From PGI to PDO for Corrèze wines

From 2009 to 2017, wines produced in Corrèze benefited from a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). On May 3, 2017, the CNAOV voted to recognize the Appellation d'origine contrôlée "Corrèze". They have now been recognized as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since February 22, 2023. The "Corrèze" PDO comprises still red and white wines and "vin de paille".
A complementary geographical denomination "Coteaux de la Vézère" is also planned and reserved for still red and dry white wines.

Characteristics of "Corrèze" PDO wines

Red wines are most often ruby to garnet in color with violet highlights. They are characterized on the nose by very expressive aromas with a dominant of red fruits combined with spicy notes. On the palate, they are fresh and harmoniously balanced. These wines are the fruit of the expression of the Cabernet Franc N grape variety, sometimes blended with accessory grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon N and Merlot N, which bring aromatic complexity and power. They can be enjoyed when young, but it's worth waiting up to 5 years to taste them.

Wines bearing the "Vin de Paille" label are made from raisined grapes from the following grape varieties: cabernet franc N, cabernet sauvignon N, chardonnay B, merlot N, sauvignon B. They have a high natural residual sugar content. Their color ranges from old gold to amber. On the nose, they are characterized by notes of overripe fruit and aromas of dried or candied fruit, very powerful, with a slight rancio in some cases. On the palate, they have a soft attack, liveliness and great length.

Wines benefiting from the complementary geographical denomination "Coteaux de la Vézère" come in red and dry white.

Red wines, made from the Cabernet Franc N grape alone, are most often ruby red in color with violet highlights. On the nose, they are characterized by complex aromas dominated by red and black fruits, often combined with spicy notes. On the palate, they are powerful and well-balanced, with good length and freshness.

Dry white wines, made from Chenin B grapes alone, are generally pale yellow in color, with golden highlights. These are highly aromatic wines with notes of flowers and white fruits, and sometimes aromas of honey. Fresh and fruity on the palate, they are lively and powerful with a long finish of floral and mineral notes.