French Wines

Question 1

What are the classifications of French wines?

Answer 1

Vins de Table, Vins de Pays (IGP), VDQS, AOP

Question 2

What are Vins de Table

Answer 2

Lowest classification of French wines, no geographic designation or vintage

Question 3

What are Vins de Pays (IGP) wines?

Answer 3

country wines produced at specific locations

Question 4

What are VDQS wines?

Answer 4

wines of superior quality produced in designated areas (1% of French wines)

Question 5

What are AOP wines?

Answer 5

Originally AOC, top quality wines produced in specific controlled places

Question 6

Why and when was the AOC system established? Who monitors the AOC system?

Answer 6

Established in 1935 to establish authenticity and set certain standards. Monitored by INAO

Question 7

What does the French AOC/AOP attempt to regulate?

Answer 7

Place of origin, grape varieties, alcohol content, maximum yields, when harvest begins, production methods

Question 8

What assurances does the AOP/AOC offer the consumer?

Answer 8

Establishes authenticity and sets certain standards but does not guarantee quality

Question 9

How does the US system of AVAs differ from the French AOC system?

Answer 9

AVAs - less strict, areas must be significant in possessing distinctive soil, climate, and terrain; AOC - based around concept of terroir (effect of climate and terrain on flavor)