The PDO and The Wines
The Wines
The gris, gris de gris wines, very much in the majority, perfectly reflect the terroir through their pale salmon color, their elegance on the palate and their freshness.
The aromas are expressed with nuance and delicacy, like the surrounding Camargue landscapes.
Definition of a PDO
The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) designates a product for which all stages of production are carried out according to recognized know-how in the same geographical area, which gives its characteristics to the product. It is a European sign that protects the product name throughout the European Union.
The Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) designates products meeting the PDO criteria and protects the name on French territory. It constitutes a step towards the PDO, now a European sign. It may also concern products not covered by European regulations (for example, forest products).
It is the notion of terroir that underpins the concept of Appellations of Origin.
A terroir is a particular geographical area where a production draws its originality directly from the specificities of its production area.
A delimited space in which a human community builds collective production know-how over the course of its history, the terroir is based on a system of interactions between a physical and biological environment, and a set of human factors. This is where the originality and typicality of the product lie.
The rules for developing a PDO are included in specifications and are subject to control procedures, implemented by an independent body approved by the INAO.
The Range of Colors
In order to produce exceptional wines, the winegrowers of the Sable de Camargue have combined traditional regional grapes with renowned national grape varieties.
The Gris, Gris de Gris : our specialty, represent 100% of our production. A Gris is a wine with a very light tint.
- “Gris” wines are made from the following grape varieties:
Main grape varieties : cabernet franc N, cabernet-sauvignon N, carignan N, cinsaut N, grenache N, grenache gris G, merlot N;
Accessory grape varieties : Chardonnay B, Clairette B, Grenache Blanc B, Marselan N, Muscat d’Alexandrie B, Roussanne B, Sauvignon B, Syrah N, Ugni B, Vermentino B, Viognier B.
- “Gris de gris” wines are made from a single grape variety : Grenache gris G
THE MISSIONS OF THE SYNDICATE
In 1971, at the initiative of the winemakers, the “Syndicate for the Defense of the Vins des Sables du Golfe du Lion” was created. The aim was to obtain a decree fixing the conditions of production of the zone.
The syndicate got a positive answer through the ministerial decree of 26 July 1973.
Already known in the fourteenth century, the vineyards of Sables are mentioned in many documents and archives, including letters of patent from Charles VI in 1406 and Charles VII in 1431.
At the 1897 Paris General Agricultural Competition, it is already mentioned “Exploitation de Vignobles de Sables”.
The simple appellation of origin “Vin des Sables” is officially claimed in 1961 and without interruption until 1973, when it is replaced by the denomination “Vins de Pays des Sables du Golfe du Lion” by the ministerial decree of 26 July 1973. The decree of 7 April 1982 wouls specify the delimitation and the conditions of production.
Since then, the Syndicate, known since as “Syndicate for the defense and promotion of Les Vins de Pays des Sables du Golfe du Lion” have the following missions to complete:
- to organize the defense of the interests of the producers of the denomination,
- to create and control the application of the regulations,
- take all initiatives to improve the quality, the maintenance of their reputation,
- to facilitate the promotion of products.
In 2009, the union is recognized as the Defense and Management Organization (ODG) of the IGP Sables du Golfe du Lion and takes on additional missions. It notably works on the respect for operator specifications by creating and doing the internal controls.
Since 2011, at the initiative of the Union, the producers changed their name to PGI wine “Sable de Camargue”.
And since 2013, the union has been applying for recognition in Appellation of Origin (PDO). The winegrowers obtained this PDO on October 18, 2023. It only concerns gris and gris de gris.
In addition to its role of defense, management and control of the PGI Sable de Camargue, the union,works with the producers in communications and promotion operations. For instance : the General Agricultural Competition of Paris, partnership with the city of Aigues-Mortes for many promoting happenings like a stand for the medieval festival of Saint Louis in Aigues-Mortes; the creation of advertising media, billboards, leaflets, promotional films, goodies and press inserts.