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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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Ripe aromas of plum, black cherry and earth enjoy a floral top note accompanied by a hint of the sauvage. There is excellent volume to the suave and seductive yet sleek medium-bodied flavors that possess a caressing texture, all wrapped in a finer but equally structured finish. Good if not truly distinguished quality here. Drink: 2026+ Allen Meadows, Burghound
$270
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Here too moderately generous wood surround the nose that is also relatively high-toned with its aromas of pomegranate, red cherry, various floral scents and soft spice nuances. The medium weight flavors possess a notably finer texture thanks to the relatively fine-grained tannins that also support the long and mildly austere finish that is on the compact side today. I expect this to add flesh and unwind as it ages and as is often the case, this is the best of Lignier's 1ers in 2017. Burghound
$553
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About Domaine Marc-Antonin Blain Marc-Antonin Blain, son of Jean-Marc and Claudine, grew up among the vineyards of Chassagne, but it was the vintages he spent abroad in Australia and New Zealand that inspired his passion for winemaking. Back in France, under the guidance of his grandfather Jacques Gagnard – an atypical figure in the world […]
$220
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Beautiful, savoury, with well-handled oxidative development, fresh yet energetic. Spiced, saline, a delicate sherry line, with a little cereal note. Ripe citrus oil on a flowing gentle mouthfeel. Love the dry crisp cleansing feel, super saline. Lovely. A great way to see a varietal Xarel.lo as a still wine and add the context to drinking top end fizz made with the variety. The acidity in this example if beautifully balanced, it shows just why it is such a good match for sparkling production.
$60
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