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The INAO is stepping up its efforts to support the evolution of wine, spirits, and cider appellations of origin in response to contemporary challenges

At its meeting on June 17 and 18, 2026, the National Committee on Designations of Origin for Wines, Alcoholic Beverages, and Spirits approved the launch or acceleration of several major initiatives to adapt the designations to current challenges: refocusing of specifications, sustainable irrigation, and a review of the committee’s national guidelines.

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Bodies Appellation d'origine contrôlée Protected Designation of Origin Wine Viticulture
vin rouge
AOP "Nuits-Saint-Georges" © BIVB Aurélien Ibanez

Against a backdrop of climate change, evolving production practices, shifting consumer expectations, and economic challenges facing certain sectors, the INAO National Committee has reaffirmed the need to support the evolution of appellations of origin.

The decisions taken reflect a shared ambition: to enable appellations to adapt to climatic, economic, and societal changes, while preserving their essential foundations—namely, the link to their place of origin, the distinctive character of the products, and the credibility of the official marks of quality and origin.

Specifications: Continuing the Refocusing Effort

Work on the specifications has reached a new milestone. The National Committee approved the progress report on this work, which includes:

  • The overwhelming approval of the CRINAO’s guidelines on the so-called “non-essential” points in the specifications;
  • The acceleration of the revision of the committee’s national guidelines on issues raised by the ODGs and CRINAOs: planting density, yield, pruning and crop load per hectare, winemaking, and transportation. The goal is to finalize a revision of these guidelines, taking into account the current context—particularly climate-related factors—by the end of the term at the latest (February 2027);
  • Continuing work on the necessary amendments to the Rural Code and establishing a “fast-track” procedure for revising the specifications in accordance with the new guidelines by 2027;
  • Focus inspections on essential elements.
muscadet
AOP "Muscadet Cote de Grandlieu" © Emeline Boileau

This initiative is intended to make appellation designations clearer, streamline certain procedures, and adapt the specifications to current challenges.

Sustainable Irrigation: Work Resumes

The National Committee has approved the appointment of a working group tasked with continuing discussions on sustainable irrigation. The goal is to examine the conditions under which irrigation, when strictly regulated, can serve as a tool for resilience against water stress in vineyards.

This work must ensure that production balances are maintained, water resources are managed sustainably, and the fundamental principles of appellations of origin are upheld.

Planting Density: Adapting Viticultural Practices

Committee members also approved the initial guidelines from the working group dedicated to planting density. This discussion focuses in particular on new plantings, row spacing, the leaf-to-fruit ratio, and the specific characteristics of the various types of AOPs.

The challenge is to better account for the effects of climate change, evolving viticultural practices, and sustainability goals, without weakening the link between the products and their terroir.

cepage
AOP "Limoux" © Céline et Gilles Deschamps CIVL.

VIFA: Supporting the Adaptation of Grape Varieties

The National Committee also approved several proposals regarding varieties of interest for adaptation purposes, known as VIFAs. These changes affect various appellations that are in the process of gradually adapting their grape varieties.

They aim to address climate, health, and environmental challenges while preserving the identity and distinctive character of products under the appellation.

Technical Innovations: Overseeing Pilot Projects

With regard to technical innovations, the National Committee approved the work conducted by the Scientific, Technical, and Innovation Commission on vine and soil protection systems.

More than thirty experiments, led by eighteen ODGs, are currently being monitored. The approved framework is designed to support these experiments while ensuring that their effects on the terroir, vineyard landscapes, and the image of the appellations are carefully managed.

Decisions for Several Sectors

The National Committee also approved several applications for demarcation, recognition (Cidre du Pays de Caux), or “premier cru” status (Marsannay, etc.), as well as amendments to specifications concerning wine appellations, cider, and spirits appellations.

These decisions demonstrate the vitality of the collective initiatives led by the appellation protection and management organizations and the ability of the appellations to evolve in compliance with national and European procedures.

Through all of these guidelines, the INAO reaffirms its role in supporting sectors that carry quality and origin designations. The National Committee’s decisions reflect a shared commitment: to enable appellations to adapt without compromising their fundamental requirements or their regional roots.

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