Date: July 19, 2011
Today, I open my wine cellar, and found the following French wines... And tried to put what I learned into use...
First, before you learn how to read the label, read this...
http://www.slurp.co.uk/wine-pages/french-wine-classification/
and this...
So, AOC is the highest level of the French system of geographic naming control, and was made official on July 30th 1935 to regulate French wine production, purity and geographic origin. Rules for AOC qualification are very stringent and far-reaching, covering everything from grape varieties and winemaking methods to yields and vine density. Wines from regions that have not earned AOC status may fall into one of the lower classifications. Other classifications includes:
1. AC or AOC
2. VDQS (Vin Delimite e Qualite Superieure)
3. VDP or Vin de Pays
4. Vin de Table
Above is from Bordeaux, and has AOC of Appellation Bordeaux Controlee ... when it carry "Reserve" word on top, that means that the wine was matured in oak for longer periods although this is an unregulated term in France. "Mis en bouteille" means "bottled". Negociant is the Merchant.
Here is another example of Lafite's AOC. But this is Appellation Pauillac Controlee.
This is the main wine from the producer, that is why it has "Grand Vin" there. It is AOC, but this does not mean that it is the greatest wine from that producer.
This is an example of Vin De Pays D'oc. This is the most important single "Vin De Pays" and is the prime source for France's Varietal wines. The majority of Bin De Pays D'oc wine are red. The region is the largest vineyard in the world and the leading world producer of varietal wines such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
For this, it is a cheap wine. I think. Not to sure.
Things are getting interesting when you know how to decipher the label. Not to skill, but at least can decipher it. That is the main thing.
Have Fun!
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