane, Auzielle, Avignonet-Lauragais, Azas, Balma, Baziège, Bazus, Beaupuy, Beauteville, Beauville, Beauzelle, Belberaud, Belbèze-de-Lauragais, Bélesta-en-Lauragais, Bellegarde-Sainte-Marie, Bellesserre, Bessières, Blagnac, Bondigoux, Bonrepos-Riquet, Le Born, Bouloc, Bourg-Saint-Bernard, Brax, Bretx, Brignemont, Bruguières, Le Burgaud, Buzet-sur-Tarn, Cabanac-Séguenville, Le Cabanial, Cadours, Caignac, Calmont, Cambiac, Caragoudes, Caraman, Castanet-Tolosan, Castelginest, Castelmaurou, Castelnau-d'Estrétefonds, Le Castéra, Caubiac, Cépet, Cessales, Clermont-le-Fort, Colomiers, Cornebarrieu, Corronsac, Cox, Cugnaux, Daux, Deyme, Donneville, Drémil-Lafage, Drudas, Escalquens, Espanès, Le Faget, Falga, Fenouillet, Flourens, Folcarde, Fonbeauzard, Fourquevaux, Francarville, Fronton, Gagnac-sur-Garonne, Garac, Gardouch, Gargas, Garidech, Gauré, Gémil, Gibel, Goyrans, Gragnague, Gratentour, Grenade, Le Grès, Issus, Juzes, Labastide-Beauvoir, Labastide-Saint-Sernin, Labège, Lacroix-Falgarde, Lagarde, Lagraulet-Saint-Nicolas, Lanta, Lapeyrouse-Fossat, Laréole, Larra, Lasserre-Pradère, Launac, Launaguet, Lauzerville, Lavalette, Layrac-sur-Tarn, Léguevin, Lespinasse, Lévignac, Loubens-Lauragais, Lux, La Magdelaine-sur-Tarn, Mascarville, Mauremont, Maurens, Maureville, Mauvaisin, Menville, Mérenvielle, Mervilla, Merville, Mirepoix-sur-Tarn, Mondonville, Mondouzil, Monestrol, Mons, Montaigut-sur-Save, Montastruc-la-Conseillère, Montberon, Montbrun-Lauragais, Montclar-Lauragais, Montégut-Lauragais, Montesquieu-Lauragais, Montgaillard-Lauragais, Montgeard, Montgiscard, Montjoire, Montlaur, Montpitol, Montrabé, Mourvilles-Basses, Mourvilles-Hautes, Nailloux, Nogaret, Noueilles, Odars, Ondes, Paulhac, Péchabou, Pechbonnieu, Pechbusque, Pelleport, Pibrac, Pin-Balma, Plaisance-du-Touch, Pompertuzat, Pouze, Préserville, Prunet, Puysségur, Quint-Fonsegrives, Ramonville-Saint-Agne, Rebigue, Renneville, Revel, Rieumajou, Roquesérière, Rouffiac-Tolosan, Roumens, Saint-Alban, Saint-Cézert, Saint-Félix-Lauragais, Sainte-Foy-d'Aigrefeuille, Saint-Geniès-Bellevue, Saint-Germier, Saint-Jean, Saint-Jean-Lherm, Saint-Jory, Saint-Julia, Saint-Léon, Sainte-Livrade, Saint-Loup-Cammas, Saint-Marcel-Paulel, Saint-Orens-de-Gameville, Saint-Paul-sur-Save, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Pierre-de-Lages, Saint-Rome, Saint-Rustice, Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Vincent, La Salvetat-Saint-Gilles, La Salvetat-Lauragais, Saussens, Ségreville, Seilh, Seyre, Tarabel, Thil, Toulouse, Tournefeuille, Toutens, Trébons-sur-la-Grasse, L'Union, Vacquiers, Vallègue, Vallesvilles, Varennes, Vaudreuille, Vaux, Vendine, Verfeil, Vieille-Toulouse, Vieillevigne, Vignaux, Vigoulet-Auzil, Villariès, Villaudric, Villefranche-de-Lauragais, Villematier, Villemur-sur-Tarn, Villeneuve-lès-Bouloc, Villeneuve-Tolosane, Villenouvelle.

Area in immediate proximity (continued)

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

Department of Pyrénées-Orientales:

Alénya, Les Angles, Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes, Ansignan, Arboussols, Ayguatébia-Talau, Bages, Baho, Baillestavy, Baixas, Le Barcarès, Bélesta, Bolquère, Bompas, Boule-d'Amont, Bouleternère, Bourg-Madame, Brouilla, La Cabanasse, Cabestany, Caixas, Calce, Camélas, Campôme, Campoussy, Canaveilles, Canet-en-Roussillon, Canohès, Caramany, Casefabre, Cases-de-Pène, Cassagnes, Casteil, Castelnou, Catllar, Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes, Caudiès-de-Conflent, Claira, Clara-Villerach, Codalet, Conat, Corbère, Corbère-les-Cabanes, Corneilla-de-Conflent, Corneilla-la-Rivière, Corneilla-del-Vercol, Dorres, Égat, Elne, Enveitg, Err, Escaro, Espira-de-l'Agly, Espira-de-Conflent, Estagel, Estavar, Estoher, Eus, Eyne, Feilluns, Fenouillet, Fillols, Finestret, Fontpédrouse, Fontrabiouse, Formiguères, Fosse, Fourques, Fuilla, Glorianes, Ille-sur-Têt, Joch, Jujols, Lansac, Latour-Bas-Elne, Latour-de-Carol, Latour-de-France, Lesquerde, La Llagonne, Llauro, Llo, Llupia, Mantet, Marquixanes, Los Masos, Matemale, Maury, Millas, Molitg-les-Bains, Montalba-le-Château, Montescot, Mont-Louis, Montner, Mosset, Nahuja, Néfiach, Nohèdes, Nyer, Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, Olette, Opoul-Périllos, Oreilla, Ortaffa, Osséja, Palau-de-Cerdagne, Passa, Perpignan, Peyrestortes, Pézilla-de-Conflent, Pézilla-la-Rivière, Pia, Planès, Planèzes, Pollestres, Ponteilla, Porta, Porté-Puymorens, Prades, Prats-de-Sournia, Prugnanes, Prunet-et-Belpuig, Puyvalador, Py, Rabouillet, Railleu, Rasiguères, Réal, Ria-Sirach, Rigarda, Rivesaltes, Rodès, Sahorre, Saillagouse, Saint-Arnac, Sainte-Colombe-de-la-Commanderie, Saint-Cyprien, Saint-Estève, Saint-Féliu-d'Amont, Saint-Féliu-d'Avall, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Jean-Lasseille, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, Sainte-Léocadie, Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, Saint-Martin-de-Fenouillet, Saint-Michel-de-Llotes, Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Saint-Pierre-dels-Forcats, Saleilles, Salses-le-Château, Sansa, Sauto, Serdinya, Le Soler, Souanyas, Sournia, Tarerach, Targasonne, Taurinya, Tautavel, Terrats, Théza, Thuès-Entre-Valls, Thuir, Tordères, Torreilles, Toulouges, Tresserre, Trévillach, Trilla, Trouillas, Ur, Urbanya, Valcebollère, Valmanya, Vernet-les-Bains, Villefranche-de-Conflent, Villelongue-de-la-Salanque, Villemolaque, Villeneuve-de-la-Raho, Villeneuve-la-Rivière, Vinça, Vingrau, Vira, Le Vivier.

Area in immediate proximity (continued)

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

Department of Tarn:

Aguts, Aiguefonde, Albine, Algans, Ambres, Anglès, Appelle, Arfons, Arifat, Aussillon, Bannières, Barre, Belcastel, Belleserre, Berlats, Bertre, Le Bez, Blan, Boissezon, Bout-du-Pont-de-Larn, Brassac, Briatexte, Brousse, Burlats, Busque, Cabanès, Cahuzac, Cambon-lès-Lavaur, Cambounès, Cambounet-sur-le-Sor, Les Cammazes, Carbes, Castres, Caucalières, Cuq, Cuq-Toulza, Damiatte, Dourgne, Durfort, Escoussens, Escroux, Espérausses, Fiac, Fontrieu, Fréjeville, Garrevaques, Garrigues, Gijounet, Giroussens, Graulhet, Guitalens-L'Albarède, Jonquières, Labastide-Rouairoux, Labastide-Saint-Georges, Laboulbène, Labruguière, Lacabarède, Lacaune, Lacaze, Lacougotte-Cadoul, Lacroisille, Lacrouzette, Lagardiolle, Lagarrigue, Lamontélarié, Lasfaillades, Lautrec, Lavaur, Lempaut, Lescout, Lugan, Magrin, Marzens, Le Masnau-Massuguiès, Massac-Séran, Massaguel, Maurens-Scopont, Mazamet, Missècle, Montcabrier, Montdragon, Montfa, Montgey, Montpinier, Montredon-Labessonnié, Mont-Roc, Moulayrès, Moulin-Mage, Mouzens, Murat-sur-Vèbre, Nages, Navès, Noailhac, Palleville, Payrin-Augmontel, Péchaudier, Peyregoux, Pont-de-Larn, Poudis, Prades, Pratviel, Puéchoursi, Puybegon, Puycalvel, Puylaurens, Rayssac, Le Rialet, Roquecourbe, Roquevidal, Rouairoux, Saint-Affrique-les-Montagnes, Saint-Agnan, Saint-Amancet, Saint-Amans-Soult, Saint-Amans-Valtoret, Saint-Avit, Saint-Gauzens, Saint-Genest-de-Contest, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Germier, Saint-Jean-de-Rives, Saint-Jean-de-Vals, Saint-Julien-du-Puy, Saint-Lieux-lès-Lavaur, Saint-Paul-Cap-de-Joux, Saint-Pierre-de-Trivisy, Saint-Salvi-de-Carcavès, Saint-Salvy-de-la-Balme, Saint-Sernin-lès-Lavaur, Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe, Saïx, Sauveterre, Sémalens, Senaux, Serviès, Sorèze, Soual, Teulat, Teyssode, Vabre, Valdurenque, Veilhes, Vénès, Verdalle, Viane, Vielmur-sur-Agout, Villeneuve-lès-Lavaur, Le Vintrou, Viterbe, Viviers-lès-Lavaur, Viviers-lès-Montagnes.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-e2b5a3f0-937f-4a17-8993-db7f8073020a

(1) OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

22.5.2023

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/18

(2023/C 178/07)

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

‘Le Pays Cathare’

PGI-FR-A1374-AM02

Date of communication: 24.2.2023

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Organoleptic description of the products

Section 3.3 - Organoleptic description of the products - of Chapter I of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ has been amended to add an introductory sentence referring to the fruity character of the wines bearing the PGI. : ‘The wines are characterised by fruity aromas, the intensity and character of which vary according to the grape varieties and technologies used.’

This amendment has also been carried over to the ‘Description of the wine(s)’ section of the single document.

2. Geographical area

Section 4.1 - Geographical area - of Chapter I of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ has been amended to include a reference to the Geographical Code of January 2022.

This editorial amendment allows the geographical area to be identified with reference to the January 2022 version of the Official Geographical Code, which is updated by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), and gives the delimitation of the geographical area legal certainty.

This amendment is an update and there has been no change to the geographical area. The amendment has been carried over to the ‘Demarcated geographical area’ section of the single document.

3. Area in immediate proximity

Section 4.2 - Area in immediate proximity - of Chapter I of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ has been updated to include a reference to the Official Geographical Code of January 2022 and to convert the list of cantons, with no changes, into a list of the municipalities comprising the area in immediate proximity.

This update has been carried over to the ‘Area in immediate proximity’ section of the single document.

4. Vine varieties

Section 5 of Chapter I of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ has been amended to add the following vine varieties approved for the production of wines bearing the PGI.

—	Introduction of thirteen varieties that are ‘resistant’ to vine diseases: Artaban N, Cabernet Blanc B, Cabernet Cortis N, Floréal B, Monarch N, Muscaris B, Prior N, Saphira B, Soreli B, Souvignier Gris Rs, Sauvignac B, Vidoc N, Voltis B.

—

Introduction of fourteen varieties with the potential to adapt to climate change:

Agiorgitiko N, Alvarinho B, Assyrtyko B, Calabrese N, Carricante B, Fiano B, Montepulciano N, Moschofilero Rs, Parrellada B, Primitivo N, Roditis Rs, Touriga Nacional N, Verdejo B, Xinomavro N.

These varieties are resistant to drought and fungal diseases. With similar physiological and oenological properties to the varieties used in the PGI production, they reduce the need for plant protection products. They do not affect the characteristics of the PGI wines.

The ‘Wine grape varieties’ section of the single document has been updated.

5. Inspection body

Chapter III of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ has been amended to simplify the section entitled ‘Inspection body’, specifying that compliance with the product specification must be checked on the basis of an approved control plan and by a third-party body delegated by the INAO and offering guarantees of competence, impartiality and independence.

This simplification does not affect the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Le pays cathare

2. Geographical indication type

PGI - Protected geographical indication

3. Categories of grapevine products

Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ covers still red, rosé and white wines.

The levels (minimum or maximum) for total alcoholic strength by volume, total acidity, and total sulphur dioxide are those set by EU legislation.

The wines are characterised by fruity aromas, the intensity and character of which vary according to the grape varieties and technologies used.

The red wines generally have a fairly deep colour. They are powerful and robust with fruity aromas. The structure of the tannins varies depending on the wine-making methods used.

The rosé wines are elegant with finesse and are generally intended to be consumed young.

The white wines are characterised by their roundness and fruitiness.

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)	15,3
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. Wine-making practices

5.1. Specific oenological practices

1. Specific oenological practice

Wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ must be made from a blend of at least two grape varieties from among those that are authorised for the production of the PGI for each colour of wine.

Besides this provision, the oenological practices adopted for the wines must comply with the obligations laid down by EU legislation and by the Rural and Fisheries Code.

5.2. Maximum yields

90 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The harvesting of the grapes, winemaking and processing of wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ must take place within the territory of the following municipalities, in accordance with the Official Geographical Code of 1 January 2022:

—

Department of Aude:

Aigues-Vives, Airoux, Ajac, Alaigne, Alairac, Albas, Albieres, Alet-Les-Bains, Alzonne, Antugnac, Aragon, Argeliers, Argens-Minervois, Armissan, Arques, Arquettes-En-Val, Arzens, Auriac, Azille, Badens, Bages, Bagnoles, Baraigne, Barbaira, Belcastel-Et-Buc, Belflou, Bellegarde-Du-Razes, Belpech, Belveze-Du-Razes, Belvianes-Et-Cavirac, Berriac, Bizanet, Bize-Minervois, Blomac, Bouilhonnac, Bouisse, Bouriege, Bourigeole, Boutenac, Bram, Brenac, Brezilhac, Brousses-Et-Villaret, Brugairolles, Bugarach, Cabrespine, Cahuzac, Cailhau, Cailhavel, Cambieure, Campagne-Sur-Aude, Camplong-D'aude, Camps-Sur-L'agly, Canet, Capendu, Carcassonne, Carlipa, Cascastel-Des-Corbieres, Cassaignes, Castans, Castelnau-D'aude, Castelnaudary, Castelreng, Caudebronde, Caudeval, Caunes-Minervois, Caunette-Sur-Lauquet, Caunettes-En-Val, Caux-Et-Sauzens, Cavanac, Caves, Cazalrenoux, Cazilhac, Cenne-Monesties, Cepie, Chalabre, Citou, Clermont-Sur-Lauquet, Comigne, Conilhac-Corbieres, Conilhac-De-La-Montagne, Conques-Sur-Orbiel, Corbieres, Coudons, Couffoulens, Couiza, Cournanel, Coursan, Courtauly, Coustaussa, Coustouge, Cruscades, Cubieres-Sur-Cinoble, Cucugnan, Cumies, Cuxac-Cabardes, Cuxac-D'aude, Davejean, Dernacueillette, Donazac, Douzens, Duilhac-Sous-Peyrepertuse, Durban-Corbieres, Embres-Et-Castelmaure, Escales, Escueillens-Et-Saint-Just-De-Beleng, Esperaza, Fa, Fabrezan, Fajac-En-Val, Fajac-La-Relenque, Fanjeaux, Felines-Termenes, Fendeille, Fenouillet-Du-Razes, Ferrals-Les-Corbieres, Ferran, Festes-Et-Saint-Andre, Feuilla, Fitou, Fleury, Floure, Fontcouverte, Fonters-Du-Razes, Fontiers-Cabardes, Fonties-D'aude, Fontjoncouse, Fournes-Cabardes, Fourtou, Fraisse-Cabardes, Fraisse-Des-Corbieres, Gaja-Et-Villedieu, Gaja-La-Selve, Gardie, Generville, Ginestas, Ginoles, Gourvieille, Gramazie, Granes, Greffeil, Gruissan, Gueytes-Et-Labastide, Homps, Hounoux, Issel, Jonquieres, La Bezole, La Cassaigne, La Courtete, La Digne-D'amont, La Digne-D'aval, La Force, La Louviere-Lauragais, La Palme, La Pomarede, La Redorte,La Serpent, La Tourette-Cabardès, Labastide-D'anjou, Labastide-En-Val, Labastide-Esparbairenque, Labecede-Lauragais, Lacombe, Ladern-Sur-Lauquet,Lafage, Lagrasse, Lairiere, Lanet, Laprade, Laroque-De-Fa, Lasbordes, Lasserre-De-Prouille, Lastours, Laurabuc, Laurac, Lauraguel, Laure-Minervois, Lavalette, Les Brunels, Les Casses, Les Ilhes, Les Martys, Lespinassiere, Leuc, Leucate, Lezignan-Corbieres, Lignairolles, Limousis, Limoux, Loupia, Luc-Sur-Aude, Luc-Sur-Orbieu, Magrie, Mailhac, Maisons, Malras, Malves-En-Minervois, Malvies, Marcorignan, Marquein, Marsa, Marseillette, Mas-Cabardes, Mas-Des-Cours, Mas-Saintes-Puelles, Massac, Mayreville, Mayronnes, Mazerolles-Du-Razes, Mezerville, Miraval-Cabardes, Mirepeisset, Mireval-Lauragais, Missegre, Molandier, Molleville, Montauriol, Montazels, Montbrun-Des-Corbières, Montclar, Montferrand, Montgaillard, Montgradail, Monthaut, Montirat, Montjardin, Montjoi, Montlaur, Montmaur, Montolieu, Montreal, Montredon-Des-Corbieres, Montseret, Monze, Moussan, Moussoulens, Mouthoumet, Moux, Narbonne, Nebias, Nevian, Ornaisons, Orsans, Ouveillan, Padern, Palairac, Palaja, Paraza, Pauligne, Payra-Sur-L'hers, Paziols, Pech-Luna, Pecharic-Et-Le-Py, Pennautier, Pépieux, Pexiora, Peyrefitte-du-Razès, Peyrefitte-Sur-L'hers, Peyrens, Peyriac-de-Mer, Peyriac-Minervois, Peyrolles, Pezens, Pieusse, Plaigne, Plavilla, Pomas, Pomy, Port-La-Nouvelle, Portel-Des-Corbières, Pouzols-Minervois, Pradelles-Cabardès, Pradelles-En-Val, Preixan, Puginier, Puichéric, 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, Roquecourbe-Minervois, Roquefere, Roquefort-Des-Corbieres, Roquetaillade, Roubia, Rouffiac-D'aude, Rouffiac-Des-Corbieres, Roullens, Routier, Rouvenac, Rustiques, Saint-Amans, Saint-Andre-De-Roquelongue, Saint-Benoît, Saint-Couat-d'Aude, Saint-Couat-Du-Razès, Saint-Denis, Saint-Ferriol, Saint-Frichoux, Saint-Gauderic, Saint-Hilaire, 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-Polycarpe, Saint-Sernin, Sainte-Camelle, Sainte-Colombe-Sur-L'hers, Sainte-Eulalie, Sainte-Valiere, Saissac, Salleles-Cabardes, Salleles-D'aude, Salles-D'aude, Salles-Sur-L'hers, Salsigne, Salza, Seignalens, Serres, Servies-En-Val, Sigean, Sonnac-Sur-L'hers, Sougraigne, Souilhanels, Souilhe, Soulatge, Soupex, Talairan, Taurize, Termes, Terroles, Thezan-des-Corbières, Tournissan, Tourouzelle, Tourreilles, Trassanel, Trausse, Trèbes, Treilles, Treville, Tréziers, Tuchan, Valmigere, Ventenac-Cabardes, Ventenac-En-Minervois, Veraza, Verdun-En-Lauragais, Verzeille, Vignevieille, Villalier, Villaniere, Villar-En-Val, Villar-Saint-Anselme, Villardebelle, Villardonnel, Villarzel-Cabardes, Villarzel-du-Razès, Villasavary, Villautou, Villebazy, Villedaigne, Villedubert, Villefloure, Villefort, Villegailhenc, Villegly, Villelongue-d'Aude, Villemagne, Villemoustaussou, Villeneuve-La-Comptal, Villeneuve-Les-Corbières, Villeneuve-Les-Montréal, Villeneuve-Minervois, Villepinte, Villerouge-Termenès, Villesèque-des-Corbières, Villeséquelande, Villesiscle, Villespy, Villetritouls, Vinassan.

—

Department of Ariège:

Aigues-Vives, Arvigna, Belloc, Besset, Calzan, Camon, Cazal-des-Baylès, Coussa, Coutens, Dalou, Dreuilhe, Esclagne, Gaudiès, Gudas, La Bastide-de-Bousignac, La Bastide-de-Lordat, La Bastide-sur-l'Hers, Lagarde, Laroque-d'Olmes, La Tour-du-Crieu, Ludiès, Le Carlaret, Le Peyrat, Le Vernet, Les Issards, Les Pujols, Lesparrou, Lapenne, Léran, Limbrassac, Malegoude, Malléon, Manses, Mazères, Montaut, Montbel, Moulin-Neuf, Pradettes, Rieucros, Régat, Saint-Amadou, Saint-Félix-de-Tournegat, Saint-Félix-de-Rieutord, Saint-Jean-du-Falga, Saint-Quentin-la-Tour, Saint-Julien-de-Gras-Capou, Sainte-Foi, Ségura, Tabre, Teilhet, Tourtrol, Trémoulet, Troye-d'Ariège , Vals, Varilhes, Ventenac, Verniolle, Villeneuve-du-Paréage, Vira, Viviès.

7. Wine grape variety(-ies)

Agiorgitiko N

Alvarinho - Albariño

Arinarnoa N

Artaban N

Assyrtiko B

Bourboulenc B - Doucillon blanc

Cabernet Blanc B

Cabernet Cortis N

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet Sauvignon N

Calabrese N

Caladoc N

Carignan N

Carricante

Chardonnay B

Chasan B

Chenanson N

Chenin B

Cinsaut N - Cinsault

Côt N - Malbec

Egiodola N

Fiano

Floreal B

Grenache N

Grenache blanc B

Grenache gris G

Macabeu B - Macabeo

Marsanne B

Marselan N

Mauzac B

Merlot N

Monarch N

Montepulciano

Moschofilero Rs

Mourvèdre N - Monastrell

Muscaris B

Parrellada B

Pinot Noir N

Portan N

Primitivo N - Zinfandel

Prior N

Roditis Rs

Roussanne B

Saphira B

Sauvignac

Sauvignon B - Sauvignon blanc

Semillon B

Soreli B

Souvignier Gris Rs

Syrah N - Shiraz

Touriga Nacional N

Ugni Blanc B

Verdejo B

Vermentino B - Rolle

Vidoc N

Viognier B

Voltis B

Xinomavro N

8. Description of the link(s)

8.1. Specificity of the geographical area and specificity of the product

The PGI ‘Le Pays Cathare’ covers the entire department of Aude and 60 municipalities in the department of Ariège, into which the vineyards in the western section of Aude have expanded.

Vines are grown in practically the entire geographical area, from the Corbières massif in the south, to the Montagne Noir in the north. The mid section is formed by an area of rolling hills through which the River Aude flows, ending its course in the vicinity of Narbonne.

This wine-growing area in the south of France is therefore bounded on the east by the Mediterranean Sea and on the west by the Plantaurel massif.

The whole area features an astonishing diversity of landscapes, from lagoons on the coast to garrigues shrubland, maquis underbrush and mountains. This is reflected in the soils, the geology of which is a complex succession of plains, stony terraces, limestone slopes and schists.

The climate is just as varied. It is strictly Mediterranean in the eastern part of the geographical area, with hot, dry summers and rain (sometimes heavy) in autumn and spring. There are clear oceanic influences to the west. Rainfall is often below 500 mm on the coastline but can reach 800 mm in the case of the vineyards inland, where its effects are amplified by the altitude.

It is also an area affected by periods of strong winds. The warm, humid sea breeze develops into the ‘Autan’ wind in the western part. The ‘Cers’ westerly wind is often stormy and drying, which is very conducive to healthy grape development.

This was a region of bustling trade in the 12th century. Narbonne was the capital of Roman Gaul and Toulouse was the third largest city in Europe. It was at that time that the first major wine-growing area was developed in this region in order to supply wine traders that were very active throughout the south-west of France.

The region underwent several changes, particularly during the Middle Ages, before arriving at its current wine-growing structure. This was the site of the only crusade to take place on Western Christian land, better known as the ‘Albigensian’ or ‘Cathar’ crusade.

Persecuted on heresy charges by French Catholics throughout the country, the last Cathars found refuge in fortresses or vertiginous citadels such as Quéribus, Peyrepertuse, Puylaurens and Montségur.

A symbol of the tolerance, freedom and open-mindedness of this Occitan region, Catharism represented the most refined culture of the time and has left its mark on this territory. The winegrowers therefore wished to pay tribute to this Occitan civilisation and bring its identity to their vineyards and the traditions they have for the wines that are produced in the area.

Supported by this identity, ‘Vin de pays Cathare’ was recognised by the Decree of 25 April 2001.

‘Le Pays Cathare’ PGI wines are made in the three colours, with red wines accounting for the majority (85 % of production).

Their main characteristic is that they are blended wines, most often combining Mediterranean varieties with those from other wine-growing areas and hybrid varieties that have adapted to the area to perfection. In the case of the red wines, Carignan, Cinsaut and Grenache are blended with Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon, often with hybrids such as Caladoc, Portan and Marselan.

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

The dominant Mediterranean influence gives these PGI wines a characteristic fruitiness, which in the case of the reds is associated with structure and strength, and in the case of the whites and rosés, provides roundness and elegance.

Given its diversity of climate and soils, ‘Le Pays Cathare’ PGI has enabled winegrowers to adapt grape varieties to the different wine-growing locations. It has benefited from the introduction of new hybrid varieties created by the National Institute for Agronomic Research (Institut national de recherche agronomique - INRA) and from technological developments, particularly in terms of fermentation methods, to diversify its production and be able to offer a range of products meeting the new demands of consumers.

Winegrowing and tourism development in the Pays Cathare region share a common history going back almost 40 years and closely linked to the military fortresses that dot this region. Indeed, the restoration of all of these citadels by local authorities began in the 1970s, simultaneously with the winegrowers' efforts to revive winegrowing in this region.

Every year these castles draw several hundred thousand visitors (110 000 to Peyrepertuse castle alone), who discover them after having travelled through part of the Pays Cathare wine-growing area. Winemaking is therefore closely linked to the reputation of the Pays Cathare region. The diversity and richness of the wines reflect the authenticity of the terroirs. With medieval festivals, falconries, visits to vineyards and wineries, winemaking plays an important role in the economic development of this region.

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

Labelling

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ may be supplemented by the name of one or more wine grape varieties.

The protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ may be supplemented by the terms ‘primeur’ (early) or ‘nouveau’ (new).

The European Union PGI logo must appear on the label if the words ‘Indication géographique protégée’ (Protected Geographical Indication) are replaced by the traditional term ‘Vin de pays’.

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity defined by derogation for winemaking and production of wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Le Pays Cathare’ is formed by all of the municipalities that border on the geographical area, in accordance with the Official Geographical Code of 1 January 2022.

Department of Aude:

Artigues, Aunat, Axat, Belcaire, Belfort-sur-Rebenty, Belvis, Bessède-de-Sault, Le Bousquet, Cailla, Campagna-de-Sault, Camurac, Le Clat, Comus, Counozouls, Escouloubre, Espezel, La Fajolle, Fontanès-de-Sault, Galinagues, Gincla, Joucou, Mazuby, Mérial, Montfort-sur-Boulzane, Niort-de-Sault, Puilaurens, Rodome, Roquefeuil, Roquefort-de-Sault, Sainte-Colombe-sur-Guette, Salvezines.

Department of Ariège:

L'Aiguillon, Albiès, Alliat, Appy, Arabaux, Arignac, Arnave, Artigat, Artix, Ascou, Aston, Aulos-Sinsat, Axiat, Ax-les-Thermes, Baulou, Bédeilhac-et-Aynat, Bélesta, Bénac, Benagues, Bénaix, Bestiac, Bézac, Bompas, Bonnac, Le Bosc, Bouan, Brassac, Brie, Burret, Les Cabannes, Canté, Capoulet-et-Junac, Carla-Bayle, Carla-de-Roquefort, Castéras, Caussou, Caychax, Cazaux, Cazenave-Serres-et-Allens, Celles, Château-Verdun, Cos, Crampagna, Dun, Durfort, Escosse, Esplas, Ferrières-sur-Ariège, Foix, Le Fossat, Fougax-et-Barrineuf, Freychenet, Ganac, Garanou, Génat, Gourbit, L'Herm, L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre, Ignaux, Ilhat, Justiniac, Labatut, Lanoux, Lapège, Larcat, Larnat, Lassur, Lavelanet, Lescousse, Leychert, Lézat-sur-Lèze, Lieurac, Lissac, Lordat, Loubens, Loubières, Luzenac, Madière, Mercus-Garrabet, Mérens-les-Vals, Miglos, Mirepoix, Monesple, Montaillou, Montégut-Plantaurel, Montferrier, Montgailhard, Montoulieu, Montségur, Nalzen, Niaux, Orgeix, Orlu, Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains, Pailhès, Pamiers, Pech, Péreille, Perles-et-Castelet, Prades, Pradières, Prayols, Quié, Rabat-les-Trois-Seigneurs, Raissac, Rieux-de-Pelleport, Roquefixade, Roquefort-les-Cascades, Roumengoux, Saint-Amans, Saint-Bauzeil, Sainte-Suzanne, Saint-Jean-d'Aigues-Vives, Saint-Jean-de-Verges, Saint-Martin-de-Caralp, Saint-Martin-d'Oydes, Saint-Michel, Saint-Paul-de-Jarrat, Saint-Pierre-de-Rivière, Saint-Quirc, Saint-Victor-Rouzaud, Saint-Ybars, Saurat, Sautel, Saverdun, Savignac-les-Ormeaux, Senconac, Serres-sur-Arget, Sieuras, Sorgeat, Soula, Surba, Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Tignac, Unac, Unzent, Urs, Ussat, Vaychis, Vèbre, Verdun, Vernajoul, Vernaux, Villeneuve-d'Olmes, Villeneuve-du-Latou.

Department of Haute-Garonne:

Aignes, Auragne, Avignonet-Lauragais, Beauteville, Bélesta-en-Lauragais, Caignac, Calmont, Caujac, Cessales, Cintegabelle, Esperce, Falga, Folcarde, Gaillac-Toulza, Gardouch, Gibel, Grazac, Juzes, Lagarde, Lux, Marliac, Mauremont, Maurens, Mauvaisin, Monestrol, Montclar-Lauragais, Montégut-Lauragais, Montesquieu-Lauragais, Montgaillard-Lauragais, Montgeard, Mourvilles-Hautes, Nailloux, Nogaret, Renneville, Rieumajou, Roumens, Saint-Félix-Lauragais, Saint-Germier, Saint-Julia, Saint-Léon, Saint-Rome, Saint-Vincent, Seyre, Trébons-sur-la-Grasse, Vallègue, Vaudreuille, Vaux, Vieillevigne, Villefranche-de-Lauragais, Villenouvelle.

Department of Hérault:

Agel, Aigne, Aigues-Vives, Assignan, Azillanet, Babeau-Bouldoux, Beaufort, Béziers, Capestang, Cassagnoles, La Caunette, Cazedarnes, Cazouls-lès-Béziers, Cébazan, Cessenon-sur-Orb, Cesseras, Colombiers, Corneilhan, Creissan, Cruzy, Félines-Minervois, Ferrals-les-Montagnes, Lespignan, Lignan-sur-Orb, La Livinière, Maraussan, Maureilhan, Minerve, Montady, Montels, Montouliers, Nissan-lez-Enserune, Olonzac, Oupia, Pierrerue, Poilhes, Prades-sur-Vernazobre, Puisserguier, Quarante, Saint-Chinian, Sauvian, Sérignan, Siran, Valras-Plage, Vendres, Villespassans.

Department of Pyrénées-Orientales:

Ansignan, Le Barcarès, Bélesta, Caramany, Cases-de-Pène, Cassagnes, Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes, Claira, Espira-de-l'Agly, Estagel, Fenouillet, Fosse, Lansac, Latour-de-France, Lesquerde, Maury, Montner, Opoul-Périllos, Peyrestortes, Pia, Planèzes, Prugnanes, Rasiguères, Rivesaltes, Saint-Arnac, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, Saint-Martin-de-Fenouillet, Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Salses-le-Château, Tautavel, Torreilles, Vingrau, Vira.

Department of Tarn:

Aiguefonde, Albine, Arfons, Aussillon, Belleserre, Boissezon, Bout-du-Pont-de-Larn, Cahuzac, Les Cammazes, Caucalières, Dourgne, Durfort, Escoussens, Garrevaques, Labastide-Rouairoux, Labruguière, Lacabarède, Lagardiolle, Lagarrigue, Massaguel, Mazamet, Noailhac, Palleville, Payrin-Augmontel, Pont-de-Larn, Le Rialet, Rouairoux, Saint-Affrique-les-Montagnes, Saint-Amancet, Saint-Amans-Soult, Saint-Amans-Valtoret, Saint-Avit, Saint-Salvy-de-la-Balme, Sauveterre, Sorèze, Soual, Valdurenque, Verdalle, Le Vintrou, Viviers-lès-Montagnes.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-084c9f64-59c7-4ae5-a765-bf644c5b5254

(1) OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

		ISSN 1977-091X
Official Journal of the European Union		C 178

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 66 22 May 2023

Contents		page
	II Information
	INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	European Commission
2023/C 178/01	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10825 – DAVITA / MEDTRONIC / MEDTRONIC RENAL CARE SOLUTIONS) ( 1 )	1

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	European Commission
2023/C 178/02	Euro exchange rates – 17 May 2023	2
2023/C 178/03	Euro exchange rates – 18 May 2023	3
2023/C 178/04	Euro exchange rates – 19 May 2023	4

	V Announcements
	PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY
	European Commission
2023/C 178/05	Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10860 – ADVENT / GFK) ( 1 )	5
	OTHER ACTS
	European Commission
2023/C 178/06	Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33	7
2023/C 178/07	Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33	18

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	(1) Text with EEA relevance.