What is the Volume Complémentaire Individuel (VCI)?

The Volume Complémentaire Individuel (VCI) is a regulatory mechanism that authorizes producers—under strict conditions—to build a reserve using a portion of the current year’s harvest.
The reserve established through the VCI allows producers to offset future shortfalls caused by climate-related challenges and contributes to market stability.

How does it work?

Each year before harvest, if conditions warrant, the relevant winegrowers’ union may request authorization from the INAO’s national committee to apply a VCI. If approved, producers are allowed to set aside the authorized volume. This volume varies depending on conditions but may not exceed 20% of the base yield for the appellation. The VCI reserve is created or augmented using grapes harvested above the base yield and only when a VCI has been authorized for that specific year.

The VCI reserve must be declared the following year by the producer and marketed under its original vintage.