France Wine Laws

Question 1

Appellation D’Origine Controlee

Answer 1

France’s wine appellation system

Founded in 1936

Ensures authenticity of place and typicity of style

Creates connection between quality and appellation

Question 2

AOC Wine Classifications

Answer 2

Vin de table

Vin de pays

Vin Delimité de qualité Superieure (VDSQ)

Appellation D’Origin controlee

Question 3

Change to AOP

Answer 3

Appellation d’Origin Protégée

Designated by the European Union

Interchangeable with AOC by 2011

Attempted to simplify branding via one quality system designated for all Europe

Supposed higher standards (testing, appellations)

Question 4

Appellation d’Origine Protegee Levels

Answer 4

Vin de France

IGP (Indication Geographique Protegee)

AOP

Question 5

Vin de France

Answer 5

Formerly Vin de Table

18%of all French wine

The least restrictive: yields (90hl/ha), alcohol content (8% min - 15% max), winemaking practices (oak chips, acidification)

No place of origin specified/blend of regions allowed

Variety and vintage allowed

Question 6

IGP/Vin de pays

Answer 6

35% of all French wine

Fewer restrictions and quality varies widely (hybrids allowed, 85% from states geographical region)

3 zone levels: Regional, departmental, and Local

Question 7

AOP

Answer 7

Former AOC and most VDQS

50% of all French wine

Most terminology/regulations remain

Ensures authenticity of place and typicity of style

Must state geographical area

Can only use vitis vinifera grapes

Question 8

Aloxe Corton

Answer 8

Region: Burgundy

Red:
Min alc 10.5%
Premier Cru 11%
Max yield 40 hl/ha

White:
Min Alc 11%
Premier Cru 11.5%
Max yield 45 hl/ha

Question 9

Alsace

Answer 9

Red:
Min alc 9%

White and Rosé 8%
Max yield 100 hl/ha