1

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!

Chief Wine Hacker

« Back to Wine Words Index

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.

« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Moreau-Naudet Chablis 1er Cru 'Vaillons' 2022
On the left bank of Le Serein and on the middle of the slope, Vaillons is a particularly well-positioned Premier Cru that enjoys an excellent reputation thanks to the work of several key growers. The domaine works with vines planted in 1974 in the lieux-dits of Les Epinottes (a cooler part of the vineyard) and Roncières (which provides more opulence). Then, a parcel of 75-year-old vines in Sécher usually accounts for 30% of the blend and provides intense mineral cut and structure. The wine wa
$164
$157ea in any 3+
$150ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Gini Soave 'Contrada Salvarenza' Vecchie Vigne 2016
A unique Soave, this wine along with Il Corincino's Verdicchio 'Gaiospino' was one of the first two wines that sparked my interest in Italian wine. It's a rich, textural interpretation of Soave, with great harmony, hints of spice, lovely phenolics (giving texture) and length. The age of the vineyards is reflected in the depth of fruit. FYI - Vecchie Vigne means 'Old Vines' and these are pre-phylloxera from a sandy sub-plot of the La Foscà vineyard."The 2016 Soave Classico Contrada Salv
$82
$78ea in any 3+
$74ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Daniel Bouland Morgon Corcelette 'Vielles Vignes Sable' 2021
Ridiculous Yields!
"One cuvée that really doesn't miss a beat in this more challenging vintage is the 2021 Morgon Corcelette Vieilles Vignes Sable, a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy wine evocative of plums, sweet berries, spices and forest floor. Layered and concentrated, with an enveloping core of fruit and melting tannins, it will delight readers nostalgic for more classically proportioned Beaujolais."William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 94 Points
$59
$56ea in any 3+
$53ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Marchesi di Grésy Barbaresco 'Gaiun Martinenga' 2014
Almost 5 years after Larner's tasting the 2014 'Gaiun Martinenga' is in fine form. The wine has evolved into a complete and intriguing glass of Nebbiolo. The depth has built, dark with layers of baking spice, flowing beautifully it is a bolder release that still has the hallmarks of this special sub-plot.Paul Kaan, Wine Decoded Jan 2025The 2014 Barbaresco Gaiun Martinenga is glossy and vibrant, exhibiting dark spice, light fruit and a touch of resin or natural rubber on the bouquet.
$330
$315ea in any 3+
$300ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info