France has a new official production area: the Ile-de-France region near Paris has been recognised as an official geographical indication after a seven-year approval procedure. However, wines from the "Ile-de-France PGI" will not yet appear this year, as a final procedure by the authorities still has to be completed despite the approval. PGI is the abbreviation for a protected geographical indication.
The new region comprises some 380 sites within the historical boundaries of the Ile-de-France. The parties involved have ensured that there is a strict separation of regulations in the transition zone to Champagne. For example, only the production of still wine is allowed in the new PGI. At present, 46 producers are waiting for approval to cultivate and develop their vineyards. It is not yet known how many hectares the vineyard area is.
(uka)