True connoisseurs of real and aromatic wine simply need to know what categories all wines are divided into. So, we begin a fascinating story about the categories of real wines, which should be known not only by a true connoisseur, but also by an ordinary tourist.
Since 2011, all European Union wines have been divided into two groups: wines with a geographical name and wines without a geographical name.
The first category includes wines of the category Vin de France (VDF)formerly called Vin deTable (VDT), table wine. This category includes wines for everyday use, for which the principle of yield limitation is not used.
Usually these wines come from grape varieties in France or the European Union. Moreover, such wines can be the result of an assemblage of one or two grape varieties, which may be indicated on the label.
Vintage on wines of this category not specified.
The second category, wines with geographical names, includes two categories: Indication Geographique Protegee (IGP) and Apellation d'Origine Protegee (AOP).
Indication Geographique Protegee (AOP) is a former wine of the wine category Vin de Pays (VDP), local wine. It is important here to indicate the area where the crop comes from - whether it is a production department or a zone. Such wines must meet more stringent quality criteria than wines of the category. Vin de France.
For example, they must be made from grape varieties approved by the government, while respecting vineyard yield limits. The grape variety must be indicated on the label.
The most common wine in this category is varietal wines from the Languedoc region. They can be recognized by the name of the production area indicated on the label - Pays d'Oc... Usually such wines are a good example of pleasure wine, to which is added the pleasant factor of a favorable price.
Apellation d'Origine Protegee
Apellation d'Origine Protegee (AOP) replaces Apellation d'Origine Controlee (AOC) and stands for “Protected by its Place of Origin”. Just like IGP wines, they point to a precise production area, in this case quite small, well-defined and of particular importance in terms of its terroir.
The AOP wine category emphasizes the connection between the character of the wine and its origin, soil, climate of its production zone. AOP wines represent the highest level of quality:
- clearly limited production area,
- permitted grape varieties,
- yield restrictions,
- Recommended Ways to Tie Vines
- minimum allowed alcohol level
- strict sample control
The main share of wines produced in France is, of course, precisely the wines of the AOP category - wines that have a quality mark and a manufacturer's guarantee regarding their origin.
Well, traveling in France, now you will know what category of wine the wine belongs to and what should be on the label of a good wine. We think you will make the right choice by coming to the store to buy wine after reading this informative article.
We recommend reading our amazing articles about an excursion to the La Winery wine tourism center, read about the Alsace wine road, learn about the grape varieties from which real wines are made, if you do not know which wine is best suited to meat or other food, read the amazing article on choosing wine to dishes.
More information about traveling in Europe.
