Press release

Comité national des appellations d'origine - Wines and alcoholic beverages: faced with a particularly complicated context, the appellations are fighting and adapting.

Meeting on June 11 and 12, 2025, INAO's Comité national des appellations d'origine relatives aux vins, boissons alcoolisées et spiritueux examined a number of structuring topics for the wine and cider industries. This work is part of a drive to modernize specifications, strengthen the sustainability of official quality signs, and take into account the challenges of adapting to climate change.

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Montpeyroux on its way to PDO status: long-awaited recognition for an exceptional terroir

The "Montpeyroux" appellation is about to officially join the large PDO family. Located in the heart of the Hérault region, the area covers four communes and almost 595 hectares. The application, supported by 22 wineries and with an annual production of 4,000 hl, highlights demanding viticultural practices, traditional grape varieties and unique stony soils that give the wines their complexity and ageing potential.

After six years' work by a group of committed winemakers, the INAO National Committee has decided to approve the specifications and recognize the Syndicat de l'AOC Montpeyroux as a management body. This PDO would consecrate an already emblematic terroir, continuing the qualitative hierarchization undertaken in Languedoc.

1 - Develop a global approach to appellations through sustainability, the basis of any forward-looking strategy

The Committee validated the working methodology proposed by the group dedicated to sustainability, integrated into the new Contract of Objectives and Performance 2024-2028. A guide to support GDOs will be distributed, enabling sectors to establish a diagnosis, define a sustainable strategy and monitor its effects through environmental, economic and socio-cultural indicators.

2 - Segment and improve the visibility of the offer

Recognition of "crus" in Alsace: launch of the operational phase

An important milestone has been reached for the hierarchization of the Alsace AOC. The Committee validated the admissibility grid for requests for recognition of "crus" on the scale of lieux-dits, as well as the two-stage appraisal methodology: an evaluation by independent consultants, followed by parcel delimitations in the field. Seven initial files are underway.

Hierarchization of the Alsace AOC

The commission of inquiry has presented a progress report on the hierarchization of the Alsace AOC. The CNAOV has validated a new guideline allowing the use of the "cru" label for additional geographical denominations on the scale of lieux-dits, in compliance with national rules. Seven initial applications for "cru" recognition have been submitted by the AVA.

Recognition of the DGC Cabrières (AOP Languedoc) and Cazelles (AOP Minervois)

The CNAOV has validated the public consultation of the draft geographical areas for the future AOP "Cabrières" and the DGC "Cazelles", marking a new stage in the hierarchization of Languedoc appellations.

Parcel revision for Mercurey PDO

The Committee has approved the definitive delimitation of the parcel area for the "Mercurey" PDO, resulting in an 11.6% reduction in the initial surface area. This decision is in line with the future recognition of new premiers crus.

Labeling framework and value-adding mentions

The Committee took note of the OIV's "Vieilles Vignes" resolution, which establishes a scientific definition of old vines (≥ 35 years old). This basis will clarify the conditions for using this term on labels. It also looked at work in progress on sweetening in PDOs and organoleptic testing.

AOP "Muscat de Lunel" ©Céline et Gilles Deschamps / CIVL

3 - Adapting to climate change

Irrigation and climate resilience: modification of the Muscat de Lunel specifications

The Committee has validated the opposition procedure for a new specification for the Muscat de Lunel PDO, incorporating in particular the controlled use of irrigation, the introduction of agro-environmental provisions, the adaptation of yields and the evolution of the organoleptic profile to meet consumer expectations.

Fostering innovation

The Committee has approved the introduction of an experimental framework for vine cover systems, enabling growers to test such equipment while retaining the benefit of the AOC, under a validated protocol. This initiative responds to the need to integrate innovations not foreseen in the specifications at the time they were drafted. It will, however, require regulatory changes.

Management of production potential: changes to the VCI system

Discussions continued on the proposal to make the annual ceiling for VCI (individual complementary volume) more flexible, with the aim of raising it to 50% of the basic yield. The Committee took note of the administrations' positions and will continue discussions with a view to a decision in September.

4- Enhancing winegrowers' environmental efforts - follow-up to the "Ecobalyse" project

The Committee was informed of the development of the environmental display method for agri-food products promoted by ADEME. The ODGs are asked to pay particular attention to the consultation phase, as the current calculation method really needs to be tested for SIQO products.

The Committee has been informed of the development of the environmental display method for agri-food products being promoted by ADEME.

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