Defense and management organization

The INAO at Terclim: 16th International Terroir Congress in Angers

The 16th International Terroir Congress will be held July 6–9, 2026, at the ESA Campus in Angers. This event will bring together scientists, academics, and experts from around the world to explore the complex interactions between grapevines, their environment, and the expertise that shapes the concept of terroir.

Temps de lecture : 3 min

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Mots-clés

Wine

Viticulture

Durability

Geographical indication

International cooperation

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AOP "Fronton" © Pierre Soissons

The event will feature lectures, scientific sessions, field trips, and opportunities for participants to exchange ideas. The INAO will present three projects and initiatives related to sustainability in the wine industry.

Regional Assessment and Delimitation of Wine PDOs in France

France has 386 wine PDOs (AOPs) covering 505,000 ha of vineyards, which account for 64% of France’s vineyard area and 41% of wine production. Each appellation embodies a strong identity, underpinned by strict rules and a defined production area. Within this area, grapes are harvested from plots selected based on specific environmental criteria, validated by historical practices. Producers and their collective organizations may request a review of these zones. The INAO then conducts an inventory of the current zoning to shed light on issues related to land-use planning. This innovative approach has been systematized since 2025.

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AOP "Costières de Nîmes" © Christophe Grilhe
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AOP "Cairanne" © Van Son Huynh_durabilite

INAO’s Work on Strengthening the Sustainability of French Wine Geographical Indications: Implementation of a Methodology Applicable to All French GIs

While geographical indications (GIs) can be considered sustainable—since they are based on a strong link between the product and its terroir—they currently face challenges such as market instability and declining consumption, climate change, and rising societal expectations. In this increasingly competitive world, French geographical indications must strengthen their sustainability. To this end, the Institute has developed and is implementing a methodology applicable to all French geographical indications. 

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Adjusting the boundaries to preserve the distinctive character of wines in the context of climate change: the example of the Côte Roannaise appellation

The “Côte Roannaise” AOP is a region renowned for its red wines. It is located in the foothills of the Loire Mountains, in the Loire department (France). Producers in this appellation have observed that climate change has led to an increase in the alcohol content of their wines and a decrease in acidity, resulting in notes of overripeness—a departure from the fresh and lively style characteristic of the appellation. To preserve the characteristics of their product, they asked the INAO to revise the appellation’s boundaries—a first in France to adapt to climate change. The idea is to move to higher elevations to compensate for early ripening and limit spring frosts, which are more frequent at the bottom of the hillside.

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Additional Information

  • 16th International Congress on Terroir and 3rd ClimWine Symposium
  • July 6–9, 2026, at the ESA Campus in Angers
  • 55 Rue Rabelais, 49007 Angers
  • Website: https://terroircongress2026.com/

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