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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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Massolino Barolo DOCG MAGNUM 2021
What a way to start DOCG Barolo!

Massolino Barolo DOCG MAGNUM 2021

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

First produced in 1911, the fruit for Massolino’s classic cuvée is selected from seven sites across roughly seven hectares of prime-sited Serralunga vineyards. The most important of these sites—Briccolina, Collareto, Broglio and Le Turne—are dotted around the town itself (Le Turne borders Margheria, while Collareto lies next to Vigna Rionda)—so we are talking quality real estate. The 2021 also includes a little declassified fruit from Massolino’s Parussi Cru. Vine age varies from 10 t
$335
$320ea in any 3+
$305ea in any 6+
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Burlotto Dolcetto d'Alba 2022
2 Bottle Limit

Burlotto Dolcetto d’Alba 2023

Dolcetto | Verduno, Italy

Everything in it's place and a place for everything, and, there is lot's of things! The 2023 Dolcetto d'Alba is a gorgeous, quirky wine. Exotic flowers, spice, leather, licorice and cool, blue-toned fruits are all laced together in the glass. The 2023 was done with 60% stems, as is the custom here. The Burlotto Dolcetto remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Piedmont.Antonio Galloni, Vinous 91 Points
$54
$51ea in any 3+
$48ea in any 6+
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Louis Boillot-Barthod Moulin-à-Vent Vieilles Vignes 2019
“The 2019 Moulin-à-Vent Vieilles Vignes is attractive, bursting with aromas of cherries, sweet berry fruit, rose petals and spices. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and lively, it's deep and layered, framed by powdery tannins and bright acids. This has turned out well.”William Kelly, The Wine Advocate
$71
$68ea in any 3+
$65ea in any 6+
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Domaine Blain-Gagnard Grand Cru 'Criots-Batard-Montrachet' 2021
Here too there is just enough wood to merit mentioning as well as a hint of the exotic to be found on the aromas of pear confit, jasmine tea, orange peel and peach. There is superb density to the highly seductive, even plush, larger-bodied flavors that possess a suave mouthfeel while displaying stunningly good length on the powerful, firm and built-to-age finale. This is a strikingly good Criots that could be approached after only 5 to 7 years yet should repay up to 15 years of keeping. Don't M
$950
$930ea in any 3+
$910ea in any 6+
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