What is an AOC?

When you see AOC (Appellations d'origine contrôlée) on a French product, you know that it is a product that gets its authenticity and typical characteristics from a specific geographic origin.

This brand guarantees a close bond between the product and the area, that is to say a well-defined geographical zone with its specific geological, agronomic and climatic characteristics. Specific methods are set down that the people must follow to get the very best out of these conditions (here Beaujolais vinification).
This idea of terroir covers the combination of natural and human factors meaning that the product that is made there cannot be reproduced elsewhere.

The AOC brand aims at protecting established renown.

The conditions under which the product is made are also the fruit of a culture and a history; they take local customs that are true and constant into account and these are part of the decree.

Finally, products that claim an AOC must undergo an approval process organised for the INAO (Institut National des Appellations d'Origine, national AOC institute) specifically a chemical analysis and a tasting exam.