Definition: Coteaux du Languedoc Pézenas

New appellation (05/2007) for red wine in the following communes in the Hérault department: Adissan, Aspiran, Caux, Fontès, Fouzilhon, Gabian, Lieuran-Cabrières, Montesquieu, Neffiès, Nizas, Paulhan, Péret, Pézenas, Roujan, Vailhan.

Grape varieties:

To be eligible for the "Coteaux du Languedoc" appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC), supplemented by the name "Pézenas", red wines must be made from Grenache N, Mourvèdre N, Syrah N, Carignan N and Cinsaut N. The proportion of the three grape varieties Grenache N, Mourvèdre N and Syrah N together must not be less than 70% of the vineyard. The proportion of each of the three grape varieties Grenache N, Mourvèdre N and Syrah N must not exceed 75% of the vineyard. The proportion of Mourvèdre N and Syrah N grape varieties, together or separately, may not be less than 20% of the vineyard. If the vineyard includes Carignan N, the proportion of Grenache N may not be less than 20% of the vineyard. The wines are produced from a blend of grapes or wines from at least two of the grape varieties referred to in this paragraph. When vinified separately, the wines from the different grape varieties are blended in wine containers prior to the sampling provided for in Article D. 641-96 of the Rural Code.

Maturity:

The wines are made from grapes harvested at the right stage of ripeness and have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 12.5%. No single batch of grapes with a sugar content of less than 202 grams per litre of must may be considered to be at the right stage of ripeness.

Yield:

The basic yield referred to in Article D. 641-73 of the Rural Code is set at 45 hectolitres per hectare. The maximum yield referred to in Article D. 641-76 of the Rural Code is set at 60 hectolitres per hectare. The maximum average yield per plot referred to in Article D. 641-82 of the Rural Code is set at 8,500 kilograms per hectare.The benefit of the "Coteaux du Languedoc" registered designation of origin, supplemented by the name "Pézenas", may only be granted to wines from young vines from the sixth year following the year in which the planting was carried out before 31 July.

Wines:

After fermentation, wines may not have a fermentable sugar content exceeding 3 grams per litre.

Ageing:

Wines may only be released for consumption after a period of ageing ending no earlier than 1 September of the year following the harvest. Wines from the 2006 harvest made from grapes harvested in the production area defined in accordance with the seventh paragraph of Article 2 of this decree may benefit from the "Coteaux du Languedoc" registered designation of origin, supplemented by the name "Pézenas", provided that they meet the conditions set out in this decree.