RELATIONSHIPS
System for place of origin and classification targets.
Distinguish different roles.
AOC / AOP・IGP
Systems for origin and geographical indications.
Unique classifications specific to the region
Is it about the vineyard or chateau? Confirm what system is being classified.
This is a summary of the relationships explained in the main text. For details on grape composition and production conditions, please refer to the main text and official sources. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Do not list AOC and AOP one above the other.
AOC relates to French domestic law, while AOP concerns EU origin protection. AOC is also the domestic certification that precedes AOP registration; listing one above the other as a quality tier misrepresents the relationship between these systems.
The appellation of origin specifies not only the area, but also the varieties and production methods. After learning about the system from the name, proceed to read the relevant cahier des charges (production specifications).
FIELD NOTE 02
Geographical indication and quality assessment
Even IGP includes links to regions and production requirements. Although requirements differ from AOP, neither the IGP nor AOP designation alone determines a wine's quality or price.
Even Vin de France, which does not have a geographical indication, should be known as a label classification. Always confirm the requirements for displaying the grape variety or vintage separately.
FIELD NOTE 03
What 'Cru' refers to varies by region.
In Burgundy, pay attention to the boundaries of vineyards and appellations; in Bordeaux classifications, focus on the unit of the producer as 'château'. The term Grand Cru cannot simply be extracted and placed into a national, standardized hierarchical table.
Start by reading the official designation, then the producer's name and the name of the classification system. Amendments and updates to regulations should be checked for each system individually.
Not a hierarchical relationship. Understand the connection as domestic certification versus protection by the EU, and distinguish AOC regulations from the region's own classification.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Is AOP a higher quality tier than AOC?
Read the explanation ＋
Not a hierarchical relationship. Understand the connection as domestic certification versus protection by the EU, and distinguish AOC regulations from the region's own classification.
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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