Gros Plant in the Loire goes IGP

Loire region Gros Plant du Pays Nantais has opted to become an IGP (Indication Geographique Protegee) rather than trying for appellation status.

Gros Plant, along with Coteaux d’Ancenis and the Fiefs Vendéens, are the three VDQS (Vin Délimité de Qualité Superieure) regions of the western Loire, producing primarily Muscadet.

A spokeswoman for the trade body InterLoire told decanter.com that Coteaux d’Ancenis and the Fiefs Vendéens have decided to apply for appellation status.

IGP will give Gros Plant greater flexibility letting them blend in other varieties such as Colombard, Montils and Pinot Gris. Appellation status would have involved reduced yields.

The VDQS category is due to phased out at the end of 2011.

By the end of this year France’s remaining VDQSs they must decide whether to apply to become an appellation contrôlée and to be a Vin de Pays (VDP).

From 2009 to the end of 2011 only those that have applied either for AC or VDP status will be able to continue to sell their wines as VDQS.

The VDQS category was created in 1949. Their number has dropped considerably over the last 15 years as many have been promoted to appellation contrôlée status.

VDQS now represents only 1% of France’s production with the majority in the Loire Valley.

Gros Plant in the Loire goes IGP

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Written by Jim Budd