French Wine Law

Question 1

What is PDO?

Answer 1

European Union designation meaning Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) equivalent to Frances AOC Appellation d’Origine Controlee.

Question 2

What does AOC mean?

Answer 2

Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC)

Question 3

What is the Overarching Appellation of Languedoc-Roussillon?

Answer 3

Vin de Pays d’Oc

Question 4

What is Pays d’Oc IGP?

Answer 4

European Union designation meaning (Indication Geographique Protégée) Written in English as Pays d’Oc PGI (Protected Geographical Indication)
This is the equivalent of Frances Vin de Pays d’Oc.

Question 5

How are Vin du Naturels fortified?

Answer 5

By adding clear brandy (grape spirits) in order to stop fermentation early.

Question 6

What is the top appellation level in Roussillion?

Answer 6

Cru village status

Question 7

What year was the (INAO) Institut National des Appellations d’Origine created? What is its purpose?

Answer 7

In 1935, It was created to delimit and enforce Frances appellation system.

Question 8

What are the Current French wine appellation systems from least to greatest quality level?

Answer 8

Vin de France (Formerly Table wines, Vin de Table, Vin Ordinaries)
Vin de Pays/Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP)
Appellation d’Origine Controlee/Protegee (AOC/AOP)

Question 9

What are Negociants?

Answer 9

Intermediaries, Buying fruit, or wine in barrel making and aging it in their own cellars before selling it.