Background
From Aiguebelle to Eyguebelle
Manufacturing plant liqueurs
Manufacturing fruit liqueurs
Manufacturing cordials
Quality seals
Prizes awarded
Legal definitions of cordials
Legal definitions of spirits

Legal definitions of cordials (source: Lamy-Dehove, April 96)

Introduction:
Cordials are subject to national regulations laying down the designations and authorised processes, as well as labelling text, and stems from decree No. 92-918 of 18 August 1992. They are supplemented by old legal provisions aimed at protecting cordials made from red berries such strawberries, raspberries and cherries.

Designations:
Cordial: The designation "cordial" is reserved for concentrated and flavoured products obtained by dissolving sweetening glucidic products in water (D. No. 92-918 of 18 August 1992-art. 1).

Fruit cordial - Fruit juice cordial : The designations "Fruit cordial" and "Fruit juice cordial" are reserved for cordials containing at least 10% fruit juice. This percentage is reduced to 7% when the fruit juice in the cordial consists exclusively of citrus fruit juice (D. No. 92-918 of 18 August 1992-art.2, para. 1).

… Cordial - ... juice cordial : The designations "... cordial" and "... juice cordial" plus the name of the fruits or fruits giving the predominant flavour or flavours are reserved to cordials containing at least 10% of the juice of the fruit concerned. The minimum content required is reduced to 7% in the case of citrus fruits (D. No. 92-918 of 18 August 1992-art. 2, para. 1).

Illustration of the fruit : Only fruit cordials, fruit juice cordials and ... cordials or ... juice cordials can show an illustration of fruit on their labels. (D. No. 92-918 of 18 August 1992- art. 5)