What does AOC mean?
AOC, Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, is France's protected designation of origin: the wine comes from a defined area and follows its rules.
Also known as: Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée
AOC stands for Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée and is France's system of protected designations of origin. An AOC wine comes from a defined area and is made according to that area's rules. The system was introduced in 1935 and is run by the French authority INAO.
The rules can cover permitted grape varieties, planting density, pruning, maximum yield per hectare, minimum ripeness and alcohol, and methods in the cellar. The idea rests on terroir: the wine's character should be linked to its place. There are around 360 wine AOCs, from large regional ones such as Bordeaux to single vineyards.
Some regions have several levels. In Bourgogne the scale runs from regional appellations through villages and premier cru to grand cru, each with tighter boundaries. In Champagne the word appellation does not even need to appear on the label, as the name Champagne is enough.
Since 2009 the EU term AOP, Appellation d'Origine Protégée, has also been used with the same meaning. The producer may choose which one goes on the label, which is why you will see both on French wines.