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Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée [AOC]

In France, the appellation d’origine contrôlée (“controlled designation of origin”), or AOC, is a certification of authenticity granted to certain geographical indications for agricultural products, including cheese, meats, butter and most importantly, wine!

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In France, the appellation d’origine contrôlée (“controlled designation of origin”), or AOC, is a certification of authenticity and quality granted to certain geographical indications for agricultural products, including cheese, meats, butter and most importantly, wine. It is a system governed by the Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité (INAO), and is based upon ideas of terroir and a form of geographic and cultural protection.

France established the INAO in 1935 in an effort to control the reputation of wine and other cultural foods. Support for the creation of the AOC itself was in large part due to winemaker Baron Pierre Le Roy, which led to the first designated AOC: Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

By 1937, the establishment of the AOC for classic winemaking regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne took place, setting about standards and rules that are still in effect today. For example, AOC laws ensure that if you buy a bottle of French wine labelled “Champagne,” you’re getting a sparkling wine made in the traditional method from the region of Champagne with Chardonnay, Meunier, and/or Pinot Noir.

There are currently over 300 French wines entitled to the designation AOC on their label, along with several potential designations within an AOC that reflect location and quality. For example:

  • Regional: This refers to the broadest sense of an AOC. Examples: Bordeaux, Burgundy.
  • Sub-Regional: Within those regions are smaller subregions known for more specific wine or terroir. Examples: Bordeaux’s Médoc sub-region, Burgundy’s Chablis sub-region.
  • Commune/Village: Narrowing further within a subregion, these areas are sometimes only a few miles in scope. Examples: Pauillac in Médoc, Côtes d’Auxerre in Chablis.
  • Special Classification: An AOC might be further specified for quality at this point, indicating a Cru, which refers to a specific vineyard or group of vineyards typically recognized for quality.

Similar systems exist in other European countires, such as the Denominazione di Origine Controllata in Italy.

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Domaine de Montille Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Perrières' 2020
"An overtly floral and spice-suffused nose is a bit more deeply pitched with mostly notes of poached plum and black cherry liqueur. There is better vibrancy to the precise and attractively textured medium-bodied flavors that display fine length on the dusty, even chalky, and youthfully austere finish that is notably firmer. Fine quality here."Allen Meadows, Burghound 90-92 Points
$192
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Robert Weil Kiedrich Klosterberg Riesling Trocken 2020
“From the oldest, up to 50-year-old vines of the estate and cultivated on partly reddish phyllite soils in altitudes up to 300 meters, the 2020 Kiedrich Klosterberg Riesling Trocken was aged on the full lees until late July for the first time (instead of April, like in the former vintages). This brings a remarkable, delicate, subtle and articulated, very elegant and flinty, almost Mosel-like Riesling bouquet of bright fruit aromas (mango, passion fruit) intertwined with notes of crushed iron a
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Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva 'Rio Sordo' 2019
KO 98 AG 93
The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is quite deep in this vintage, with notable depth in its dark-toned fruit. This is an especially powerful Rio Sordo that is still coming together. Its intensity is palpable, even if I see less of the finesse that I associate with wines from this site. Today, all of the wine's energy is directed inwards.Antonio Galloni, Vinous 93 Points KO 98*NOTE Galloni tasted in Sept 2023 noting his intent to look at the PdB Riservas in 12 months expecting they
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Chambers Rosewood 'Grand' Muscadelle 375ml NV

Chambers Rosewood ‘Grand’ Muscadelle 375ml NV

Muscadelle | Victoria, Australia

1 of only 4 Aussie wineries to hit the Top 100 Wineries of the World & with good reason. Chamber's Muscat & Muscadelle fortified are truly unique and very special wines! The wine demonstrates mocha, vanilla bean, malt and caramel aromas and flavours. It leaves a lasting and lingering impression on the mind and palate. It is a perfect foil for desserts such as cremé brulee or can be simply enjoyed alone.The base for this wine dates back to the late 19th Century with only very good to excep
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$105ea in any 3+
$100ea in any 6+
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