A defined geographical zone

A minor revolution has occurred on Quebec’s wine shelves — it’s a subtle yet substantive change that will affect the entire industry. As of November 2018, a reserved appellation came into effect, meaning that wines bearing the PGI Quebec Wine seal are made only from grapes grown in a defined geographical zone (located roughly in southwestern Quebec). From vine to bottle, each stage of production is traceable, and adheres to strict technical specifications.

Quebec Wine certification

At first glance, the PGI appellation seal might easily be confused with that of certified Quebec wines (used for white, red, rosé, bubbly and sparkling wines, as well as passerillé, late-harvest and selective-harvest wines). Fear not, it’s no mistake: This new certification — conforming to ISO standards — is actually something of an extension of a process that started roughly ten years ago with that very same Quebec Wine certification.

Back to the future ?

In 2008, while he headed the Association des vignerons du Québec (now known as the Conseil des vins du Québec), Charles-Henri de Coussergues was the primary instigator of the certification process. “At the time, the industry was a bit of a free-for-all. There were no norms, and our wines were stigmatized,” recalls the co-owner of Dunham’s Vignoble de l’Orpailleur. “We wanted to highlight our winemaking abilities and provide Quebec wines with deserved prestige.”

With the help of dedicated supporters a year later, the winemaker created a private certification program for Quebec wines. “The association invested in a technical specification book, with independent audits guaranteed by Ecocert Canada. For nine seasons, we adapted as needed, and perfected our methods,” states Yvan Quirion, owner of Domaine St-Jacques (Saint-Jacques-le-Mineur).

While certification wasn’t initially to everyone’s taste, it quickly became popular with the majority. It’s a process that requires effort: daily notes from the vine and chai, as well as random verifications. During the adjustment and implementation period, close to eight million bottles were certified — equivalent to half of Quebec’s overall wine production.

What’s in the PGI Quebec Wine technical specifications book?

Here’s a sneak peek at this important book of standards.

Territory 
The PGI Quebec Wine geographical area is delimited to the north by the Laurentian Mountain chain, to the south by the border with the United States, to the west by the Ontario provincial border, and to the east by the Appalachian Mountains.

Designated geographical area 
All product manufacturing must occur within the PGI Quebec Wine’s specified geographical area.

Grapes 
The winery must produce at least 50 percent of the total weight of grapes or grape must intended for use in the manufacture of products to be vinified, bottled, and labelled.

Grape varieties 
Products must be made using only vitis vinifera grape varieties (the common grape vine) that are rustic or semi-rustic.

Vinification 
Wine must only be vinified at its respective winery.

Alcohol level 
Natural alcohol level must be at least 7 percent for sweet wines, 8 percent for white, rosé, and sparkling wines, and 9.5 percent for red wines.

Accreditation Committee 
The Accreditation Committee is composed of sommeliers, oenologists, specialized writers, esteemed winemakers and wine consultants, who will accept the wine after a tasting if chemical analysis results conform to Food and Drug Regulations, the technical specification book, and if the product is deemed to conform in light of the list of the product’s potential tasting flaws.

Traceability 
Product traceability must be guaranteed throughout all wine making stages, from vine to bottle.

Environment 
Where and when agro-chemical products are applied, sub-contracted wineries and winemakers must respect pre-harvesting timelines and timelines related to a return to grape-growing.

The PGI Quebec Wine

On the eve of its 10th anniversary, the certification is ready for its proverbial close-up, and ready to take on the new, important mantle of Protected Geographical Indication. “The long-term goal was this — this is where we wanted to end up. At last, we’ve arrived,” affirms Yvan Quirion.

The  “PGI Quebec Wine” means that the sun will soon set on the certification. Concretely, what’s the distinction between these two wine indicators? “The standards are more or less identical, with the notable difference being that the technical specifications are now governed by a legal framework — that means it’s got teeth, so to speak. Those who try to subvert the regulations can be fined,” explains Jean Joly, owner of Havelock’s Vignoble du Marathonien.

While the Quebec-based appellation may be strict, it’s nonetheless not quite as restrictive as the most famous wine standard, Europe’s legendary AOC — Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (controlled appellation of origin). “The PGI is a geographical designation, and not based on a typicality, and that fact actually encourages winemakers to create new wines using blends,” indicates Charles-Henri de Coussergues. “Though I’ve been a winemaker for over 35 years, that motivates me to try new things.”

Vineyards in the PGI Quebec Wine appellation area

Vignoble Rivière du Chêne
Vignoble de L'Orpailleur
Vignoble Coteau Rougemont
Domaine St Jacques
Domaine de Lavoie
Vignoble Gagliano
Léon Courville Vigneron
Vignoble Les Artisans du terroir
Vignoble de la Bauge*
Vignoble Les Bacchantes
Vignoble Sainte-Pétronille
Vignoble Les Vents d'Ange
Vignoble Saint-Thomas
Vignoble Château de cartes
Vignoble Domaine l'Ange Gardien
Vignoble la Halte des Pèlerins
Vignoble Côte de Champlain
Vignoble Côte de Vaudreuil
Domaine Bergeville
Le Mas des Patriotes
Vignoble le Chat Botté
Vignoble Cortellino
Domaine Labranche
Vignoble du Marathonien
Vignoble Côte des Limousins
Vignoble 1292
Vignoble les Petits Cailloux
Domaine Cartier-Potelle