FRENCH WINE(2)

HOW TO ORDER/BUY

In France, there is a vineyard for every wine type, so it can get excruciating trying to keep it straight.

Just keep in mind:
• Expect to order and buy wine by region and vineyard, not by wine variety.

• Find out what region grows your favorite grape, and order wines from that region.

• French vintners love to blend several grapes, but you should still be able to easily narrow down your choice by grape.

LEGAL QUALITY CODES

The French have strict controls on their wines, regulated by specific laws to ensure origin, authenticity, and style. The four classifications of French wine, from top quality on down, are:

1. Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC)

• Tested for excellence.
• Strictly controlled by the "Institut National des Appellations d'Origine" (INAO) in regard to:

o methods of growing and producing
o locality
o grape variety
o minimum alcohol the wine must contain
o winemaking techniques

2. Appellation d'Origine Vin De Qualité Supérieure (AOVDQS)

• Tested for excellence; smaller number of lesser known wines
• Strictly controlled by the INAO in regard to:

o methods of growing and producing
o locality
o grape variety
o minimum alcohol the wine must contain
o winemaking techniques

3. Vin de Pays (VDP)

• Exceptional value for the money
• Less strictly controlled by the INAO in regard to:

o methods of growing and producing
o strictly limited locality
o single-grape variety
o minimum alcohol the wine must contain
o winemaking techniques

4. Vin de Table
• Everyday wine of France.
• Leniently controlled in regard to:

o single-grape and blended varieties
o wine must fall between 8.5 to 15% proof

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