Definitive classification: This status is granted to grapevine varieties for which winegrowers may obtain planting authorisations for the purpose of commercial wine production. Only definitively classified varieties can be planted for wine production. This system, part of the EU’s Common Market Organisation (CMO) for wine, aims to control production potential at both national and EU levels. To qualify, a variety must show agronomic, technological, or environmental interest (via VATE trials or literature data), and belong to Vitis vinifera or be a cross with another Vitis species. The decision is made by ministerial decree after consultation with FranceAgriMer and the CTPS vine section.

Consequence: Wine production for commercial purposes is authorised.

Temporary classification: A derogatory regime allowing non-cultivated varieties in France (either from the EU or newly bred) to be grown and used for experimental wine production. The goal is to gather data on how these varieties perform under French terroir and growing conditions. This information is needed for assessing definitive classification eligibility.

Two cases to distinguish:

• EU-listed varieties: Temporary classification allows French regions to test EU-grown varieties under local conditions to assess suitability.

• Newly bred varieties: Temporary classification is granted alongside the official registration evaluation. VATE trials used for registration will also support the definitive classification process.

Duration: Experiments may last up to 10 years (or 5 years if DHS — Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability — is not validated), renewable if necessary, with a maximum limit of 15 years. If the variety does not meet the criteria for definitive classification, experimental plantings must be destroyed at the end of the period.