Fundamentals Unit Part 8 - French Wine Law Flashcards
Why does place matter in French wine?
They believe the provenance of a wine provides more information than the grape variety. Origin conveys a package of reality which transcends variety. E.g. chardonnay from Chablis v chardonnay from the Macon region.
When did the French first attempt to codify the concept of “origin” into law at a national level?
In 1905 and 1919 with little success.
What role did Joseph Capus play in setting standards?
He was a French agriculturist turned politician who believed in delineating zones of production to protect the authenticity of product. He drafted legislation which was passed in 1927 stipulating “good practice” The AOC concept was born.
When was the official Appellation d’Origine Controlee legislation passed?
It passed in 1935 and the Oversight body was formed - Comité National des AO (CNAO later INAO after WW2)
What is an AOC?
An appellation d’origine controlee is a clearly defined area of origin (origine) from which a specifically defined product (appellation) can be created and labelled under strictly regulated (controlee) production methods.
When was the French wine quality pyramid established?
In 1935. AOC occupied the top tier and Vin de France the lowest.
What designations did the EU introduce in 2009?
PDO - Protected Designation of Origin;
PGI - Protected Geographical Indication;
Also wines without GI
How does French wine relate to EU designations.
PDO - AOC/AOP;
PGI -IGP (formerly Vins de Pays);
Without GI - Vins sans IG
What must a wine do to achieve AOC/AOP status?
- Come from a delimited area of origin;
- Be made from a list of authorised varieties;
- Adhere to maximum yield and a minimum alcohol level;
- Abide by strict regulations regarding pruning, harvesting, winemaking and ageing.
Does AOC on a label indicate the wine is better in quality than an IGP or Vins sans IG?
Not necessarily. It guarantees origin and certain attributes of style and quality.
What rules must IGP wines adhere to?
They are wider than AOC and allow the winemaker flexibility and experimentation:
1. Must be from a specified zone (usually quite large);
2. Made from list of authorised grapes (more extensive);
3. Meet minimum alcohol levels;
4. Tasting panel approval
How many IGPs in France?
74 representing 1/3rd of total French production. Pays d’Oc equates to the bulk of this.
How does Vin de France differ from AOC and IGP?
It has the least restrictive standards:
1. No link with origin;
2. Grapes from anywhere in France;
3. Unlimited yields.
4 No tasting panel.
Some quality wines use this category due to restrction of other categories.
