The wine producing regions of France apply strict controls on wine production. Only producers conforming to specific rules regarding the cultivation of the vines, the production processes and the final quality of vintage can print certain information on their labels. Knowing how to interpret this information is a valuable guide to buying French wines.
Appellation Contrôlée
The words ‘Appellation
Contrôlée’ preceded or separated by a place name (i.e. Appellation
Saumur Contrôlée) indicates that the wine is from the named region
and conforms to specific production criteria. If a chateau or vineyard name
is included, this indicates a better quality and guarantees the origin of the
wine.
Vins de Pays
A label showing ‘Vins
de Pays’ followed by a region denotes a wine from that region. The official
definition is ‘table wines that are representative of the district’.
They are also the only French wine labels which can display the type of grape,
so it is possible to identify a Chardonnay or Merlot from the label. Vin de
Pays are considered to be some of the best table wines in France and are described
as ‘fresh, fruity and lively’. A few are considered to be as fine
as many AOC wines and carry prices which reflect that quality. Vin de Pays should
be drunk young as they can deteriorate with age.
Vin de Table
‘Vin de Table’ on the label indicates the most basic of French wine types. Vintages are not
allowed to be shown on Vin de Table labels.
For more information about regional wine labels, see Premier Pages