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2.9.2 What are the current regulations in production areas?

Particularly varied climatic conditions (evapotranspiration and rainfall) and soil characteristics make "new world" wine countries some of the world's biggest irrigation users, both in terms of practices and in terms of regulations. For example, in Argentina, the entire winegrowing area is irrigated (205,000 hectares). In California, about 90% of the vines are irrigated. Although not all regions use the same amount of water (from 350 to 1500 m3 per hectare) and are not supplied in the same way, most of this water comes from underground wells. There are no regulations regarding the amount of water that can be drawn from wells in California.

It is clear that the climate has changed since the 2000s and the effects are the main reasons for the adaptation of this practice to "old world" wine countries, especially around the Mediterranean, Occitania and Provence-Alpes Côte-d'Azur regions, where up to 11% of the vineyards are irrigated in some areas.

What are the restrictions on irrigating established vines in France?

In France, irrigation is prohibited in some areas, as is the case for the Bourgogne, Saumur-Champigny, or Vosne-Romanée appellations.

When it is authorized, for example in the Pauillac, Saint Emilion or Languedoc appellations, it is governed by Decree 2006-1527 of 4 December 2006 which stipulates the conditions of implementation:

  • Irrigation remains prohibited for all vines between August 15 (or véraison) and the harvest

  • For AOC wines, irrigation is authorized following the harvest and until 1 May. However, the ban can be lifted between 15 June (or flowering) and 15 August (or véraison). To do this, the union for the defence of the appellation concerned must submit a request to the director of the INAO, specifying the desired period for irrigation to be authorized.

Furthermore, it is essential to consult the appellation specifications that stipulate the maximum yields authorized for irrigated vines. Decree 2006-1527 of 4 December 2006 specifies: "the maximum average load per hectare of an irrigated plot corresponds to the basic yield set in the decree for the appellation of controlled origin concerned, modified by a ratio of 130 kilograms of grapes for 1 hectolitre of wine, or the ratio specified in the decree defining the appellation of controlled origin concerned when the latter is more restrictive".

What are the restrictions on irrigating young vines in France?

In France, young vines can be watered during the three years following planting. The irrigation of young vines is possible until the three-leaf stage without authorization.

Watering young vines is essential for good root development. A lack of water hinders the growth of the roots and hence of the vines. The recommended amount of water is five litres per vine at the time of planting, subsequent watering should be calculated depending on the soil and climate. It should be noted that only watering twice may not be adequate for the vines' development.

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