Terroir 2012 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Terroir Conferences 9 Terroir 2012 9 Ancient and recent construction of Terroirs 9 The revision of the delimitation of the AOC “Champagne”

The revision of the delimitation of the AOC “Champagne”

Abstract

The Champagne vine-growing region has played a pioneering role in the delimitation of appellations of origin (AOC). The implementation of the Act of July, 22nd 1927 has led to drawing up lists of vine plots based on the criterion of vine cultivation antecedence.
After that, successive laws, especially the Acts of February 11th 1951 and November 16th 1984, have gradually helped to introduce technical criteria in correcting delimitation process.
The global reviewing of the Champagne appellation area was first opened to secure its boundaries and prevent it from being gradually undermined. Today, we have come very close to full exploitation of land currently classified in AOC (In 2011, the planted surface reaches 34 157 ha, i.e. about 97% of the delimited surface estimated at 35280 ha), which raises the question of spatial extension of the vineyard. However, this extension should not be at the expense of quality and specificity of champagne. This is what is at stake in the global reviewing of the AOC.

Publication date: September 25, 2023

Issue: Terroir 2012

Type: Article

Authors

Édith TOULEMONDE LE NY1*, Marcel BAZIN2
1 Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité, site d’Epernay, 43ter rue des Forges, 51200 Epernay
2 professeur émérite à l’université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne

Contact the author

Keywords

Appellation of Controled Origin for Champagne, delimitation process, plot-scale delimitation, core of “terroir”

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir | Terroir 2012

Citation

Related articles…

Understanding the impact of rising temperatures due to climate change on aromatic compositions in Malbec wines from Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza is one of Argentina’s most important and outstanding wine regions producing the renowned Malbec wines due to its optimal soil and weather conditions. However, the effects of 21st-century climate change would negatively impact Malbec wines quality. This study investigated the effect of temperature increase and the impact of plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) used to mitigate the negative effect of temperature increase on Malbec wines aromatic composition through GC-MS. Four treatments were applied on vines at field condition: Control, Control + 3 ºC, ABA and ABA + 3 ºC.

Analyse of« terroirs» zoning on cooperative wineries (Côtes du Rhône area, France). Influence on vine agronomic response and on grape quality

Plusieurs caves coopératives de l’AOC Côtes du Rhône se servent des informations du zonage pour la sélection des vendanges en fonction du terroir d’origine, afin d’élaborer des «cuvées terroir» et d’exploiter ainsi le potentiel qualitatif de leurs secteurs.

Viticultural and enological strategies for the prevention of Botrytis cinerea- induced quality losses

Infection of the grapes with Botrytis cinerea has a tremendous impact on the resulting crop yield and quality. Well-known problems that are associated with B. cinerea are specific off-flavors, poor filterability, and brownish color in white wines. The development of a B. cinerea infection strongly depends on weather conditions and is highly variable through different vintages. Typical control measures include defoliation and the use of fungicides, which involves high personnel and material costs. They also involve a great risk, especially since the effectiveness and time point of these treatments are difficult to predict.

Phenolic and volatile profiles of south tyrolean pinot blanc musts and young wines

AIM. Assess the impact of different vineyards and winemaking variables on the phenolic and volatile profiles of Pinot Blanc musts and young wines from South Tyrol.

Utilizing ozone for the management of powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator Schwein.) in vineyards: potential and challenges

Powdery mildew, caused by fungal pathogens, poses a significant threat to grapevines in the DOCa Rioja region. In efforts to improve control strategies while reducing reliance on conventional phytosanitary products, ozone could constitute a potential alternative. However, it has short persistence, thus requiring frequent treatments. This study aimed to assess the suitability of ozone as an active substance for controlling powdery mildew within a phytosanitary strategy aimed at reducing conventional phytosanitary product usage. The strategy integrating ozone with conventional products yielded powdery mildew levels comparable to conventional treatments in both disease incidence and severity.