The French are known for their fine wines, and for good reason: France has been regulating the quality of its wines since 1935, making it one of the first countries to put winemaking under governmental jurisdiction. There are four basic categories of French wine: AOC, VDQS, Vin de Pays, and Vin de Table.
AOC stands for Appellation d’Origine Controlee. The AOC mark means that the wine has met stringent standards for production set by France’s Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO). These standards include permissible grape varieties, growing areas, growing methods, quantities, vinification processes and alcohol content.
The VDQS mark stands for Vins Delimites de Qualite Superieure. VDQS wines are generally newer varieties that have not been established long enough to meet AOC guidelines. The guidelines for VDQS wines are less rigorous than AOC guidelines, especially in terms of quantities produced and grape varieties used.
Vin de Pays is a category of wines that come from broader regional areas rather than strictly defined wine growing regions. France’s better table wines fall into this category, including those made from 100% of a single grape variety. Vin de Table is a general category for wines that do not meet any of the INAO’s guidelines. These unrestricted wines must only meet the basic laws of food production.
Many of the AOC guidelines vary based on the region the wine is being produced in, and several regions have set up their own wine laws, even stricter than the INAO’s laws. Of France’s winemaking regions, Bordeaux is the most well-known, accounting for one-third of AOC wines. Because there are so many types of wine from Bordeaux, the region has set up its own classification systems. About half of the grapes grown in the Bordeaux region are of the Merlot variety, and about a quarter are Cabernet-Sauvignon.
The Burgundy region is another major wine producing region that has created its own wine laws. Burgundy is divided into small winemaking territories, or “climats,” which are regulated by the region’s wine laws. Each territory is classified as either Premier Cru or Grand Cru. Premier Cru wines have been made from traditional methods that have been recognized as producing fine wines. Grand Cru wines are recognized as the best of the best. Burgundy’s red wines are made primarily from Pinot Noir grapes, while its white wines are generally made from Chardonnay varieties.
The Champagne region is well known for producing sparkling wine. This region produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, all three of which are used to produce the region’s famous fizzy wine. In order for a sparkling wine to bear the name “Champagne,” it must be produced in this region according to strict INAO standards.
Other popular French wine regions are Cognac, Rhone, Alsace, Beaujolais, Corsica, Savoire, and Provence. Each region encompasses several appellations, each with their own, unique characteristics. With thousands of wines being produced, the best way to choose a French wine is to do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask an expert. Better restaurants and wine stores will have a sommelier on staff who will be able to help you choose the best wine to complement your meal.
