3.5.2 - Wine

Wine. Historically the wine sector has known specific rules for designations of origin and geographical indications. Since 2013, these rules have been codified in Regulation 1308/2013, which replaces earlier regulations (1234/2007, 491/2009 and 479/2008).  Article 92 of the regulation provides for rules for on (i) designations of origin, (ii) geographical indications and (iii) traditional terms in the wine sector.

Designations of origin for wine. Article 93(1)(a) of Regulation 1308/2013 defines a designation of origin as (a) the name of a region, a specific place or, in exceptional and duly justifiable cases, a country used to describe (b) a product fulfilling the following requirements: (i) the quality and characteristics of the product are essentially or exclusively due to a particular geographical environment with its inherent natural and human factors; (ii) the grapes from which the product is produced come exclusively from that geographical area; (iii) the production takes place in that geographical area; and (iv) the product is obtained from vine varieties belonging to Vitis vinifera.

Geographical indication for wine. Article 93(1)(b) of Regulation 1308/2013 further defines a geographical indication as (a) an indication referring to a region, a specific place or, in exceptional and duly justifiable cases, a country, used to describe a product fulfilling the following requirements: (i) it possesses a specific quality, reputation or other characteristics attributable to that geographical origin; (ii) at least 85 % of the grapes used for its production come exclusively from that geographical area; (iii) its production takes place in that geographical area; and (iv) it is obtained from vine varieties belonging to Vitis vinifera or a cross between the Vitis vinifera species and other species of the genus Vitis.

Traditionally used names for wine. Article 93(2) of Regulation 1308/2013 subsequently learns that certain traditionally used names shall constitute a designation of origin where they: (a) designate a wine; (b) refer to a geographical name; (c) fulfil the requirements for designations of origin for wine; and (d) have undergone the procedure conferring protection on designations of origin and geographical indications.

Appellation d'origine controllee (“AOC”). The French expression Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) refers to products that fulfil the requirements for designations of origin for wine (“AOP”) with regard to certain regions in France, such as Beaujolais, Beaumes de Venise, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Vacqueyras, Vinsobres  and Ventoux.

Indication géographique protégée (“IGP”). French geographical indications for wine are – for instance - (vin de pays de la) Drôme, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpilles, Bouches-du-Rhône or Var.