Vin de Pays (VDP), the French national equivalent of PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) at the European level, is a quality category of French wines, positioned between Vin de Table (VDT) and Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). This layer of the French appellation system was initially introduced in September 1968 by the INAO, the official appellation authority. It underwent several early revisions in the 1970s, followed by substantial changes in September 2000 and again in 2009, when all existing VDT titles were automatically registered with the European Union as PGI. Producers retain the choice of using either the VDP or PGI titles on their labels, or both - in the form "IGP-Vin de Pays".
There are now more than 150 VDP/IGP titles, mainly covering the southern third of France. The "Vin de Pays" level is intended to benefit both consumers and wine producers. It allows consumers to know clearly where a wine comes from, while producers are empowered to produce wine outside the constraints of traditional AOC laws. The most obvious freedoms are the higher yields allowed and a more comprehensive list of permitted Grape varieties.
Poulsard is a red grape variety that originated in the Franche-Comté region. In 1732, it was qualified as a good grape variety with several others by the parliament of Besançon at the time. It currently covers nearly 300 ha. This variety has 3 approved clones: 296, 584 and 464. Poulsard has slightly hairy branches with long tendrils. Its leaves are yellow in color. Although its bunches are small, its berries are often medium-sized or larger. Poulsard is quite sensitive to scorching, spring frosts and coulure. It is also afraid of oidium, mildew and grey rot. This grape variety appreciates clayey, fat and marly soils. Its fertility is average, so it is preferable to prune it long. It buds quite early. Poulsard produces a wine with a light structure, fine and aromatic. It can be kept for years. This wine goes well with poultry, red meat, cheese and starters.
red wines from the region of Vin de Pays go well with generally quite well with dishes of veal, pork or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of veal saltimbocca, rabbit with cider and mushrooms or cassoulet of yesteryear.
On the nose in the region of Vin de Pays often reveals types of flavors of cherry, earth or oak and sometimes also flavors of spices, red fruit or leather. In the mouth in the region of Vin de Pays is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
