Sustainability includes protecting nature and the PDO’s territory, climate, biodiversity but also well-being of humans and animals, preservation of resources and heritage.
The Comté PDO has distinguished itself in terms of the environment. In 2021, Comté was recognized as a leader in environmental and socio-economic benefits in a study carried out by an independent firm for World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace.
Biodiversity is protected by taking care of landscapes. The traditional characteristics of the landscapes of the Jura Massif are preserved.
The broad floristic diversity of the pastures is nurtured to support biodiversity. Only local breeds produce milk for Comté.
To respect the environment, virtuous agricultural practices are used. The extensive production of milk (≠ intensive) and the productivity of each herd is limited. Additionally, the use of fertilizers is limited.
The PDO contributes to the fight against global warming by using local resources: the traditional farming model is preserved with cows grazing in the pastures.
These pastures contribute to trapping CO2 in the soil. Long car drives are limited by putting an emphasis on local supplies.
The PDO crafts a flavorful, natural and healthy product. Comté’s naturality relies on a simple recipe, without any additives, coloring or GMO’s. It’s nutritious quality is also carefully monitored.
Special efforts are made to guarantee animal welfare. The cows are given access to pastures as long as the weather permits. In the farms, they benefit of comfortable housing conditions.
The PDO preserves traditional know-how and pays special attention to the working conditions of the farmers, cheesemakers and affineurs.
The PDO ensures that all the members of its community benefit from fair and decent revenue. Efforts are made to balance the relations between the different métiers.
The PDO fights against imitations and usurpations which cheat the consumers and depreciate the renown of Comté.
The PDO contributes to the life of its territory by sustaining the existence of numerous jobs and facilitating the transmission of farms and joining the Comté community.
The participation of the farmers, cheesemakers and affineurs in the collective life of the Comté PDO is a priority.
The Côtes du Rhône AOC/PDO has put forth 4 commitments:
Since 2014, the PDO has implemented the Côtes du Rhône’s Environmental Landscape Charter. It advocates a set of best practices utilizing a sustainable approach to the vineyard management to encourage biodiversity while reinforcing the typical structure of a vineyard.
In 2019, the appellation launched a Strategic Environmental Action Plan which resulted in several agreements with many French conservation organizations such as the Observatory of Apidology and the Regional League for the Protection of Birds.
Viti-pastoralism (allowing sheep to graze in the vineyards) beneficial because the grass grows back more slowly due to constant grazing.
Furthermore, biodiversity improves due to the increase in insects, a prime source of food for birds, which regulates the populations and reduces the risk of vines developing diseases.
Over one-third of the vineyard acreage can boast one or more organic or environmental certifications.
Waste reduction measures throughout the production process are setted.
The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée logo on the bottle guarantees origin and respectful practices in keeping with the Specifications of the AOC
A unique stamp and a QR code have started to be affixed to each bottle to provide traceability of the wine from the grape to the bottle. They are also used to combat counterfeiting and the usurpation of the wines’ identity and origin. The QR code can be scanned by consumers.
Côtes du Rhône producers are determined to preserve the vineyards and pass on the ancestral know-how to future generations. They communicate and transmit the richness of their heritage to the widest possible audience.
lnstitut Rhodanien oversees all the projects addressing needs in research and development as well as societal expectations with regards to environmental issues, residues, waste, profiles of the wines, etc.
These practical measures underpin the considerable day-to-day work carried out by the producers to ensure the sustainability and continuity of the PDO.
